How Giving Back can get you closer to your Perfect Job

I get asked 3 or 4 times a month to meet with someone that has just moved to the Nashville area to talk with them about how they can “break” into the local market. With the city growing by roughly 100 people a day it can be tough to find where you fit into the puzzle. Regardless of a city’s size, it is always tough to figure out how to get connected. My answer is always the same — the fastest way to endear yourself to others and possibly finding your next career step is by Giving Back.

A couple of years ago, I found myself in a meeting with the late Clayton McWhorter. He was asked about Nashville’s growth and how it might affect our city’s culture. As was his nature, he focused on the positive of what wasn’t changing, our Volunteer State heritage. He stated if you want to be included in the business community, you first need to be seen as someone who uses your talents to better or move the city forward. He went on to say, if it is perceived you are here simply to “take”, you aren’t going to get very far. Regardless of how many move to the area, the culture of giving back or Volunteering continues to strengthen in Nashville.

While all charities are non-profits, not all non-profits are charities. Most cities have a Center of Non-Profit management or a Chamber of Commerce that can give you a list of the Non-Profits in that area. From there, doing the research to find the one that best fits your skill set and passions is key to plugging into the right group. The tax status can help you better understand the organizations meaning and/or direction. This link will help you understand the differences.

Here are 3 models where you can connect your talents for the betterment of others, which will also benefit your career growth:

1. Get involved in a charity function or organization. Feeling connected to the charity’s mission is key since most are in constant donation mode, and being involved normally means you are donating not only your time, but your money as well.

2. Find a Non-Profit that fits your passion. There are normally several professional non-profits representing all industry verticals in a city. Getting involved can not only connect you with other leaders but help your industry continue to grow, which in turn helps your company have more opportunities.

3. Connect inside your church or religious organization. The organization’s size will determine how many connection opportunities exist, but regardless this is a great way to find people of all walks of life with similar interests.

Showing your willingness to give back and help others will not only move your community forward but will have a positive influence in moving your career (and self-satisfaction) forward as well.

Like Jeffrey Gitomer says “All things being equal, people do business with people they like. All things being unequal, people do business with people they like.” That only happens over time.

Need help, visit www.careerdesigncoaching.com.