You want to make a difference in your community. What’s the best way to get started?

Authenticity is critical. Don't support causes or events that don't fit with the company's brand. Choose something that resonates with potential customers or conveys a message about the company for a specific audience. I worked with a kitchen contractor that supported family support organizations and programs that fed kids at school. Another client was looking for new employees for their plant so the sponsored immigrant support organizations to connect with potential candidates - this helped both the current and prospective employees connect in a non-work setting. You can't be everything to everyone so focus on a few meaningful, impactful investments.

Defining your purpose is just the starting point; setting clear, actionable goals is what turns that purpose into tangible outcomes. While crafting your purpose statement, remember it serves as a means to an end—your goals are the milestones that measure your impact. Engaging with external feedback is crucial during this process. We often struggle to see ourselves objectively, so incorporating perspectives from those we trust can refine our understanding of our purpose and how it translates into action.

To make a difference in my community, I start by identifying the unique needs and issues within it. I engage with community members to listen and understand their perspectives. I then leverage my skills in social media marketing to raise awareness and mobilize support for local causes. I create compelling campaigns that resonate with the community's values and inspire action. I also collaborate with local organizations to amplify their work and impact. By combining my expertise with a genuine passion for community betterment, I initiate change that's both meaningful and sustainable. It's about harnessing the power of connection and communication to foster a stronger, more united community.

Defining your purpose can start in multiple ways, but to put it simply: Why are you doing what you're doing? What do you want to change? What does progress look like?

To get started making a difference in your community, identify causes or issues that you are passionate about. Then, research local organizations or initiatives that align with those interests. For example, if you enjoy working with children, you could volunteer at a local school, community center, or youth organization. If you have a passion for environmental conservation, you could join a local clean-up effort or volunteer at a nature reserve.

Identifying your audience involves understanding not just who can benefit from what you offer, but also who aligns with your goals, area of expertise, and preferred communication channels. A key strategy is to align your audience closely with your own interests and values. This alignment allows you to create content and branding strategies that resonate personally with you, which often translates into more authentic and engaging experiences for your audience. Catering to a community that reflects your own profile simplifies the process of adding value, as you're essentially addressing your own needs and challenges.

Rather than focusing solely on crafting a "message," it's critical to root your personal brand in your ethical values, ensuring they align with what's most important to you and your community. Reflecting on universal value theory, such as Schwartz's framework, can help you identify and prioritize these values, like sustainability, equity, or innovation. These values then inform and guide your communications, transcending a simple message to embody the principles you stand for. This approach not only differentiates your brand but also resonates deeply with an audience that shares those values, fostering a stronger, value-driven connection.