If someone asks you to join a nonprofit board you know almost nothing about, say yes. You’ll likely be amazed at where the journey takes you. In my nine years of experience working with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), I have served multiple positions, expanded my network and gained valuable insight into how nonprofit boards operate both regionally and nationally.
Here’s my story of involvement with the BBB, as well as the most influential lessons I learned along the way:
How I Got Involved
My experience with the Better Business Bureau began in 2013 when an attorney friend of mine asked me if I wanted to become a board member for the greater Phoenix area. I wasn’t very familiar with BBB, but I knew they helped uphold standards for integrity in business and advertising. As a longtime marketer, this was important to me, so I thought, “Why not?”
I knew it would be a great business and networking opportunity to serve on any board, but I couldn’t have predicted the many important lessons I would learn and the amazing people I’d meet.
Positions I’ve Served With the BBB
I enjoyed my involvement with the BBB so much, I went on to accept a variety of higher positions within the organization. After serving as a board member for two years, I had the opportunity to join the executive committee for Phoenix in 2015. From there, I went on to serve as secretary, then treasurer, then vice–chair, then chairman.
In 2017 and 2018, my BBB region merged with another and acquired Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire. As chairman of the new Pacific Southwest headquarters, I was exposed to the financial side of running a nonprofit and the formalities of working with real estate and legal experts.
From there, I served on a national board of directors out of Arlington, Virginia. There, I met, learned from and networked with numerous Fortune 500 executives.
What I Learned
By climbing the “ladder” of the BBB board, the one thing that surprised me the most was how many genuine relationships I built. Serving on a board is a lot of work, but you meet so many like–minded people who become lifelong friends.
I also gained valuable insight into how a board generally operates. Before joining, I was not aware of the many intricacies of board involvement, especially in the nonprofit sector. Here, I learned how to run official meetings, go through minutes, fill out an agenda and get initiatives approved and passed.
Through my board involvement, I also had the opportunity to present and speak at many small businesses throughout the region. I’ve always been passionate about motivating and inspiring local companies, and the BBB provided me with many avenues to make that happen.
The experience has even benefitted me on a personal level. A few years ago, a business took advantage of my great aunt, and through the BBB, I was able to get her money back.
In sum, if an organization asks you to get involved, my advice is to take the risk and say yes (as long as it aligns with your values and interests, of course). Over the years, I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of a nationwide network and learn the inner workings of a nonprofit board.
Want to learn more about my involvement with the BBB or learn how to join a board yourself? I’d love to speak at your next event! Contact me today.