Volunteering
by Bob Young of biz2biz connections
biz2biz News - April, 2011

With the upcoming awareness luncheon I am helping organize for the City Union Mission on April 15th, I am reminded about the importance of including volunteering in your networking schedule. Yes, I said volunteering.

Many times I am asked about other networking venues and which ones I recommend. My response is often a question. What not for profit organizations are you involved with? That is because these are GREAT venues to have in your networking venue.

Why? Your involvement with these wonderful organizations creates a WIN-WIN situation. Your volunteering and/or gift giving is a value for the non-profit with your time, talent & treasure. Now you, the volunteer, get a chance to meet other like minded people with the same interest to help whatever need this particular organization fulfills. That creates an instant “relationship” with these other volunteers that usually surpasses the bonds created in the usual business networking environment in a shorter amount of time. You both are connected by a similar PASSION. Many times because the goal of the non-profit you choose is hitting close to home with your personal history.

So, get out there and volunteer. You will probably find that meeting some good connections is the least rewarding benefit you will receive. I find that a heart felt THANK-YOU fills my spirit with more joy than the business received from a connection made, as good as that is.