Throughout history man has always looked for ways to let others know that they were once here on earth.  Whether it was drawings on cave walls or even fossils, there are clues all around us proving there were things and people here long before we were.

Living in the technology era, we're lucky.  We have all sorts of ways of leaving a record of our existence.... Which I think is kind of cool!  Who knows, in 6000 years maybe our blogs may be likened to the Egyptian hieroglyphics.

What I'm interested in is how YOU want to be remembered. Other than the written word, what type of lasting impressions do you want to leave?  What will your legacy be?  How will others know that you were once here?

For some, their legacy is fulfilled with their children and their families.  For others, there is the hope to do something profound, maybe invent something.  Yet others long to be famous.  Inherently (I'd like to think) everyone hopes to make some sort of an impression.

For me, the legacy I hope to leave is tied to my character. I want to be remembered as a GOD fearing, loyal, loving friend and family member.  The line between my personal and professional life is very blurred.  And I like it that way.  I choose to exclusively work with friends and referrals of my friends.  So for many making the jump from saying "Sara is an honest & sincere friend" to "Sara is an honest & sincere Realtor" should be easy.  At least that's my hope. 

I've had another secret hope for my legacy for some time now.  I've decided that it is finally time to share it... OH BOY!  It has to do with the impression I leave on the Real Estate Industry and everyone who deal with those of us employed in the Real Estate Industry. 

With all my heart I hope that I can make real differences with the "outside world's" impression of Realtors.  I want the general public to trust in us the way we trust in Doctors, accountants and such.  I know, tall order.  I want the masses to know that for many of us, this is a career that we take VERY seriously.  We take the time to become knowledgeable in our areas expertise. Although the spoils of this career can be lucrative, it is just a byproduct of a job well done. 

As for the impression I leave on my colleagues, I hope to bridge the gap between competitors, encourage collaboration and healthy competition.  Frankly, this is the first step towards changing the public's impression of us.  I have met so many fantastic people in this business, nationally and locally.  Many of you inspire me.  I would be so lucky to inspire any of you.  My passion for this career abounds and I just feel so blessed to make a living doing this.

Recently I've been thinking about the Internet and how fascinating it really is.  We live in such an "information now" society.  Everything we want to know and need to know is right there at our fingertips.... LITERALLY!

In addition to the "need & want to know" stuff on the web, the biggest things that I see happening is people using the web as a major source of socialization.  Maybe it's entertainment??  This really fascinates me because I'm a very social person by nature.  I love getting to know people.  I'm inquisitive, and LOVE making new friends.  I'd be a perfect person to really jump on that bandwagon.  A few months ago, I would say that I was on that bandwagon.... Blogging away! 

What I've struggled with is how one-dimensional the Internet feels to me.  So I have to assume that to many of you out there, you feel the same.  I find myself thinking about the people I interact with online as almost characters in a sitcom.... Well, sometimes a drama!  I forget that these are people, with real lives that choose to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas on the web.  They're "putting it out there".  Make no mistake; I love the friends that I've made on the web.

Think about it.  Your "cyber neighborhood" is made up of things that are of interest to you and the places you visit on the web.  You can socialize with all sorts of sometime nameless, oftentimes faceless, people around the world.  It started with chatrooms and now with the advent of web2.0 you can interact with almost anyone!

What is so interesting to me at this point is the lack of courtesy we pay people on the web.  We think that if no one is looking, we can get away with all sorts of stuff.  It's true!

To me, it seems that many of our social graces go right out the window when we are online.  People say mean things to one another.  In the end, they end up hurting each other.  That makes me sad.

I'm guilty of another type of poor Internet etiquette.  I read people's blogs and never remark.  To me that's almost as bad as not responding when someone say's "hello"!  I hate it when I look at my personal blog http://www.destination48009.com/ and see that no one has looked at it or taken the time to say "hello". 

I forget to stop by my friend's blogs and let them know that I'm thinking of them... again, it's as if I forgot to pick up the phone for a long time!  I know better and I would NEVER act this way in the "real world".  I care too much about people to behave like that.  So to those of you I have neglected, again, I'm sorry.  I may never be a great blogger, but I can be a great friend!

The rules of engagement are changing.  The way we socialize is changing.  It's exhausting... but if you want to participate in this new form of communication, you have to learn the rules and play by them. AND at the end of the day REALIZE that there are real live people out there looking for interaction.  The responsibility falls on each of us to behave ourselves and act appropriately. 

As with most things in life, I think that the saying "everything in moderation" applies.  There are always consequences for our actions.  Too much playing means not enough working.  Too much working means not enough playing and possibly... BURNOUT.

Well, I'm guilty of falling prey to this trap. At times, I spend so much of my time reading, learning and thinking about internet marketing, I fail to get "my basics" done.  "My basics" are uniquely my own and have consistently garnered me business.  These are the things that come naturally to me.... For instance, networking.  I have recently passed on social events in an effort to read, work and research.  Not good, not good at all.  

I understand the importance of having a web presence.  I have a limited knowledge of how I can make the Internet work for me.  I now have a personal website and a personal blog.  Both are a step in the right direction.  Both are miles away from where I was a few months ago.  But both are very challenging to me.  These things are foreign to me and push me FAR out of my comfort zone.

However, socialization is my comfy place.  Because I'm social, I sell homes, lots of homes! 

I strive to give each customer a satisfying and rewarding transaction.  I take great pride in the things I can offer a customer.  These things include an unmatched marketing plan, consistent communication and service that will exceed high expectations.  Tall order, yes, but I'm up for it!

My goal is to have a web presence AND continue to do what I do best.  Finding a balance that works is tricky. 

So I will kindly acknowledge that my new website and blog will never be as good as some other agent sites.  I may never fully understand how to make the most of my online presence.  However, I will try.  I will try as long as I can keep my balance. 

There is no agent out there that is capable of having it all.  Everyone walks on his or her own tightrope.  Those agents who can master the online experience may need some work on other skill sets.  Recognizing that fact gives me comfort.   Some of the best selling agents in my market have no idea what SEO even means, and they're perfectly happy with that.

My pal Craig Schiller will love this one.  It’s a double nod to him!  Not only did he once post about Oprah, recently he also has posted about books.  Thanks Craig, you inspired my post!

OK… so why do I want Oprah to sell Real Estate?  Simple, I need her advice on where I could find interesting books to read regarding my profession.  My friends Karen and Kristal have both sent me books to read.  Ladies I thank you. 

For those of you not sure where I’m going with this I can only assume that you’re not aware of the Oprah Book Club.  Oprah is an avid reader and she will often “promote” books to her audience.  I’ve read several of the Oprah recommended books and most were good. 

I was thinking that if Oprah was in Real Estate, she could give me a list of books she liked.  Let’s face it, the chances of Oprah leaving her current gig to sell real estate isn’t very likely. 

SO…. Maybe I could call on you, fellow rainers, for a list of books that you recommend I read.  So how about it??

For the past week I’ve had a houseguest.  My dad is visiting me from sunny Naples Florida.  It's been a huge struggle to keep up with my work schedule and spend quality time with my dad.  Still not sure how mommy Realtors do it!  (No offence gentlemen).  Did I also mention that I’ve been finishing my ePro course this week?  Needless to say, it has been a very busy week.

Today I was able to spend the afternoon with my dad.  He's been mocking me in a "very parental" way all week about the amount of time I spend at the computer.  Not to mention the phone.  I may have the phone to my ear as much as Geri Sonkin!  In my defense, I've been online more than usual this week with ePro…. OK, AR TOO!  Between the calls, the email alerts and the text messages, I think it is safe to say that my dad HATES my phone. 

My dad took me to lunch today to discuss the happenings with my business and the local market.  He loves to give me advice on my business.  I admit, I can find it a tad bit annoying.  However, I participate in the conversation because I can usually find a nugget of wisdom.

TODAY I GOT A NUGGET! 

During my “lunch meeting” I explained that I've been building my 2007 business plan.  I told him about AR and all the wonderful things that I’ve learned.  I told him about ePro (Sorry Tomato).  I gave him a full rundown of my plan. 

My dad was patient, listening to all that I was saying.  I could tell that he understood me.  He was smiling, nodding.  You know, all the validation one could hope for.  After I stopped talking he looked at me and said: “stop talking, start doing”. 

STOP TALKING… START DOING

I love it.  I love everything about it!  Sometimes we become so obsessed about learning about our craft, we forget to do our craft.  We can tell new agents all the things that they should do to jumpstart their careers.  Yet, we fail to do those things.  We become practitioners of “do as I say, not as I do”.  Not good for those of us who desire career success

So what does this mean for me? 

It means that I'm going to leave well enough alone and get back to doing what I do well… That’s networking.  I'm going to stop fussing about this darn website I need.  I’m just going to get it done. And allow myself to be OK with that for the time being.  It’s a start, and it can be modified along the way.   I’m going to stop thinking about all the “out of the box” marketing ideas I have.  I’m going to start trying them out.

So Dad, I thank you.  Thank you for the nice visit… and thank you for kicking me in the butt! 

So in homage to TLW (I'm stealing your "lesson learned"):

Lesson learned… Knowledge is great.  Learning is crucial for growth.  But what you do with that knowledge is most important.

Sorry the photo is so grainy.  Just took it quickly before Dad went to bed.  Boy do I look tired!

Getting agents out to visit your listings in the Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills MI market can get tough.  

Currently, the listing inventory is very high.  As marketing times are getting longer, some agents are getting creative with the marketing. 

Today, Darlene Jackson and I hosted a joint broker open. We have listings on the same cul-de-sac, both priced around $2.5 million.  Again, a difficult price range to move homes in.  So we got creative.  We enlisted a chef for each home to come and have interactive cooking demonstrations.  The homes are both wonderful but very different.  Both have amazing kitchens. 

I would say that the event was VERY well received.  The broker open was from 4-7pm and we had a steady turn out.  We had cocktail cuisine at both homes.  The chefs were cooking the Hors D’oeuvres and answering questions for the Realtors.  I had many agents comment on how excited they were for this broker open.  Everyone thought that this was such a “neat” twist on a “typical” event.  The Realtors were so enthused about the cooking presentation that their excitement about my listing escalated.  This was great because I had a prospect come to see the house during my broker open.  All the agents were gushing about the house.  I just hope that some of that excitement rubbed off on the potential buyers.

What types of things are you doing to get people to see your listings?

If you are a sales manager or a broker owner who still sells homes, this one’s for you!

Let me set the scene:

I wrote an offer on a home last Thursday.  The listing agent is a broker/owner who still sells homes.  We’ve been going back and forth for a few days now.  Yesterday I left a message for the listing agent (again a broker/owner).  I heard nothing.  This morning at 10:30am I left yet another message for the listing agent.  Well its been12 hours since my last message and I have yet to hear from this agent.  Needless to say, my buyer and I are done with this one.  We have moved on.

The thing that kills me is that this broker/owner’s firm is CONSTANTLY attempting to recruit me. 

If you are a broker/owner or a sales manager for a firm I have a few tips for you.

• Return your phone calls. That’s business 101.  Not to mention, its just good manners.
• Negotiate fairly.  If you were a jerk to negotiate with, why would I want to work for you?
• Lose the ego.  I could give a rip about how much you sold in 1992.
• Be honorable.  In this instance, I wonder what the broker/owner will tell her seller when she finds out we moved on.
• Treat me like you’d treat customer.  That’s smart business for any agent to do.  I treat every agent I work with like a customer.  I want people to want to work with me.  Not to mention, IF I CHOOSE to hang my license with your firm, I AM YOUR CUSTOMER! 

As a broker/owner or a sales manager you have a higher standard to live up to.  It’s as simple as that!  I get that everyone is human and sometimes makes mistakes.  However, I have very little patience for a person who should know better.  I have no interest in ever going to work for this person’s firm.  I would NEVER hang my license or their wall.  Nor would I ever associate myself with such an unprofessional group.  Does this mean that the entire group of agents at this firm is bad?  No, but I do question why they would choose to work for a bad leader.  I have a higher standard that I subscribe to.

If the independent broker/owner wants to survive in today’s market, it is imperative that they understand that good agents have many, many choices.   I understand that it is costly for you to run your business. People are willing to work for a bit less if the environment is right.  I love the independent broker/owner, as do many agents in my market. 

Broker/owners, when you treat your sales staff like customers they will remain loyal to you. 

Kristal wrote a post about being an ambassador for your area and your profession.  It really got my wheels turning.  So thank you KK!

I love my community….. Birmingham Michigan is just a wonderful place to live.  I’m very enthusiastic about my city when helping people decide where they want to live.  Hopefully all of us Realtors are knowledgeable about the cities we sell in.

What really excites me is the concept of being an “ambassador” for other Realtors. I call it being a cheerleader.  I’d like to be considered as a role model.  Am I?  Who knows… But I do strive to be a role model.  I specifically like new agents. Full of wonder and excitement, new agents are eager to make their mark on the real estate world.  At my office, typically the new agents tend to be younger individuals.  I’m 33 and relate very well with the newbie agents.  I’ve bonded with a few new agents in my day.  I love to be available for questions.  I love to be the cheerleader!

Being a “cheerleader” is not for everyone.  Some of us may like to “fly solo”.  Some of us may not have the patience it takes to mentor a new agent.

For me the reward is twofold. 

First is the friendship that ensues.  I love making new friends.  As if you haven’t gathered that after my 4 weeks of posts on The Network. 

The second is the accountability.  I like being accountable to people.  I like to know that people are watching me, its very encouraging to me.  I’m always up for the challenge. I ultimately end up being the real winner; I always learn so much from others. 

The lesson I’m trying to teach….

Give as much of yourself to others as you can.  BE A CHEERLEADER!  You’ll get more back than you could ever hope for!   

I have officially put out a Missing Person Report for Josh Plummer.

The race has fueled my fire for weeks now.  I’ve looked to JP to keep me going. 

Where has he gone? 

I’ve cut my posts back to a minimum of one a day.  I’ve held off inviting the people Maureen has missed.  I’m trying to keep this interesting… I know the eyes of the AR world have been on this.  Is it over?? Is that all you guys have??

I fear that in another day or so, I may need to officially publish my victory speech.  If that is indeed the case, I may finally get to serve the 30 lbs of shrimp I own.  The champagne is chilled.  The canapés are ready to be passed.  I’ve cleared the furniture in the living room so Caleb can dance.  We’re ready at the Lipnitz estate to have a party!   

Those of you in possession of Team Lipnitz or Team Plummer T-Shirts, keep them.  The values are going to skyrocket, as these babies become collector items.

For those of you wondering, what will come next for Sara Lipnitz?  Don’t worry… I may go for number 2.  However, NUMBER ONE will always belong to my pal Maureen. 

However, I think some of you (in Florida Scott & William) would love to see two girls duke it out! 

What does the title of the post mean??  It’s simple…

4 is the number of weeks that I’ve been a “blogger”.  Today is my anniversary on AR.  It seems like it has been longer than 4 weeks.  Is that good or bad?

20,000 points have been awarded for this crazy obsession.  Can I trade them in for a round trip ticket to Seattle?

53 posts have been written by yours truly.  I may not be a blogging neophyte anymore.

5 is the number of gold stars I’ve received. Does that mean I’m only interesting 10% of the time??

3 is the number I currently hold in the state of Michigan.  wink wink!

And on to the “MANY new friends”.  I hope that someday I can meet many of you.  You’ve taught me.  You’ve inspired me.  You’ve made me laugh.  You’ve become my friends.  Thank you to the special people who share this crazy rain addiction.