To be a genuine community-minded Real Estate Agent you should be an active and thriving member of your community. After all, people do business with those they know, like, and trust, right?
So, why should people look to you? Why should they trust you and use you?
To be the go-to realtor you have to genuinely BE that person. That person that people in your neighborhood can look to, trust, and rely on.
So, how do you do that?
Be active in your community
Merely living within a zip code does not a community member make. After all, the word ‘community’ derives from the Latin word ‘communitas’ meaning public spirit.
If you truly care about your community, you want to share your spirit with your circle of people. Let your spirit soar, Baby.
Here are 6 actionable and fun ways to deepen your Community Connection:
1. Start a hobby
When we’re children it’s easy to make friends. For the most part, you immediately attach yourself to the fellow children surrounding your desk. And ta-da! You are bonded for life. People say what really bonds two individuals together is shared experiences.
So, here’s your chance to experience something new and build relationships at the same time, strengthening your community connection. What’s that thing that you have always wanted to learn but just haven’t yet? Maybe it’s martial arts. Maybe you decide to take up a cooking class. The choice is yours. And this is an opportunity for you to grow your skillset and potential connections in both a professional and personal capacity.
2. Join a club to deepen your community connection
Along with the same trend as starting a hobby, maybe there’s something that you’re already interested in but have let slip away. Take a look at your local noticeboards or do a quick search on google and you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Perhaps you sign up for a social sports group? A knitting club? Or a dance class? There are plenty of options out there. And if it’s something you already have prior skills and experience in, you can show up and wow people right off the bat.
3. Become a member of business after 5 or alike Networking group
Business After 5 is a fantastic opportunity to get together with like-minded people within your community. Meaning, business owners who want to expand their network. Admission is usually free but in most cases, you have to pre-register. Be sure to have PLENTY of business cards printed up for this event. This is your chance to do one of the things you do best, SELL.
Before you can sell someone’s home you obviously have to sell them on yourself. Yes, this is your chance to expand your own network but don’t forget it’s a give and take. You could stumble across some amazing new businesses you didn’t even know existed! All the while sipping on a cocktail.
4. Demonstrate community connection by being charitable within it
Check out what charities are relevant to your neighborhood. Now, being charitable doesn’t always have to be in the form of a monetary sum. You can also donate your time, your skills, and even your body! A great organization to get involved in is Rotary. Rotary is a worldwide community-focused organization of more than 1.3 million business, professional, and community leaders in 200 countries. All striving to make a difference and improve the lives of the community they are within.
Or check out your local council, what projects are they working on and how can you help? Now in terms of being charitable with your body, I’m talking B-L-O-O-D. Blood. Which yes, means needles. But when you consider the fact that you could literally be saving someone’s life by putting up with a little prick in the arm, that prick seems a bit more tolerable. You can also donate Plasma and other genetic materials, or you can put your hand up to be involved in various research projects.
Some of these are larger commitments than others so be sure to do your research, take care of your physical and emotional state, and do what is right and safe for you!
5. Reconnect with your Alma Mater
As a whole, the Education sector is consistently underfunded. Because of this schools will often run their own fundraising events. Perhaps they are hosting a ‘Fun Run’. You could pledge and get others to sponsor you. If exercise isn’t your bag you can offer your time to help with the organizational aspect of the event. School galas and events are a chance to bring not just yourself but your family and friends too, the more the merrier.
6. Get to know your locals
If you don’t already, start to take a genuine interest in the people that you interact with on a daily basis on a deeper level. You know Al, who runs that little hardware store you’ve been visiting forever? Ask him how long he’s been running the joint! And the lovely server that hands you your Sunday morning coffee, enquire about their life. They could be an upcoming graduate about to dive into the world of full-fledged adulthood. Which means higher-paying jobs, insurance, and eventually homeownership.
It boils down to this, just be a good person. Be kind, be courteous, be involved. Lend a hand or your time. To genuinely BE a local leader you have to be someone that people want to follow.
Put prospecting, social media marketing, and lead generation on pause for a second. Stop. Take a moment, look inwards, and ask yourself this; What can I do for my community?
Disclaimer: This is a guest post, written by the Owner of Empire by Her, Samantha. You can find out more about Samantha and her copywriting company on her website empirebyher.com.