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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®








 THE GOOD NEIGHBOR TOOL KIT: WHY VOLUNTEER? cont.

  

Why Volunteer?

Getting Started

Improving Your Community

Improving Yourself as a Volunteer

Fundraising

Working with Volunteers

More Resources

Directory: Links to Charitable Organizations		   The Business Benefits of Volunteering
Although none of the volunteers we talked to started their charitable activities in order to generate real estate business, many of them have found that unexpected business benefits have come their way. Here are just some of the business-boosting benefits:

1. Networking opportunities. "We can integrate service into our real estate business; in fact we should. I’ve made a tremendous amount of acquaintances [from volunteering] that have helped my business. And it adds a new dimension to your personality when you're talking with a major investor and you’re not always focused on the bottom line." 2000 Good Neighbor Award winner Gil Gillenwater

2. Exposure to people you might not otherwise meet. “Look for charities that have a people flow—significant numbers of volunteers and boards that attract community leaders—and place yourself in that stream of activity.”--Mary Harker, The Harker Five-Star Team, Keller Williams, Dallas

3. A bond with clients. “You can talk to them about your activities and possibly find a area of common interest.”--Mary Dent, RE/MAX Associates of Arlington, Arlington, Texas

4. Name recognition. When your organization gets publicity, so do you.

5. Goodwill. Associating yourself with a worthy cause creates positive feelings among clients.

6. Improving your community and its home values. “For maximum visibility, focus your volunteering on needs in your local community.”-- Claudette Bruck, 2001 Good Neighbor Award Honorable Mention

7. Create potential homebuyers. "One day, today’s [underprivileged] children are going to buy the homes that we’re selling. And if we don’t educate them, they won’t be able to afford to buy these homes."--Oral Lee Brown, 2000 Good Neighbor Award Winner

8. Give donations on behalf of your clients. “I work with the charities I support, such as the Children’s Miracle Network, to send donation acknowledgements to several of my clients every time I contribute. I encourage title company and other service providers I work with to do the same.”--Mary Harker, The Harker Five-Star Team, Keller Williams, Dallas

9. Show your community that your community matters by volunteering. “People will respond to your involvement.”--Craig Conant, 2001 Good Neighbor Award Winner

10. Improved communication skills. “Working with the public as a volunteer helps me polish my interpersonal and speaking skills.” Nancy-Gay Rowland, RE/MAX Atlanta

More information on how volunteering can affect your business

Good Neighbors Explain Why They Volunteer >