In 2005 I reworked the NoPlaceLikeHome business plan and centered it on supporting local non-profits. The tag line became "Working hard for our clients while serving the community." When I presented the newly created business plan to my broker - complete with a calendar of the events I planned on sponsoring & volunteering for - he said "good luck with that." His tone indicated his playful skepticism, as my plan did not employ the typical strategies being used by Realtors at the time.
Back then I had no idea just how rewarding this path was going to turn out. It was far beyond the win-win of getting the NoPlacceLikeHome name out in the community while financially supporting some amazing non-profits. It became an avenue of developing great friendships with incredible people. I learned more in-depth about the services different non-profits provide & how they are positively impacting the lives of those they serve as well as those of us supporting them; truly understanding the real needs that are out there. The events NoPlaceLikeHome sponsors have become a part of yearly rituals that I look forward to. In addition to dollars, 1,000s of hours have been spent donating time as well. These non-profits keep us connected to our community. While supporting them, I have learned how much I and the community needs them.
Oh, and as far as our broker is concerned . . . After witnessing the meaningfulness of this plan's success, he started his own non-profit in 2015 with the same philosophy - "The Results Foundation - Community Built. Community Driven." Not only did I genuinely wish him luck, I also automatically donate to his non-profit with every paycheck I receive. As he puts it - there is no better feeling in the world than being able to help others.
Committing to the community is rewarding in every aspect. I hear about more and more businesses - small and large - placing their commitment to community at the core of their strategies. 2020 and COVID-19 drove home just how integral the non-profits have become a part of our lives. In viral times, this is the kind of contagion we can not have enough of.
