I'm sitting on my couch, writing this, and getting ready to go to bed. It's been a crazy first half of the year 2008. On one hand we have had a successful first half. We are the number 2 ioffice n brevard county (only 2 transactions away from being number 1) out of 500 real estate offices. Pretty good for only our third year in business. Anyway, so I'm getting ready to go to bed and wanted to send out a note to all of you who are working a little harder this year to make ends meet or for some, to stay in the business that they most likely love.
As you venture through the next 6 months, take some time to see if you are working smart. Be sure that you have a support staff helping you to become better and to become successful. If your Broker or company isn't doing anything to help you through training or other support, then it's time to think about making a change. It's my belief that a Real Estate Brokerage is a partnership between everyone. I have seen so many Companies where the Agents don't even know the other Agents and worse, they don't care to know the other Agents. They all work out of their home offices isolated in their own little worlds. To me this is a sure fire way to fail.
This is the time when a Brokerage has to act more like a team. With the help of your fellow teamates, this market doesn't seem so difficult. Work together as a unit helping each other. Become one and you will all reap the rewards. What I"m trying to say to you is if what you are doing currently isn't working, then it's time to rethink your plan. By working as a team, you will find that your work drive will increase. I'm a big believer is the phrase "activity breads activity". I watch my Agents who are working hard and succeeding in this market. They walk over to the sales board and get very upset when someone has more contracts on the board they do. The next thing you know, that Agent is on the phone calling their leads and other contacts. Friendly competition is a great motivator...so is personal pride. The funny thing is, no matter how much they want to be the top Realtor in our office, they would never do anything to hurt or deceive anyone and especially not one of our teamates. They all want to be number one and they are all very happy for whoever is each month. They know how I feel about being number 1 and I know they all want to make me a proud Broker Dad!
My dad said to me a long time ago, and I have shared this with my children as recently as this afternoon actually, He said, "It doesn't matter what you do in life as long as you are the best". Is there always going to be someone who is a little more successful in this business? Probalby! However, you need to always strive to be the best. Look in the mirror; are you striving to be the best? Are you working 40+ hours a week or are you being busy 40+ hours a week? It's real easy to get off focus in a market like this. It's easy to fall into what most Realtors are doing these days. Are you one of those Agents blaming the market because it's easier to do than blame yourself. If you haven't had at least 1 sale a month, then what are you doing to change that? Personally, if you haven't had at least 2 sales per month, how are you surviving!
Ok, I sort of went off course from when I sat down to write tonight. I want you all to know that if you aren't being appreciated for what you do, if you aren't happy with what is going on right now, if you don't get to smile each and every day, if you really want more...the go for it! You can do anything you put your mind to, but you really have to do it. You really have to wake up tomorrow and say "This is the day! This is the day I'm going to really make a change. After all, I am as good if not better than that other Agent that has had 15 sales so far this year". Ok, you don't have to say it exactly like that, but I think you know where I'm going with all this. It's all about attitude. If your attitude is negative; negative things will happen. If you think positive; positive things will happen. I believe you have two choices when you wake up in the morning. You can choose to do the same old same old and be grouchy about not getting where you want to go, or you can wake up with a smile on your face and no you have your whole career ahead of you and you are in complete control of your destiny. It's really that simple!
Oh, and have a ton of fun doing it! I do! Keep Smiling! My motto I started at the beginning of the year is "If it Ain't fun, I ain't doing it" So far it's really helped me enjoy my life more!
Mitch
True! Very interesting post. Thank you for sharing your thought's with us...I shared the link to your blog with my broker...