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.
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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.