Becoming more involved in charity events and local initiatives can help you build your business while giving back to the community.

“Being involved in the community is definitely a way to reach prospects and reach new people,” says Rosemary Smyth, coach and owner of Rosemary Smyth and Associates in Victoria, which specializes in coaching financial advisors. “[Prospects] get to know your name and to know you a little bit on a casual basis rather than as a professional.”

There are many ways to get involved in community events and build your profile, as yesterday’s BYB article highlighted. Below are ways you can help make those events and commitments a success:

> Join for the right reasons
Look for events and causes to join based on your own values and interests.

“Make sure you’re getting involved for the right reasons,” says April-Lynn Levitt, a coach with the Personal Coach in Calgary, “and that the business aspect is secondary.”

People will see through any attempts to use an event or cause for purely personal gain, she says. For example, joining a hospital board simply because you are trying to meet doctors as potential clients would be seen as insincere.

> Don’t overdo it
Be careful not to ruin the fun of community events by taking on too much.

You need to put boundaries around your commitments, Smyth says. When you volunteer to serve on a board or a committee, be sure you understand how much time you will be expected to give. For example, consider whether you will be willing to attend meetings on a weekly or a monthly basis.

As well, it’s important that you are clear about how you will give to the charity or association, she says. Consider whether you plan to give your time, a financial contribution, or both.

> Share your experiences
Give clients and prospects an idea of who you are outside the office by talking about your community initiatives.

“Sometimes advisors are shy to let people know about what they’re involved in,” Levitt says. “[Clients] like to know the personal side of an advisor and who they are as a real person.”

Display pictures in your office of various charity events you’ve attended, such as a run or a bike ride, she says. Post pictures and notes related to your community activities on your website.

> Involve your team, but keep the pressure off
Invite your staff members to join you in your community activities. Just make sure everyone is clear about their motives.

Ensure team members participate because they want to and not out of a sense of obligation, Smyth says. As well, talk to them about how much they are willing to commit. Are they willing to train to participate in a charity run or walk? Would they want to donate money rather than time?

> Become a mentor
Instead of getting involved in something yourself, you can help someone else give back to the community.

Perhaps you already have experience volunteering for fundraisers or working as a member of the board for the local art gallery, Smyth says. In that case, you could become a mentor and share your expertise with another professional who wants to become involved.

This is the second in a two-part series on volunteering in the community. Part 1: Five ways to become active in your community