Pro Bono

Many of us work to put food on the table. Some of us work for big corporations, others put in our best efforts at small businesses, and still others consult or work for themselves.

We are a varied people with many wonderful talents, skills and abilities.

How can we share these with others in the context of serving others?

Have you ever heard the term pro bono?

You’ve likely heard it used by people in the legal profession.

Pro bono is a Latin term that literally means for (the) good, rightly, morally, but it’s come to mean donating services and doing something for free that you would otherwise charge for.

So, here’s today’s challenge:

Are you in a position to share your expertise pro bono today? If you consult or are otherwise self employed, can you find someone who can benefit from your services but can’t afford your rates?

If you work for someone else, this may not be an option, but you can still find ways to serve.

Do you have a special skill or talent that can help another?

Are you good at writing press releases? How about contacting a local charity or non-profit organization and offer to write one or two releases without charging them?

Are you proficient at writing resumes? In today’s sour economy, it’s likely you can find someone who has lost their job and needs your help. Can you help them for free?

Do you have construction skills that could help someone with needed home repairs? How about mechanical expertise to help someone with their vehicle?

Can you donate even 10% of your time, your talents and everything with which you've been blessed?

I think you get the idea. Be creative. As always, try to have fun with it and try to not make the recipient of your service feel like a service project. None of us like to feel like a "cause".

So, share your talent today.

Remember, this isn’t about self-promotion – it’s all about sharing what you can do for others.

Can you help them?

I bet you can.

Thank you for being willing to share today. It’s you who makes what I do so worthwhile and fulfilling. I appreciate you!

Please feel free to share, forward, digg, stumble and retweet today’s challenge.

Remember, Service is the Action Form of Love!

James