It has been said many times before that in order to receive we must first give of ourselves with true generosity. So, what does that mean to you and your business?I have friends who work for themselves as freelance actors, musicians, make-up artists, producers, stylists, and on and on. Each one of them is phenomenal at what they do. They are passionate, hard-working, and always looking for ways to network. Except one: through service in the volunteering realm. Are they bad people? No way! They are amazing. But like many of us self-employed folk, they are concerned about making money and building business. I’d like to challenge you who are like us out there, and you who are employed by an employer other than yourself to see the many benefits in using your talents and services to help those in need.
I recently heard a story from a well-to-do interior designer about the power of giving. She was inspired by the idea of starting a non-for-profit organization that offers pro-bono interior design to other non-profits as a service to the community. She contacted a woman who runs a non-profit just liked this in Chicago to get started on a plan. Done. She enrolled colleagues and friends to help. Done. All she needed was a venue. Controlled by fear and self-doubt in the past, she was stopped in making big ideas like these become reality but she went for it this time. She walked into a high-end realestate office to take a shot in the dark and ask a rep if she could help her find a venue large enough for a fundraising benefit to fund her new project. Not only did the rep agree to help find the venue, she also took the designers card for a wealthy client who was currently searching for an interior designer to style her ENTIRE HUGE up-state New York home. Now, when this wealthy client looks through her interior designer prospects, which one is she going to most likely hire? The one with the praise and portfolio, or the one with the generous non-for-profit making a difference in the world?
When it comes to business, money and networking can go hand in hand with volunteering your professional services. But more than that, it brings a person real and lasting joy to see what they love to do transform peoples lives. After all, you never know who’s life you’ll touch next and where it will take them. This year National Volunteer Week is April 10-16. Check out HandsOn Network to see where you can help in your area.
Wanted: A Passionate Life 