Many people will tell you that networking is an excellent way to find a new job. However, networking often seems like a vague term. In this job searching tip, we will discuss a specific way you can put networking to use to advance in your career. The approach discussed involves volunteering with specific organisations that can help you in the business world. Volunteering probably won't produce instant results. But it is an excellent long-term strategy to maximise your options.
Volunteering as a Way to Increase Networking Opportunities
Seasoned networkers will tell you it's not the quantity of the people in your network that matters; it’s the quality. This is why executives and top producing salespeople seek out targeted networking opportunities. They often find them in the form of volunteer positions. Aside from allowing you to give back, volunteering provides an extraordinary forum for networking. Most networking situations only allow people to get to know each other superficially. However, when volunteering on a long-term project, people can see each other in action and get a feel for each other’s personalities and talents.
Board Memberships
Many executives and top salespeople find not-for-profit boards of directors and advisory boards to be especially valuable. These forums are primarily structured as a tool to provide management guidance to non-profit organisations. But in addition to giving the people who volunteer for them a sense of having done something worthwhile, they also offer very high-quality networking opportunities. Suppose you believe you could provide advice to a non-profit organisation that they could benefit from, such as management advice. In that case, IT advice or marketing advice, try contacting some local organisations to find out if they could use another person on their board.
Professional and Trade Associations
Professional and trade associations can almost always use more help. If you're willing to volunteer for the association focused on your industry or profession, it could be an excellent way to meet high-profile people who can open doors for you. If you're not sure which associations are relevant for you, check the roles we have on offer here.
Volunteering Opportunities Relevant to Specific Professions
If you don't think you would suit a position on a non-profit board or in a role volunteering for your professional or trade association, there are other ways you can volunteer and still get networking benefits. Some non-profit organisations you can volunteer with may be a perfect fit for your background and provide a high likelihood that you will meet someone who can open some doors for you.
Volunteering Hawkes Bay can help you to find your perfect volunteering role. Give us a call on 06 391 5476 and we will be more than happy to help you.