Kaizen means continuous improvement.  In fact, the actual definition of Kaizen is Japanese for continuous and incremental improvement, a business philosophy about working practices and efficiency.

I'm working hard to be a different kind of real estate agent. One that people will remember. One that my clients, both Buyers and Sellers will be able to say, "He gave us his all, and it paid off." So, I am constantly looking for ways to run my business better. Ways to "sharpen my axe" and add more tools to my toolbox. Are you? And I  don't mean just other real estate professionals. I mean in whatever you do.

You can practice kaizen in your relationships! Sure, you can always improve your listening skills with your spouse or significant other. You can improve your communication with them too. I have the word kaizen right above my desk. And so, I am continually working to improve myself.

I'm working to get gym time back in my schedule. To improve my physical looks and try and find that boyish figure again....(you can stop laughing anytime thank you!) But I do recall the days of how I felt when I worked out on a regular basis and the energy levels I had. And each trip to the gym is an improvement. Kaizen!

I'm working to improve my sales skills in real estate. New tips and techniques for my blog and website are helping to make my phone ring. People ARE finding me on the Internet! Kaizen!

Last week, Darryl Davis spoke at our local Board. I've attended several of Darryl's programs at the NAR conventions. And I've always learned something from him. Continuous improvement in the form of a new idea I can use. This time, he offered us a great opportunity on several of his training programs, along with a monthly coaching program. I said, Kaizen means continuous improvement! I'm looking forward to the coaching sessions as well as making time in my own schedule for the other programs we have to listen to!

In 3 weeks, I'll be off to my first ever REBar Camp in Raleigh, NC. This will be a new experience for me and the opportunity to see my friends I've met through Active Rain, and hopefully make some new ones!  Maybe I'll listen to a few of the training cd's on my way there? I had hoped to make San Diego and the NAR convention, but that just was not in the cards this year. Next year, New Orleans is a short flight or drive away, and I'll be there in full force. Kaizen!

Times are changing, just in case you didn't notice. Younger people are coming into the world with all this technology in front of them. I wonder what their lives will be like 30 years from now? I can remember buying a fax machine for my house when I owned a travel agency and paying some $800 for it! How times and technology change! Kaizen!

Are YOU changing? Where is YOUR Kaizen?

Kaizen Means Continuous Improvement.  Make sure you are improving yourself and adding a tool to your toolbox. Make sure YOU will stand out from the rest!