I ask this question: is it good business for a company to allow Salvation Army Bell ringers outside their store doors during the holidays, or for that matter, letting Girl Scouts sell cookies during their annual cookie drive? If companies extend their public space to these charitable organizations a few times a year, will they risk pissing off their customers who dread the “ask?”
Banning bell ringers, Girl Scouts, Pop Warner teams, high school soccer car washes (you insert the community organization) and I say, that’s bad business and will most certainly generate your company some negative publicity when the local media get a call from someone tipping them off that “Company X” turned their back on “Community Organization Y.”
Now that doesn’t mean a company is obligated to partner with a charitable group. But for the sake of good business and purposeful PR, have a corporate giving program in place that outlines what is is your company stands for, supports, and stick by it be it bell ringers, or not.
This article by Minneapolis Star Tribune writer James Lileks tackles the topic in an honest, (honestly humorous), yet smart way. If you’re a business owner thinking about turning away the kettle holders this time or any time of year, you might want to think twice before you jump to say ”no can do.” What’s the public perception worth to you? I’d say, it’s worth a few rings of that holiday bell that you know stands for a greater good – even if it’s not exactly what everyone wants to hear. http://bit.ly/thkZaj
