7 Ways You Can Contribute to The Community and Support Local Businesses As a Real Estate Agent
Lily Lebowitz
As a real estate agent, you are a representative of your area. Not only is it your responsibility to take care of your community, but doing so will help you gain a better reputation and show your neighbors that you care. Below are seven ways that you can give back and support the small businesses in your community.
- Get involved with local schools
Schools are an essential part of every community. Better schools and more resources not only benefit the children but all members of the surrounding area. You can do a lot for the schools, including sponsoring or volunteering at school events, offering to speak to classes about your business, and donating to fundraising efforts. And as an added bonus, better schools will attract more families to the area, giving you more business. - Hire local businesses to provide snacks/catering for open houses
The next time you host an open house, think about using small businesses to provide snacks. Display the company’s name where you serve it and recommend the business to potential home-buyers. Just as you are looking for clients, these small businesses are too, and supporting local businesses supports the community as a whole. - Encourage clients that are moving to donate old items and furniture
All of your clients are in the process of moving, and with moving comes getting rid of items you no longer want or need. Help motivate them to donate their unwanted stuff to charity or people in need. Gather and share a list of organizations in your area that accept gently used furniture, clothing items, etc. To go a step further, you can even provide donation boxes and/or manage the delivery of the donated items to the organization your client has chosen. - Donate part of your commission to charity
While this one may be the most unfavorable option financially, it helps a great deal. Find a cause that means something to you and help that cause, any amount helps. In addition, if you have the time, volunteer at that organization. This option saves the most time and works for those with busy schedules. - Organize an event at a local business
Host any kind of event, whether it be a charity dinner, a gratitude lunch for your clients, or a neighborhood party to market your business. Throw the event at a local business or have a local restaurant cater. You can also have the business sponsor your event, gaining you the resources/funds and the advertising. Whether the event is for charity or not, supporting a small business supports the people and workers around you. - Sponsor a local walk or run
Sponsoring a walk or run in your area is an easy way to support a cause. These walks/runs foster community and enable you to meet many people, even potential clients! This also allows your business’s name to be put all over signs, shirts, and other promotional items, increasing brand recognition. This is both a great way to promote your business and to support the cause that the walk/run is for. - Donate to Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, taking place on May 5, 2020. This event is meant to increase the “generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.” It’s very easy to get involved, and you can do so individually or through an organization that you participate in. As an individual, you can help through actions such as helping somebody in need, donating money/supplies to organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and buying groceries for people unable to do so. Through your business, you can create a fundraising event, encourage your clients to take part and do good, or donate a portion of your revenue to a good cause. Any good deed helps make our planet a better place.
My Marketing Matters is going to donate a portion of our sales every Tuesday for the month of May to COVID-19 relief. Please continue to support us and to support the people risking their lives every day to manage this pandemic.
For more information on Giving Tuesday, visit: https://now.givingtuesday.org/
