This is an article I wrote for the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business Wire” newsletter:
We all know that Tennessee is called the “Volunteer State” and that volunteerism is alive and well here in Nashville. It’s fulfilling to help a good cause, but altruism aside, volunteering is also great for business.
When I moved to East Nashville eight years ago, it was intriguing to feel the energy of a neighborhood in transition, and it wasn’t too long before I became active in volunteering in the community. I got to know people quickly, and they were the kind of people I wanted to be around. Later, when I started my business, it was much easier because I had a base of contacts and already knew some of the movers and shakers. As I have continued to volunteer, much of my business comes directly from people I meet during volunteer opportunities.
I am not suggesting you should volunteer just for the sake of getting new clients. You should be sincere in helping a cause you are passionate about. But, in so doing, you will meet people who are sincere and passionate about the same things you are. The opportunity to create relationships with like-minded people is invaluable, and later they may turn into new business relationships. People do business with people they like. If done authentically, getting to know people through volunteering will lead to new business. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.
Being visible and standing out is the best way to be effective in volunteering. Often, it seems even when people volunteer, they want to blend in with the crowd. This is not a good tactic if you want to build relationships. If you are stuffing goodie bags alone in a back office, you won’t be getting to know other like-minded individuals. Pick a volunteer opportunity that puts you around people. Introduce yourself. Find out about your fellow volunteers. Step up and lead.
