Caroline Pinal
SAN FRANCISCO — Giving is good, right? Well, it can be. But giving can only achieve great things for your business and the people you serve if you have a plan in place.
Caroline Pinal of GiveBack Homes outlined 10 tips for giving back in your business in the “Making Service Part of Your Business” presentation at Inman Connect San Francisco.
1. Do your due diligence
Select three or four organizations that interest you, and interview them. This process might prevent you from an embarrassing situation or not getting the desired results.
2. Find out what your team is passionate about
Find that common thread that your team can get behind collectively. Learn what your team is into by simply asking or conducting a survey among your agents or holding a meeting.
3. Set goals
Remember that plan we talked about in the beginning? It includes setting goals and achieving them. And don’t forget to celebrate the milestones with your team.
4. Start a foundation?
Seriously consider the pros and cons of this endeavor. Ask yourself if starting a foundation is the best use of your resources — or better yet, ask someone who has done it.
5. Start partnerships
Make sure you’re goals are aligned, and you can help each other achieve those goals.
6. Get involved
Don’t have an event twice a year. Make it a regular thing. Really get your hands dirty when trying to make a difference.
7. Make it social
Use your influence and social good to create social change. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box.
For example, REI closed it’s doors on Black Friday and lost millions of dollars all to allow its employees to volunteer that day. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain to create change.
8. Talk about it
Telling people about giving back isn’t a self-serving thing. It’s inspiring to others as well as your team. Let people know what you’re up to, and share your success.
9. Beware of cause washing
Cause washing — inauthentic marketing for good — is a giving-back sin. Actually do good, don’t just promote it.
10. Be flexible
Don’t be afraid to disrupt the stats quo. If something isn’t working — let it go. Try something new. Expand on what you are already doing. Make it big, and take chances.
Use these 10 tips from Pinal to make a difference in your community, your brokerage and your business.
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