Greg Sexton, chief working officer for Century 21 Actual Property, describes the model’s 45-year-long philanthropic involvement with the Easterseals.
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I’ve devoted virtually 30 years of my profession to what I believe is without doubt one of the most vital pillars of our society — turning a home into a house and utilizing an tackle as a house base for group constructing. I do know this concept resonates broadly throughout our trade, and it’s why actual property professionals are so obsessed with what they do.
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We all know that individuals who personal houses have increased ranges of civic engagement — that’s a elaborate time period for being conscious of and supporting the wants of your group. Our major position as actual property brokers contributes to this just by being the facilitator of homeownership. Nevertheless it goes a lot additional than that for therefore many people.
We don’t simply assist our shoppers purchase and promote houses; we’re additionally closely invested in our communities by means of volunteering, fundraising, donating and serving. Actual property brokers don’t simply present actual property service to their cities and cities; they dwell there, too, and work tirelessly to make them higher locations for everybody.
In that vein, I’d like to supply my ideas on how we as an trade can take our dedication to group to the following degree.
Lead by instance, actually
Final yr, I used to be honored to be appointed to the Easterseals Nationwide Board of Administrators. To be clear, this management position didn’t simply drop into my lap. It was the results of the Century 21 model’s long-time and fruitful partnership with the group.
Over the previous 45 years of our work with Easterseals, we’ve got raised greater than $135 million to help adults and kids with disabilities. Our contributions have helped Easterseals additional its mission of empowering folks with disabilities to be full and equal individuals in society.
As a member of the Board of Administrators, I’ve been in a position to lend my insights and experiences to actively information the group in a approach that ensures the continued give attention to its vital mission. For Century 21 Actual Property, we’ve got taken our help to the following degree with this management alternative.
I urge you to consider methods you may take your individual philanthropic efforts to the following degree. Are you able to be part of a committee, spearhead an initiative, throw your hat within the ring for management roles?
Prioritize philanthropy in your small business
Don’t view charitable actions as separate from your small business. Incorporate them into your total enterprise technique. Collaborating in charitable efforts can result in elevated enterprise alternatives. Whereas producing extra enterprise shouldn’t be the only motivation, it’s a pure consequence of a well-rounded marketing strategy that features giving again to your group.
Philanthropy also needs to be an inherent a part of your organizational tradition. At my brokerage, brokers affiliated with our model find out about our relationship with Easterseals from the second they be part of. We emphasize that Easterseals is a core part of our identification as group servants by means of actual property.
Create a collective give attention to group affect
The Century 21 Worldwide Week of Giving is a chief instance of how a collective give attention to philanthropy could make a major affect. We began this initiative three years in the past as a strategy to mark our model anniversary whereas bringing into focus our long-standing dedication to the group.
The primary-ever Worldwide Day of Giving showcased the group giving efforts of the Century 21 community members world wide. Primarily based on its success, the initiative was expanded to a full week the next yr in 2023.
Whereas many corporations affiliated with our brokerage’s model help Easterseals, in addition they help native efforts of their backyards. Creating an consciousness week like that is an impactful strategy to remind shoppers and communities of the work that goes on all yr lengthy. It additionally strengthens the sense of group and goal inside every of our native brokerages.
Our 45-year relationship with Easterseals has proven that giving again isn’t just an obligation however a core a part of our identification.
By integrating philanthropy into our enterprise mannequin, we contribute to our communities’ well-being, improve our model’s status and foster a tradition of giving. Actual property professionals have an enormous alternative to make an enduring affect of their communities, and I urge you to grab it now.
Greg Sexton is Chief Working Officer for Century 21 Actual Property, a publish he has held since 2013. Join with Greg on Linkedin.
