Add Something Else to the Calendar!
My schedule is full. Like many people, I’m not sure how to fit anything else into my life, however, I always keep my eyes open for new ways to meet people that might enhance my business. Along the way, it seems to benefit me in much bigger ways- and friendships are formed.
Do you pay attention to what is going on in your community? Driving by the same ‘ole little park in my town, I noticed a sign, “Downingtown Celebrating 150 years 555-1212”. The first day I saw it I thought to myself, “That’s great. 150 years. Wow.” Then it hit me later… “Kim! You have to get involved with this!” A town celebration – what a great event to get plugged in !?!
Overcome the Fear
I went to the first meeting was last night, and I walked in with butterflies in the stomach. Yes, although deemed a Social Butterfly sometimes they creep into my stomach and flutter ! It’s not always easy to jump into a situation where you aren’t sure if you will know anyone – but after a bit – the nerves tend to settle.
It’s about getting yourself out there. There are opportunities to volunteer utilizing what time you have available to commit. Most organizations and/or events are looking for many different talents and skills – chances are you will find something you enjoy doing and will help you get involved in the community. Just suck it up – and get to it.
The Benefits are Endless
When the word begins to get out there that there is a celebration for the town, do you think someone will think about Googling it? Could your blog be the blog they find? Sarah shares, What if you showed up the day of the event with a shirt on that said “PRESS: WestofPhillyBurbs.com” on the back? Post pictures you take that day to Flickr allowing others to tag or print them. Could your blog be found when they look for memories of the event?
What About the Other Volunteers?
It does seem that it needs repeated often… don’t show up as “The REALTOR ® looking for business.” Show up as you. Let the conversation and discovery about you being a Real Estate Agent just work it’s way into common knowledge after people get a chance to know you. Remember the new adage in networking, “Get to know me before you sell me something.” Be subtle. How about just passing out the blog post link where you wrote about the event? Make sure they know you are helping with the marketing. We know what else they’ll find on your blog.
Missy Caulk
February 4, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I know how you felt. I went to a BarCamp in Ann Arbor with A2Karen.
We didn’t know a soul, it was full of 20-3 year old geeks with CEO’s on their shirts and some writing code for MRI machines.
We had a great time and it was out of the comfort zone for me, however, we will go back.
Met lots of folks I now connect with on Twitter and FB and was invited to speak at a lunch B2something or other. So you never know.
Linda Davis
February 6, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I always find that I get much more than I give when I do community volunteer work. Giving back to the community alwasy feels good if you do it for the right reasons.
Diane Aurit
February 7, 2009 at 8:03 am
Kim, Having met you I have a hard time imagining you with butterflies but I certainly understand!
When I relocated here in 2005 I faced those same butterflies everywhere I went but now I am very involved in my community and have met some wonderful people along the way. As Linda said, giving should be done for the right reasons. I never volunter with the intent of getting business but follow my passions. However, in the end I do make some great contacts for business as well.
Kim Wood
February 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Missy – I totally felt that way at Philly Bar Camp! People were talking way over my head – but they’ve embraced me and I love to learn… so I guess it works 🙂
Linda – I should have made that point – you are very right it must be done for the right reasons – definitely not with the intention of ‘business’.
Diane – Yeah – surprise, surprise – it’s true! And the ultimate wish… follow your passions… always !