Being a Rotarian has been good for business

The recession has forced businesses to find creative ways to keep their doors open.

It turns out that joining a service organization such as Rotary, the Optimists, Kiwanis or the Lions can be very helpful in garnering new customers, improving business networks, increasing referrals and even retaining employees.

And oh, yeah, you’ll be giving back to your community, too!

That’s why I’m so proud to be a lifetime Rotarian and member of Rotary Club of Troy, Michigan.

Here’s how being a Rotarian can help your business

Rotary thrives on talented volunteers.  When you do what you’re good at in front of more people, word will get out that you know what you’re doing.  This usually gets your company extra attention in the form of more business, build your network and generate referrals.

If you introduce the joys of service others at your company, they will quickly look at their Rotary membership as a perk and possibly stay around longer.

If necessity is the mother of invention and your business needs to innovate, consider joining a service organization.

My latest volunteer effort

The Troy Rotary Club asked me to present the leadership seminar, “Effective Leadership – Getting People to Do Stuff,”  on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Walsh College at 3838 Livernois Road in Troy.

Specifically designed for supervisors, managers, team leaders, and upper level management, the seminar offers motivation and reward techniques for employees, strategies for overcoming negativity and ways to deal with challenging personalities in the workplace.

The three-hour presentation will explain how to be a better role model by being less of a boss and more of a coach.  Attendees will also learn two things that motivate almost every time, why money is not a motivator, five ideas for dealing with under performers, a special question to ask job applicants and more.

Registration and networking begin at 8:30 AM and the program runs from 9 AM until Noon.  This seminar normally costs $125, but Troy Rotary has negotiated a cost of only $45 per person.  You’re encouraged to bring your entire leadership team.  Seating is limited.

More information and an online registration form are available at visit www.troyrotaryevents.org/leadership.htm.

This fundraiser for Troy Rotary is sponsored by Citizens Bank, Walsh College, DBusiness Magazine and Mullin & Associates, CPAs, PC.