Within the social media talk you often hear the advice to give value to “The Community.”
This refers to adding value to the online social community(ies) one belongs to. While this is very important, I want us to reflect on giving back to “Our Communities,” namely the communities where we live. Our “In Real Life” or “IRL” communities.
There is a universal law which is summed up in the phrase “what goes around, comes around.”
Some refer to this law as “Karma” and others may call it “sowing and reaping.” Basically, the more good you spread around, the more good comes back to you. Conversely, the more bad you spread around, the more bad comes back to you. No matter what you name it, this law applies to our jobs and, I believe more importantly, life outside it.
Philosophers, scholars, theologians, and many other scholarly types have tried to explain how this law works. I don’t think anyone has a real explanation. Perhaps this is one of those instances in which there is no reason, that’s just the way it is.
My encouragement to you is to get outside your online world, get into the real world, make a difference to those around you and make this law work for you. Do more than just donate a few bucks to charities. I don’t mean for you to stop giving money, because that is important. But, I think you should look around and find something which needs to be done in your community and offer your time and talent to help get it done.
If you think you have little to offer, consider these if you lack the skills to do the primary work of an organization:
- Can you offer support, other than monetary? Perhaps you can do paperwork, cater (cook) lunch or go out and purchase materials.
- Can you do some pro-bono work along your regular business lines?
- Is there training available so you can get the skills the organization needs?
- Can you teach a class about something you do know about?
- Do you have connections which will help the group get professional assistance they might need?
- Don’t be afraid to “get your hands dirty” and get into some unskilled labor, too.
Regardless of the organization or cause you support, you have something to offer. Many times, just the desire to help is all that is required.
The Holiday Season is the time of year when many people open up their wallets to charities. My hope is you will consider stepping out and doing something in person, too.
By doing so you can benefit greatly, without necessarily benefiting your bottom line:
- You can meet some fantastic people you otherwise may not have met. Some of these can turn into very good business contacts, too.
- You can learn some new skills and knowledge. Anything you learn will profit you in one way or another.
- Along with that, you can do something out of your normal routine. This refreshes the mind and helps keep you sharp for when you are in the office. As the British say, “A change is as good as a rest.”
- You can be part of something bigger than just you.
- You can get that “warm fuzzy” feeling which comes only from helping someone else who can’t pay you back.
So, get out there and look around. Someone needs you, and not just because you’re a computer nerd or a marketing maven (or whatever it is you do for a living).
photo credit: woodleywonderworks
