“
Trust is built on promises kept . Trust is built on seeing people show up and do what they say they will do . That ’ s a lot more bankable than a business card .
site , and contractors are waiting for that delivery , that ’ s exactly the situation that a courier can do the job best !”
Using Company Skills for the Good
Kirk also looked for a way for his company to use its skills for the greater good . “ We participate in the Chamber ’ s Thanksgiving Basket Brigade . It ’ s something that they started after Hurricane Sandy . There was a lot of need after that hit , and we ’ ve been doing it since then ,” he says . “ Last Thanksgiving , we delivered over 200 Thanksgiving baskets to people in our area with food insecurity . We made most of the deliveries since we had the vehicles and the infrastructure . Ten team members also participated in building those baskets together with other people . And then six of us made deliveries in vans and trucks . When you hand a food basket to somebody who needs it , that feels really good .”
Eveready Express is also involved in fighting hunger year-round . “ When supermarkets donate truckloads of food , we ’ ll pick up the pallets and bring them to the local food bank . The chamber coordinates all that , and we donate the transportation , so the food isn ’ t wasted , and people in need get it ,” he points out .”
Concentrating Your Efforts
With all the good causes out there , it ’ s easy to overextend your company . “ I decided to focus our efforts on one organization ,” Kirk points out . “ I feel strongly that you should do that . Otherwise , you end up giving away too much of your time and resources . You can ’ t be all things to all people , so I suggest you pick one or two causes that resonate with you and match your company ’ s skill set .”
For Kirk , that was his regional chamber , and he advises that this is an excellent way to start . “ Chances are that the local chamber is a great place to get a return on your investment of time and resources ,” he says . “ Choose an active chamber . One that ’ s dynamic and growing . One that ’ s involved in a lot of activities . Not all chambers are the same , so look carefully at the one you ’ re considering . We can invest only so much time in business networking and giving back , so choose wisely . Then make a real commitment .”
Building Personal Business Builds the Bottom Line
Kirk has tried professional business networking organizations like Le Tip and BNI but found that forging community connections produces more favorable results . “ I like this way of attracting new customers . We ’ re meeting people face-toface without being in a traditional sales situation . Business is about forging relationships ,” he says . “ People want to do business with people they like . If I ’ m on the Basket Brigade with you , we ’ ve got a bond because we ’ re giving back to the community together . We ’ re givers , not just takers . Giving back to your community is definitely helpful in building relationships , building business , and , yeah , making a difference . You can ’ t beat that !” CLDA
58 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I summer 2024