Volunteering – Step Into Action

January 6, 2010

Grassroots Networking – Part 4

Your Grassroots Networking Plan is coming along. My previous posts Business Benefits of Volunteering and Volunteering – Identify What You Can Offer provided the first two steps in preparing your plan. Today we will work on the final step – Getting to Work.

Since Grassroots Networking focus on creating authentic business opportunities through volunteering you need to stop planning and start executing. You can get to work by:

Attending the open meetings for the organization. This will provide insight for you into the direction the organization is looking to go. Listen carefully and determine where you can offer your expertise. Do any of these upcoming plans fall in line with your business plans? Will they help you meet people who do? Will you enjoy helping out?

Support the organization whole-heartedly. Give your time, talents and treasures. My client who is the president of his neighborhood association is committed to getting his neighborhood to new heights. He is prepared to do anything and everything that needs to be done to grow the organization. This month he is working on his membership drive. He is ready to go out street by street by himself if need be to reach his membership goal. He is paying for the printing of the newsletter and is creating the information package for the drive. His commitment is going to result in him being seen as a man of action and one who cares for his neighborhood.

Building Relationships – Get to know the people you are working closely with through the organization. Find out about them. Determine ways you can add value and been seen as a resource for them. You never know who someone may be able to connect you with. The same client I mentioned above has already begun to do this with the people in his neighborhood. He is having conversations with them to find out what they are looking for from the association and asking people to volunteer. In all that he has done he is not focusing on himself as a business man.

Embracing the opportunities to tell others what you do. As you build your relationships don’t be afraid to tell others that you are an entrepreneur. Let them know what you do. Delivery your elevators pitch if appropriate. Give them a business card. The key is not to should like it’s a sales pitch but part of a natural conversation.

Watching opportunities and business come your way. Your careful planning should result in increased business and more opportunities. In the coming months I already see the possibility of my client making at least $10,000 just from being part of his neighborhood association.

Good luck in implementing your plan. I will keep you updated on my clients process and would love to hear about your successes.

Wishing your productivity and prosperity,

Kim