{"id":86187,"date":"2019-07-29T09:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T15:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/renewsblog\/?p=86187"},"modified":"2021-03-16T12:20:30","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T18:20:30","slug":"give-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/give-back","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways Investors Can Give Back to Their Communities (& the Larger World)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWe make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.\u201d \u2014Winston Churchill<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Successful real estate investors are go-getters and achievement-oriented typically. They desire financial independence and work hard toward this goal. Still, many of the successful real estate investors I have met over the years also have a strong interest and desire to give back, as well. When you meet very successful people, they are always the type who are contributing to their community in some capacity. Ironically, giving back has been one of the ways they have become so successful.<\/p>\n

I have learned that the more you give, the more you get. It is like a boomerang. Whatever you throw out comes back to you.<\/p>\n

So what are the best ways to give back? There are hundreds of creative ways, but I thought I would share three areas of your life where you can give to others. Hopefully the following examples inspire you in some way to give a bit more to your community and to this world.<\/p>\n

3 Ways Investors Can Give Back to Their Communities (& the Larger World)<\/h2>\n

1. Your Time<\/h3>\n

As I have shared in other blog posts, the one limited resource is time. There is an abundance of everything else\u2014money, energy, resources, people, etc. However, time is that one limited resource. As such, we all must use our time as wisely as possible.<\/p>\n

Giving up your time is a big deal. It’s precious, after all. So choose wisely.<\/p>\n

I love when people say they “don\u2019t have the time” to give back. I think this is absolute nonsense. It is unlikely that you “don\u2019t have the time”; it is that you choose to not \u201cmake\u201d the time. We all make time for what is important to us and what aligns with our values. So if you find yourself saying this often, then you might want to examine it a bit closer. If giving back is important to you, you will make the time to do it.<\/p>\n

\"Interview<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> Why Investors Should Give Back to Their Communities Year Round (NOT Just at the Holidays!)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In the world of real estate investing, sharing your knowledge is a simple yet powerful way to give back. I am sure you know this already, but answering questions on the BiggerPockets Forums<\/a> is an incredible way to give back to others. By sharing the lessons you’ve learned and knowledge you’ve acquired as a real estate investor (regardless of how long you have been investing), you help others avoid mistakes and create a successful real estate investing business. Everyone has something to give. Share what you know. Knowledge is invaluable.<\/p>\n

Another terrific way to give your time is in the community where you are investing. Find local organizations that align with your values and goals. Even if you invest out of state, there are ways to help organizations and give your time without having to be there physically.<\/p>\n

Additionally, one of the easiest ways to give back is to volunteer for your local real estate investing group. Many real estate investing clubs are volunteer-based and nonprofit. We have volunteered for our local New Jersey REIA group (SJREIA) since we began investing many years ago. Some would say, \u201cWell, the reason you volunteer is for exposure, finding deals, and networking.\u201d Yes, over the years, volunteering for this organization has produced deals, resources, and networking opportunities. However, we are very clear that our involvement is mainly about giving back to investors and the investor community.<\/p>\n

Every single nonprofit group needs help and support. Get involved and help out\u2014and these efforts will be returned to you.<\/p>\n

2. Your Talent<\/h3>\n

\u201cEveryone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.\u201d \u2014Erica Jong<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We all have talents. I don\u2019t care who you are, where you are from, how many units you own, etc. You have certain talents that are gifts to this world. Talents are your top strengths and skills. What are you amazing at? What do you do at an exceptional level?<\/p>\n

Here are some examples of talents that you can share and \u201cgive\u201d to others:<\/p>\n