What if there was a simple way to improve lives, solve problems, make connection, strengthn your community and transform your own life? What if it could also improve your business, increase your network and improve your brand? Volunteering is a way to do all of that and more!

There are three tips to get started with volunteering…

1) Many times the excuse is you don’t have time but you in fact do have the time. The fact is that there are a lot of organizations, like food pantries or food banks, that have a very small earning curve and can use the volunteers for short amounts of time. With some time management, most of us can fit in a few hours each month, quarter or year to help. By making time to volunteer, you open the doors to have a conversation with a fellow volunteer, someone within the organization you are donating time to or even someone who is benefiting from the services you are volunteer to talk about your business and your brand

2) You don’t have to share all of your talents. Instead take a few moments and think about the following:

  • What do you care about? Is it kids, pets, senior citizens, homeless…
  • What do you love to do? You may be a people person, or you might be better at writing. Maybe you want to do some hard labor – or be inside…
  • How much time are you looking to invest? Are you willing to give a few hours each week, each month? Or can you only commit quarterly?

By thinking and answering these questions, you can narrow down your focus and find something that truly works for you. You could find yourself volunteering for Meals on Wheels on the weekend; or becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. You might be outdoors helping during a spring clean up with your local city municipal or volunteering one evening a week at the local soup shelter. You could also find a way to involve your whole business by sponsoring an event, donating services or coordinating a service day for your employees.

3) Find the opportunities. Connect with your local United Way to find volunteer work; contact your local churches or community centers to see what events they have coming out. You can also find opportunities online by visiting websites such as www.volunteermatch.org or www.voa.org.