When things go weird in the environment most mammals (especially humans) innately head for cover (Safety) in groups because of their belief that there's safety in numbers.

That's no secret to anyone who has read many of my blogs . . .

If I have a mantra, it's: "There's NO problem that cannot be solved with VOLUME!"

If you make LOTS of Lead Generation contacts EVERY day, you'll have LOTS of LEADS and thereby MANY opportunities for transactions . . . and you'll have CHOICES . . . and a healthy level of confidence.

Don't forget that you are in a community . . .

Going this course alone might feel daring and adventuresome as you continue on your own personal hero's journey . . . but if you attempt it solo, I believe you're denying your greatest resource.

I was at a function last night where I heard other REALTORS with trepidation dipping their toe in the water of "What's 2010 going to look like?"

No-one felt good about giving a solid answer.

There wasn't a crystal ball in the room that had any level of clarity whatsoever.

So . . .

Uncertainty abounds, right?

What to do?

Do what comes naturally.

Seek opportunities to take shelter with other professionals in a safe space to discuss issues of the day - issues that affect individuals or firms or the community . . .

It is in these safe havens for open dialog where people can be "transparent" and authentic such that REAL issues and opportunities can surface and REAL solutions can emerge.

There are many ways to do this:

- On a personal level, find yourself a COACH, MENTOR, Peer Partner and meet with each on a regular basis.

- Plug in to your OFFICE and attend any and all events (Training Sessions, Sales Meetings, etc) and go there when you don't know where else to go and find other people to talk to . . . to brainstorm.

- Proactively start a "support group" (Like our daily SPRINTS daily Lead Generation Warm up that we broadcast LIVE each day @ www.stickam.com/barryowen) to get your daily release valve.

- Engage yourself in your local REALTOR association and attend those functions so you can learn how people in other firms are dealing with today's market.

- Join community groups where you can participate in more "holistic" community development pursuits

This is NOT an environment to fly solo!

There are many "Social Network" opportunities to engage and converse (Active Rain is a fabulous platform).

When the market first shifted here in Nashville, I started a "Ning" site initially intended to give the associates in my office an on-line safe space to go to gather, share, mastermind, and support each other.

http://realestatetowncenter.ning.com/

We kept it small intentionally, but now see that (Especially as we enter the cold winter) that we all might benefit by opening this safe place up for others to join and participate.

This is a place where people can post topics (Open dialog) of interest for the group to see and participate in discussion.

We know that the right people will always show up as long as we keep that space safe, so it is a place where you can only join by invitation - Simply contact me if you're interested in coming in.

In that space, we all know that the simple rules are that it is not a platform for "personal agendas" . . . No peddling of wares there . . .

It is ALL about exploring the issues and opportunities we are all facing in our respective markets.

People in this space come without expectations and enter with open minds and know that whatever happens is the only thing that could given the circumstances and people present.

We know when a discussion is over, and we acknowledge that it's over simply by asking the question: "Is it over?" (This saves a LOT time with re-hashing needlessly).

and finally, we adhere to the law of 2 feet which plainly says:

"If at any time you find yourself in a place where you are neither contributing or receiving anything of value, it is YOUR responsibility  to use your 2 feet to take yourself to a a place where you CAN contribute and/or receive something of value."

Don't sit ANYWHERE in misery - Life's too short :-)

You are hereby invited in . . .

The concepts noted above come from the practice of Open Space Technology

Open Space Technology is a "Way" for ANY size group to deal very efficiently with ANY emergent issues or opportunities in ANY environment . . . Much of my consulting work with individuals and organizations incorporates these principles.

Open Space is the Safe space we can go when we need to gather, share, mastermind, and support each other . . . and it's infinitely available.

I'm just sayin'

Best,

b

sorry for the long post today :-)

Barry Owen
Principal Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty
30 Burton Hills Blvd Suite 175
Nashville, TN 37215 - Green Hills

Call me:                615-568-2123        
Text me: http://www.mycricket.com/sendtextmessage/ 6155682123
email me: barryowen@kw.com
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net
http://www.owengroupnashvillehomes.com
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http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

Quintessentially connected to the real estate industry to offer the ultimate experience for Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee . . . Inquire within!