Building your investor network through volunteering

Some of the best things you can do for your business as an investor are counter-intuitive. Many people think building a network as an investor involves going to meetings, lunches and coffee with other investors. Sure, that is part of it. But there is a lot more to it than that. 

Such as volunteering time. Sure, I know you are busy, but volunteering can get you face time with people you might never meet otherwise. Donate time to causes like Habitat for Humanity. Get yourself a printed tee shirt with your company name. Then help out. No sales pitch, though answering questions is fine. You would be surprised at some of the contacts you can make through volunteering. Private money lenders, bankers, contractors, and potential sellers are all there doing their part. And that tee shirt on a pleasant and hard working volunteer will do more to impress any of them than your mail piece, or even loan app.

If you can afford to do so, donate to charities. Not just cash. If you do rehabs, donate something like painting a room (or paying for it) to be bid on in their silent auction. This will place an association between your business and the donation. People do notice such things. People who matter. 

You would be surprised at the mileage you will get from such activities. Even the little things matter. I have had times when people I met as a volunteer took notice, and their decisions were influenced by my volunteer service. I would not expect anyone to do something illegal, or unethical. But it is not unusual for decision makers to have a certain amount of latitude and discretion, and knowing that you are involved in the community can be a deciding factor.

Volunteer! Help change people's minds about investors, one person at a time.