As an entrepreneur, you are, by definition, a leader. You have a rare talent for making your vision a reality through strategic planning and creative problem solving.

Got a minute? Of course you don’t. You’re busy managing the ins-and-outs of your business. It’s a busy job, which means fitting time in for something else might seem insurmountable, and yet…

There’s a great case to be made for entrepreneurs to get involved in their local communities - from the purely altruistic to the business savvy. Check out our top business reasons for becoming a leader in your community:

• Being active in your community** boosts your business’s profile**
• Community involvement equals more customers: 87% of global consumers consider social responsibility when deciding which products or services to buy
• You can build stronger relationships with current and potential clients by aligning yourself with an organization that they too support
• Build a team or make trusted connections by networking with other freelancer friendly groups (associations, co-ops, entrepreneur networks)
• Turn yourself into an advocate for freelancer rights or a** local go-to expert** by getting involved in local government and civic groups, neighborhood association and business meetings, B-corp events. etc.
• Your** network will grow** exponentially - getting introductions and meetings is easier when you’re doing something for the greater good
• Internally, community involvement builds a better company culture - even if the company is just you!

Not sure where to start? Apply to be a Spark Leader with Freelancers Union and start making changes within your local freelance community. Or, check out VolunteerMatch to search for different community opportunities in your hometown.

Are you involved in your local community? How has your involvement benefited you, your business, and the community?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

A new soul and media geek, Laura writes about sustainability, community, poetry and pop culture. Find her @Pennyscientist or on Freelancers Union.