Ask Not What Your Community Can Do For You…
3 Actions Local Business People may Contribute Beyond the Politics of Election Season
America’s Election season progressed beyond traditional quadrennial media cycles 2 decades back into year-round partisan politics. Thanks alot to Florida’s famous Hanging Chad. If you have not yet heard about outspoken Miami documentarian Billy Corben’s new 537 Votes film on Florida’s infamous 2000 Bush/Gore presidential election results debacle, then click this Movie Poster for a link to HBO’s trailer and streaming video:
Most polite business people avoid political or religious talk. For instance, when asked why Michael Jordan did not vocalize support for a North Carolina Democrat, His Airness famously replied that “Republicans buy Sneakers too”. That said, we know that our professional circle Votes. Some clients or friends even hold office or campaign for candidates and publicly display their party-affiliation and opinions. Beyond virtue signaling your social media photos with “i voted” stickers, our brokerage team celebrates and encourages our colleagues and clients to follow President Kennedy’s suggestion that citizens “Ask what You can do for Your Country”. That timeless rhetoric is as essential today as then and here are 3 actions that RISE took this past election year to support South Florida’s community:
1] Give Miami Day 2019’s 1st Annual RISE Realty Roast: a food bank fundraiser co-hosted by your author who poked fun at our broker, that charismatic Keith Darby. Care to watch us Bomb on stage?[standup is tough]: https://www.instagram.
Thankfully, Miami Comedy’s professional standups promptly took the stage to entertain at Wynwood’s Mr Wright’s Gold Saloon, an eclectic slice of the American Old West conveniently on 20th Street. Despite this quarantine quashing our 2020 event, expect RISE to host a future Roast of other local Real Estate Brokers next year. In the meantime, as thousands of residents struggle to pay rent or buy groceries, consider donating to last year’s beneficiary The Jewish Community Services, in its 101st year now discreetly serving 400 families.
Jewish Community Services received a donation check to their food bank 2019
RISE Realty Broker Keith Darby was a good sport as the 1st Roastee for our Miami foodbank fundraiser
Give Miami Day is the Thursday before Thanksgiving each year is when Dade residents and businesses do their best to financial support their favorite non-profits. So many of our fellow brokers collectively raise millions and inspire each other by raising awareness for their favorite worthy causes.
2] Build a community coalition that serves your clients. Startup a simple, smart side biz that doubles as a new knowledge base for you and network your favorite client. If your time permits and passions persist, then do not hesitate to start a business, network group or civic task force. Perhaps you or your business community recognize a gap in community or commercial services provided in the marketplace. Fill that void and Be the Change.
For instance, 3 RISE clients [1 office & 2 retail] inspired the founding of Beach Fit Miami, a network of Dade’s sports and wellness coaches who meet monthly to share best business practices, working together to sustain and promote the fitness industry. Additionally, this startup curated fitness classes last March to shift Miami Beach’s busiest tourist season toward a healthy lifestyle option when our weather is ideal.
3 RISE clients inspired Commercial Real Estate Advisor Kevin A Krueger to co-found Beach Fit Miami
By serving this city’s top industry Hospitality the Sports and Wellness Coaches raise their profile along with the global image as an attractive staycation for South Florida residents. Many conversations among local politicians made MYAMI Beach 2020 happen and Beach Fit Miami intends to produce future large civic sporting events while continuing to host its fit biz monthly meetups.
3] Listen and stay involved. Attend city hall meetings, even on zoom. Ask your neighbors how their careers and family are faring throughout quarantine and which political issues affect them directly. We may not always need to express our political agenda in order to achieve your preferred goals, but rather simply being available and a sounding board to others, particularly those with local political influence, can expand your knowledge base. What we glean from local issues may directly apply to our business- keep your ears to the ground.
Since 50% of communication is Listening, you may find that an audience who appreciates your active listening, even if it’s a new skill. For instance, a Miami Teacher reached out to RISE to advise her about a ballot question for a Construction and Development project. Your author provided perspective and insights that fit her personality, career and goals to feel comfortable with casting her vote.
Surprise yourself with new responsibilities and become reliable beyond yourself, family and business. Ask directly what your community needs; ask civic leaders how a resident or business leader like yourself may contribute that week.
Media may sensationalize that America appears fractured; however, when each of us stays involved with our pursuit of happiness, then so much may be achieved together.
If we each Think Global and Act Local, then we might build a more United States of America, starting right here in your business district. The S in our RISE acronym stands for Service, so please reply with how you or your company creatively lead our communities.