Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine | Page 20

SOLUTIONS From Creative People By Dion McInnis, Empowered Creativity Institute [email protected] Building A Business Through Non-Profit Leadership “Serving nonprofits on the committee or board level is a way to show through actions my commitment to others, trustworthiness and service attitude. That helps potential clients see what kind of person I am, and I am in a relationship business. I like to serve others, and doing so helps my brand and my business.” Elizabeth Quigley’s reflection on the benefits of serving nonprofits could be a guide for many business leaders. It is not unusual for large companies to place their managers and C-level team in leadership positions with large nonprofits. That leaves a gap of talent for the small, community-based organizations that provide so much value to so many, often nearly unknown in their own communities. Sharing of one’s time can be a creative way to build a business brand, image and bona fides. Service and commitment proves to be more of a challenge for small businesses, including single- person businesses like Quigley’s. “It takes a lot of time, but it is good for nonprofits, good for the community and good for my business,” she said. “Service and leadership is a ‘we’ thing, not a ‘me’ thing, and that is important in business relationships, too.” Quigley’s business name is Elizabeth Ann Quigley, Preplanning Counselor: simple, clear and direct. She said that the same benefits come to businesspeople who serve local nonprofits, they are able to reveal simply, with clarity and direct connections, their way of conducting business. Her nonprofit commitments compliment her networking activities. She describes her commitments that include board service to MI Lewis, Bay Area Get Together, Innovative Alternatives, Family Promise, Perry YMCA and City of League City Senior Foundation Board as opportunities to make a difference. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dion McInnis connects, persuades, engages and inspires as writer, keynote speaker, presenter and guide. He has “raised millions of dollars, engaged thousands of members, led hundreds of volunteers and orchestrated scores of events…all of them, one friend at a time.” Bring the power of words and connection to your business. PASSItON ™ www.DionMcInnis.com The difference that service makes goes beyond finding clients and networking. “It is good for business and friendships,” she said. Citing a personal loss in her family, she said it was primarily people that she has worked with on boards who showed up at the funeral and to show their support.“Why? Because service grows relationships, and all relationships are good. Good personal relationships make a better businessperson. I believe you can make more of life and business by serving and being involved.” It takes the work of nonprofits to create a healthier, stronger, better community, and serving makes for healthier, stronger and better people. The quality of life in a community is improved by its nonprofits’ work, and the quality of life of the nonprofits’ leaders is improved by their service. “Build your brand and your business, and help fill the needs of others, by serving and leading,” Quigley said. “It’s good for you, for your business and for others. And that helps make the most out of life.” Creativity Tip: Consider Nonprofit Service as Part of Your Business Plan Think first about the causes that matter deeply to you, and then find nonprofits that address those needs. Almost any cause has a multitude of nonprofits trying to address the needs. Get to know the culture of the organization. A nonprofit and its leaders should fit together well. Be clear about the type of expertise that you want to bring to the table in order to help manage assumptions and expectations. You might want to serve with your job skills (like an accountant being the treasurer, for example), or you might want to serve with your deep interests (photography, writing, project management, etc.). Making a good match of time and talent will serve you, your business and the community well.