Real estate is all about meeting people.

Let's face it, most business that comes to us as real estate professionals comes from our interaction with people. Maybe some agents get their business solely from the Internet, but even that has come about because of all the blogs or other information pushed out there for people to read and respond to.

May was an especially excellent month for me to meet new people here in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea. And, interestingly, it had nothing to do with real estate. I was one of the organizers of the annual Carmel Art Festival which was held on May 19-21, 2017.

Organizing and then holding the event is quite an undertaking, with lots of interaction with those working for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, committees and commissions that one needs to navigate around in order to get approvals to hold the event.

Then there is the interaction with innkeepers, merchants, galleries, artists, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers that make it happen.

Finally you have the influx of attendees who are both residents in and around the area as well as those who come from many miles away. With them, the "touching" is through invitations by email blasts, mail, phone and, finally, in person at the event.

Did I make meaningful contacts that will translate into business for me as a real estate professional?

ABSOLUTELY.

I have already had referrals and outright client contacts with some of them.

I had to reprint my business cards somewhere during the event because I ran out.

VOLUNTEERING SHOWS YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY

Overall, the public sees a totally different side of us when we volunteer to make our community a better place. Not only that, but we meet like-minded individuals who share our interests.

AND THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS AND EMBRACES US WITH BUSINESS.

I can't tell you how fortunate I am to be able to give back to my community through the Carmel Art Festival. We bring hundreds of people into Carmel-by-the-Sea many of whom stay overnight in our inns, go to our restaurants and shops, and otherwise spend money during their stay here.

And, yes, my exposure also translates into business for my brokerage, Rothwell Realty Inc.