I remember my Grandfather saying “The job should be its own reward” and I remember thinking he was the greatest man on the planet. I was so proud to say he was my grandfather.

He worked the lube rack at a busy service station. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter and he worked with his hands and and he told me the customer was always right. He worked for wages and he worked to righteously represent his employer and his employer’s brand.

Today, I work to promote my own brand. I am a REALTOR.

Every day I look for opportunities to promote my brand and you should too. So let me tell you about a great opportunity. When you participate in Real Estate Wednesdays and captain a kettle for the four Wednesdays in December, you get to brand your kettle.

Think about it. You stand there ringing a bell for a 153-year old organization that is beloved and every time a good-hearted person puts money in the slot, they see your logo sign hanging just above the kettle. What better time, place, and cause to have your brand associated with?

Is bell-ringing a commercial activity? Of course not. You are not going to stand there and talk real estate. You won’t be talking on your cell phone and you won’t be looking at inventory on MLS. What you will do is wear a nametag and smile and thank each person for their generosity. They will smile back and wish you a Merry Christmas and fill you with the true spirit of the season. Some will tell you their Salvation Army story and if you are lucky you will witness a small child making his first donation in his life.

Captain a Kettle this season. Brand your Kettle with your logo and nametag. Experience life-changing moments and remember “The work is its own reward”.