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I know you think you give your customers good service and you probably do. You go over and above the call of duty for them, right? Your clients no doubt are grateful to have you represent them in buying or selling their home.
Service to your customers and clients is important. But at this time of year, it makes sense to think about another kind of service altogether...service that deals with reaching out and helping others.
According to Webster's Dictionary, service is defined as the work performed by one that serves, and a contribution to the welfare of others. When you are involved in this kind of service, you are usually helping a cause, charity or church which in turn is helping someone or several people.
A good example of service is the Thanksgiving project, "Business Giving Back to the Community." AAR's own Wade Phelps, Phelps Financial, organized many volunteers to solicit funds, food and other needed goods to fill baskets for those who would not be able to furnish Thanksgiving dinner for their own families. The Association and its members supported this project.
I sent an e-mail to several REALTOR® friends asking for different ways they serve and volunteer and what it means to them. Here are some abbreviated versions of their comments.
- One of the REALTORS® works with and donates regularly to Habitat for Humanity and her church and provides food to food banks. "It feels good to make people smile," she said.
- Another sponsors a high school youth group from church twice a month. This person also works with Loving Hands Food Bank to feed families for Thanksgiving, and says that God has blessed us richly and it feels good to give to the community.
- Another is involved with food and clothing banks and other outreach activities for low income families and gifts for children. "It gives us comfort knowing that we helped people in need," that person said.
- Still another REALTOR® mentors new basketball referees, coaches various kids' sports, and "help(s) the less fortunate buy their first home."
- A final REALTOR® coordinates volunteer activities at church. "We do various drives for Aurora Interchurch and paint and fix up projects for City of Aurora," this person said. This volunteer also does clean up projects in Aurora and volunteers to help the elderly.
There were many great comments. My favorite was from Don DiFiore. Don said, "I like helping people to better themselves no matter what they need help in." It's a philosophy I hope you'll adopt yourself. Can you imagine the difference REALTORS® could make if we were all helping people better themselves? My thanks to Don and all the others who responded to my inquiry.
Do you need some ideas to help you get involved? Here are just a few suggestions:
- Most churches
- Local schools
- Food banks and food pantries, feeding kitchens
- Homeless shelters
- Different programs at your American Legion, VFW or other military organizations
- The City of Aurora
- Volunteer listings in local papers and community publications
- Your Aurora Association of REALTORS® on different committees and service projects like CARHOF and others
You don't have to look far to find a need to solve or a place to spend a few hours a week.
You can have a significant impact on the reputation of REALTORS® in Aurora when you do your part in giving back to the community. People will notice. You'll feel better about yourself and you'll put a smile on someone's face when you help out. Take a step out and volunteer. You'll be glad you did. |
