In episode 10 of 'Network Effect,' host Brian Colburn explores how volunteering and community involvement can be powerful, often overlooked tools for growing your professional network. The episode discusses the benefits of building authentic relationships through shared experiences, accessing diverse circles, and engaging in low-pressure environments. Listeners will learn how to choose the right volunteer opportunities by aligning passions with professional goals, seeking challenges, considering the scope of networks, and balancing time commitments with impact. Brian also provides tips on leveraging volunteer experiences to enhance one's career, including highlighting skills, sharing involvement on social media, building strong relationships, and expanding professional circles.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:07 The Power of Volunteering as a Networking Tool
02:59 Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunities
06:01 Turning Community Involvement into Professional Growth
08:26 Recap and Next Episode Preview
Transcribed by Descript*
Welcome back to network effect where we help you transform relationships into opportunities. I'm your host, Brian Colburn, and I'm excited to have you here for episode number 10.
Today, we're going to discuss. A powerful yet often overlooked way to grow your network and that's volunteering and community involvement.
While we've discussed traditional networking events, LinkedIn and followup strategies. Networking isn't limited to professional settings. Some of the most meaningful and lasting connections are made outside a typical business environment. You can build relationships based on shared values and a sense of purpose by getting involved in your community. Or supporting causes, you're passionate about.
In today's episode, we're going to discuss.
The power of volunteering as a networking tool.
Choosing the right opportunities.
And turning community involvement into professional growth.
By the end of this episode, you'll understand how volunteering and community involvement can expand your network. Beyond the traditional business card exchange.
Let's start by discussing the power of volunteering as a networking tool. At its core networking is about building relationships and one of the best ways to build a genuine relationship, is by working alongside people with the shared purpose.
When you volunteer, you connect with people over a common cause making the relationship you form more authentic. Unlike traditional networking events where the goal is often professional advancement. Volunteering allows you to connect with others based on a mutual interest in values.
Here's why this is so powerful.
Shared experiences build trust.
When you volunteer, you contribute your time and skills to something bigger than yourself. This creates a strong foundation of trust and respect among the people you meet. You're not just exchanging business cards, you're building a relationship based on shared experiences.
Access to different circles. Volunteering often brings together people from diverse backgrounds, industries, and professions. This gives you access to networks, you might not encounter in your usual professional circles. You could meet potential mentors, collaborators, or even future business partners.
People you wouldn't have crossed paths with otherwise.
Low pressure environment.
In a traditional networking event, there's often pressure to sell yourself or make good impressions quickly. However, in a volunteer setting, the focus isn't on business and the conversations tend to be more organic. You can get to know people without the usual networking expectations. Which often leads to more meaningful connections.
Volunteering creates an environment where people are naturally more open to building relationships. Making it one of the most authentic forms of networking.
Next let's talk about how to choose the right opportunities.
Not all volunteer opportunities are created equal, and when you're looking to combine volunteering with networking, it's important to be intentional about the causes you get involved with. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the right opportunities.
Number one. Align your passion with your professional goals. Start by asking yourself what causes are you passionate about? What issues matter to you personally? Maybe it's environmental sustainability. Education or helping small businesses thrive. When you're truly passionate about something it shows and that passion will help you connect more deeply with others who share that same commitment.
But beyond personal passion, think about how the opportunity aligns with your professional goals.
For example, if you work in finance, volunteering for a nonprofit, focusing on financial literacy could help you connect with others in your industry while contributing to a cause you care about.
Or if you're in marketing, offering your skills to a local charity that needs help with promotion could give you a chance to showcase your expertise while making new connections.
Number two. Looking for opportunities that challenge you. Volunteering can also be a chance to develop new skills and stretch beyond your comfort zone. Choose opportunities that allow you to build on your strengths, but also give you a chance to learn something new. Not only will this make your volunteer experience more fulfilling, but it will also expose you to people who can help you grow both personally and professionally.
For example, if public speaking, isn't your strong suit, you might volunteer to help lead a community fundraising event. This would give you a chance to improve that skill while meeting people who are leaders in their own right.
Number three, consider the scope of the network. When choosing a volunteer opportunity, consider the people you'll work with. Are they people from your local community or is it a national or even global organization?
The larger, the scope, the more diverse, the network of people you'll interact with. Look for opportunities that will allow you to meet new people and give you access to influential figures or decision-makers in industries you're interested in.
And number four.
Balance time commitment with impact. Lastly, make sure the opportunity fits within your schedule. Volunteering. Doesn't have to take up all of your free time. Look for ways to make a meaningful impact without overwhelming yourself. Even small, consistent efforts can lead to powerful networking opportunities.
Whether it's a weekend commitment or a few hours a month, the key is to find something that fits your life and allows you to engage meaningfully.
Now that you've chosen the right opportunities. Let's discuss turning community involvement into professional growth.
Volunteering. Isn't just about giving back. It can also help you grow professionally. Here's how you can leverage your volunteer experience to enhance your brand and career.
Number one, highlight your skills and achievements.
When you volunteer, you're often using professional skills in a new context. Make sure to highlight these experiences on your resume LinkedIn profile or in conversation with potential employers or clients. For example, if you manage the team of volunteers for a large event that shows leadership and project management skills. Both valuable in any industry. You can also discuss these experiences in job interviews or client meetings to demonstrate your versatility and commitment to making a difference.
This is a great way to showcase skills that might not come across in your day-to-day work, but are valuable. Nonetheless.
Number two, share your involvement on social media.
Don't be afraid to share your volunteering experiences on platforms like LinkedIn. Posting about your involvement in a cause shows that you're engaged in your community and care about something bigger than just your own success. It can also spark conversations with people in your network. Who share similar passions. But remember to keep it professional, your goal is to inspire others and showcase your values, not to brag about your good deeds.
Number three. Build strong relationships.
As we mentioned earlier, volunteering is a low pressure way to build genuine relationships. Take the time to get to know people you're working with and follow up with them after the volunteer experience. Whether it's grabbing a coffee, connecting on LinkedIn or attending another event together, continuing the relationship beyond the volunteer project is key to turning those connections into professional opportunities.
And number four, expand your professional circle.
Volunteering exposes you to people outside your usual professional bubble. This allows you to build a more diverse network, crucial for longterm career success. Having contacts in different industries, roles, and even geographic regions can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
So let's recap. Today's key takeaways.
Number one, volunteering is a powerful networking tool.
Number two, choosing the right opportunities is key.
And number three, leverage your volunteer experience for professional growth.
Networking through volunteering allows you to connect with people on a deeper level, making those relationships more likely to last, and remember, it's not just about building your professional network. It's about giving back and making a positive impact in the process.
In our next episode, we're going to shift gears to discuss building a personalized networking strategy.
If you've ever wondered how to be more strategic in your networking efforts, episode 11 is for you.
Thanks for tuning into network effect, where we help you transform relationships into opportunities. If you find value in these episodes, subscribe, leave a review and share this podcast with friends who might benefit.
Until next time, keep connecting, keep growing and consider how you can make an impact through volunteering.
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