Here’s a question for you to ponder: What’s your mindset around the culture of your business? 

Let me ask in a different way: Does your office or company feel like a community?

I ask because when we think about workplace culture, you may get visions of snacks, maybe a gym membership, a pool table, or that corporate picnic you went to once. That’s not a community.

A sense of community is an often-overlooked ingredient that can transform not just your workplace, but your bottom line. A strong workplace community isn’t a warm and fuzzy concept; it’s a powerful driver of revenue, profit, and positive impact on the world of small business. 

With challenges of work-from-anywhere, flex-schedule, and generational divides, business leaders bend over backward searching for solutions that work. Building community in your company works, and creates the foundation for success for everyone.

Your team is your foundation. In small businesses, employees often become friends and family. You share challenges, celebrate victories, and support each other through thick and thin. As the leader of your team, you may wonder why this matters in the grand scheme of things.

1. Increased employee engagement: One of the best ways I’ve increased dedication here in my office? I am dedicated to my team. We hold meetings regarding our personal goals, how we can help each other achieve them, and what aspects of the business can enhance their goals as well. When employees feel like they are part of a close-knit community, they are more engaged in their work. They’re passionate about the company’s success and go the extra mile to achieve it. 
2. Employee retention: With buzz phrases like Quiet Quitting and The Great Resignation, it’s no secret that our employees are starting to feel like free agents. One of the results of the pandemic pause made the workforce reevaluate exactly where their time and energy goes and what the return is. When your leadership makes people feel connected to their colleagues and the company’s mission, they are less likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.
3. Enhanced productivity: Engaged employees are more productive. They collaborate better, communicate more effectively, and take psychological ownership of their responsibilities. I’ve got a boatload of part-timers, and they produce more than I’ve seen when people work sixty-hour work weeks.

You’ll have more impact on revenue and profit.  

1. Improved customer experience: Employees who feel valued and part of a community are more likely to provide excellent customer service. Happy employees make for satisfied customers, leading to repeat business and referrals. When I hear my team making calls with clients, I hear the difference between a driven employee and one who is lax.
2. Innovation and problem-solving: A tight-knit team fosters an environment where employees can feel comfortable working together and sharing ideas to solve challenges. This can lead to innovative solutions that may bolster your services.
3. Efficient operations: A sense of community at work creates more effective communication, streamlined operations, and productivity. This leads to cost savings and profitability.

Customers see and value your sense of community in your organization. They aren’t just buying your products and services; they’re buying into your brand and values. A business that promotes a sense of community sends a clear message to its customers. When I work with people they know they’re getting the real me (mostly because of my jokes).

1. Authenticity: We all value authenticity – it builds trust. Customers can see when a company cares about its employees and strives to create a positive work environment. I’ve been known to show my vulnerable side, and that seems make me more relatable.
2. Customer loyalty: When clients see that your employees are treated well, they know they will be treated the same and will return for business over and over.
3. Positive reputation: People like companies that prioritize community and social responsibility. It’s a win-win.

Extend your reach.

The benefits of a strong company extend beyond it. Small businesses that prioritize community are part of something larger.

1. Economic growth: When your company thrives, you are contributing to the local economy, stimulating economic activity and prosperity.
2. Social responsibility: Small businesses that care about their employees and communities set an example for larger corporations and inspire positive change in the market. We began donating a portion of our sales to Kiva.org, an organization that crowd-funds for underserved entrepreneurs. We feel good about that and love that we may inspire others to do the same.
3. Environmental impact: Another aspect we love about our company is that we have an in-house “green leader”. Erin, my scheduling manager, has a refill business and has enlightened us all on the best ways we can serve our environment. Whether you have an Erin or not, establishing a community in your company will influence you all to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to a greener world, and that will resonate with those you serve, too.

Fostering a sense of community in your business is more than some feel-good endeavor. It’s a strategic move that drives revenue, boosts profit, enhances client experience, and can create a positive ripple effect in the world. It’s about creating a workplace where your team thrives, customers feel valued and communities flourish. As a small business owner, you have the power to shape not only your success but the success of the world around you. 

Let’s do it. Let’s build stronger communities, one small business at a time.

Wishing you health and wealth always.

– Mike

If you want to make sure that you’re doing all you can to lead your business and help your team become absolutely unstoppable, stay tuned! My team and I will be rolling out tons of fresh new content related to my new book, All In. You can preorder it here.