Join the board and grow your network

Volunteering has for many years been a strategy for aspiring members of high society, self-made millionaires, corporate executives climbing the ladder, and Solopreneur consultants to expand and enhance their social and professional networks. Serving on the right board of directors provides opportunities to build strategic relationships, gain social credibility, learn new skills, and support a worthy cause just like you do. Volunteering is the best way to do well by doing good and your monetary donations are tax deductible.

The Machiavellian among us may choose an organization that appears to have the best business networks or upward potential (or both!), But I suggest that those looking for a good volunteer opportunity start with a list of causes that are meaningful to them. you. If you’re not sure where to start, consider volunteering at your alma mater, your children’s school, or your local Rotary Club.

Board service is at the top of the volunteer pyramid and not everyone is invited to participate at that level. However, most nonprofits have an annual fundraising event, and sometimes additional volunteer help is needed on the day of the event. That tactic would give you a behind-the-scenes look at the organization, its leadership team, and the board, in action and celebrating the vision and mission.

You can meet and work with one or two board members, meet the CEO, and decide if you would like to speak with someone about joining the board. Keep in mind that many boards have an expected level of financial support that can amount to four figures (and more). Visit the organization’s website and ask to speak to the Director of Development or Marketing about short-term volunteer opportunities.

There are also corporate boards that you can join, but those groups are for very well connected and influential people. A path to service (paid) on the corporate board may begin with relationships developed during service (unpaid) on the nonprofit board, but you still need to have formidable professional credentials and leadership-level job titles. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you contemplate your role as a volunteer:

Choose the right organization

You’ll be more than happy to donate your skills and money to an organization whose mission you strongly support and which should guide your choice. Your job on the board should feel like a privilege and not a chore.

Be outstanding

Take your commitment to the board or committee seriously if you expect the influencers you hope to impress will take you seriously. Take the time to complete your board or committee assignments on time. Be enthusiastic, if not passionate, and a good team player. If you are lucky enough to be asked to chair a committee, kindly share the credit for the success with your committee members.

Add value

While your volunteering may have your professional or social agenda at its core, you should nonetheless approach volunteer service as someone who wants to contribute and make a positive difference. Consider the mission and goals of the organization, along with your own. Raise your hand when leadership opportunities present themselves. Show how your unique skill set benefits the organization.

Be a passionate visionary

As a board member, it will be your responsibility to enable the organization to achieve long-term goals that accurately reflect and enable the vision and mission. Suggest that strategic planning be done so that key staff members can join the board and devise possible strategies for the future. In either case, bring your creative energy and practical knowledge to each board meeting.

Be a team player

Make yourself look good and create the conditions in which your fellow board members and committee members will experience satisfaction in your service and find more success for you as well as you. Inspire board and committee members to do their best work by modeling that behavior yourself. Always acknowledge the good work and dedication of others on your committee and on the board.

When you follow the guidelines detailed above, you will distinguish yourself as a top board member who is a real asset to the organization. Influencers who are in a position to recommend those with their specialty will certainly be eager to refer a colleague whose work they can personally endorse and their Solopreneur consulting will reap the rewards.

Thank you for reading,

Kim