SCORE is volunteer men and women helping small businesses solve business problems. These volunteers have a willingness to share freely of their time, energy and knowledge by ensuring their clients have a positive experience in achieving their goals.
A SCORE volunteer wants to “give back” – to foster public service. This could be someone who is working or retired. Age is not a factor. They want to further the ideal of entrepreneurship. They are passionate about SCORE’s mission, vision and values. They provide leadership in the community.
SCORE also ensures that volunteers find value and satisfaction while engaged with SCORE. Relationships matter: A SCORE volunteer must listen, encourage and communicate with those seeking help. They must believe in the importance, value and power of diversity – diversity of people and diversity of thought.
SCORE volunteer opportunities are many: Some mentor to clients while some are educators who present workshops, facilitate roundtable discussions, coordinate events and some develop new ways to deliver new content. Others are involved in the role of administrator, treasurer, IT administrator, new volunteer recruitment, retention and HR.
There are more opportunities to promote the SCORE brand and to let local entrepreneurs know what services are available to them. Volunteers also encourage the development of partnerships with existing businesses, Chambers of Commerce, colleges and universities. And then there’s fundraising. We call them Community Ambassadors who are also involved in marketing and public relations via media contact.
Leadership is the key to SCORE’s success as it is to the success of their clients. These volunteers enjoy the thrill of casting vision, rallying each client toward their visions and helping them draw from their unique strengths to fulfill their goals.
All of these attributes of a SCORE volunteer coincide with the passion, knowledge and energy required of a small business to operate successfully and grow. A SCORE volunteer individually, or as a team, has years of experience to assist existing or start-up businesses. Volunteers do not make the decisions but rather give options for the client to make decisions. The client is the boss. The client is in charge. The client may “fire” the volunteer at his/her discretion.
The volunteer’s services are free!
Maybe it’s time you called SCORE to become a volunteer. SCORE is looking “for a few good men and women” to help the local economy. Go to northernarizona.score.org and click “become a volunteer” or call 928-778-7438.
Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. QCBN
By Jerry Jones
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