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Do You Really Want to Stay in Real Estate? Commit, Concentrate & Connect

What Got Me Thinking...

Dialogue. Communication. Monologue. Yammer. On and on and on. Someone please remind me why I agreed to serve on this committee. This was a long, drawn out meeting with people who wanted to speak just to hear the own voice. It wasn't a meeting of the minds - as much as it was an endless monolgoue of what "should be".

And then - it happened!

Someone said something worth listening to!

After quoting statitistics of the decreasing rate of agents here in Arizona, someone said "Instead of focusing on those leaving the industry, we need to be helping those who want to be in business - stay in business".

Now there's a concept that made sense. Something that, quite honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about since that meeting. Help others? Build a business? Stay in business?

Yes! The Key To Success is Helping others!

Quite honestly, this market is not like any other market. Today's market is unique and to stay in business, agents need to be prophetic or at the very least - ahead of the game. While blogging could be considered one of the steps to stay in business, there's more to finding clients and closing deals then sharing entertaining stories or metaphorical perscriptions.

Want to Stay In Real Estate? Step #1 - Decide What You Want

Does your heart belong to real estate? Someone once said that if you call it "work" then it's not for you. I look forward to the days when my schedule challenges me. I love the details that wake m up energized and my mind reeling. Do you feel that way about real estate? Are you energized by helping others find the home of their dreams?

If not, then why stay in a job that causes you dread? Even if money is the reason, there aren't enough dollars in the day to rob you of your passion or happiness (just a thought).

Assuming that you've decided that real estate is your passion - Then what is step 2 and 3 or 4? What do you need to stay in business? What tools can help you build your business?

Step #2 - Concentrate

Staying in business is going to take some planning. The effort that you've invested in years passed, probably do not require repeating. Focus your efforts on strategies that will actually build your business, increase your sphere and enable you to pay some bills.

Spending countless hours, mindlessly, surfing the Internet, does not build your business. However, spending a couple of hours networking or blogging (with purpose) 3 times a week with focus will bring potential clients to your door. Deciding a head of time what you'd like to be "known for" will also help to focus your efforts. (Just remember, whatever you share, the Internet, never forgets. Consider it forever emblazoned in the annuals of time.)

Step #3 - Connect

The saying "It takes a village" rings ever true in real estate. Think about it. Exactly how many people does it take to get to the close of escrow? Dozen? Two dozen? The beauty of real estate is that you're never really alone.

What a priviledge to be able to call someone to ask questions, get advice or simply meet for lunch. Not to mention, it's always nice to have someone to refer "that client" to...

Reconnect with your sphere. Make it a priority to reach out to those around you. Whether email marketing campaign or a simple "I'm still in business" note, strategically placing your name in front of past clients is renewable energy. The more you give, the more you will get in return.

Reach Out With Purpose: Did you sell houses anytime from 2002 to 2006? If so, NOW is the time to let them know you're still in business. While most homeowners don't stay in their homes for more than 2-3 years, if they're still in the home you sold them, there's a better than average chance they're thinking of selling (or desperately need to).

The success of your real estate business, ultimately depends on you. Begin with a plan, focus your efforts and be real. If there's anything I can do to help you - don't hesitate to ask. I'd be glad to help you on your way.

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes on 07/02/2009 08:51 PM

Comments (45)

cwaterhouse, real estate business, motivation

Post is included in group: Arizona Homes
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45 Comments on Do You Really Want to Stay in Real Estate? Commit, Concentrate & Connect

JUL

What a concept? Helping those that want to stay in the business. MOst boards just like Realtors want the numbers. You don't have to produce to be a Realtor you just have to pay your dues.

Charles - Sadly, you're right. I recently had a conversation with a broker who was more interested in me renewing my dues than anything else! Sadly, it was because of that attitude that he lost quite a few exceptional people who, with a little guidance, would have made exceptional agents.

I love what you said about helping others stay in business it does make you feel good when you help someone else out.

That is a great goal. Stop whining about what it WAS and work on your business the way it is NOW. Deal with it. And help each other survive.

Commit, Concentrate & Connect

Excellent advice!

The problem is that so many people still "dabble" in real estate that it's hard to know which ones are really serious and truly want the help to stay in business. I give info to agents all the time, and find out a few weeks later that they're gone. It's a waste of my time to help people who aren't serious.

Hi Calie~ It makes a whole lot more sense to help those that truly want to stay in the business and just can't imagine doing anything else! We all need encouragement from time to time.

Calie, thanks for the positive comments. I like your 3 points, as well as your recommendation to help others. I'm fortunate in having a broker who has been a great mentor and continues to help anytime I need assistance.

Calie - I have built my company on this philosophy (I have about 18 agents working for me right now), and it has served me well.

Careers worth having,businesses worth owning !!!!

We have been going through some really changing times in our market. Agents changing companys that were built on having as many names as posssible under the logo are now losing all those agents. Some companys are changing and some agents are leaving for good.

I also agree with a lot of people (at meetings) are talking right now because they have to much time on there hands and want to hear themselves talk. I only hope when we are all on the up path that we have not made changes we will regret. Local and national. Thanks!

Calie, the reconnecting with the sphere is such a good point you made for the serious-minded.

Unfortunately, we have too many "prima donnas" divas and passive/aggressive agents in this market. They could care less who stays, what offer comes in first, professional courtesy . . . our Realtor(r) association is a joke and bad behavior is rewarded.

Commit, Concentrate and Connect. I agree; this is a great way to run a real estate business or any business.

what a great example here... Helping others is always a good thing too...

This was truly inspired, and very inspirational for me. I'm glad that I can find help like this here, when I can't find it anywhere else.

JUL

very well said and I am going to use it at a staff meeting.... it makes a lot of sense... clearly this is the best part of this site is getting good advice and help to see things in new lights! Wonderful to be able to have these many people from all over to take the time to write such good articles!

Calie,

Great post. Congratulations on the feature. This says exactly what it needs to. :)

Steve

Calie, nice ideas on building momentum. A few factoids on staying in touch with your sphere.... Average consumer knows 7agents 40%of consumers can't remember agents name 3yrs after a deal ...11% of homeowners ever use same agent for another deal .....95% of every one an agent knows is not on the agents website ..... But does need help managing their home Thanks Albert Clark Scranton Pa Aclark@Homeactions.net Aclark@Homeactions.net

Calie,

I like your positive attitude. I know that here in the Phoenix area we have buyers and we have sellers. The challenges may be different than a few years ago but it is a great time to be a commited real estate agent.

Great post....step up or get out of the way. I actually am very happy to see the weeding out of the bad eggs in this industry...the barriers of entry into this business are much to low and I unfortunately have encountered too many people that should never be in this business. I would however like to say...that I have always been there to help fellow agents who want to learn and thrive in this business...but...let us take this as an opportunity to get rid of the old think and bad practices and help in ushering in a new, forward thinking generation of Real Estate professionals. BTW- just to clarify...generation in this text does not relate to age...you can be 18 or 108...it is all a mindset.

Great tag line- commit, concentrate, connect.

Helping people...now there is an interesting concept! Funny that we are in the business of helping people and sometimes we fail to help ourselves and our fellow agents. Great thought provoking post and I am happy that your meeting turned into a worthwhile discussion! Best of luck to you and your fellow agents!

Jeani

Good post.

I am mentoring my son right now-he is my partner. I enjoy watching him succeed.

Calie, you've hit the nail on the head with this one. I think many of us tend to get discouraged these days. (Ya think?) And we know we're supposed to do the social networking thing, but sometimes that translates into hours spent cruising various real estate sites. We need to re-focus and listen to what the market is telling us.

Hi Callie, Something about going thrrough the tough times helps clarify your priorities doesn't it ? Have a terrific 4th !

I have to agree with the opinion expressed above. I am not sure our Associations are working for us so much as they treat us as a crop or commodity. I am generally pleased with my MLS and we do get some good services, but so much of it is not oriented to helping the average agent. Much of the training is really a promo for a vendor or out of date.

Hi, yes I totally agree with you. If we want to stay in this business, we must always concentrate on helping others. I really think that is the key to being successful in this busines.. thanks for sharing!

Calie--such good advice to help agents decide which way they want their career to go. If they plan ot stay, then commit, concentrate and connect. Many of the comments agree with these pts for good reason.

Great Info Calie. I just picked up the book"Millionaire Real Estate Agent" and have already learned a few things that I can use to better my business.

What a coincidence.

Calie: Thanks for the post and reminder. It's so true. Those of us who are left need to work it every day possible in a positive, outreaching way.

Paul

You have done an excellent job communicating clearly what needs to be done to survive in today's market. I think that applying the principles you mentioned, along with good old work ethic may even help you thrive if you can develop your skills along the lines of some of todays notch markets like short sales or REO's. That's what we teach at Realty World and we are actually growing as a result of it.

All so very true Calie you must improve yourself everyday in this business to stay informed and grow.

This Real Estate Market is a challenge. But it is also telling us that what we did 5 years ago to get business will probably not work in 2009. Well written post that I enjoyed reading. Have a safe and blessed 4th of July Weekend.

Well...it's like anything else really. One should always be looking to grow and learn to stay up on the subject .

Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh real estate

Great information and advice. It's the truth in order to survive.

Calie - I was struck by two things when I read your post. First was how important it is to commit, concentrate and connect on our own business and to reach out to the agents who need a helping hand navigating this ever-changing market and teaching them those principles.

The second is how wonderful it was to see that the name of your office is RE/MAX Alliance. This is the first time I've seen someone from another state who has the same office name as mine. Does that make us sisters? :)

JUL

Calie - It's time for me to re-connect with past clients and my sphere on a much higher level. I also need to step up my marketing efforts, and hopefully I will receive positive responses. Thanks for the motivation.

Good post and points. I actually think it might be time for a change.

JUL

Thanks everyone for your comments. I apologize for not responding to each one - the day after I wrote the post, our internet went down. Figures, huh?

I'm wondering how many of us in the industry are taking some time to reprioritize our "to do" lists and perhaps even contemplating our own future in real estate? I, for one, am doing a lot of thinking these days.

JUL

Nice call to action Calie. You should post more often.

JUL

Thanks, Mark. It's been a while since I've posted here on A/R, but it's now on my list to do more often.

SEP

Thank you Calie. It was refreshing to read your blog. When times get tough, people forget about helping others and focus solely on themselves. When times are plentyful for all everyone wants to share. Thanks for setting the record straight.

SEP

Great post! It's all a state of mine my friends. Take a read at this repost - http://activerain.com/blogsview/1022847/making-a-mind-shift-what-s-holding-you-back-

OCT

I understand the "Why did I volunteer?" Years ago I hand delivered insurance checks to my association members. I was the president. Our committee did all the work and the members only had to sign their neme. The average check was for more then $1,500. There was hardly a "Thank you."

I would like to thank you for taking the time write this. I see so many fail because they are lost. But one really big thing - I love helping people and real estate is a great vehicle to do that! So many places are in a numbers game. There is a lot of needless carnage.

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