Whether you are in transition, looking for a better job or just need more satisfaction in your life, volunteering is an awesome strategy to increase your value in this world.

Volunteering is also an terrific way to expand your networking connections and to build new meaningful relationships – business and personal.

Here’s my personal experience volunteering:

Back in 2004 when I left the corporate world, I took the opportunity to expand my value and to give back to others by joining a volunteer women’s service organization called Soroptimist International of the Americas whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and around the world.

At my very first Soroptimist meeting, I met  Optometrist Leora Berns OD, who became my first client, helping me launch my new business, Kmc Brand Innovation, LLC. Though my Soroptimist affiliation and active volunteering, I have made tons of new friends, received valuable referrals and leads, landed new business inside and outside the organization and added something meaningful to my professional bio.  (yes, your volunteer affiliations and civic leadership becomes a marketable asset).

In 2011, I decided to expand my board work with the YWCA Hartford by volunteering my time and talent to teach women’s self defense classes and public speaking classes to the girls participating in the YWLC program- young women’s leadership corps.

Now, I might have bit off more than I could chew, as I signed up to give 18 free programs at 9 different high schools, middle schools and magnet schools. I asked for some help from my friends in my network, who did some of the teaching when I couldn’t.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience. I felt more connected to the mission of the YWCA which is to empower women and eliminate racism. I also connected with new adults assisting with the program and built new relationships. Finally, I got the opportunity to work with our future leaders – young people who need our mentoring help to realize their full potential.

Here’s a short excerpt from my book Networking Ahead for Business in the chapter called Fuel Extenders: Resources to get greater mileage from your networking

Civic groups and community service organizations are outstanding places to extend your networking power. You come together with people who share a similar passion and do mission-driven work together. You are pooling your talents, time and treasury to advocate for and provide support to people, projects and problems that need fixing. Along the way, you get to know your fellow civic members in deeper, richer ways, not just by what they do for a living. These connections will surprise you with their present and future value.

Your Networking Goal for this Week

I recommend that you factor in volunteerism and community leadership into your business networking strategy. It will reap more rewards than you can possibly imagine.

Start this week by assessing your unique passions and interests. What talent do you have that you could contribute to a worthy cause or professional association? What unique skills, knowledge or experience could you lend by way of volunteering to help that organization grow?

Ask people in your network what type of volunteering they do and who do they do it with? Join them for an upcoming meeting or event at their volunteer organization of choice. Don’t shy away or be too skeptical. Get involved.

Once you are involved, make as many connections as you can. Get to know the organizations leaders and committee heads. Raise your hand and volunteer to do some work, lead a project, head up a committee.

It’s time to step up to the global calling and be the change you want to see in the world, as Gandhi was quoted as saying. Start volunteering today and watch your networking influence grow!