We’re fortunate that we live in a very giving community. Our United Way of Central Iowa campaigns raise more money per capita than those in just about any other city in the nation. Our YMCA just built a beautiful new transitional housing facility for the homeless, and Variety – The Children’s Charity granted more than $2 million in the past year to worthy charities.

All well and good. But I think a lot of businesses look at those efforts and assume that large companies have that covered. In other words, “the big boys have the deep pockets, and it’s their responsibility to be good corporate citizens.”

Very true. But guess what – it’s your responsibility, too. Whether you’re a one-man band or you have four employees or 400, this is your community, and you owe it something.

That’s right – you owe this community something. It provides your livelihood. It is a safe, clean and friendly place in which to do business and to live. It educates your children, attracts other businesses and families (future customers) and has a cost of living that allows us to enjoy a good life.

Every single business owner and leader in this community should be giving back in some way. The good news is, it’s also great for business. Giving = marketing.

Let’s assume you are not in the position to write a check with a lot of zeros attached. There are still some great ways to support your community and enjoy the business benefits of doing so.

Serve on a board of directors. At my company, this is a requirement for all employees, including me. They must serve on a nonprofit’s board and actively participate in that organization’s mission. But at a minimum, every CEO, owner or president should sit on at least one nonprofit board.

The business benefits: You’ll make amazing contacts for your network, you get to demonstrate your skills and talents (which can lead to new business opportunities), and most nonprofits are smart enough to give their board members and their companies plenty of exposure.

Do a giving match. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but match your employees’ charitable donations up to a certain amount.

The business benefits: Your company’s name will be listed on several donor lists, it’s an employee benefit that helps you retain your best and brightest, and it’s a wonderful way to make a little bit of money go a long way.

Do a team-building day of service. Why not close down your business for a half-day and pitch in? Help build a house with Habitat for Humanity, make the meal and serve at one of the shelters that feed the homeless, or work a game at the Miracle League field. There are countless possibilities.

The business benefits: You are working together to serve others, which is an awesome team-building experience, you’ll be seen out in the community (no doubt in company logo T-shirts) doing good, which is terrific for brand recognition, and your employees will know that you’re a person who values your community, giving back and a servant leadership attitude.

There are plenty of other ways to serve and support our community. It doesn’t really matter which method you choose. But it does matter that you choose to do something.

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached by email at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2011 Drew McLellan