If you had the opportunity to expand your network, increase your skillset and improve your resume, would you take it?  It’s a simple step that only a fraction of the workforce makes time for, yet it can be one of the most effective ways to advance your career.  On today’s episode of the Digital Enterprise Society Podcast, Thom Singer is joined by keynote speaker, author, and volunteer enthusiast Lisa Ryan for a conversation about the value of volunteering at every stage in your career.  You won’t want to miss this conversation that is filled with insights into the value of volunteering, the mindset that will bring the best results, and steps to help you get started today. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

The value of volunteering

• Networking happens more naturally with volunteering. 
• Volunteer efforts result in business opportunities. 
• Committee, board, and other volunteer opportunities are widely available across all industries. 
• Volunteer work creates a higher level of connection to others. 
• All career opportunities come from your relationships with people.

 

Three questions to ask yourself before volunteering

• Approach volunteering with the right attitude to make it a worthwhile endeavor. 
• Ask yourself ‘What can I learn from this?’, ‘Who can I meet from this?’, and ‘How can I help?’.
• The reward of asking these questions will pay off your efforts exponentially. 
• Focusing solely on what’s in it for you misses the mark of volunteering. 

 

Advancing your career through volunteering

• Invest in yourself and your career through volunteering. 
• Volunteering demonstrates your willingness to progress your career to leadership. 
• Leaders who volunteer are modeling the behavior they want to see in their employees. 
• Your involvement will increase visibility and opportunities to invite others to join you. 
• Volunteering allows you to expand your skillset and your resume. 

 

How to get started 

• There is an association for everything — find one that matches your interests and learn how to get connected today. 
• Identify causes that inspire you and that make a difference. 
• If you join an organization that is not a good fit after a few months, move on to another organization and try again. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

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