Ellen Keiley, BridgeTower Media Newswires
A common question from lawyers is how to get involved outside of work. It is important to find an organization that you align with and that meets at times and places that work for you. Otherwise, you will likely lose interest and stop going.
First, ask yourself: What is my goal for involvement? For example, if you are looking to build your network and leadership skills, or you are looking to give back, a charitable nonprofit or professional association is something to consider. Business and industry associations are other options.
There are so many ways to get involved in organizations, such as acting as a mentor, hosting an event, and taking on a leadership or volunteer role to help advance the organization’s mission. Within most organizations, there are board and committee options as well.
Charitable nonprofits frequently look for you to donate your “time, talent and treasure” and are often flexible based on what you can give both time- and finance-wise. Maybe you can’t give much financially, but you can give your time and talent, and that’s fine.
However, many nonprofit board positions do have a minimum financial commitment and other requirements, such as attendance at board meetings. Organizations should have a description of requirements similar to a job description. Professional associations also look for time and talent, as many strongly rely on volunteer work.
How do you find what’s out there for options? Ask colleagues and friends. Do a Google search by keywords. There are sites such as guidestar.org. There are so many organizations to choose from, of various sizes and specializations.
I highly encourage you to get to know the organization before fully committing, by either attending a committee or board meeting or attending a couple of events to make sure it is a fit for you. Most organizations will not only let you do that but encourage it.
Talk to others about the organization, and do your homework. Ask yourself: Is this really a great fit for me? If it’s not a fit, try out another organization.
I’ve seen clients make the mistake of joining committees without doing their homework and later learning they were expected not only to do extensive fundraising but also to attend all types of events on a regular basis, and that was not a good fit for them.
My other piece of advice is not to overcommit yourself with involvement. It’s very important to be strategic with your time. Otherwise, you will overwhelm yourself, deplete your energy and enthusiasm, and end up stressed out. Be careful about what you say “yes” to.
Choose one or two organizations you align with based on your time availability, and focus your energy there. Two different types of organizations are a good mix if you have the capacity. For example, get involved with a charitable organization and an industry association.
If you commit to an organization and don’t do your part, people will notice and it will affect your personal brand. Don’t just join something to put on your bio.
Lastly, do not just join an organization with the sole intention of getting business. If you are not genuine in your intentions, it will show.
It’s a very rewarding feeling to give back. Everyone benefits. It’s even more rewarding when you align with someone or something and give back!
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Ellen M. Keiley is president of EMK Consulting Group, which offers business development coaching and consulting, public relations, and training for law firms. If you have a question for Ellen, email her at ellenkeiley@emkconsultinggroup.com.
