7 Creative Ways for Real Estate Pros to Give Back
By Paul Esajian on July 10, 2015
What are some fresh ways real estate professionals and businesses can give back?
As a real estate investor, agent, or business owner in the U.S., you are likely one of the most highly paid, and most fortunate individuals on the planet. You are in a unique position to give back and pay it forward. Though, sometimes the same old donations to charities aren’t enough. So what are some more creative and engaging ways to spread the love?
1. Pay Staff to Volunteer
More companies are beginning to pay staff to go and volunteer. It can have many benefits. Even with all of their scheduling freedom, CEOs and independent real estate professionals only have a certain amount of hours they can volunteer for good themselves. This can be multiplied by giving the whole team the opportunity. Some real estate bosses may even find that it is one of the best perks that they can offer as they try to recruit and retain the best talent. Many people want to volunteer, but it’s rare most companies will even allow unpaid time off to get involved. It’s a great hands on way that everyone on the team can see they are making a real direct difference, and are not just donating to a phantom charity that eats up all their donations in administrative costs. Those that have tried it also report great team building effects. Plus, it can be invaluable for developing a culture of innovation, and keeping staff fresh.
2. Donate on Their Behalf
How about donating on behalf of clients, team members, and even strategic business partners? Like volunteering; most want to do it, but are too busy and find the choices daunting. How about having a VA do a little research to find the best non-profit organizations to donate to, and make donations? Then let those people know that they donated. It can be even better with charities and non-profits that provide regular updates on impact and progress. Acumen, Charity: Water, and Global Giving all often provide great updates on the results, long after the donation was made. Help others make a difference and add value to their lives.
3. Donate Shares of Your Real Estate Business
Donating shares of your real estate company can be a powerful and creative way to give back on autopilot. The better your company, team, and assets perform; the more that is generated for good causes. This can be a great productivity booster, while helping owners find the motivation to really build highly successful, sustainable enterprises, and find the motivation to keep on going.
4. Educational Seminars
One of the greatest gifts real estate entrepreneurs can give is the gift of education. It’s ‘teaching a man to fish, and provide for his family for his entire life’ instead of just giving charitable handouts. And that real estate education can both be invaluable in terms of dollars, and can be passed down from generation to generation. This can range from informally passing on your real estate learning materials and books to those that need a chance, to sponsoring others to get licensed in real estate, appraisals, or mortgage lending, to hosting local home buyer, foreclosure prevention, and investment seminars, or even webinars.
5. Jobs
Jobs is one of the things we both need and lack most today. Most people don’t want handouts; they want an opportunity to work. Not everyone is cut out to be a freelancing real estate investor or business owner. And that’s okay. But how about offering opportunity and giving back through good paying jobs? It could be a one-time gig clearing out a property, compensation for bringing in deals as a bird dog, a freelance marketing or research position, or a full time property management job.
6. Run for Charity
Endurance race organizers like the Spartan Race help facilitate running for charity fundraising. Real estate pros and business owners that are just starting out may not feel like they have the extra cash to give. But they can raise sponsors and run to raise money for great causes. Plus, it provides all the awesome benefits of getting outdoors, exercise, new networking opportunities, and will boost your endurance in business.
7. Housing
The most obvious, but often neglected way for real estate experts to give back is through housing. There are so many options. It could be volunteering to build homes with Habitat for Humanity, allowing the homeless a spot to cleanup and sleep while they find a job and get back on their feet, donating homes, or simply providing affordable housing as a service.
What creative ways have you found to give back and pay it forward?