F O R U M WO R K S H O P

Dick Daniels and Jack Berkman, partners in Berkman & Daniels, a San Diego marketingcommunications firm, have given their time serving on the boards of the San Diego Symphony Association, the San Diego Repertory Theater, the San Diego Press Club, the Century Club, the Reuben H. Fleet Space & Science Foundation, the San Diego-Imperial County Chapter of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and the Foundation’s National Council of Volunteers.

“This pro bono work keeps us directly in touch with many of the important publics our clients must deal with,” says Berkman. “And it gives us a good feeling, in terms of service to the community in which our business operates.”

But don’t think you have to wait patiently to be asked to join a board. Many organizations welcome volunteers for these positions. The American Cancer Society, for example, has numerous boards with positions just waiting for qualified, industrious individuals. Whether it’s a graphic artist, marketing representative, or printer who volunteers for the marketing representative, or printer who volunteers for the marketing communications board or a banker, stockbroker, or attorney who is available for the planned-giving board, there are opportunities just right for you if you let your desires be known.

Every step you take to become more visible is one step closer to the next contact and the next deal. Some days you may wonder why you’re leaving work early for yet another meeting or why you’re taking time to raise money for a charity when your own business seems like a philanthropic effort. But tomorrow the payoff will come via a person who knew a person who recommended you. Actual clients or customers may not know exactly why they came to you or how they got your name, but they will know that they have heard of you and that everyone they asked for a referral listed your name among the top. All of the effort, all of the visibility, and all of the selfless giving comes back in spades. (It’s like tithing. Once you make the commitment to give, you somehow “find” the resources. And the more you give, the more you receive.)

If You Give It Anyway, Will You Get I It Back?

You’re asked to do a freebie. You don’t have the time. You are reluctant to spend potentially billable hours without being paid. Should you carve time out of nights & weekends to do nonprofit work? Most likely the answer is yes, if:

• The person who is asking is important to you.

• You are not being taken advantage of.

• Your name will get out among others who could be potential clients.

• You’ll have an opportunity to meet key contacts.