Are you looking for a way to connect your real estate career with a greater sense of purpose? Many professionals in the industry find that aligning their work with their personal values not only brings more fulfillment but also builds a stronger, more successful business.
By giving back to your community, you can create a career that is both profitable and personally rewarding.
This post recaps our recent webinar, “Discover What’s Possible When Purpose Drives Your Real Estate Career,” where we explored this very topic with a panel of industry experts. We’ll share their insights on how to find your purpose, get involved in your community, and turn your passion for helping others into a thriving real estate business.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose Builds Trust: When you genuinely engage with your community, people see your heart, not just your profession. This trust naturally leads to repeat clients and referrals.
- Align with Your Values: Choose causes that you are passionate about. When your work aligns with your values, it becomes easier and more organic to stay committed and make a real impact.
- Start Small and Be Consistent: You don’t have to overhaul your schedule overnight. Start with small, manageable commitments, like one hour a month, and build from there. Consistency is more important than the amount of time you spend.
- Share Your Journey to Inspire Others: Sharing your community work on social media isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about inspiring others to join you, multiplying your impact, and creating a network of like-minded individuals.
How Community Involvement Fuels Your Business
Our webinar brought together three experienced professionals:
- Tina Lapp, Head of Industry Relations and Career Excellence for Colibri Real Estate, brought more than 30 years of real estate education experience to moderate this discussion.
- Lisa McKim, a multi-state broker and Certified Negotiation Expert, shared her passion for authentic communication and leadership.
- Ennis Antoine, an award-winning, visionary broker at Keller Williams West Atlanta, shared his perspective on mentorship and community service.
Getting involved in your community is more than just a feel-good activity; it’s a powerful way to build your real estate business. As our panelists discussed, when you volunteer and serve others, people see your genuine character and commitment.
Watch a replay of the webinar to learn more about these industry leaders.
Building trust through service
Ennis Antoine shared a powerful lesson from his father: “I don’t care what type of job you do, always take time out to give back to the area that you work in.” Ennis explained that when you’re doing community work, people “see my heart; they see that I care about the people. And when they see you care about who they are, they want to work with you.”
Here’s how Ennis encouraged others in his community to get involved:
This sentiment was echoed by Lisa McKim, who noted that her purpose has always been to help others. This drive led her to real estate, where she discovered an even deeper connection to her community. For real estate professionals, who are often in the business of helping people, community engagement is a natural extension of their work.
From visibility to referrals
Community involvement organically leads to increased visibility and recognition as a leader. Lisa explained that it isn’t just about getting your sign on a lawn; it’s about being asked to help with panels and events. This visibility builds trust and positions you as a go-to expert. As Ennis pointed out, the long-term benefits are substantial. People he meets through volunteering remember him, creating a network that generates a steady stream of referrals. “Plant the seeds and it will flourish,” he said.
Listen as Lisa tells her story of community involvement:
How to Find Your Purpose and Get Involved
With so many ways to give back, how do you choose where to focus your efforts? The key, according to our panelists, is to align your involvement with your personal passion and values.
Choosing causes that matter to you
Ennis advises asking yourself a few key questions:
- Does this work align with my purpose?
- Does this help someone build a better life?
- Does it align with my values?
- Can I show up consistently?
When your involvement stems from a genuine passion, whether it’s for the arts, food security, or fair housing, it won’t feel like an obligation. Lisa shared, “I have passions for the arts, for food, for seniors. And those are kind of the things that I get involved with that stems from my purpose.”
Turning passion into action
Our speakers have been involved in a wide range of activities, from large-scale initiatives to smaller, local efforts.
- Lisa has organized community events like block parties, craft fairs, and client appreciation BBQs. She also got involved by farming a small retirement community, which started with door-knocking and grew into organizing upgrades for their clubhouse.
- Ennis, inspired by his upbringing, started by addressing food insecurity and then moved into housing by partnering with Habitat for Humanity. His involvement grew to include policy advocacy, where he now works to promote private property rights and housing affordability on Capitol Hill.
These examples show that you can start anywhere. Whether it’s reading to children at a local school, joining a committee in your trade organization, or volunteering for a cause you believe in, every action makes a difference.
Create a Plan for Giving Back
Integrating community service into a busy real estate career requires intention and planning. It’s not about finding more time; it’s about making time for what matters.
Making a consistent commitment
Ennis treats his volunteer work like any other important appointment. “I have dedicated that I’m going to do 150 hours with Habitat for Humanity,” he said. By breaking it down to just three hours a week and putting it on his calendar, he ensures he stays consistent. This commitment creates a snowball effect, inspiring others to get involved as well.
Lisa bases her time commitment on her business schedule but emphasizes that community involvement is part of her business. She dedicates about 15-20 hours a week to activities like giving seminars on economic empowerment.
Avoiding burnout while giving back
Sustaining your efforts without burning out is crucial. Both panelists stressed the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.
- Lisa makes time for herself each day for spiritual and artistic work, which keeps her grounded. “I do take time to do that,” she says, “and that tends to keep me very grounded.”
- Ennis recharges by spending time with his grandkids and enjoying his love for baseball. He shared a touching story of his granddaughter seeing him on a monitor in Washington, D.C., and exclaiming, “Paw paw, you’re famous!” Moments like these, he said, are what keep him going.
Tina also asked tough questions of the real estate professionals. Listen as the brokers answer, “How do you participate without looking disingenuous?”
Take the First Step Today
Finding your purpose and integrating it into your real estate career can transform your business and your life. It builds trust, expands your network, and brings a level of fulfillment that goes beyond commissions. As our speakers demonstrated, when you lead with a servant’s heart, success will follow.
Ready to find your purpose? Start by exploring volunteer opportunities in your community that align with your passions. Even one hour a month can make a significant impact.
Looking to elevate your real estate career? Watch our webinar replay. Then, discover how a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership can transform your growth. With unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, professional certifications, and exclusive tools, you’ll stay ahead in the industry with ease and affordability.
Get started with a Single-State Real Estate CE Membership or add a Multi-State Pass today!
