I have to admit that I have been glued to this season's American Idol. And, in an effort to justify all the hours I've spent in front of the tv over the past months, I've decided to point out some obvious and not so obvious lessons that we can learn from the American Idols!

1. Have a dream.  "You're going to Hollywood!!!" Woohoo!!!! It all starts with your heart. Is real estate really something that makes you happy? Do you love what you do? Can you imagine doing anything else? Having passion for what you do is something that can't be faked. People are drawn to passion, and your success will always start with your own dream in your own heart.
 
2. Be yourself. How many times did we hear the judges extoll the contestants to make a song their own? It's not enough to simply know the scripts and the words to say. It's not enough to know the rules of real estate, to know the right answers. Your personality and your character must come through to really get the results you want. You can't get away with faking it these days -- people are way too savvy for that! Don't be afraid to let insert your sense of humor, your sincerity, your expertise in communicating. . . fill in the blank. But always be true to who you are.

3. Play to your strengths. Some Idol contestants were mediocre vocalists, but expert showmen. Some played instruments beautifully. Some had a face that the camera just loved. And, they all seemed to know and capitalize on their strengths. Like them, we can't all be the best at everything. So, figure out what your strengths are, and work to make them what identify you as the realtor to choose! Are you an expert relationship builder? Are you extremely sincere and honest? Do you have an unbeatable knowledge of a neighborhood or specific architectural style? Make sure that people know what you're good at! That doesn't mean that you should forget about those things that are more difficult for you. Stretching into your discomfort zone is what makes you grow! Vulnerability is also an attractive attribute!

4. Listen to feedback. "Dawg, for me, for you, that wasn't the right song choice". Randy and the other judges are the best at what they do because they have years of experience in their field. In our offices, and in our transactions with other realtors, we have access to the same depth of experience. Be open to suggestions from other agents, learn from their experience, and use it to build your perfect performance!

5. Prepare. The Idol contestants used all the tools available to them to put on their best show. Song choice, music arrangements, coaching, costume and makeup, stage effects -- and hours of practice! A smooth presentation, a successful transaction, and satisfied clients are all the result of lots of work and preparation. Know and take advantage of the tools available through your office, familiarize yourself with the latest technologies, and visualize yourself successfully going through every stage of the transaction from presentation to past client follow-up. Nothing can replace all the hard work that goes into preparation.

6. Be confident. Simon has often said that if the contestant doesn't think of himself as a winner, no one else will. It's true! Wake up each day knowing that you are going to do something that will make you a success. Know that you have the training and knowledge to attract business, and to represent your clients at the highest level! You bring about what you think about!

7. Ask for what you want. Contestants unabashedly say "I want this more than I've ever wanted anything in my life!" Well, that might be overstating your desire to get that listing a little. . . But, the point is clear -- if you want the business, ask for it. Make it clear that you are not only willing to do the work, but you WANT to do it. You want them to pick you. You want to be their choice.

8. Connect. We may not be on camera in front of the entire television-watching world (thank goodness!), but we are on stage, in a way. Our expression, our voice, our body language, and our responses are all opportunities to connect to the client or potential client in front of us. In ways that are uniquely you, reach out and be present!

9. Set goals. So, maybe you haven't wanted to be a real estate agent since you were 3 years old. . . But, now that you've selected this career, and are determined to work hard to be successful, you have to set regular, attainable, and specific goals to get you the success you want. We all know this. So, do it!

10. Have fun. When contestants are loving the moment, living their dream, it's almost magic. Those behind the scenes films of pranks between contestants and friend-making moments are memorable, because we know that it's the small things that mean the most. The big wins are monumental, but being able to find humor in the steps along the way is priceless. Life has to be fun, we have to enjoy the trip, and in this field of real estate it's often so easy to take ourselves too seriously. Lighten up! Wear a boa while you make your prospecting calls, dance in that Open House when no one is looking, and sing "We Are The Champions" at the closing table!