Giving your time: why helping others should come naturally

Giving your time: why helping others should come naturally

One of the positives to come from 2020 is seeing people give their time to others more generously. We’ve all been guilty of rushing around, being – and feeling – ‘too busy’. Yet when we’ve seen people struggling, so many of us have stepped up with a resource we are able to spare: our time.

For me, using my time to help others is something I’ve always felt I can, and should, do. I’m in a really fortunate position that I’m able to use my time and experience to support others, so one of my greatest values is that I should always share it generously when I can.

Taking time to support clients when things change

The ethos of Not Just an FD means that we regularly do more than what is asked for or expected by our clients, colleagues and friends. As soon as the government began outlining financial measures in response to COVID-19, I wanted to make sure my clients had the most up-to-date information.

It was a situation not even the most experienced business owner had ever faced. Things were changing daily, and were often complicated, so it was important to me that my clients knew what help was available to them. They didn’t ask me to do this, and I didn’t charge them for it, but it was time I knew would be spent wisely. Many of my clients and friends in the industry have done the same: sharing newsletters, giving interviews and providing advice all free of charge.

Sharing knowledge through CIMA

I have noticed a strength of character from CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) Members in Practice (of which I am a member), who have gone out of their way to ensure their clients have the support they need. They have also supported one another, given advice and shared knowledge by getting together on Zoom regularly.

As members, we have created webinars to guide those who are considering becoming Members in Practice in light of uncertainty about their employment. We have spoken to many of those people individually and welcomed them into our community, sharing tips on running your own business, pricing and marketing. We don’t see them as competition, just as new members of the family. There is always room for good management accountants.

I also volunteer on the CIMA Members in Practice Panel. We organise an annual conference for our members and were disappointed when this year’s was first put back to October before it began to look like it might not go ahead. We have now opted for our first ever virtual conference. We’re very excited to be offering amazing value for money and lots of content, both technical and soft skills, for new and old members, including the opportunity to network online. I love helping others to grow and being part of the CIMA team is one way I can do this.

Giving guidance to people facing new challenges

Taking the time to ask someone how they’re coping with a situation can take merely seconds, but mean a great deal. When the government released the guidance surrounding the furlough scheme, I asked the girl who owns my local nail salon about her plans. She admitted that she, like many others, didn’t understand the scheme and what it might mean for her business.

Navigating something sudden and brand new is naturally tricky. Yet I knew I was in a fortunate position of understanding the furlough scheme, so to me it was automatic that I would step in. I offered to help the salon, calculating all furlough claims for the owner, guiding her through how to manage her staff during the closure period and making sure she knew about other help available. It did take up some of my time, but I know it made a huge difference and allowed her to stay in business.

Helping and advising others taking different paths

Most of us in business got here with experience, training and a great deal of hard work. Therefore, I think we all have a duty to help others finding their feet. Students in particular are facing so much uncertainty at the moment. No matter our industry, there are ways we can help simply through being generous with our time.

A friend and business contact recently shared with a networking group that her son, Ben, wasn’t sure about his career and study options and needed someone to talk to. I offered to help. I listened to his concerns and spoke to him about career options, different ways of looking at the situation, and I shared my own children’s experiences. I have had feedback to say he found the conversation incredibly useful in making a decision and that made it all worthwhile for me.

A recession may have arrived, and our time is a precious commodity, but it is one we can all give. I find helping others where I can really fulfilling and I encourage others to do the same. If there’s a way we can support people, we should. I honestly believe it should be our automatic response: we can help someone who needs it by simply giving a bit of our time. A little kindness, especially in tough times, goes a long way.

How have you given your time to support others when they’ve needed it?