Fight Recession Woes with Good Deeds

A few weeks ago, a new clothing store opened across the street from my house. The first time I went in, I balked at their high prices and never went back -- until they threw a huge neighborhood party, that is. Conscious that my section of town has been suffering from the down economy, the shop started throwing parties every Thursday night with free refreshments, food and live music for anyone who wants to come. The next thing I knew, I decided their vintage belts weren't as expensive as I had originally thought and left with a full stomach and a new purchase.
Nice gestures like these are great for consumers, but also serve as a great marketing and customer-relations strategy, says this Wall Street Journal article. Donating services to charity groups, churches, schools and other nonprofits can "increase local visibility, deepen local business ties and create opportunity for new business," says Christine Banning, vice president of marketing and communications at SCORE, a Washington-based group that provides free counseling to small businesses.