Community Marketing

Today my family and I participated in the National Day of Service by cleaning up the Dyke Marsh at Belle Haven Park and Marina in our neighborhood. As we picked up cigarette butts, plastic bottles and even a 5 pound dumbell, I got to thinking.....what are some smart ways to enhance your brand, raise your visibility and help the community at large?

I've found a couple of really great local examples, entrepreneurs who happen to be mothers, that are doing just that.

Take Donna Memmo, whose coffee & chat house Spill the Beans recently opened in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria. On Tuesdays from 3-5 PM patrons can bring in elementary-aged school children for help with their homework from local middle- and high-schoolers who need mandatory community service hours while parents sip (and buy!) coffee and treats.

Or take Mary Kearns of Herban Lifestyle, who took advantage of her Washington, DC location to launch a new product, organic lip balm aptly named O-Balm-a. With all proceeds going to charity, Mary capitalized on a marketing opportunity that elevated her brand and gave much-needed funds to Feeding America.