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 nearly 30 years of my profession to what I feel is without doubt one of the most vital pillars of our society — turning a home into a house and utilizing an deal with as a house base for neighborhood constructing. I do know this concept resonates broadly throughout our trade, and it’s why actual property professionals are so keen about what they do.
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We all know that individuals who personal properties have increased ranges of civic engagement — that’s a flowery time period for being conscious of and supporting the wants of your neighborhood. Our main 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 purchasers purchase and promote properties; 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 neighborhood to the subsequent stage.
Lead by instance, actually
Final 12 months, 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 assist adults and kids with disabilities. Our contributions have helped Easterseals additional its mission of empowering folks with disabilities to be full and equal members in society.
As a member of the Board of Administrators, I’ve been capable of 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 assist to the subsequent stage with this management alternative.
I urge you to consider methods you may take your personal philanthropic efforts to the subsequent stage. 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 online business
Don’t view charitable actions as separate from your online 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 real motivation, it’s a pure end result of a well-rounded marketing strategy that features giving again to your neighborhood.
Philanthropy must also 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 id as neighborhood servants by means of actual property.
Create a collective give attention to neighborhood impression
The Century 21 Worldwide Week of Giving is a primary instance of how a collective give attention to philanthropy could make a big impression. 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 neighborhood.
The primary-ever Worldwide Day of Giving showcased the neighborhood giving efforts of the Century 21 community members all over the world. Primarily based on its success, the initiative was expanded to a full week the next 12 months in 2023.
Whereas many firms affiliated with our brokerage’s model assist Easterseals, additionally they assist native efforts of their backyards. Creating an consciousness week like that is an impactful strategy to remind purchasers and communities of the work that goes on all 12 months lengthy. It additionally strengthens the sense of neighborhood 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 id.
By integrating philanthropy into our enterprise mannequin, we contribute to our communities’ well-being, improve our model’s popularity and foster a tradition of giving. Actual property professionals have an enormous alternative to make a long-lasting impression 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.
