Of course, we need your help. A local IABC chapter is only as good as its volunteers. But what’s in it for you?
Last week, IABC-LA board members Nicole Maury and and Mike Spasoff attended the association’s Leadership Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Their mission: Find out how to increase volunteerism in our local chapter. Don’t take their word for it – watch the video to find out how volunteering has enriched the lives and careers of many IABC members.
So why should you volunteer? Here are five great reasons.
- You’ll have tremendous opportunities to develop your professional skills.
Especially if you’re in the early years of your career, volunteering gives you a chance to develop new skills. Whether it’s planning, management, budgeting or public speaking, there are volunteer opportunities that will allow you to stretch your skills in ways that might not be readily available at your workplace. - You can also cultivate your leadership skills.
At the office, workers may do what the boss says simply because that person is, well, the boss. In a volunteer organization, leading is about creating vision and being persuasive. Numerous opportunities available in our chapter will help you develop leadership skills that will serve you in your daily life as well as in IABC. - It’s networking – but it’s networking on steroids.
Attend IABC events and colleagues will begin to recognize your face; volunteer for IABC events and colleagues will begin to recognize your work. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to showcase your talents and skills to industry colleagues. It’s not just who you know, it’s what they know about you. - Variety is the spice of life.
Here’s a great opportunity to learn to do something new – to take on a challenge that isn’t part of your “day job” responsibilities. Want to learn more about social media? Volunteer. Want to add event planning to your résumé? Volunteer. Want to be published more often? Volunteer. - Who knows what the future may bring.
When you volunteer you make connections. Whether it’s finding your next career opportunity or new clients for your consulting business, volunteering for IABC will help you make friends and connections in the Los Angeles market that will enrich your career and your life.
So join the fun today! There are many opportunities available. Take on as much – or as little – as you feel you can do. The rewards are waiting for you!