Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

March 24, 2025 commentary

The power of giving: Why volunteering also makes good business sense

By Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications

Did you know that volunteering for nonprofits can help the community and your career? Business leaders who volunteer for nonprofits, either by serving on boards or by doing hands-on work, raise their profile and improve their personal brand.

Provided photo
Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications

Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those you help, but also offers incredible benefits for your career and reputation. Here are some compelling reasons why diving into the nonprofit sector can be a transformative experience for both you and your community.

Building connections and network opportunities 

One of the most significant advantages of volunteering is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. When you lend your time and skills to a nonprofit, you meet a diverse group of people who share your passion for making a difference.

These connections can lead to valuable networking opportunities, opening doors to collaborations, partnerships and even potential clients. In Maine’s close-knit business community, these relationships can be particularly advantageous, as word-of-mouth and personal referrals often carry more weight than traditional marketing.

Enhancing your skills and experience

Volunteering allows you to step outside your comfort zone and develop new skills that can be directly applicable to your career. Whether it’s project management, event planning, fundraising or community outreach, nonprofit work offers a practical platform to hone your talents.

A friend of mine recently used her handyman skills to help lay flooring in a house for Habitat for Humanity. I used my public speaking skills to volunteer as the master of ceremonies for a private high school fundraiser. 
 
For business owners and professionals, these experiences can enhance your resume, showcasing your commitment to personal growth and community engagement. Employers and clients alike appreciate candidates who are proactive about their professional development and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

Boosting your profile in the community

By actively volunteering, you position yourself as a community leader and a generous individual committed to making a positive impact. This visibility can significantly enhance your personal brand and that of your business, leading to increased recognition and goodwill within the community.

As people see your dedication to local causes, they are more likely to support your business, knowing that you care about the community’s well-being. It also allows you to get to know people from different companies and organizations, which helps strengthen our local economy.

Fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment

There’s an undeniable joy that comes from giving back. Volunteering enables you to contribute to causes you are passionate about, offering a profound sense of fulfillment that can enrich your overall well-being.

Studies have shown that helping others can reduce stress and improve mental health, which in turn can lead to increased productivity in your professional life. When you feel good about what you’re doing outside of work, it often translates into a more positive attitude and energy at your job

Strengthening community ties

When you volunteer, you’re not just dedicating time; you’re also investing in the future of your community. Nonprofits often tackle pressing issues such as hunger, education, homelessness, and healthcare. By contributing your time and resources, you help strengthen the fabric of your community.

This collective impact fosters a spirit of collaboration and support among local businesses, creating an environment where everyone thrives. In Maine, where local businesses are the backbone of the economy, this sense of unity is invaluable.

Gaining a broader perspective

Volunteering exposes you to the diverse challenges and experiences that individuals in your community face. This broader perspective can be incredibly beneficial in your professional life, enabling you to understand your customers’ needs and viewpoints better.

When you engage with people from various backgrounds, you develop empathy and insight, which can inform your business decisions and strategies. In a world that increasingly values social responsibility, this understanding can help you stand out from your competitors.

Creating a culture of giving in your business

As a business leader, your commitment to community service can inspire your employees and colleagues to follow suit. By fostering a culture of giving within your organization, you not only enhance your team’s morale but also build a reputation as a socially responsible business.

This culture can attract top talent who value community engagement, resulting in a team that is not only skilled but also passionate about making a positive impact.

Leaving a lasting legacy

Finally, the impact of your volunteer work can extend far beyond your immediate contributions. By supporting nonprofits, you help create a legacy of giving that can inspire future generations. This sense of purpose can be profoundly rewarding, knowing that your efforts contribute to a better future for your community.
 

About the author

Nancy Marshall, a regular Mainebiz columnist, is CEO of Marshall Communications. 

Sign up for Enews

Mainebiz web partners

Most Recent

Most Recent

Related Content

Thumbnail TikTok, Taylor Swift & Maine’s shifting social media landscape
Thumbnail Gear up to navigate turns: Marketing lessons learned from hitting the slopes
Thumbnail What a dozen Maine movers & shakers resolve to do in 2025
A Look Back: Hug or a handshake? A Mainebiz columnist spelled out the etiquette

0 Comments

Order a PDF