Expanding Your Sphere of Influence
Getting to know more people will help you expand your sphere of influence. Join a club or organization, participate in community activities, join the Chamber of Commerce, or donate time to a local charity — all of these things will help to expand your sphere.
Following is a list of some organizations, clubs, and activities that you could get involved with as a volunteer. Use this list as a starting place to discover where you want to spend your volunteer hours. This is not a complete list; there are thousands of opportunities nationwide. Most communities also have their own local charities that are not available anywhere else. Look for something that interests you, decide how much time you are willing to devote, and start getting involved.
Chambers of Commerce
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Local politics
Board of Realtors
® The American Legion
American Veterans (AMVETS)
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Benevolent and Protective Organization of Elks of the USA
Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees)
Kiwanis International
Knights of Columbus
Lions Club International
Loyal Order of Moose
Optimist International
Rotary International
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Art society
Music society
Bridge club
Book club
Historical society
Zoo
Museum docent
PTA
College
Volunteering at the school
Scouting
Boys and girls clubs
Hospital volunteer
American Red Cross
Fire department
Family services
Crisis line
Food bank
Food kitchen
Salvation Army
United Way
Library volunteer
MOMS Club
Humane Society
Habitat for Humanity
Your political party
Church, temple, or other religious or spiritual practice
Elderly services
Disability services
Literacy program
Golf club
Tennis club
Hiking club
Biking club
Sailing club
Recreation league baseball
Gym
Coaching kids in sports
Booster club
Alert
Remember that many service organizations are in great need. It's easy to get caught up in the action and volunteer for more than you can handle. Make a firm time commitment and stick to it. Your time commitment will make it easier to say no if the organization asks for more than you are willing to do.
If you join an organization only to get business, people will realize that and you will be judged as a phony. Join because it is something you believe in or like, and people will know that you are sincere. Start by deciding what interests you. It is okay to let people know you are a real estate agent, but participate in the organization for the fun of it. Wait a while before you actually ask for business, but even if you ask, don't push. Remember, you joined this organization for fun. Once people see your sincerity they will be more comfortable offering you business. It is okay to tell people what you do.
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If you have a local newspaper, you may want to volunteer to write a weekly column. It can be a real estate column, but it does not have to be. Anything from high school sports news to what the local volunteer organizations are doing will still get your name (and hopefully your picture) in the paper every week.
If you are new to a community, it is even more important to expand your sphere of influence by becoming involved. You might even choose to be involved in multiple activities. This will give you a sense of belonging and it will also connect you to a multitude of different people. You may still get referrals from those you knew in your old hometown, but not all of them will be sending business directly to you. Some may have friends who want to move to your new location and some may ask you for a referral to an agent in your old community, now that you are gone. You will have fewer referrals if you fail to reach out to your new community.
Volunteering increases the possibility of receiving referrals, but it can also increase your enjoyment of life. Participating in sports, giving back to your community, helping others, or a combination of these activities will make you a well-rounded individual. Well-rounded people are also better real estate agents.
