5.
Re: Helping others while turning a profit Jan 9, 2008 4:24 PM

in response to:
elsa401
Most communities have a number of ongoing construction projects that would love to have your services (Habitat for Humanity, local churches, homebuilder associations that pool their talents to build/auction homes for charity, etc.). I know a non-profit that's trying to build a shelter for abused children in my community right now, and they are begging for volunteers with construction skills. There are probably things like that in your town, too.
Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? They always need services like that, it seems. About a week ago, we had a cold spell and the electrical system in the local animal shelter blew out (meaning there was no heat). They didn't have money in the budget to make the necessary repairs, and were concerned that with a freeze forecasted for the area, the temperature inside the shelter could drop into the low fifties overnight. A local supplier and an electrician (both animal lovers) heard about the problem from a volunteer, teamed up to donate time and material, and rewired the building for free. A short news release was drafted and e-mailed while the work was in progress. Every TV channel sent a camera and reporter, and all the local newspapers sent photographers. So on the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news (and in the morning papers), people saw the electrician, the business logo on his truck and shirt, a lot of cute puppies, and a large group of adoring and grateful volunteers. He couldn't have bought that much exposure and good publicity if he tried!
People don't seem to like stories about other people in need as much as they do puppies -- so your volunteer work might not generate that level of free publicity. But if you pick something you care about, it doesn't matter -- and if you send out a news release, you never know. In the volunteer activities I'm involved with, I'm always surprised by what the media shows up (or not) to cover -- just depends on the reporter and whether it's a busy news day or not, I think.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.