Volunteering: networking with good karma

A lot of people are networking these days, from web-based social networking – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and so on – to meeting up in person over coffee or a meal.  Like the online versions, there’s various formats – BNI is very structured and great for those who like the challenge of describing their business within 60 seconds;  others are more of a chat and bounce ideas around or help each other out with a business problem.

Let me plant the seed of an idea:  if you think networking is good for your business (you’d be right!), I urge you to consider volunteering your time for a good cause.  I hear you protest that you already have too few hours in the day to do the things you need to do.  I counter that you just haven’t found a cause that spins your wheels yet.

Imagine if one of your children developed an incurable disease.  That would change your priorities a bit, right?  Or what if a friend went tramping and never returned… perhaps you might get involved in search and rescue?

Volunteering your time is a great way to feel good about giving something back to the community, and meeting people with similar interests and values to your own.  And what do you know, those people might also have businesses that are complimentary to yours, or need your services, or provide something you need.

Trust me, the benefits can not be counted in dollars!