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Network Groups and Volunteering -- Does it hurt or help your business?

I chose only one big thing - just one. I joined a business/networking organization to increase my visibility and develop some lasting relationships for giving and receiving referrals.

My business partner and I are very particular about who we recommend to our clients and others. It seemed incumbent upon me to be hands-on in my networking -- to really gain personal knowledge of my fellow businesspeople.

You see what is coming, don't you? I joined a committee. Next thing I know, I am recruited to the board of directors. Now I am president-elect and take the office of president in 2008.

I just cannot help myself. I love to solve problems; I love to reach goals. Put me in a situation where leadership is needed, and I want to take my skills for some exercise.

I cannot report too many closings from my volunteering. I look at it as a long term investment. However, I have met some great business associates for my clients -- lenders, insurance, etc. I have also made some wonderful friendships.

Nevertheless, I have to be careful with my time. These activities are not "A" tasks. So far, so good. I am using efficiency to keep my hours down. Although, I know a presidency is different. I will have to be mindful of that. And I do volunteer in my neighborhood, too; but, those activities are on much smaller scales.

A colleague of mine is involved in a great number of boards. Some of them pretty high profile in the real estate world. Yet her business is suffering. Is it something else -- the market, for example -- or perhaps a balancing problem?

What is your experience in networking activities and volunteering? How do you manage the balance of time you devote? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Posted by Joy Canova - Seattle on 11/13/2007 10:27 AM

Comments (7)

realtors, networking, volunteering, time management

7 Comments on Network Groups and Volunteering -- Does it hurt or help your business?

NOV

2007

I volunteer, and it has not had a direct effect on my business - however that was not the purpose for my getting involved. I joined the Junior League of Sacramento...it has been a great experience thus far.

Thanks, Erin. Yes, there are greater benefits to involvement -- my friendships, and frankly, just personal inspiration from meeting with other like-minded businesspeople. Furthermore, it really builds self-esteem to know you are giving something of yourself to others without an expected return.

My question is: When is it too much? What is the indicator that both your clients and your prospecting will suffer as a result of too many committments?

NOV

2007

I started volunteering in my office....doing teaching and classes....and my business really went south fast....it was hard to keep up with my day to day work without having a million agents walking through my office door and even with signs and stuff it was hardly.......

I am thinking of volunteering at the local animal shelter however as dogs really don't seem to care much about my opinions of the changing market......lol

Todd Hueffed

http://www.thathomezone.com/ in partnership with Keller Williams North Seattle

You know, Todd, the animal shelter can make sense. Think about it -- you meet people from all walks of life at the shelter. People who appreciate what you are doing for the animals.

The trick, of course, is how to bring up the subject of your real estate business in a genuine way. Maybe you can speak to why you think it is important to perform a needed service because the community provides you with a living. People buy homes from trusted sources -- the kind of folks who are active and care about their own neighborhoods.

Of course, you must save the right amount of time for working on your business. Can it be that helping others energizes you in other aspects of your life?

NOV

2007

Let's put another spin on this: If you are not "volunteering," for a local group or charity, how do you stay in touch with your community? How are you seen? How often are you seen? Are you relevant in your community?

Why, of course, one way is to be present online. There are social networks that are easy to join and easy in which to participate.

Now for the similar question as in community volunteerism -- how much is enough; how much is too much?

I go online to blog or participate in networks only once, maybe twice, a day. I have real life contacts to nurture, and clients to see.

Is it enough? Well, it depends on the goal, does it not? What are your goals for online networks and what have been your payoffs?

When my boys were in school I did a lot of volunteer work. I was President of the PTSA at the Jr High for 2 years, President at the high school for 2 years and held the Baseball boosters committee chair for 4 years. During those years I gave about 20 hours a week and in the spring sometimes more. I was very busy selling real estate but seemed to fit it all in. From my involvement and the people I met I sold probably 15 homes during that time to people that I had the school connection with. However, I didn't do it for that reason but it was a nice benefit :)

Thanks Jo.

I like where this conversation takes us..... If you are engaged in areas of life & community that you deem important, you are demonstrating authentic engagement. The rest follows. I love the simplicity of it.

This is exactly where my heart is: I am the incoming president for Women Business Owners in Seattle, not for the recoginition I receive (although that is nice), but more for the personal growth, inspiration, and enduring relationships that results from my interactions.

I, too, am past the time of needing to volunteer for my children's needs. I now reach out for my own. All things in their own time.

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