According to Bob Burg and John David Mann, “success is a result of specific habits of action; creating value, touching people’s lives, putting others’ interests first, being real and having the humility to stay open to receiving.”
Burg and Mann are the authors of “The Go-Giver,” a book that tells the story of an ambitious man who finds success after applying the “Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.” These laws were found to improve success, both professionally and personally.
“At Jack Conway we live and work by the guidance of the Go-Giver. We encourage all members of our organization to immerse themselves in service to others and ties to the community, with no expectation of something in return. A personal and professional life committed to these principals is proven to be more fulfilling and more successful, and we see this happening every day at Conway,” said Carol Bulman.
To show our appreciation for those that strive to better their community, we are highlighting Jack Conway Go-Givers in a new series, and Lois Baho is up first!
Lois joined Conway Country in 1995. She works for the West Roxbury office, and takes an active role in her community, getting involved in any way she can.
How are you involved in your community?
“I joined various organizations that I believed in and that I enjoyed. Not for the purpose of getting business, but for enjoyment, for networking with people, and for giving back.”
Lois joined the West Roxbury Business and Professional Association when her first manager suggested she should be the one representing the company because she lived in West Roxbury and through her involvement, she would be able to network. She joined the Garden Club simply because she enjoys gardening. The club does civic projects and educates the community about gardening.
Ethos is an organization that serves the seniors of West Roxbury. They asked Lois to be on the Advisory Council for AgeWell West Roxbury because she was in contact with seniors who wanted to age in place and needed services. She became involved in volunteering, helping with fundraising, and donating. Her service continued then she became certified in teaching on the topic of balance and Tai Chi for better balance for seniors, which she’s been teaching since 2010.
“They were things I believed in, things I wanted to do to help out. I remember an agent who was in the office for many years before I was. And he said, ‘you know, sometimes it doesn’t matter what you tell them about selling a house or being their agent. It just comes down to if they like you and trust you.’ And my theory was always it’s about people, not about sales.”
Why is service important to you?
“I was always taught that you give back. Whatever I had as a kid and as an adult I felt lucky to have. So, I wanted to help, to share, and to pay it forward, as they say. And I feel as though working in real estate, it’s important to give back to the community and to do what you like.”
Lois believes that people should like what they’re doing and not go into something thinking that they’re going to get business. She can recall times that people got involved in their community for the hope of gaining business, but it didn’t pay off being inauthentic.
How has service impacted your life professionally?
“I would say that it’s given me a wide range of people that I can network with and that I can trust to refer to people and that they feel comfortable with me so they will refer me, or they will call me for information and help and assistance.”
Through her involvement in the community, people remember Lois. She said she doesn’t need to advertise her real estate business to get business. She has had many transactions and referrals because of her service. Whether they need a house sitter, a handyman, an attorney, or a notary, Lois is there to help.
How have you benefited from giving back to your community?
“When people reach out to me for not only real estate advice, but other matters, then I feel gratified that they trust me. Last year, I had a call from some sellers. They were interviewing agents and wanted someone local. I was told that they read my bio on the Jack Conway web site and decided to call me because I was active in my community.”
For Lois, it’s about the community. She finds it rewarding to bring publicity to the service she is a part of, and in turn recruiting more people to get involved in the cause. Just the feeling of doing something good for her community and helping others is enough for Lois, but the increased business success was a bonus.
“It’s always been about people, not about sales. People should do what they want to do and like to do and not expect anything in return. Just to help out. and to be a part of the community and to donate time and money if they can.”
Thank you, Lois, for all you do to support your community, for representing Jack Conway so well, and for being a true Go-Giver.
