What Being a Moving Cone Taught Me About Business

I recently moved to Vermont—a state with a population roughly the same as Boston—where one in five workers is employed by a nonprofit.

There are about 500 people in my town. When I meet someone new, I'm often asked what committees I'm on. People around here serve on multiple boards or a community trust and jump in when their favorite local business needs help. I once complained about the lack of places to eat on a Monday or Tuesday and was told: "Want more options? Do your part—take a part-time job." It’s all hands on deck around here.

Volunteerism as a Business Advantage

Last year I went to DisruptHR in New Orleans, where I saw Ty Salvant speak on the topic of volunteerism—something she called “The Unseen Force Driving Business Success.” She only spoke for five minutes, but her message on volunteering was clear: make time for it, and make time for your employees to do it.

This wasn’t long after I started running my own business full-time. I was still helping out in a very part-time role at my local tech school. I served on a nonprofit board, pitched in at community events like the car show, and joined the trail crew for a couple of weekends. I felt pretty solid in my new Vermonter badge. Did I really need to do more than a day every month or two?

Stepping Up

Then I discovered Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a nonprofit helping anyone with any kind of disability get outside and enjoy sports. They have plenty of dedicated volunteers but sometimes run a little short. Despite having what I'd generously call “solid intermediate” ski skills, someone encouraged me to volunteer to assist with accessible ski lessons. I was told I could just be a moving cone behind the lesson. Perfect. I can be a moving cone. High five.

Look, I’m a hack skier. I didn’t feel even remotely ready to help someone who couldn’t ski on their own. During my first day assisting, I actually fell while trying to keep someone strapped into a bi-ski from sliding into a ditch. Awkward.

But I did it. Not every week—several times, though, because they kept letting me come back. I got less awkward skiing without poles, and the days I volunteered improved my whole week.

The view from a moving cone.

The Unexpected ROI of Service

The good vibes at Vermont Adaptive were intoxicating. On the slopes and chairlifts, I met ecstatic athletes and volunteers who offered new perspectives. I soaked in fresh air and vitamin D instead of seasonal affective disorder. I got a great workout.

Not only that—I didn’t fall behind on work. I was better prepared for it. My head was full of that sweet brain candy that comes from altruism. Giving just a few hours of myself sparked creativity and problem-solving I could bring to my clients. The work outputs were significantly better than when I just pushed through a full day at my desk.

It’s true. Volunteerism is the secret sauce—the unseen force driving my business success. I agree with Ty that employers should make room for it. And I’ll be doing more of it too.

〜Joy

P.S. If you need help designing training or operational systems that support volunteerism, telling the stories of how you already do—or just want to work in a more human-centered way—let’s talk.