Home > Blogs > Sheila Kennedy > Staged SO Right Blog

Can volunteerism help build your business?

Education & Training with J29 Project

March 10, 2010 02:57 PM

As you may or may not know, I have signed on to be one of four co-hosts for the TVPG, Get More Business, Radio Show. Last week on the March 3rd episode, we discussed Free Publicity and ways to achieve it. One of the things that we talked about is volunteerism.

I can't speak highly enough about the benefits of volunteering. As a lifelong volunteer, I already know the benefits to my attitude and heart. What I didn't realize, until I became a business owner, is that my volunteer work would have a great impact on my business growth. I have shared an experience in my TVPG Radio show Blog Post about a Fashion Show that Staged SO Right co-sponsored/hosted with a fellow business owner. (I posted in Active Rain all about it as it was happening and you can read about that here.) It was a tremendous undertaking whose benefits far outweighed any negatives. Hopefully it will spur you on to create a similar situation in your community. Not only will your community benefit, but you will watch your business blossom. It is a win-win for all involved.

volunteerism

Giving of your time and talent is a wonderful gift to give. I encourage you to try it if you haven't already. Often times when we see that there is no immediate paycheck involved, we start thinking negatively. Leave a little room for possibilities and watch amazing things unfold.

I would love for you to share your stories about the benefits of volunteering for your business. I love to hear win-win stories and look forward to reading yours!

Featured

Comments (48)
Subscribe to Comments Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Trevor Elliott

RE/MAX Integrity - Salem, OR

We can't be secret agents. Volunteering is so important and business growth is just one of the benefits.

Mar 11, 2010 08:13 AM

John Howard

Century 21 LeMac Realty - Mountain Home, AR

GRI, Mountain Home, Arkansas 870-404-3614

Sheila, As a long time vilunteer Boy Scout leader...I can attest to the warm fuzzy feelings as well as the business benefits. I got into scouting for my sons....I stayed in it for years to help "the boys". The side benefit was that people I met in scouting locally liked me and trusted me enough to work with me on real estate projects. It can be time consuming but volunteerism is a foundation in our communities!

Mar 11, 2010 08:30 AM

Randy Benefield

Trademark Property Services & Real Estate Inc., CalBRE, 01976861, 01442405 - Petaluma, CA

I completely agree. My experience with volunteering has given me back ten fold. Whether it be the level of impact, the joy or happiness it brings, or business opportunities, I think if you are real and sincere, people will take notice and all the love and care you gave, will come back to you.

Mar 11, 2010 09:56 AM

Ted Tyndall

Davidson Realty Inc. - Saint Augustine, FL

I will help You find the Home YOU want to Buy

Sjeila, super points. Volunteerism is definately a word of mouth advertising. Totally effective and feels good at the same time.

Mar 11, 2010 10:48 AM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

I am a big advocate of donating ones time, talent and treasure to local goodwill efforts and have actively volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves & Fishes and the Blood center for years!

Mar 11, 2010 01:51 PM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

I am a big advocate of donating ones time, talent and treasure to local goodwill efforts and have actively volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Loaves & Fishes and the Blood center for years!

Mar 11, 2010 01:51 PM

Cindy Bryant

Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX

"Houston Home Staging Pros"

Congratulations on the feature! Volunteering is one of the most rewarding thing you can do, good for you!

Mar 11, 2010 02:04 PM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Jason - You understood exactly what I am trying to say! Volunteering, especially in times like these, is so crucial. Part of the reason that I wrote this blog post is to encourage people to volunteer. Many people won't get involved for whatever reason, but if they understood that there is value in it, they may be more inclined to get involved. I will be honest, as long as people are engaged in serving or giving, I am satisfied - who am I to judge whether their motivation was misplaced or not? Thank you for your support!

Amen Tammie!

Jim - I couldn't agree more. I would have a much easier time referring someone that I have worked with on a volunteer project than someone I have not.

Eric - I have a belief that when I bless others, I am blessed. Call it Karma or whatever - giving outside of yourself is a blessing that does return to you someday. Thanks!

Patricia - I couldn't agree more!

Trevor - you hit the nail on the head! Thanks!

John - I love your story - thank you for sharing it. Our communities would never survive if it weren't for the generous spirit of others. It is what we rely upon daily. Getting involved in some way is vital to our success as a community. Thanks for stopping by!

Mar 11, 2010 02:08 PM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Randy - I couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you!

Erica - it is a win-win all the way around. Congrats on making a difference in your community! Thank you!

Russell - that is awesome! Keep up your giving spirit and I hope you are blessed tenfold!

Cindy - Thank you! I really appreciate it you stopping by!

Mar 11, 2010 02:12 PM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

I've been thinking that I would like to get my older son involved in volunteering and learn the joy of it.

Mar 11, 2010 03:13 PM

Sandy Wagner

RE/MAX Professionals 253.225.8322 - Gig Harbor, WA

Short Sale Specialist Tacoma, WA, and Gig Harbor,

There was a program last night about a school in Los Angeles that required the seniors to do (I can't remember the number of hours) of community service. I was saying to my husband this should be a requirement in all schools, not just private ones. Students would then learn the value of service and many of these kids became "hooked," which for once is a good thing.

Mar 11, 2010 08:42 PM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Sandy - I was a middle school teacher for three and a half years and our students were all required to do 8 hours of community service per quarter - a total of 32 hours for the year. Even through all of the complaining the kids might have done - they enjoyed most of it, but really did learn the value in giving back. Many of them as high school students have gone out of their way to volunteer and give back to their community. If we start showing them while they are young it will become a habit that lasts a lifetime. Thanks for stopping by!

Mar 12, 2010 12:50 AM

Brad Rachielles

CENTURY 21 Peak, Ca BRE# 01489453 - Upland, CA

REALTOR, CDPE, Upland, CA

Sheila,

Thanks for your post. Volunteerism is great for what ails you. Not only do we help others, but what it does for us is probably not noticable. When you help others you become more satisfied, happier within, wear a bigger smile and become more positive about everything. What a benefit. Certainly this helps in relating with everyone you contact, not just those who saw you at an event. Attitude counts big time!

Brad Rachielles

Mar 13, 2010 07:15 AM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Absolutely Brad! It is about attitude - people's change when they get involved and other people will notice! It is inevitable! Thanks for stopping by!

Mar 14, 2010 12:04 AM

Anonymous

Peter Darakjian

Kudos...

Mar 15, 2010 07:23 AM

#43

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Thank you Peter!

Mar 15, 2010 11:48 PM

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I've said it more than once and I'll say it again...you are an inspiration! You have set a standard that I hope to someday live up to!

Mar 16, 2010 02:33 PM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Thank you Sharon - but the feeling is completely mutual!

Mar 16, 2010 04:22 PM

Annie Pinsker-Brown

Stage to Sell - LA Home Staging - Los Angeles, CA

Stage to Sell, Los Angeles Home Stager

I have participated in the IAHSP Worldwide Staging Week for several years now and it is always an amazing event that leaves both the Stagers and the residents feeling amazing. Volunteering is good for the soul! And on top of it, you get great exposure in your community.

Mar 17, 2010 06:24 AM

Sheila Kennedy

J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Annie - you clearly have a giving heart! Volunteering is so intrinsically valuable, but the benefits can extend to other areas of your life as well. You have a lucky community who gets to recieve all of your generosity! Keep it up and thank you for stopping by!

Mar 19, 2010 12:15 AM

Older Post

Newer Post

Rainmaker
114,985