I participated in a charity event last night, and the emcee that introduced me was very gracious and mentioned my real estate business and suggested to all present that anyone that needed a good real estate agent call me.
And while I appreciated his kind efforts to compensate me for my participation, I felt a little awkward at the same time. After all, I was there to support the charities and not promote myself or my business.
But a good marketer does get involved in community affairs, and does join fraternal organizations, and volunteers for charitable work. It’s all part of getting in front of the public.
And as an active community proponent, it is natural that the additional exposure will contribute to your base of business.
Some might call it “giving back,” while others might call it “paying it forward.”
But it really is a “win-win” for both your business and your community.
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
I totally agree! I love people and I involve myself in functions that allows me to mingle, meet and help. I volunteer at a local college radio station and have met a lot of great people. If I were there just to promote myself, I'm pretty sure these folks would see through this and I would look like a fool.
Great Post Richard! Thank you for your service to the world and to your community!
One of my favorite marketing gurus (Dan Kennedy) says "the hole you give through, is the hole you get through" so if you wanna get more you better start giving more.
Great Advice! Thanks!
I believe in this 100%. My sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer swears by giving speeches at local organizations, donating time to local charities, and doing anything you can to help others while making yourself visible. It truly is a win-win!
I am a strong advocate of being involved in our community. My involvement is not focused on getting business but rather on the people and relationships that I have there. I love doing these sorts of things.
I believe if you get involved in your community with the intention of giving back, the rest will follow quite naturally.
Featured @ Club Chaos
Richard , A timely post many of the non-profits I'm part of start having their annual dinners, and electing members to new board positions in the fall. I've held positions on marketing committees, and executive board positions as well. It allows you to be a person of influence for sure.
Richard....my contribution to local organizations and especially the local schools has always been monetary....I've been a contributor for years.....I purchase full page ads and write checks to these local organizations.....I never attend the meetings or contribute with a physical presence....in return, I have received many, many referrals from people who appreciate those contributions....it still takes money to make these groups work properly!! participation comes in many forms.
Richard, Getting involved by volunteering time toward the community or special causes pays back in appreciation. My family volunteers several times a year toward local events, it's something we can do together.
Richard, you have me chuckling at that title. I thought we were going deep into some psychological profiling here. Being active in the Community has long been a wonderful way to be a real person and to connect with other real people. I don't think we need to worry about your reasons. Your work speaks to that!
richard...i believe also it's relationship building by supporting the local organizations & i'm a firm believer that if i have a roof over my head & paying the bills it's up to me to give back to the community...good post to get people who are not out there helping- out there.
Jennifer...
Exactly the way that I feel. Thanks for the great comment.
Harry...
That's a great quote and thank you so much for adding to the conversation!
Joe...
It sounds like the way to go. I really appreciate the comment.
Paula...
Yes indeed, relationships. That's the key to it. Thanks so much.
Susan...
You are spot on. Thanks.
C...
Thanks for the feature.
Steve...
I never thought about it, but you are correct. Fall is a very active period. Thanks.
Hi Richard. It sure is a win win...
Charity events are great ways to be in front of the public...
Thanks for writing,
Ken
Many of those present probably already knew who you are and the fact that the emcee mentions it makes you look good for not blowing your own horn. How many other Realtors were there? Probably none. You are a standout in the field and helping in a community service projects does wonders. Feel Good, Richard.
While your intent was to support the charity, there is nothing wrong with letting people know what you do for a living. Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds et al, all give to charities. But they're also right there to remind everyone what they do. After all, shouldn't the folks who the charity was for, and all those attending, call the folks who were sponsoring it when they need that type of service?
I play piano at a nursing home once a week with a group of ladies who sings. Sometimes the leader of the group announces me as a real estate agent, and while I always blush a little, it's a very nice gesture on her part. She does it because, as she put it, she wants to make sure I'm fed :-) You do, indeed, get out of this world what you put into it.
Richard,
People like to do business with people who are like them, in this case support the same cause...I don't see it as self-promotion, just an introduction...
Thanks for the informative content !
Richard,
I agree with your stance. You quite possibly attain more sales by "not" selling at these events.
all the best...
Richard, I think it would be hard to be a great marketer and not be involved. Physical appearances cement the written words.
Richard...you went for specific reasons;
you did not promote yourself-your Business;
you did not anticipate any type reward;
you are the winner, totally;
The Charity also wins when participants promote the Charity / charitable works.
Thanks!
Barb & Sal
Richard, two ways of liking at that, the first being a community member there to help the cause, and the second would be to let those listening know what who you are, and what you do so that they would get a much warmer feeling as to who you are, and that stays in a person's mind far longer.
Richard, I always struggle with this. I am not at this time involved in any community activities, I have, in the past, been involved with non profit groups. I feel funny about doing it again for business, but love to do so. I am on the prowl for something to get involved in that I am passionate about!
Richard - I have been involved because of my business the good feelings and enthusiasm was not there. When I was there because I wanted to be, it was (and is) great!
Is there such a thing as a self serving community narcissist?
Hi Richard,
I was our PTA president for two years. I never realized how political and draining a school organization could be. I felt overwhelming pressure to keep real estate private and separate. God forbid there is any whisper of self-promotion. I was even criticized for using a work-based email address. Ironically, I gained some of the best friends I ever had, made many connections to people who have used us for real estate and also made a few enemies who seem to think that I am a self serving community narcissist. The 20 hours a week that went into being president would have paid off way more spent just doing my job and not volunteering.
Bottom line: Keep doing the community work because it feels right. But even when your heart is in the right place, expect some criticism.
~Lisa