Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success"

February 19th's thought from, A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success is, "Be involved in community activities".

Getting involved in community activities accomplishes a couple of things for the individual seeking personal success. First and foremost, involvement in community activities keeps you "in the game". Working with others allow you to recognize the contributions of others as well as allows others to recognize what you have to contribute to your community. Second, community involvement assures communities their traditions and annual events continue for future generations. Third your contributions to your community is a great way for adults to be appropriate role models for the youth of their community.

Most towns across the United States host annual festivals. My home town of Dawson Springs, Kentucky has an annual BBQ. As a child I remember seeing the familiar faces of adults with whom I attended church, adults who taught me in school, adults who checked out my mother at the grocery store on Saturdays or who serviced our family car.

As I became a young adult those same individuals could be found carrying on the responsibilities of planning and executing the BBQ each year. Today most of those dedicated volunteers can no longer carry out those duties and younger people have taken the lead. However it seems there are fewer and fewer from my generation who enjoyed such annual events stepping out and up to make sure our children and grandchildren have memories of these wonderful childhood activities.

Shari Waters, a veteran retail manager gives 5 great suggestions for getting involved in your community:

"1. Volunteer Time or Space
It doesn't take much space for a small group to meet. Consider volunteering your facilities to local clubs or related organizations. For example, if you sell comic books or other collectibles, loan your space to the local collectors club for their monthly meetings. If you don't have the space, give of your time. If you sell books, offer to read to pre-schoolers at the library's story time. Besides getting the personal satisfaction of helping others, you'll be interacting with a few potential customers.

2. Teach a Class
Most retailers are experts about the products they sell and have a wealth of information to share. Check with the local college or library about teaching a class in your expertise. Another way to share all of that knowledge is by holding your own clinics right in-store. Many large hardware retailers have used this idea with free weekend how-to sessions.

3. Host or Sponsor an Event
Whether it's the Relay for Life, Red Ribbon Week or some other local program, most communities have at least one large event in need of sponsors. Read the local newspaper for upcoming events. Can't find a local event that fits your business? Host your own. All it takes is a little planning, support from your suppliers and favorable media coverage and you have the makings of a wonderful marketing opportunity and a great community event.

4. Adopt a Project
Once you start looking for an organization to become involved with, you will probably find your community has many projects, big and small, that could use your hands-on help. Don't forget to contact the media outlets for additional exposure.

5. Join a Group
Getting involved can help build a bond between your business and the community. It also lets you meet others who may share common interests and needs. Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or another club to make some business connections, as well as some friends".

Personal success comes more easily when we feel we're contributing. Personal success comes more quickly when we motivate and keep active.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ