Skills-based volunteering is gaining steam. Individuals and big corporations alike are getting involved and volunteering their skills to give back to the community. PCV’s new initiative, www.BusinessAdvising.org, offers seasoned business professionals the opportunity to work directly with small business owners who are looking to create jobs and opportunities in their communities by growing their businesses. And this high-impact volunteer program is working. Last year alone, PCV-advised businesses created almost 400 jobs paid over $68 million in wages to residents of low income communities as a result of over 4,500 hours volunteered by advisors.
Most, if not all, of our volunteer business advisors report that they volunteer their time because of the impact they can have on vulnerable communities. In addition to the reward of making a difference, there are many other benefit that come from working with entrepreneurs.
Reconnect with your inner entrepreneur
Everyone knows that entrepreneurs are some of the most passionate and innovative folks out there. The opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs from a variety of fields and background who you would otherwise not get a chance to meet is super energizing! Imagine the inspiration and energy that you’ll be able to bring into your day job after putting on your “entrepreneur thinking cap”!
Think outside the box
Small businesses tend to be resource constrained environments. Entrepreneurs don’t often have enough time, manpower or budget to tackle every opportunity or obstacle that arises, so they need to get creative with their problem solving. Working with an entrepreneur and making sure that your suggestions are doable and efficient for that particular business will have you flexing your problem solving muscles in a way that you don’t often need to in a larger organization.
Develop your leadership skills
Many leadership practices and principles are learned in school, but actual leadership skills are largely learned in the “real world”. Working with small business owners on projects large and small will help you hone your leadership skills and gain valuable insights into what your own leadership style is.
Are you ready to become a PCV Business Advisor? Sign up today on BusinessAdvising.org!