Which Way Is Up?
by Ron Reed
It takes lots of energy to move upward; Energy requires belief and commitment, along with a laser-like focus and persistence.
"The information we allow into consciousness... is in fact, what determines the content and quality of life." ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
If I asked you to stop, right now, and rate yourself and your business/job/career, right now at this very moment, how well would you do? Be honest. You can't lie to yourself. How well are you doing, today, right now?
"I'm doing fine/well, but It I could be better" you might say. Or you may resort to one of the dozens of clichés that are currently circulating about. But really, how are you doing?
Many of you have heard me preach of the importance of the limiting your TV viewing, reality shows, the TV news and mindlessly surfing the net. By doing so you will shield yourself from toxic people and environments and direct your life with purpose.
I've also recommended starting a reading program, or as John Maxwell calls it, "a personal growth program" reading 1-2 books per month, subscribing to your industry journals, and working with intent to become a leader (top 10%) in your field.
This is more important now than it ever. Why? Because many professionals, especially sales professionals, have reported feeling stuck. The constant barrage of negativity from TV, radio, prospects, and even colleagues can sometimes be unbearable to cope with.
In many cases, one knows what to do but lacks the momentum needed to get moving. It's as if you have lost the wind in your sail, the glide, the stride, the swagger, or as Leneiva Head of Welcome Home Reality calls it, the "moxie."
Each day feels like another never-ending uphill battle. The passion, joy, and love are gone. You're just trying to survive, one day at a time.
What people want
Realize that the real wants and needs of people and companies have not changed. People are inherently attracted to people who are selfless-servers, ones they can trust, that bring hope and joy while at the same time being optimistically realistic.
People don't want another cliché; another salesperson trying to sell them something they neither need nor want nor feel they can afford. People want solutions, salve for their pains; someone to help them climb out of their own rut and encourage them to forward momentum. A confidant to help solve their real problems, that's what people really want.
Although the problems in our country have increased and the world has gotten more and more complicated, the needs and the wants of people have remained basically the same.
Change the channel
What can you do? Get back to basics. Turn OFF the TV set, Go grab a hand full of books, such as, "Shift" by Gary Keller, "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz, "Psycho-Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, "The Psychology of Selling" by Brian Tracy, or "Failing Forward" by John Maxwell. The list is exhaustive.
Get around the most positive people you know. Schedule an appointment to have breakfast or lunch with the top performers in your office/industry. Regularly call on some of your most positive clients and vendors. "See life as it really is and not worst; then see it as you want it be and move in that direction." (Tony Robbins)
Guard your focus. "That which holds our attention determines our action." (Henry James) Where your focus goes your energy flows. "Stop worrying about the things you can't control and busy yourself controlling the things you can." (John C. Maxwell)
Consider teaming up with a Mortgage broker/banker, Insurance Agent, CPA, Financial Planner, and anyone else that can complement your services and increase your referral business. (Example: If each professional on your team has a database of 250 closed clients, you then have the potential for an additional 7-14 transactions per year.)
Rewrite your goals and your business-plan for the second half of 2009. Review your options. Revisit your opportunities. Recommit to your success.
Others are doing it and so can you
Take for instance, Mary Berry of Century 21 All-Pro Realty Inc., Oklahoma City. Berry, CRB, CRS®, who decided in 2001-after 19 years in the business-to focus exclusively on foreclosures.
The move paid off big; last year Berry recorded 699 transaction sides, all involving distressed sales, and she expects to beat that volume in 2009. "It's not always easy," she admits, "but it's a niche worth pursuing."
They say when one door closes another swings opens. One top performing real estate agent went from making six figures to running around doing Broker Price Opinions (BPO's) at $75-$150 bucks a pop. When I inquired she said "Ron, I gotta pay my mortgage."
After some time one of the banks called and asked if she could take a listing. Because of the great job she did with the listing, they gave her another and another and another. Now she's branded as a Real Estate Owned (REO) Specialist in her area.
Create momentum
It takes lots of momentum to move upwards. "Up is not an easy direction; it defies gravity both cultural and magnetc." (Mike Abrashof) Energy requires belief and commitment, along with a laser-like focus and persistence. If you work assiduously at improving the content of your life, the quality of your life will most certainly improve with as well.
© Ron Reed "The Mortgage Doc" Total Real Estate & Equity Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved.
To your continued success,
Ron "The Mortgage Doc" Reed
Total Real Estate & Equity Solutions, LLC
Commercial & Residential Business Development
(615) 829-9289
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