Businesses thrive because of the people who purchase their products or services and the neighborhoods where they are located. There are many ways to show your clients how much you appreciate their patronage by giving back to them and society. By being a good neighbor, a business can build loyalty and help strengthen the community.

One way that The Maids, the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, gives back is by partnering with the non-profit Cleaning for a Reason to provide free cleaning services to women undergoing cancer treatment.

The Maids has other suggestions for ways businesses can help build good will. Being seen as a neighborhood partner isn’t just about enhancing your brand’s image and encouraging new customers, it’s also about improving the place where you live.

Say “thank you” to customers

Reward loyalty by providing clients with free services or discounted products. Another way to say “thank you” is to listen to customers’ ideas, complaints and needs. The Internet allows today’s businesses to interact instantly with their client base. Being more connected to customers offers numerous benefits.

Contribute to the community

One way to contribute is to make financial donations to schools, civic projects and events, organizations or scholarships that will enrich the community at large. Another way to improve the area is through service work. Create positive change by volunteering and encourage employees to do the same. Some companies provide paid time off once a month or a couple of times a year for employees to participate in service projects. Volunteer project also can be a team-building experience.

Promote community ideals

Take a real interest in your community. Join boards or use your business knowledge or other skills to help facilitate needed improvements in the neighborhood. Partner with other organizations to collaborate for positive change. This might entail donating products or services or helping promote another organization’s fund-raising event on your website.

About The Maids:
Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.