As you know, selling homes is a relationship business. The strong connections you build with your broker, team members, and other industry professionals are critical to your success.

That’s doubly important when it comes to the people in the community – otherwise known as your potential clients. To foster relationships that will benefit your career, you need to do it for the right reasons. If your intent is only to take advantage of these relationships for your gain, people will see through that quickly. And that’s not good for business. Or your reputation. 

Don’t misunderstand – there’s nothing wrong with benefiting from community involvement. When people are community-minded, everyone wins. Spending time with your neighbors and other business professionals will make the community a better place for everyone while allowing you to market yourself as a trusted expert in the real estate space.  

Here we present ways community involvement can enhance your real estate business.

Boost Your Reputation 

Your reputation is what you hang your hat on as an agent. And once you’ve built your rep, it doesn’t easily change. Good or bad. 

One way to build a positive reputation in a community is to be involved and visible. That’s especially important if you’re new in town. Get out and about as much as possible. Go to dinner. Attend sporting or community events. Find a church to join.

These are excellent ways to meet new people, have conversations, and let them know you care about what’s happening around you.

Other key ways to build both your personal and business reputation in the community include: 

• Volunteering at a community event 
• Joining a civic or community service club 
• Becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce 
• Being active in a school’s parent organization 

Boost Your Influence 

As your reputation as a stand-up person and expert in real estate spreads, so will your influence. People will get to know you personally and professionally and start trusting your experience and recommendations regarding the home buying and selling business. 

Once they start seeing you as your community’s go-to real estate guru, you’ll also become more competitive among your peers. Your clients and prospective ones will lean on you more and more when they need to enter the home market. You’ll be the industry authority in your community. 

Generate New Leads 

From a business marketing standpoint, here’s why you’re hanging out in the community. Your job is about people. You need them – preferably many – to buy and sell homes.  

As you meet new people, remember that they are all prospective business leads. But they are also moms and dads, coaches and teachers, employees and patrons. The better you get to know them – and they get to know you and how you can help them – the more likely you’ll get their business.

Show People That You Care 

As we mentioned earlier, your career success depends on your most genuine intentions. Showing others that you care about the community you share – and them as your neighbors – has no downside.

So don’t forget that it’s a great idea to give of yourself for the greater good as you integrate into the community. Give your time. Give your talents. Give your resources. Give encouragement.

And ask for nothing in return. Then, they’ll know you care about more than a sales commission.