When we give to different causes, it can give us both a feeling of influence and happiness. But the act also can provide an opportunity to uniquely position ourselves to different employers, assist our career track to that executive suite, and shape us into model entrepreneurs.
When we think about value propositions, we often associate them with well-known brands, but we have to think of ourselves as brands as well. So what does giving back have to do with our personal brand’s value proposition? When we support causes that we are passionate about, it can actually shape how we represent ourselves to different audiences. While volunteering your time or talents may not provide a monetary award, there’s an opportunity to practice your craft—which can provide access to new knowledge and collaborative opportunities. In the interim, we also develop new soft and hard skills that can contribute to our career and life goals. These new skills add value to our resumes, CVs, LinkedIn page, and/or conversations. How awesome it is to do something good for someone else, but also increase our value proposition and brand visibility amongst employers, recruiters and our target markets.
This giving season, if you are indecisive about adding value to someone’s life, think about the return on your investment and the value you will gain in the process. It’s a enjoyable yet life-changing experience for both parties.
WISE WORDS
"I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint—and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you."
-- Oprah Winfrey
Lindrea Reynolds is a marketing and communication expert in the non-profit industry.You can learn more about her at lindreareynolds.com