Why you should be a SCORE volunteer

I have been involved for almost 10 years as a SCORE volunteer helping entrepreneurs and small business owners with their business goals. Reflecting on this time and the many entrepreneurs and small business owners I have worked with, I believe there are several key reasons you should consider becoming a SCORE volunteer.

One of the most compelling reasons to become a SCORE volunteer is the opportunity to share your area of business knowledge and judgment with others. All of us have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise while working in a variety of occupations. By serving as a mentor, you can pass on this valuable information to aspiring business owners, helping them avoid common pitfalls and achieve greater success. Whether you have experience in marketing, finance, operations or any other area of business, your expertise can be immensely beneficial to those who are just starting out.

Another reason to become a SCORE volunteer is the satisfaction of helping others succeed. There is a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that your guidance and support have made a positive impact on someone else's life. By mentoring small business owners, you have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community and contribute to the success of local businesses. This sense of purpose and fulfillment can be incredibly rewarding, and can motivate you to continue volunteering for years to come.

In addition to helping others, serving as a SCORE volunteer allows you to learn and grow yourself. As you work with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, you will be exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and challenges that can broaden your understanding of business. Mentoring allows you to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your industry, keeping you ahead of the curve and enhancing your own professional and personal development. Through engaging with your clients and sharing insights, you will continuously expand your knowledge and skills as well.

Furthermore, being a small business mentor provides you with the opportunity to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their business journey. Not all small businesses are successful, and thoughtful work on business planning can help prevent mistakes that cost both time and money. My metric is more around making informed, educated decisions, not just new businesses started.

In conclusion, volunteering with SCORE can be a very satisfying experience. It’s time well spent working with individuals to be successful in their small businesses. It is valuable both in terms of helping clients succeed and personal development and satisfaction, as well.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been offering free and confidential mentoring for more than 50 years. SCORE is associated with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has 11,000 volunteers nationwide. The SCORE.org website has some wonderful resources available to everyone.

Tip of the Mitt SCORE mentors by phone, Zoom, email, and in person. Go to SCORE.org and request a mentor, and they will contact you to set up an appointment that works for both of your schedules. We are free and confidential and look forward to working with you

Rex Winter is a volunteer business mentor with SCORE's Tip of the Mitt Chapter. His background is in agriculture, food processing and food ingredients.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Why you should be a SCORE volunteer