Enhance your network and generate powerful referrals through the use of volunteering. Networking guru Cathy Paper believes that volunteering is a game-changer for networking and relationship-building, even if you're pressed for time. Recently, a client asked her about how to get involved in a board role. Her advice? Being a part of an organization you're passionate about and diving into a committee is an exceptional way to position yourself as a leader and an active participant.
Leverage Your Passions: Doing what you love naturally opens doors. For instance, a soccer enthusiast found a new avenue for networking by volunteering for a youth soccer team. Align your passions with your volunteer efforts, and watch your connections grow organically and effortlessly.
Building Meaningful Connections: To extract the most value from your volunteering efforts, Cathy Paper advises you not to just sign up for any task. Participate actively in committees and subcommittees. This not only deepens your connections but also gives others a clearer understanding of who you are and what you stand for.
Learning the Landscape: Volunteering isn't charity; it's a strategic business move. You immerse yourself in the community you're serving, gaining invaluable insights into its challenges and needs. These insights inform your networking strategies and help you position yourself more effectively in the market.
Long-term Referral Generation: Networking via volunteering culminates in generating quality referrals that are sustainable over time. You're not just building a network; you're cultivating a community of advocates for your brand and services. Not every networking relationship is active at the same time, which is why finding new relationships and continually building upon what worked to build quality partners is crucial. You will spend your time more wisely if you follow the steps to build and maintain these sources. A little reflection goes a long way to better results.
Rock on,
Cathy Paper
p.s. This is the first test of a new email platform. I’m curious what you think. Jury is still out from my end.
Volunteer to grow your network.