When you begin your small business you most likely will be low on capital. You will have to put your money into the most important areas of your business first but often you still come short. In times like these we welcome those loving friends and family who volunteer their services to our business. Due to our inability to pay someone we gratefully accept. We are even more grateful when they do a fantastic job. However, what if they are irresponsible? What if they do a poor job? What if they do not show up? Most volunteers are well meaning but many do not make what they volunteered for a priority because they are not getting paid. I know that may be hard to hear but it is the truth. Yes, you will find some who volunteer and do a spectacular job. You may get a volunteer that you wish you could put on your payroll. Yet, prepare yourself for those who will disappoint.
Recently, my business accepted the volunteer duty of a crucial part of an event we hosted. So far, this person has been hard to get a hold of and has not done the job properly or on time. The job she volunteered for was important and our business could suffer a tad due to her lack of making us a priority. What recourse do we have? None. We can continue to email, text and call but in the end the ball is in her court. We cannot threaten not to pay her or not to use her services again.
So what precautions can be taken:
Do not accept a volunteer to do a crucial job for your business.
Do not expect volunteers to have the same urgency or concern about your business as you or if it were their job.
Do use volunteers who you know are reliable and care about you and your business.
Do not take on a volunteer if your gut tells you differently. If you know your brother has a tendency not to show up for work then do not rely on him. Be careful or your personal relationships could suffer.
Do remember that people will act true to their character. If you have someone who does not get back to you in a timely manner politely turn their help down.