Chance afforded me yet another outstanding opportunity. I had the honor of meeting a gentleman who not only has appeared in FORBES magazine but whose wealth of real estate knowledge is without peer. Over the span of three months we have developed a professional relationship that I am quite certain will change the path of my career tremendously.

As a land speculator, (as he modestly refers to himself) his interest has been directed towards my charming little town. Beaufort is famous mostly for our water aspects; however, our land attracts the attention of the most discerning visionaries. Beaufort is a treasure, and the treasure seekers are quickly learning what we have known all along.

Yesterday was meeting four. Objective: meet with an international (extremely well known) builder to discuss feasibility of a project we have been exploring.

****A little background is in order; I am a former high school teacher, a simple Mississippi girl, a small town real estate broker, a self proclaimed fisherwoman:), and for all intensive purposes completely out of my league with present company!*****

Now, back to my story. The international builder is hoping to partner with my new found mentor in building several new communities in my little town. Sounds promising.

As I sit in complete awe of how on earth I managed to find myself in a meeting with such high dollar players, I realize they may be in trouble.

Yep. Now normally my ability to think before I speak leaves much to be desired; however, I mustered up enough self discipline to consider my words prior to shooting from the hip. A moment I am most proud of if I do say so myself.

What I wanted to say...

" Gentleman, with all do respect, that just isn't going to work. Not here, not now, maybe not for a very long time. Have you ever been to Beaufort???? The proposed product has absolutely no Beaufort charm and looks as though it could be picked up and planted in any town USA. Every aspect from marketing to exterior appearance is a very very bad idea."

What I chose to say...

"It may be advantageous for you to spend a few hours with me in Beaufort (the meeting was not in Beaufort). Let me give you a brief overview of what your target market will be, your current competition, and what this particular buying population expects."

I did good. They were extremely responsive and appreciative of the invitation.

So Monday, I will be driving a group of extremely experienced, extremely influential, extremely wealthy, individuals who will get a much needed crash course in knowing the market..not the numbers, not the corporate buzz words, but the people who will be responsible either for thier success or failure and how they live their lives in beautiful Beaufort by the Sea.

God help me.

And if things go well, as I am hoping they will, we will then join together in a partnership that not only will be profitable but will enhance my fairytale town, not blemish it, insult it, or give it the appearance of just any other town.

Now....if things don't go well... I guess they will just have to find another self proclaimed fisherwoman...