What do you do if your professional relationships formed through volunteering need nurturing?

Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community, learn new skills, and make valuable connections with like-minded people. However, maintaining and nurturing your professional relationships formed through volunteering can be challenging, especially if you have different schedules, goals, or interests. In this article, you will learn some tips on how to keep in touch, show appreciation, and leverage your network for mutual benefit.

Key takeaways from this article

Stay connected consistently:

Regular communication is key to nurturing professional relationships. Reach out periodically with updates or support, tailoring your approach to each individual's preferences.### *Express genuine appreciation:Show gratitude for their contributions through thank-you notes or endorsements. Recognizing their achievements and celebrating milestones can build trust and loyalty.

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1 Communicate regularly

One of the most important aspects of nurturing your professional relationships is to communicate regularly and consistently. This means not only reaching out when you need something, but also checking in, sharing updates, and offering support. You can use various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or online platforms, to stay connected and engaged. Try to tailor your communication style and frequency to each person's preferences and availability. For example, some people may prefer a monthly newsletter, while others may appreciate a weekly chat.

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Gayatri Kumar

Applied Psychology Student at Delhi University | Aspiring Psychologist | Passionate about Mental Health Awareness & Advocacy I A Personal Initiative: Eunoia.org.in
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Nurturing professional relationships formed through volunteering can be challenging with a busy schedule. Though regular communication may not always be feasible, each interaction is an opportunity to express gratitude for their time and insights. A simple message of appreciation or sharing an update on your progress can keep the connection alive and valued. It's the quality of interactions, not just frequency, that strengthens these relationships, demonstrating mutual respect and the genuine value you place on having them in your network.

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Brenda Menine

Humanitarian Action | Direitos Humanos, Diversidade e Voluntariado - Mestra em comunicação (UFRGS), especialista em comunicação corporativa (ESPM) e relações-públicas (PUCRS)
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Mantenha-se em contato regular com seus colegas voluntários e com as pessoas das organizações com as quais você trabalhou. Isso pode ser feito por meio de e-mails, mensagens nas redes sociais, ou até mesmo marcando encontros informais para café ou almoço.

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2 Show appreciation

Another way to nurture your professional relationships is to show appreciation and gratitude for their contributions, feedback, and collaboration. You can do this by sending thank-you notes, giving shout-outs, or providing endorsements or testimonials. You can also show appreciation by recognizing their achievements, celebrating their milestones, or sending them gifts or cards on special occasions. Showing appreciation can help you build trust, rapport, and loyalty with your network.

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3 Leverage your network

A third way to nurture your professional relationships is to leverage your network for mutual benefit. This means not only asking for help, advice, or referrals when you need them, but also offering them when you can. You can leverage your network by introducing people who can help each other, sharing relevant information or opportunities, or collaborating on projects or initiatives. You can also leverage your network by inviting them to events, webinars, or workshops that you are hosting or attending. Leveraging your network can help you create value, exchange ideas, and expand your reach.

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4 Seek feedback

A fourth way to nurture your professional relationships is to seek feedback and learn from their experiences. You can do this by asking for their opinions, suggestions, or recommendations on your work, goals, or challenges. You can also do this by requesting feedback on your performance, skills, or strengths. Seeking feedback can help you improve your quality, grow your potential, and demonstrate your willingness to learn.

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5 Be respectful

A fifth way to nurture your professional relationships is to be respectful and professional at all times. This means respecting their time, boundaries, and preferences, and avoiding any inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. You can be respectful by being punctual, courteous, and honest, and by following up on your commitments and promises. You can also be respectful by acknowledging their differences, perspectives, and values, and by avoiding any conflicts or disagreements. Being respectful can help you maintain your reputation, credibility, and integrity.

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Gayatri Kumar

Applied Psychology Student at Delhi University | Aspiring Psychologist | Passionate about Mental Health Awareness & Advocacy I A Personal Initiative: Eunoia.org.in
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Respect in professional relationships, especially those forged through volunteering, is paramount. Being punctual not only shows respect for others' time but also reflects your commitment and reliability. It sets a foundation of trust and professionalism, crucial for fostering strong, respectful connections. Every punctual action reinforces the value you place on the relationship and the shared mission, contributing significantly to a positive, productive collaboration.

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6 Have fun

A sixth way to nurture your professional relationships is to have fun and enjoy your interactions. This means not only focusing on work-related topics, but also sharing your interests, hobbies, or passions. You can have fun by engaging in casual conversations, jokes, or stories, or by inviting them to social events, activities, or games. You can also have fun by expressing your personality, humor, or creativity, or by surprising them with something unexpected. Having fun can help you create bonds, friendships, and memories with your network.

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Neha Shrivastava

Bringing people together to collaborate and co-create!
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Nothing sustains but true friendships and relationships. So start as a professional and let the relationship nurture where you can have fun together discussing topics of mutual interest, learn together on similar interests, eat together, know each other beyond paperwork. Ofcourse all this is valid only if you receive similar interest from your counterparts.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your professional relationships formed through volunteering need nurturing?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Communicate regularly

2 Show appreciation

3 Leverage your network

4 Seek feedback

5 Be respectful

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

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What do you do if your professional relationships formed through volunteering need nurturing?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Communicate regularly

2 Show appreciation

3 Leverage your network

4 Seek feedback

5 Be respectful

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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