​4 Ways You Can Give Back as an Investor

It’s that time of year again when we think about the things and people we’re thankful for. Often, this reflection leads us to ponder how we can give back in some way, and the impact our actions can have on other people. I’ve posted before about the importance of investors giving back, and how doing this is beneficial to everyone involved, including the investor. When you give of your own time, what you get in return is often far greater than what you give. Here are 4 ways you can give back.

Be a Mentor

If you’ve been in the business for a while, you’ve undoubtedly gained a lot of knowledge along the way. What better way to give back than to take a fledgling investor under your wing? Being a new investor can be an overwhelming and intimidating thing - you remember the feeling, don’t you? Becoming a mentor to a new investor is one way you can help ease some of that initial discomfort, and your guidance and advice can make a world of difference for a newbie. So put some feelers out in your network, and see if there are any beginners out there looking for help; it’s a great way to give back, and chances are you’ll learn something new along the way too.

Organize a Networking Event

Speaking of networks, you can also give back by hosting or organizing a networking event. Bringing together a bunch of investors and others in the industry, like lenders, realtors, and contractors, is great for everyone involved. The more a person’s network is expanded, the more likely they are to land deals. These events are also great for building your reputation and brand, and getting your name out there. Organizing one yourself is a really cool thing you can do for others in the industry. It doesn’t have to be a massive event, either (unless, of course, you want it to be). Even a simple meet-up at a local restaurant or other venue will serve the purpose by bringing people together.

Volunteer in your Neighborhood

If you’re really in the giving spirit, consider volunteering your time in the community you’re invested in. Maybe you own a property in a lower income area that is in desperate need of some clean-up, or maybe you’ve noticed elderly residents in the neighborhood who could use assistance in some way. Offering up your time to help those who need it most is one of the best ways you can give back and really become a part of the community.

Share Your Knowledge

In addition to the mentoring mentioned previously, there are other ways you can share your knowledge. Blogging, lecturing, and participating in online forums are just a few of them, and the great thing about these is that they happen on a public platform, so you’re able to reach a much larger group of people. This means potentially having an even greater impact! It may not seem like much, but trust me, it is. You’re taking time to educate and share what you’ve learned from your personal experiences in investing, and this can directly benefit your audience. I know that hearing stories from experienced investors and how they handled certain situations has helped me on countless occasions.

During this season of thankfulness, think about how others have helped you along the way. Wouldn’t it feel good to do some helping of your own? There are lots of ways you can give back, whether you have an hour, a day, or a week. Find something that speaks to you, and then use that to help others. You’ll be glad you did.