I like to think we all have unique selling propositions. Something that makes our businesses the obvious choice amongst our competitors.
For example, I'm not aware of any other property management company offering 8 full months of rent or a free tenant restock. Or Your MS House SOLD or I'll Buy It*.
USPs immediately set you apart from your competition.
We all do sales and realize that clients decide to work with us emotionally first... and then rationalize their decision afterward.
Doing good with a charity gives potential clients a clear rationale for choosing me. When one of their friends says, "Why did you pick [Him]?" They have an immediate response that makes sense to someone who has never had the joy of meeting me, and it spreads my reputation another step further.
Remember what I said about charity being an investment in your business reputation?
Your charity can be your USP. How many people here have heard that I donate 10% of the income earned from your business referrals to Crusaders for Veterans or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Outpost?
I mentioned this a few weeks ago to a lady who does home maintenance about my worthy cause program. It immediately set me apart from all the other Realtors she knows and was fast and memorable.
I'm donating 10% to Crusaders because of a landlord client who was sent my way through Gulf Coast Networking.
Use your charity as a Unique Selling Proposition!