One of the many ways you can get clients for your business is from volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community and have others learn about you and what you do. However, there is a downside to volunteering.

As a small business or freelancer, you may be limited to the amount of time that you can donate to volunteering, so make it count. Don’t let it become overwhelming, but limit it, enjoy it, and use it to promote your business and your services.

Make sure that the skills you want to showcase are the skills that you will be using in your volunteering. While most organizations will gladly welcome your volunteer services for typing, envelope stuffing, and answering the phones, do these sparingly. By all means, enjoy these activities and know that you are offering a great service in the community. However, as soon as you can, offer higher-level services.

Offer to organize the fundraisers and activities of the organization. Also offer speaking on behalf of the organization or writing and designing the marketing and informational materials. Offer to introduce the organization to social networks such as Facebook and help them build their fan page. Offering to train other volunteers is also a great way to showcase any of your management skills.

Just remember to enjoy the volunteering while making contacts. Also remember to do a great job no matter what. You, your business, and your skills are now on display.

Good luck!