As I was driving through the neighborhood last evening, a business acquaintance and neighbor stopped me to say how much he appreciated the volunteer work I’ve done in our community over the past few years.

In the currency of life, he told me our most precious asset is time – how we spend it, what we spend it doing and who we spend it with. He told me one reason he liked working with me was because of my willingness to share my time helping others.

For me, volunteering is a labor of love. It’s who I am and it’s a big part of my personal brand. For many organizations, particularly those rooted in their local communities, serving others is as much a part of their brands as it is of mine.

Organizations who serve others foster goodwill in the communities they serve, build relationships with potential customers and provide assistance to those in need. They share their resources willingly with others and, in the process, differentiate themselves as brands that are sincere in their commitment to making a difference in our lives.

How is your brand serving its community?

For more on serving your community, please see these posts:
• Service Before Self: Why Strength of Character Compels Others to Do Business With You
• Do A Good Turn Daily
• What the Boy Scouts Can Teach Your Business About Serving Others