The Value of Goodwill in the Office and In Your Community

How Can You Get Involved?

Opportunities, in many instances are missed because the primary focus tends to be on enhanced relationships with customers only.  The focus has to shift to take advantage of opportunities to boost trust and goodwill with employees, suppliers, and others who make major contributions.  How much better could your organization be if you developed and fostered excellent working relationships with both internal and external customers?

Did you know that promoting goodwill can not only boost your organization’s likeability factor and overall image in the community, but it can also translate to additional earning power? There is no definite formula for success when it comes to fostering good relationships, but here are some easy steps you can take that will set you in the right direction.

1. Be an engaged, active participant in all your business relationships. Successful business relationships, like friendships require involvement from both parties.  Make it a habit to establish regular conversations and two way dialog with your employees, suppliers, vendors and other external resources, not just when you need an additional commitment from them.  Become a great listener and take action on items that need improvement.  
2. Don’t call on colleagues only when you need something.  Engage in goodwill by establishing a  two way dialog with colleagues by calling, having lunch or sending a card or note just to check in.
3. Offer positive feedback and compliments to those who exceed goals. If your employees have exceeded goals and made major contributions to your company's success, it’s customary to compliment and reward them on a job well done.  A kind word goes a long way boost the feeling of goodwill in the office that spills out beyond.  The opposite is also true. If everything is negative, that transcends the office as well.  Periodically express your gratitude for your employee’s hard work with an award or promotional gift. Promotional items like apparel, household items and electronics are popular gift items that say thank you for all you do!
4. Actively participate in community events. For example, here are some quick ways to make it happen: (a) Local elementary and high school sports programs regularly request and seek sponsors. Lots of sports programs have experienced funding cuts.  Contact them, they are likely to need your help. (b)The arts are also a popular choice and there are opportunities to sponsor plays, dance groups, art exhibits. as a way to build goodwill. (c) Look to add local artists’ work to the walls in your facility. Lobby areas can provide excellent backdrop and exposure for local artists.  (d) Health organizations also provide opportunities for participation in events that lead to improved health.   

Each time you participate in community events and your advertising is heard on local radio stations and seen on t-shirts, local bulletin boards, bumper stickers, signs, websites and public places, you are building goodwill.  Over time, customers become your best sales force, because they believe in your  company, not just in your products or services.  Partner with other small businesses to help with events. Local coffee shops, bakeries and music stores will often share event costs in exchange for being added to the advertising. 
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