Ambassador

Look For the Lanyard

By: Ann N. Edwards, Realtor®, KW Suncoast

As a young student in West Bradenton, I coveted the opportunity of being assigned to “safety patrol” from an early age. Envision it, for just a minute, this awkward girl in a plaid pleated jumper, white, starched Peter Pan collar shirt, lace-up saddle oxfords, bobby socks, rocking the worst 80s permed frizz, desiring to add a fluorescent cross body harness to the ensemble. It is ludicrous as a fashion statement, and yet it meant the world to me.

In my mind, being selected for “safety patrol” meant the adults trusted me to lead others. They had confidence that I could help shepherd kids across the street, keep eyes out for lingering students, interact with the parents in pick up, and uphold the standards of our school. Admittedly, I did this last part with great strategy, given my lacking popularity. I didn’t call out my peers, but I ‘called them up’ to the task. I encouraged and guided, hopefully without imposing myself.

“How do we turn passive members into passionate ones and passionate members into brand ambassadors?”

This rather simple assignment was one of the foundational experiences of my future community engagement. Bernard Kelvin Clive, Ghanaian Author, Lecturer, & Branding Strategist says, “Everyone has a level of influence that can be harnessed for the greater good.” At 10 years old, I modeled this sentiment from behind a reflective neon sash. Three decades later, in hopes of a similar purpose, I don an orange lanyard indicating I am an ambassador for the largest trade Association in our counties.

RASM CEO Jeff Arakelian once queried, “How do we turn passive members into passionate ones and passionate members into brand ambassadors?” This sentiment spurned staff and leadership to develop a promissory statement to members, encouraging us to “Reach Further.™” The Ambassador Committee is one of the physical embodiments of this call. We strive to “Reach Further™” across brokerage lines, bridge gaps, and build professionalism. We are obliged to “Reach Further™” across misconceptions and missed opportunities so that fellow agents achieve their highest purpose. We intend to “Reach Further™” into the community so that Realtors® are the trusted local economists of choice, putting service first and then sales. Did you know an orange lanyard could say so much?

So, when you see an Ambassador attending one of your events, know we are there for courtesy and camaraderie. Chat us up! Questions and concerns are welcome. We’re all in this together, after all. Connectivity is empowering, and contagious. We may be able to help guide you to that next impactful educational event, introduce you to RASM members you’ve not met, interject from an experience you may not have had, and help you find that Business Partner you’ve been missing. Or perhaps this is your calling; to be a beacon to others and help us “Reach Further™” through involvement as an Ambassador; perms and glowing gear are not required.

To learn more about becoming an Ambassador, contact Gina McCarthy at gina@myrasm.com or (941) 952-3405. •