Being a Class Act never goes out of style!  I just found out that Donny Osmond won Dancing with The Stars.  I wasn't actually watching, but when I saw the last few minutes of the show taped from yesterday, it made a lot of sense.  What I was thinking was that he has a fantastic support base, even outside of the large extended Osmond family. 

First, Donny has had a long career and is known and loved by millions.  Second, he handled himself like a pro even after they announced he won, by hugging the runner-up when they were trying to hand him the winners trophy.  Lastly, he was positive throughout the competition, never cutting down the other dancers. 

So, even though we are not in a dancing competition, what can we take away from this?  One of the first things I learned at an IBM Marketing class was never disparage the competition, it makes you look bad.  So, when I meet iwth new prospective clients, I try to highlight my best skills and say nothing about others, that isn't positive as well.  In fact, one time I told a prospective client that both myself and the other agent he was considering of hiring were excellent and he couldn't go wrong with either of us.  (I knew her and respected her work, of course!)

There are a good number of situations throughout the real estate cycle where we can take the high road and handle ourselves with class.  Also, even when negotiating a deal, I try to keep it win-win for all parties and pleasant with agents even if we don't strike a deal.  There's a number of times when the negotiation doesn't work out until a later date and keeping the conversation open and friendly helps the future conversations and deals come together. 

I truly believe doing the best for your clients, building good will and treating all of the other professionals you meet every day well, will come back to help you build your business.  Being a Class Act never goes out of style.