Give a Little, Get a Lot: Pro Bono Marketing Offers a Great Return
My mother always told me to find a job I loved so much that I would do it for free. Her wise words urged me to find my true calling in life – to follow passion over paycheck and power.
If you want to share and grow your marketing talents (and build your portfolio during a struggling economy) try following my mom’s advice by taking on some pro bono marketing work for a local nonprofit organization.
The benefits of charitable services are far reaching and may impact your career in ways you didn’t expect. You’ll be a vehicle for positive change in your community while you build your portfolio and network in new industry circles.
Finding volunteer work is easy.
If you’re looking for pro bono work, there are online resources available to help you or your organization connect with local nonprofits. ProBonoLink. org is a program of the Community Relations Committee of the Columbus Chapter of the American Marketing Association. It is a hub where central Ohio marketing and communication volunteer consultants register to work on projects posted by nonprofits at no cost to them.
Rob Lucas, Administrator for ProBonoLink.org, says, “ProBonoLink.org is a valuable resource to both marketing and communication professionals and nonprofits in Columbus and Central Ohio. I have personally witnessed the synergy of a dynamic, energy-infused, high performance team made up of a volunteer marketing consultant and an effective nonprofit in need of a little expertise and elbow grease, and the ultimate fruits of their labor.”
ProBonoLink.org connects local marketing and communication professionals with nonprofit organizations seeking pro bono services. You’ll find opportunities to assist with Web site development, newsletter templates, special event publicity planning, program brochures, and marketing plans. This organization and this type of work can help you hone your skills, build your portfolio, and help a nonprofit with its mission – no matter your place in life. And if you’re in transition, pro bono work through ProBonoLink.org may even help you get a foot in the door.
Charitable work isn’t just for individuals.
Especially in tough times, organizations large and small seek opportunities for community engagement through pro bono work. Sure, helping out a local nonprofit generates great PR – but moreover, it’s just the right thing to do.
My friend Terry Porter once told me, “Community engagement gives an organization a soul.” I think he’s definitely onto something.
So if you’re looking to rekindle your passion for marketing, prepare for a future opportunity, or discover a vehicle to foster corporate responsibility through community engagement, pro bono marketing is a natural choice.
By giving just a little bit of your time and talent, your return could be far greater than any paycheck.
For more information on finding or posting pro bono services on ProBonoLink.org, please contact:
Rob Lucas
ProBonoLink. org Administrator
Community Relations Committee
American Marketing Association
Columbus Chapter
PO Box 551
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
ProBonoLink. org
ProBonoLink@columbusama.org
