By Lisa Anderson
Agent Genius Magazine

Find Your Niche

We real estate agents are in an ideal position to affect our little corners of the world through volunteering. Our careers take us in to the homes of our neighbors and allow us to talk one on one with them, learning about the challenges they face, the things that affect them day to day. And, if you are any good at your job you know a bit about the areas in which you work and where improvements can be made that will increase quality of life, smooth out real estate transactions, promote the interests of property owners and more.

So why not get involved in your community? I am not suggesting you take over or run for office, although that possibility is there for many of us who are so inclined, but why not join a committee in your homeowners’ association, or even help out at the library, the PTA or the sports team booster club. Go to meetings of the town or school board in your area and look for opportunities to pitch in.

Whether your strong suit is baking, or event or project planning, or marketing, or computer technologies or fund raising or whatever, there will be something available for you to do.

Make a Difference

Every organization out there is desperate for people to help out. Even if you are comfortable taking on only a small responsibility for now, they will be more than happy to have your input. Accept a task, see it through and feel the sense of accomplishment. Also, notice the impact you have on the people around you, the contacts you have made, the impression you have left with people as you expand your sphere of influence.

Yes, It’s Good For Business

So make it part of your business - especially now when things are a little slow. Take on a small volunteer activity and fit it in to your work routine. Interacting with the community is the best kind of prospecting and marketing there is, after all, and we are fortunate to have the kind of jobs that allow us the flexibility to fit things in to our schedules that many people who punch a clock cannot.

Give Selfishly

Give back a little to the community you work in…even if it’s not going to produce referrals, even if nothing would ever come of your pouring your energy in to a cause, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction of being a real community participant is the best way to build feelings of positivity, belonging and outright joy. Do it for yourself.