Last Updated on March 21, 2023
One of the easiest ways to raise your company's visibility is volunteering. Find out how you can start today.
Volunteer: Why Volunteering is Important for Entrepreneurs
I got a call the other day from a friend who inspired me to write this post.
She is a newly hired executive director of a small nonprofit agency and called to ask my opinion about an idea she wanted to use in a fundraiser.
I listened for several minutes and knew I had to get involved because her enthusiasm was so contagious.
Not that I needed another project on my plate. But it sounded like a fun project, so I agreed to help.
Within a week, we were able to put together a committee and get her idea off the ground.
How Did We Do It So Quickly?
We were able to do this only because both of us have been actively involved in various volunteer activities like this for years and have a broad base of contacts cultivated through our business and volunteer efforts.
People often ask me how I find the time to stay active with community organizations. The quick answer is that I always make time for worthwhile causes.
But it’s more than that. It’s both my personal and business philosophy.
I believe it’s my responsibility to give back to my community. Most large corporations support community organizations through financial contributions and employee involvement.
Small businesses usually can’t afford significant financial contributions but can become involved in many other ways. Everyone at our shop is involved in various volunteer activities, which I enthusiastically support.
The flower business is a very personal, one-to-one type of business. We’re often involved with our customers at very emotional moments in their lives.
This type of personal interaction has made my involvement with community organizations rewarding.
How Volunteering Has Helped My Business
Volunteering has had a tremendous impact on my business. As a small business owner, I’ve found that volunteering has allowed me to build a strong network of contacts and potential customers.
When I took over the family business, I didn’t have a lot of money to invest in marketing or advertising. I knew I needed another way to keep getting the word out about my business. That’s when I decided to start volunteering at local events and charities.
By volunteering, I was able to meet many different people I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. I was able to make valuable connections with people who had similar interests and goals. I was also able to promote my business and its services to a large number of people.
I soon realized that the more I volunteered, the more people became aware of my business. I was able to use the contacts I had made to help spread the word about my services. As a result, I increased my customer base and generated more business.
My experience with volunteering has shown me that it can be a great way to market a business without much cash. It’s also a great way to build relationships with customers and potential customers.
My volunteer activities have built a trusted contact network, which has allowed our company to succeed and grow and will benefit me throughout my life.
Although I get involved with many organizations, I’ve never done it for personal recognition or overt business solicitation.
It’s not my style. I do it because I believe it will be a satisfying experience.
How To Choose the Right Organization
I’m always willing to share my resources to help out where I can. But there are hundreds of nonprofit organizations, each with different missions and goals. How do I choose the organization that fits my needs and theirs?
I choose to work with locally-based nonprofits that focus on projects within the community. But my level of involvement with different organizations varies.
Some projects require more time and hands-on effort than others. Through experience, I’ve learned to pick and choose the projects I participate in wisely.
I understand how my involvement (or non-involvement) can best serve them.
Forget the Excuses – Get Started Today
All organizations need volunteers who have the willingness to lend a hand. Find one with a cause you like or have a personal connection with.
Call them and ask how you can help. You’ll be surprised by the variety of available volunteer opportunities.
Sadly, many people never get involved because they feel they don’t have the time. I think most people can afford 3-5 hours a month.
But you won’t know unless you give it a shot. I’m sure you’ll find, as I have, that people who make time to volunteer are people worth knowing.
A great place to check out volunteer opportunities in the Milwaukee area is the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County Volunteers United page.
Begin planting the seeds today, and I do not doubt your business will bloom tomorrow.
Til next time,
