With a strong participation rate from our membership, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Network “Power Luncheon” we hosted in mid-November was a tremendous success. DEI initiatives are leading the way in the real estate industry and Cape Fear REALTORS® (CFR) is proud to offer a selection of education and networking events to our membership.

All of us enjoyed hearing insights from Koren Bowman, a DEI Committee member for the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, who spoke about the importance of DEI work in the REALTOR® community. Bowman is a 15-year veteran of the real estate industry who enjoys serving the community through ministry, volunteer work/service and engagement.

The strong attendance from CFR members demonstrated their commitment to learn more about the benefits of DEI policies and focus on implementing these policies within their businesses. While there, they discussed ideas found in The Go-Giver, a best-selling book by Bob Burg and John David Mann that illustrates a business idea that appears simple on the surface.

Essentially, the book shows that people who shift their focus from getting to giving can receive a set of valuable, lasting intrinsic rewards. Through case studies of fictional business leaders, including a real estate broker, the writers show how making the interests of other people a priority and working to add value to their lives can bring substantial benefits.

This was an especially timely discussion to have around the holiday season, though it is certainly relevant all year. The idea of positioning others for success naturally flows with this topic, and it is worth pointing out that providing inclusive leadership opportunities is an important component of the work that the association does to meet the professional development/educational needs of our members.

As the real estate industry continues to grow, it is important that we keep DEI initiatives top of mind as an association. The opportunities that we provide for our members set the standard for how the REALTOR® community does business. We continue to provide premiere educational and networking events for our members so they can grow, innovate, and provide equitable service to the Cape Fear community. 

When our members have a platform, a space to collaborate, and the feeling their contributions will be welcomed and valued, they are positioned to reach their full potential and offer better service to their clients. This is partially why we are so excited and grateful that the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® is allowing us to utilize their innovative Diversity Alliance Tool Kit as a prototype for our association members.

The goal for this tool kit is to share information and resources that will empower all CFR members, staff, and volunteers to become ambassadors for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Adopting it will help us advance DEI efforts across the industry, bring innovation and new ideas, foster stronger businesses and ultimately, provide clients with a superior standard of support and service.

To connect with a local REALTOR® or learn more about DEI practices and professional development opportunities, visit CapeFear.REALTOR or call 910-762-7400.