6 Ways to Raise your Professional Profile
REALTORS who get involved in their community stand out from their peers.
Supporting a cause you truly feel passionate about positions you as a thoughtful and knowledgeable member of your community. It affords you mention in the press, in online forums, and at association meetings, all of which help to promote your brand and your local involvement.
Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Be the local go-to agent for your REALTOR associations.
If you are a member of NAR, for example, get more involved with the national topics affecting REALTORS in today's economy. Getting involved on the hot-button issues can result in press mentions for those involved, as well as opportunities to contribute to the editorial section of your local newspapers- raising your profile.
2. Get involved with local, community level issues.
Is there a local watershed that needs saving from further development? Are the city planners getting lax on road improvements? Is there a favorite charity that you can spend more time campaigning for? Getting involved locally gives you the chance to be mentioned in the press, either as part of the story content, as an expert testimonial, or even as a concerned advocate writing to the editorial pages.
3. Regularly contribute to the Editorial Pages (reader comments) of your local newspapers
Stand out as a REALTOR - and you always include that in your signature line - who takes pride in her/his community, and actively participates to make it a better place for everyone.
4. Speak out online
Be outspoken on blogs and discussion forums that deal with national and local real estate issues or start your own blog to speak to these issues. Social media sites like FaceBook and ActiveRain are phenomenal not only for networking, but for educating yourself on key topics. Start or participate frequently in any discussions or groups surrounding topics important to you and your community. Stand out.
5. Attend your local council meetings when issues that concern you are being discussed.
Take the opportunity to speak out at each meeting in order to become recognized as a concerned, informed community leader.
6. Be charitable.
Nothing demonstrates commitment to your cause like personal contribution. Consider donating a portion of your commission toward a charity, foundation, or issue.
