In my office about every other week we have a agent round table where agents of various degrees of experience talk about things that are coming up, difficulties they are having or just to talk about aspects of real estate that interest us.

As a mom of two teenagers and a surrogate mom to another, much of my time is spent teaching my kids how they must be responsible for their own actions. For teenagers in particular this is a difficult lesson to learn. But as an adult and a real estate agent how does this apply to me and/or my colleagues?

 My actions as an agent not only affects my business overall but how a view the job that I have done. I recently had a transaction in which I was completely unable to communicate with the real estate agent on the other side of the transaction. In fact, I have always been conscious of the other sides feelings and tried to use the golden rule in all of my business dealings. But this transaction was different and difficult and I knew it would be from the very beginning.

Thankfully even with all the difficulties the transaction closed but for me I am still dealing with the consequences of my actions. Should I have done more or done something different? I question why using the golden rule doesn’t always work? What can I do to change how I do business to prevent something like this happening again? After a lot of thought I have come to the conclusion that questions like these and sole searching my actions, which may not always be comfortable, will make me a better person and a better Realtor.   

Gratitude. I recently had an argument with my daughter about her lack of gratitude at times. Like most teenagers she does not understand what I am talking about but it got me thinking about how in general we need to say thank you more, or I appreciate you, especially during times that it is unexpected or expected and most especially for the little over looked things . Thank you should go to my clients that think of me every time they hear of someone interested in Real Estate. Thank you to my mom who will keep calling when she knows I am overwhelmed and I don't return the call. Thank you to John who will listen to my business woes and will put it into prospective for me. Thank you for my husband for putting up with me for the last 21 years. It is easy to let the moments of gratitude to get away from you but my goal is stay in the present and not forget who and for what would should be grateful for.

Raleigh is in the news again. According to CNNMoney.com Raleigh has been named #3 in large metro areas to launch a small business. We always knew it was a great place to live and work. I hope a lot of small business owners and their families begin to call us home. Link to the article: http://money.cnn.com/smallbusiness/best_places_launch/2009/snapshot/271.html