In a down economy many employers have placed promotions and raises on hold. Meanwhile, time and money for training are limited. Don’t let your career stall – be proactive. Continue your development with volunteer experiences that provide new skills and contacts. Volunteering can build your business or career by providing:

• Positive feedback to help you cope with workplace difficulties (bad bosses, dead end jobs, lay offs).
  
  
• Additional friends, mentors, networking contacts, and references.
  
  
• New experiences and skills that help your employer and your resume.
  
  
• Evidence of the type of person you are.

Positive feedback from volunteering can help you transcend career problems. In work as in life, attitude is everything. A few words of sincere appreciation can do wonders to improve your outlook. Public recognition of your hard work and accomplishments can build confidence that spills over into the workplace. Knowing that you are making a difference can give you the patience to persevere. Helping others will take your mind off of your own problems, and coincidentally help you.

Volunteer managers and fellow volunteers can become friends, mentors, networking contacts, and references. Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet people outside of your existing workplace and social circle.
As a volunteer you can:

• Develop a peer group thru professional organizations.
  
  
• Solicit donations for good causes from business managers.
  
  
• Serve on non-profit boards with high-level executives.
  
  
• Network with a variety of people at fundraising events.
  
  
• Work side-by-side, or on a consulting basis, with paid non-profit staff.

Click here, or the blue arrow above to continue.