Volunteering in Fort Wayne, IN can be a fantastic way to get your name out in the community and do some self-promotion.  It is important to remember that you should not volunteer merely to get business, but rather because you care about a cause.  It is a bonus to you, however, that you get to meet new people and get to spread your message along with it.

Here is a list of ways that I volunteer in the community:

Volunteer Lecturer – Junior Achievement
District Committee Finance Chair – Boy Scouts (Anthony Wayne Area Council)
Commissioner – Allen County Economic Development Commission
Executive Director – Indiana’s Green Network, Inc.
Money Matters Panelist – Money Magazine
Board member – IPFW Alumni Association
Member – IPFW Doermer School of Business Alumni Advisory Council

These are all organizations I care about and am passionate about.  They don’t take up a ton of my time, yet allow me to reach outside of my normal circle of influence and find new connections in the community, all the while giving back to Fort Wayne.

So, how do you get involved?

To start with, think of some things you like or care about.  Animals, kids, the environment, politics, economic development, the arts, downtown, your neighborhood.

Next, Google this topic with Fort Wayne in the search bar.  For example, I just Googled “animals Fort Wayne” and found Animal Care & Control, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, HOPE for Animals, ACSPCA, and more.  I guarantee you that any of the fore mentioned organizations would love to have you volunteer, be on their board of directors, or chat with them about how you can help.  Get on their websites, email or call and ask how you can help.

photo credit: rikkis_refuge

Once you’re involved, you’ll meet influential people in the community that are also helping them, you’ll also likely meet the leaders of these organizations and other awesome people who are passionate about the same things you are.

What do you do with these new contacts?

It’s important not to give your sales pitch to these folks when meeting them for the first time.  Rather, develop a relationship.  You’ll see them regularly, so chat them up, and find out about them, eventually, they’ll ask about you.  From there, I’ll usually keep it light and invite them out for coffee for lunch.  As you can see from my previous posts, that’s where I like to really get to know people to find out how I can help them, whether it’s personally or professionally.  It works for me, but probably not for every industry.

Bonus Idea: If you provide a service or product you can discount, perhaps offer it up to the board or employees of the organization as a benefit of being part of the org.  Provide benefit to others and they will pay you back.  Some of my best clients have come as referrals from folks I helped and got nothing directly from.

Give it a shot and see how you can help your community and yourself all at the same time!

Where do you volunteer?  Have you had success in meeting new people as a result?