photo courtesy of peasap

National Association of Realtors® Convention - San Diego - November 13-16

The National Association of Realtors@ Convention (NARDiego) is upon us.  I had no intention of going this year, but a few recent conversations with agents whose opinions I truly value, really got me thinking about it.  Of course, there was a few huge issues in the way.  First, you need to get a pass and they're not cheap.  Second, there's travel involved (sometimes living in San Antonio makes me feel really far away from just about everything).  And third, there's the incidental costs of hotels, food, and things like cabs to and from events.

It all adds up rather quickly.  Because of that fact, I hadn't made plans to go.  I'm doing well lately, but not well enough to throw down a pile of cash like that.  I'm spending my money re-investing in myself and my business as well as doing the usual - paying the bills.

So, after a conversation on Twitter with Kelley Koehler (@housechick), I really started to think I was going to miss out.  I think this year's convention will be an interesting one to say the least - just read my most recent post on AgentGenius to understand what I think we're preparing for in the coming years.  So now I had the desire to go...but not the plans.

A pass.

After some thought, Kelley gave me a few ideas about how to acquire a pass.  I didn't think it would work, but I've learned to trust Kelley (she's freaking smart that one!), and so I followed her plan.  It worked.  I've acquired a pass thanks to a good Samaritan I know via Twitter.

An idea.

If you happen to know Mariana Wagner (@mizzle), you might know of her strange fascination with the idea of arm-wrestling me.  I don't know when it started, but we often joke about it on Twitter.  Well, the idea popped up and I sent Mariana a message - "How much do you think people will pay to see us arm-wrestle?"  It was half-joke and half-serious question.  Mariana even offered to put up $50 of her own money for a different accomplishment if I can pull it off (more details on that if I make it).

So the idea grew in my head through the night.  What if I could figure out a way to make it there?  I thought about driving (which isn't easy considering my wife and I only have one car and she has a job and all that good stuff) - it will only take me 19 hours and 24 minutes according to Google.  Not exactly the best idea.

And then there's flying, but that's expensive.  So perhaps, the RE.net Arm-Wrestle Of The Second Century could bring in enough to pay for it.  So here's the idea...

Can this really happen?

I'm taking donations.  From agents and companies - whoever wants to contribute.  By my estimation, my flights and hotel should run me about $1,200.  That's a lot, but let's break it down - $10 from 120 people.  Doesn't seem so bad now.  The donations will be used to cover those costs and will allow the RE.net Arm-Wrestle Of The Second Century (Mizzle vs. RErockstar) to occur.  If you're going to San Diego, you will get the invite to watch it take place live.  If you're not going, you will be able to watch the video after we get back (of course it's going to be videotaped - and probably from a million angles).

All it takes is reaching the goal of $1,200.

But wait, there's more.

In the interest of incentives and feeling like I'm doing my part for good in the world, I've decided to once again involve Mothers Fighting For Others.  If you've ever met Rocky Turner (@headmutha) you'll understand why her organization is my charity of choice.  For every cent over my goal of $1,200, I'll donate it to Mothers Fighting For Others.  And if for some reason, we don't reach my goal, the entire amount will be donated to Mothers Fighting For Others.  It's a very short time (2 days maximum) to reach the goal, so no matter what happens it's a win-win situation.

So how about it, send me to NARDiego and help support Mothers Fighting For Others.  And as an added bonus, I will be giving the top contributor (dollar-wise) a special gift from my collection of band memorabilia from my days as a rockstar.  I have a few things in mind and they're all much better than just a CD or a poster (or something like that) - these are actual artifacts from my personal collection.

So what do you say?  Am I going or not?

Think of all the things you'll gain: front row seats (or at least some video) to RE.net Arm-Wrestle Of The Second Century (Mizzle vs. RErockstar), potential contributions to Mothers Fighting For Others, more posts and reporting from me, and if you donate big time - a serious piece of rock and roll memorabilia.  Just click the "Donate" link below and PayPal will take care of it from there.

Because of the nature of how I'm doing this, I don't think you'll be able to claim any tax deductions for this, but that's for you and your accountant to figure out.

Donate to RErockstar's NARDiego Fund/Mothers Fighting For Others

And remember - there is only two days to pull this off!