Betsy - the same thing has been going on with me for a very long time. As the new year burst into reality, I was reminded that giving off the top was far greater than giving what was left. So now, I am committed to giving 10% of my gross sales and I announce it on my web site to make sure it doesn't slip back into the shadows. Thank you for bringing giving up once more.

Sheron, I'll have to remember that "giving off the top is far greater than giving what is left."  Too many times we put so much into our business we don't think we have anything left (time or money).  That's a great quote!

Wow, what a fabulous post! I couldn't agree more with the "giving off the top" approach also! If we don't give it first, it WILL find it's way into someone else's pocket. I made the commitment just this year to donate a portion of every commission to our local Breast Cancer Research foundation. It's a wonderful way to give back and it helps give me a little more motivation at the same time!

Outstanding post. Betsy, you are already ahead of many business owners and you haven't even opened the virtual doors yet! Business is about people. Life is about people. Relationships are about people. When you think about it, it's ALL about people!

It is both thought provoking (and very difficult) to move beyond the immediate- thanks for the reminder!

Ryan, your sentiment echos that of Sheron and you are both great examples of this practice.

Mark, it really is about people, especially in a service industry, but Sean makes a great point.  It is easy to talk about and much harder to actually do.  Maybe Sheron or Ryan will write an article on how they set up their charitable programs to help the rest of us?  (pretty please?)

Betsy - thanks for putting this out for us.  My husband and I not only make a conscious effort to donate to local charities, but we also give our time as coaches to the local children's sports leagues and I am a member of a local cancer organization.  I like how your friend Rebecca structures it - it's very creative.  We need to realize that in order to be successful, we need to also focus on giving back.

I have always given back to the community -- and one way I do that is work with "low end" buyers who no one else will take the time to work with.  I usually fit this in when things are a little slower.  These clients are so appreciative.  I also have been a certified mediator since 1989 - and I volunteer with a community mediation service to help family and kids!  It makes the world a better place!

Betsy- Wow what a great post. I give every month to several charities- both financially and with my time. I like the idea of giving clients an option to help.  I will have to start letting my clients know about this new "option" in my business plan.  Thank you.

Joan, that is a great way to give back!  Do you offer seminars for them or do you work with them as they come to you?  Much like the request for more information on the charitable programs to Sheron and Ryan, I would love to see an article from you on working with these low-end buyers.  We all started somewhere, and you never know when that low-end buyer will be ready for an upgrade. 

Ines, coaching and making an investment with the children in your community is an excellent way to give back while also getting to know your future client base.   

My hat is off to all of you who have made this a part of your business. 

Debi, my neighbor to the south!  I noticed your gorgeous dog in your profile picture.  I wonder how many crazy pet people like me will choose a dog lover over a "regular" person when it comes to buying products/services, all other things being equal?  I am a sucker for a fuzzy face (not sure if I should mention at this point that my husband has recently grown a beard to compete with the dog).  Do you get a significant portion of your client base from dog lovers?  If so, I guess it makes sense to make sure your charitable options include pet causes.

That sounds like another post in the making. (using pets/hobbies to personalize ourselves to clients, not my husband's beard!)

Betsy,

It is not an easy thing to tell the world about our short sightedness, and you did so with eloquence. My hat's of to you.  Great post and I hope many read it.  It may open some eyes. :)

Thank you!

Betsy, this is a fabulous post.  I had never stopped to think about the business me in relationship to giving.  I'm self-employed and couldn't imagine giving more money than I already do.  Thanks for making me think and take responsibility.  The comments have been very helpful as well.  While my "business" may not be able to give monetarily right now, there are other ways "Realtor Maggie" can help the community.

This is a very good post!

But business is not that good lately, when it gets better i'll give. :-)

Thanks for the much needed reminder, Betsy....

 A number of my CyberStars(r) have made "giving back" a cornerstone of their business.  It pays off, not only professionally but also personally, in that they lead rich, fulfilling lives.

One of my CyberStars(r), Kathy Drewien of North Atlanta Realty Group, has a moving truck, as do many of the CyberStars(r).  During the Florida hurricanes a couple years back, Kathy got in touch with a local church and offered the use of her van to take supplies down to Florida.  Her offer was accepted, and the church made three trips to Florida with much-needed supplies and assistance.

The photo above is of Kathy's van and some of the church volunteers. 

We've heard it from childhood: "The more you give, the more you get."  The best "getting" is the feeling that you get when you give unselfishly to others.

It's a great day here on the lake in Reston...hope it's a wonderful day up there in Seattle as well! 

I think Floyd Wickman said it best or first, I don't know, "You get by giving"

Dick Beals

I have a pair of those blinders!  ;-) 

I know exactly what you mean.  It's sooo easy to get wrapped up in a business, but really, how can you not get wrapped up in it?  It becomes an extension of who you are, kind of like a child.  At the same time, you want to feel connected to the world around you. 

Giving back is very important, and I try my best to make it a top priority.  Yet, before I know it, a month goes by and then a year.  I think I've finally gotten smart enough to stop going against the grain and fit it in the way I do everything else, by making it a part of my system.

With every closing, I make a donation to one of my client's favorite charities.  It's included automatically in my closing checklist so that it happens without fail.  For five minutes, I'm forced to stop what I'm doing and actually realize that the world is still spinning around me.  It also makes me take a second and think about the person I want to be and the type of business I want to run - the kind that gives more than it takes.

I know it may seem like cheating, but if I don't mark it on my calendar and include it in my organizational system somehow, I simply forget to do it, just like I would every other important thing in my life.  I wouldn't know the date today, if I hadn't checked my calendar this morning!  ;-)

Excellent Post Rebecca.  Thanks for highlighting the O in the middle of YOU...Others

Betsy,

 From someone who knows you professionally and personally, I can say that you are a giver which in your personal life as you give of yourself to others and so it is easy to understand why you would be hit with such a thought as giving to others also in your business life.  This article has so much value coming from you.  The world is a much better place when we come into contact with caring people who make it a priority to listen, care, and give.  I know that you will be very successful in your business and I myself will be cheering you on!!!

Betsy- Somehow I missed your question.

To answer it- No one has specifically said that they went with me because of my gorgeous dog Belle the Border Collie. They do say that the picture makes me appear warm, caring, and approachable. I use the photo because it is different from the standard headshot and because I love it! I am single and so Belle is my family. It reminds me what is important every time I see it. And yes I do contribute to animal charities. Animals and children.

Too funny about your husband! :)