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Wherever You Go....There You Are

Does anyone else remember the horribly corny HBO movie from the 80's called Buckaroo Bonzai? I will never forget the dead pan line that was seen in the trailers over and over again.

WHEREVER YOU GO....THERE YOU ARE.

There are times in all of our lives when we look for external influences to make our lives better. If we just moved to a sunny state with no snow, our lives would be better. If we just moved into a bigger house, we wouldn't fight with our spouse so much. Or, if we just move to another company, our real estate business will improve.

The hardest thing for anyone to do is to look internally for the cause of their unhappiness, dissatisfaction or career shortfalls. I've seen my own family members follow external steps to solve internal problems. An expensive move across the country and back, only to find the the problem is still there, gnawing at their insides.

WHEREVER YOU GO...THERE YOU ARE.

It's particularly hard to watch friends and colleagues struggle in the real estate field, blaming the market, or their former offices, for the shortfalls in their income. My office has gained and lost agents as we draw to a close this year. I've seen good friends honestly believe that if they just moved their license somewhere else, then suddnely their business would increase without them having to change a thing about their own approach to it.

No matter how hard it may seem, the journey inside will bring far more drastic results to most of the problems we face in our personal or business lives. Nothing in our life will change until we change our approach, attitude or both.

Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com. Or you can visit her website: www.nvarealestate.net.

Header is a photo of Braemar in Bristow, VA during one of the blizzards of the 2009-2010 winter season.

Posted by Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA on 12/30/2009 09:17 AM

Comments (114)

Success in Sales in the ActiveRain Channel

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Originally posted at: Speaking of Homes...: Wherever You Go....There You Are

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Post is included in group: America's Best Agents
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: Shift
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

114 Comments on Wherever You Go....There You Are

DEC

2009

Read a book once with the same title....wonder if you've read it, too?

Had a radio friend that used that line... "Where ever you go, there you are because that is where it is at." Other expressions like "alright now and then some", "eat my lunch and call me hungry" all sound like Horten Hears A Who lingo. Now kids say "It's all good" when asked how they are or what's happening. And for a while, everything was "Sweet!". But said "Saaaahhhhh-WHEAT!" Lingo like Realtors us..FSBO's, lookieloos, "jingle mail"...make the day interesting. In college at the fraternity house we would talk about going down to Pat's Pizza for "zas". Or to hit the kitchen when our cook was gone to make some "gers" to wash down with "bug juice" meaning HI-C like drink.

You are so right on taking responsibility for the way it is is the way it is and what is your role in the operation? Make the most of whatever you have to work with and be grateful. Just had one of our best years ever which if you listened to the media and many other sour brokers...I can hear the comment, "Hey..that is not supposed to happen..everyone is supposed to be gloom, doom and failing". Not like that everywhere and good brokers, farmers, anything make money every year because of the way they think, run a business and with careful spending.

Chris Ann - I could not agree more. I've had agents leave our company in search of greener pastures over the years. Some of them end up in retail sales, others do about the same, and three of them have returned! It's easy to point to external sources when things go awry, and sometimes this is truly valid, but generally it boils down to one's work habits and attitude, as you indicated here. Nice post!

Chris Ann, I may be mistaken, but I think that line is also from the author of "A Chair Full of Bowlies". And for the life of me, I can't think of her name. But you are so right on with this. I have seen agents come and go, looking for stardom. HARD WORK AND PERSEVERENCE is what works in this or ANY business.

Chris Ann - This goes along with the grass is greener on the other side - Or is it ? This is the time of year we see many jumping ship looking for a better way. As you say, it starts within.

Yes, Yes, I have friends making the same New Years resolution for years, and they wonder why they have not lost the weight, increase sales production or are unhealthy. Your blog said it all.

My friend has been quoting that to me for 15 years - I think she read it in a book. I was thinking about what that meant just a few days ago and how it applied to my life. Have a Happy New Year!

I think that quote is attributed to Confucius. No matter where you go, there you are.

I also suspect the secret to your success, Chris Ann, is the fact you kept your nose to the grindstone and didn't look up to listen to those whining about you.

Chris Ann, My mother always told me no matter where you go, your problems will follow. YOU are the one that has to fix them. It sounds exactly like this and we are the ones that have to change when issues come up. How we work around them or adapt will determine our outcomes. I loved this post.

Kirsten: I'll have to look for that. I just remember the line from that horrible movie.

Andrew: I've had a phenomenal year. When people ask how it's going for me, they ask with that doom and gloom tone, and are almost disappointed when I tell them I've had a great year.

Jason: It's much more common to see struggling agents jump to and fro, than have a Top Producer jump ship from an office. Sure one place may offer a higher split, but that isn't going to increase your production. Too many are looking for that quick fix for their business. They need to look in a mirror.

Yes, I have seen Buckaroo Bonzai!

And this blog seems a lot like one I just wrote.

It's so true, where your license sits has so little to do with your success.

Hmmmm... Is that anything like "You're not lost if you don't know where you're at. You're lost if you don't know where you're going."?

Chris Ann, I had a talk with an agent a while back who always had horrible transactions. The "other agent" was always mean, horrible, a liar, etc. I sat down with this agent and ask her if she could figure out the common denominator in all of the situations. She did not appreciate it when I brought to her attention that she was the common denominator. She blew up and left the company. When leaving I tried to calmly talk to her and explain to her the simple fact that "Where ever you go, you will still be there."

Fortunately for all, she is no longer in the business.

Great Blog

Chris Ann - I think we've all seen the agents moving from one company to another, thinking that will solve all their problems. My husband calls it "shuffling the deck." We still have to play with the cards we're dealt. You're so right - it all comes down to taking responsibiity for our lives.

Chris: Well said. Thank you. As much as we all know that to be true (at least most of us know it deep down), it's much easier to blame something else for our shortcomings. I appreciate you putting it back in perspective! Take care.

Jean: Seems this is a line that is prevalent many other places, but the message remains. Hard work and perserverance are the answers.

Roland: It's a simple concept. Some people never figure out that THEY are the common denominator to their problems.

Lorraine & Loretta: It's hard to look at ourselves as the problem.

Chris Ann, that movie was hilarious! Working on ourselves instead of blaming others is more productive. Have a successful 2010~!

I have noticed that there are a few more open desks in the office. It is sad to see people leave but inevitable. A tougher market - like the one we are currently in - always results in agents and loan officers leaving the industry. Very sad, but hopefully this will weed out some of the agents that didn't take their job as serious as they should. Change is inevitable to keep up with the times (isn't that what SHIFT is about? Haven't read it yet but just taking away from the numerous blog entries) Great post!

Suzy: I have a family member who desperately needs to understand the meaning of this in their own life. Same problems, different year.

Elizabeth: Whining about me? Hmmm. Guess not, because I didn't know there were people whining about me. I do try to help pull those up that are mired in a funk or soaking in bad attitude.

Carole: It's a simple truth, but comforting when you realize that you do have control over your actions and that can solve problems.

I have found that one of the hardest task of my life is really getting to know "me". Decided a while back I like me and I am "me's" best friend. And yes, checking out the inside is not something that is easy or something we would prefer to do. But when you do it... You will find that me is a good person but not perfect. Fits right in with everyone else --- except God. Good post.

Kyle: But too many think that they will find success by lilly pad jumping. Oh well.

Lewis: I like that one too. Very much the same idea.

Damon: Ah the drama queens. Everything around them is always in turmoil, and always someone eles'e fault. Hate dealing with those types.

Hi Chris Ann,

Love your Compelling Headline! That statement is so true. I know a few folks who haven't figured that out yet.

I think there is much to be excited about heading into 2010. We all survived 2008 and thankfully I found Active Rain in mid 2008 and we didn't just survive we did well in 2009. It still is shocking to me to see folks move around this time of year, looking for more. 100% of Nothing is still Nothing! Like you said Where Ever You Go...There You Are! :-)

Kate: As Independent Contractors, only we are responsible for our incomes. There is no strength behind one company sign vs. the other. The real strength is in the agent.

Paul: It's a simple message, but one we need to be aware of as we all strive to stay in business.

Maria: I don't remember much about that movie, but I remember that trailer with this line.

So true! If you turn and face your demons, they will somehow seem smaller but if you run and avoid those demons(issues) they get bigger and bigger.

Cara: This is exactly what Shift is about. The book cover says, "It's not about the market, it's about what you do." I know there are many leaving the business, but our office has seen many just transplant to another office or company in hopes of a different outcome.

Rosemary: I became a much happier person when I accepted me for me, and stopped worrying what others thought. I think that also set the stage to be the best me I can be.

Peggy: Another of my favorite lines. In the jewelry industry, there were those that would sit with a gentleman who was going to buy a diamond ring, but clearly not buying it from them. Instead of turning it over to another associate and get 50% of the sale, they would flog it to death. Our motto was 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

Angelica: I hate calling them demons. Sounds so scary. Inner challenges. We definitely need to face what is holding us back, or making us unhappy.

Chris Ann- sooo true. Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

It's all about our attitude and hard work. Thanks for the great post.

Chris Ann, The great thing about keeping all your issues close at hand is ...they are with you where ever you go no packing required. Short of an intervention you will carry your on baggage until your ready to leave it behind. Thanks for the reminder...and the New Year is a perfect time to make meaningful changes.

I have seen that trend as well and I agree that often times people need to inside for the answers to questions like that. I actually made a transition back in September to being independent and starting a boutique firm. I have actually seen a number of agents like myself who have been in the market 10+ years making the same move. I think part of the problem is with what we might call the traditional business model. That was the case in my personal situation.

On that same note, some of the larger firms are trying to incorporate new ideas to attract agents in a down market. My opinion is that is that the result for the most part will be same thing, different place.

Chris Ann:

This is an important point that is wonderfully stated here. As someone who has moved coast-to-coast several times, I learned this lesson early on. No matter where you go it doesn't change what is inside of you.

In this business we are all independents and moving to being under a different roof is not going to change our spirit or motivation. That has to come from within - and, it takes work.

Hi Chris Ann ~ Absolutely, I'm totally on the same page with you on this. The answer to ALL our problems in life, not just real estate, lies within. Nice end of the year post.

Denise

Rachelle: Another great expression, and very true.

Steve: Superficial changes may make you feel good temporarily, but making those meaningful ones is the only way to dump the baggage.

Jason: A carefully thought out move is never a bad one. I see too many making impulsive moves around town. And, just like anything in real estate, a short stint at a company is never long enough to really know if that is what works.

Chris Ann, I agree with Jason. It is interesting to watch people leave the company knowing nothing is going to change unless they do.

Ha HA! Yes I do..of course?!?!? I will say that we are always responsible for our situations in one way or another! Great post and I am glad to see one of my favorite bloggers featured!

So true. When it comes to the agents, I love how they blame EVERYTHING on the market, or current agency, when most of the time its them that need to do the changing!

Chris, your post is hard to disagree with. I've had several people ask me about changing "roofs" with all sorts of promises. I like it where I am and I don't blame circumstance on others or market conditions. Sure the economy is less than desirable...but it is for all of us, you just have to deal with it...don't complain and do nothing to change it or your business or your attitude...be a part of the solution...deal with it! I take responsibility for where I am in life today, I think too many people can't accept that the choices made in life paints who they are.

I really enjoyed your post and couldn't agree more.

Chris Anne, Great post. Unless you enter the witness protection plan, the geographical fix won't work. One of the quotes I like is "If it is to be...it's up to me."

This is a great post and comes just in time for New Year. Everyone has made great points-nothing will change for the better unless you make changes. This year has been slow and I have continued to go to classes and participate in ActiveRain which is a great resource for anyone in the real estate industry. I have seen an increase in business because of motivational posts like this one, while people are still blaming the economy. Thanks for writing this post and giving people who don't think this post applies to them some perspective on life, not just real estate.

I love, love, LOVE your blog header! How appropriately clever.

And you are right about your subject matter. I am part of a group of agents from across the country who get together every Friday via conference call to help each other keep on track, set our goals, and fishbone problems. The #1 thing we've realized is that the #1 thing we fishbone is our attitudes. Sometimes we spend almost the entire hour helping each other get our heads back on straight! An invariably after a session like that we come back the next week with increased numbers for our transactions.

Have a fantastic NEW YEAR!

Chris- This is so true, everything you said is true and yet falls so much on deaf ears. I work with this all the time with agents who think the grass is greener on the other side and with my children in relationships. I say if everything is always someone elses' and everyone else's fault- there is only one common denominator- yourself.

I have a post in draft, You can not have a new year without a new you and you can not have a new you without changing your behavior. Einstein said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. Katerina

If you leave a company like I did this year, it is a difficult decision. Loyalty comes into play, and the comfort of a known environment. If you do leave it should never be because a company is going to producr income for you. My old franchise sign has become meaningless for me and others in that it somehow guarantees business. Only you can do this, and whatever fees are being charged where you are, they should have value attached to them, but not the belief that you can sit back and just let the clients flow in.

Wise words. Sometimes a change can be a fresh start and other times your just moving your baggage.

This is oh so true. Now that I feel like I can finally breathe because we're doing a fair amount of business, i decided to go back to the gym. And rather than wait until January 1 to start, I started Monday. Instead of sitting around telling myself I'll be happy when I lose 50 pounds, I'm working really hard on just being happy NOW...being healthier and working out regularly will make me happy. The weight loss will be my frosting on my cake...

Chris Ann - And then there's the quote: A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Hi Chris. Very nice post.

I don't actually remember that movie, but I love the line...

People always think the grass is always greener on the other side.

Well, sometimes you have to green up the grass right where you are...

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Very easy to cast aspersions instead of using a bit of flashlight insight...introspection.

Very timely post for those interested in the "resolution thing".

A Jackson Browne lyric from the 70's says the same thing..."Now matter how far I run, I can't seem to get away from me..." (great song!)

Cheers!

Brian Morgenweck, Broker/Owner

Power Realty Group

Hackensack, NJ

I don't remember much of that movie, I think I was too drunk at college when we saw it, but that line has always stuck in my head. It is so true. It takes most people a long time before they figure out that the common denominator in all of their problems ends up being themselves.

My corrolary to that saying is something like, "do what you can, with what you have, where you are, now".

"You Can't Hide From Yourself" -- Teddy Pendergrass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWh6cH2ZEZY

You can't hide from yourself, everywhere you go . . . there you are!

One of the greatest days of my real estate career was when the office manager called to tell me to get my stuff out of my office because they were shutting down. It forced me to change and move to an office where other agents actually worked as hard if not harder than I did and leaving an office where only a couple of us were actually trying to work, negativity and very little support and motivation.....what a difference an office can have where there is motivation, support and even a little competition. There I was, and now, here I am!

Hi Chris Ann- Agreed. You might as well start loving yourself cause 'Wherever you go...There you are'!!. Taking responsibility for your own life and what becomes of it is so important. I remember years ago when I was invited to go on a cross country trip I started to say no. After all something always happened that prevented me from experiencing such things. But then I realized the only thing stopping me was me and I have never looked back. Woo Hoo!!

Chris Ann, Congrats on the feature. You are so correct, change comes from within the person, they have to be accountable for their actions and not blame everyone else. I just terminated an employment relationship with a realtor for that same reason, she goes thru assistant after assistant, sometimes in a week sometimes every 3 to 4 months. It is sad, because she is the one with the issues, not her assistants!

Chris Ann, no truer words ever spoken. Sometimes these simple obvious statements are much more asatute than first realized. For instance, a stock will go up until it stops going up. You would be surprised how many people keep trying to jump in and short before it stops going up. Seems so obvious, but is so hard to follow.

Chris Ann - I'm just happy that I'm not the only person that remembers that movie. I've seen it almost as many times as I've seen Red Dawn (which is a classic in my opinion).

I do think there is something to be said for "blaming" your work/office. I know I changed into a completely different Realtor® when I moved offices. Why? Because my broker was able to find the spark in me that I needed. Yes, it was still me that did it, but something you need to find a new situation to set off that cycle.

OMG! I say this to my kids all the time!

Anyway...KUDOS to you for saying this so well, I reblogged it!

Great post. There is a new book by Wayne Dyer called "Excuses Be Gone" that deals with this entire issue about being present and in the NOW. Great book and so true.

This year there have been quite a few agents leaving one company and going to another. Some have dropped out of real estate for good, or put their license in inactive status. Having a positive attitude and work harder is my goal for 2010.

It is also true that "wherever I am----there I go":)

But it is so so so much easier to blame everyone else than to look at yourself and try to understand what you are doing to sabotage yourself. Then you have to take responsibility for your actions and commit to change if you aren't happy with what you are. Like I said, so much easier to blame everyone else!

Hi Chris Ann - Who knew Buckaroo would get such a great response in the Rain? Sometimes this crazy real estate market does feel a little like the 8th dimension.

Claudette: It's tough lesson for many. Some never get it.

Denise: I'm finding it timely myself. I see to many friends in my own office jumping ship thinking they'll do better elsewhere. I wish them the best, but if they carry the same attitudes they've had, well, nothing is going to help.

Ted: I'm sure that recruitment is much easier in a down market. So many looking to blame their Brokerages for their lack of production.

Russell: Thanks. I'm glad you stopped by. I'm not surprised so many good folks are agreeing with the sentiment.

Trisha: It's so obvious to those on the outside, but they grump and grumble about the exterior reasons they are not successful. And they really think a change of company or scenery will help.

Nick: I've heard the promises too. What those that don't see the results in their business don't realize is that any company will compensate you appropriately when you are getting them results.

Marian: Another good quote. Thanks for chiming in with that one.

Andrea: It's true no matter what is troubling you in life. The only thing we can control is ourselves. Too hard to change everything else around us.

Dee: Attitude is EVERYTHING! An hour spent fixing it is an hour well spent.

Katerina: It's a good time of year to reflect and remind ourselves of this simple message. And who knows. Maybe some of those that need to hear this will have it sink in while they can still make a difference in their lives or business.

Joe: Just all the hard work in branding yourself makes it hard to decide to leave a place. After all, our companies are required in our ads.

Gregory: Why do I suddenly have a mental image of a baggage carousel in an airport? :)

Christianne: I'm sure the weight loss will come. I've made a commitment to myself to get back into the exercise routine. Like you, I don't have a weight loss goal attached. It will come if I stick to the exercise.

Robert: That's one I have never heard.

Ken: Yep. Sometimes you just need fertilizer.

Brian: So many messages saying the same thing can't be wrong. Time to peek inside to fix what's wrong.

Tim: I'm getting so much motivational material here today. This is great!

Carla: And another great one. Thanks.

Paul: That's one of the reasons I am so happy where I am. It's a group of hard working folks who are all pulling for one another.

Martha: A lesson learned in stopping the act of being our own road blocks. Thanks.

Christine: You are describing a situation I have seen play over and over with a colleague. The trouble starts when she says, "Watch what I do," as instruction for doing the job. She needs to write down what she needs and then have the assistant do it. The only way it will work.

Guy: Simple concepts are hard for some to really grasp.

Matt: Red Dawn? It has been ages. I have seen it on the cable guide. May have to stop and check it out next time. I probably don't remember much of the movie after all these years.

BethAnn: Thanks for the compliment. I love reblogs.

Bob & Debbie: I'll have to check that one out.

Rebecca: Some hard core looking inward has lead to the end of many a real estate career. It's not for everyone. It's the jumping around I don't get. Having to start branding your name and a new company every year or two seems counterproductive.

Charles: Funny how that works, huh?

Lise: I guess it is, if you don't mind never getting results. I like suceeding and being happy. Blaming others never got me there.

John: I had second thoughts about starting with that line. What can I say? I gotta be me.

Well ya gotta do what ya gotta do.....sometimes it works out and then sometimes it doesn't!!

Patricia

PS I love the quote/expression....... "wherever you go....there you are!"

Patricia

That's always been one of my favorite mantras and something I used to say to my teenaged son. He's grown now, but I've always been a firm believer that we must make the most of our current circumstances and live the best we can with what we have. I've walked into homes that were like palaces with unhappy people living in them and I've been in homes that were tiny and plain yet the person living there took extra care to make it worthwhile and beautiful and comfortable and they were happy. Yes, it's not about where you are it's about who you are that matters. That's why I always love the phrase.

Chris Ann...

Very well stated and right on target, and a well deserved feature.

Solving internal problems with external solutions and relating that to changing offices is a good example of what we see so often, BUT changing offices could be AN EXTERNAL change as a result of internal one too :)

Sometimes, but actually for some they have just looked at the current circumstances and seen what is wrong and a change of place with more of what they need might just be the answer. We are experiencing that in our area too, and sometimes it's a move for the better.

To those colleagues of yours that thought a change of scenery would fix things, I have this comment on their success - "you can't get there from here."

Hi, Chris Ann. It sounds a lot like a Yogi Berra-ism. :) When we were in the military there was a saying I'm still fond of, 'Bloom where you're planted.' I think this is similar and very, very true.

Hope you have a great 2010! Thanks for the inspiration!

Chris when things are not working a good self examination is necessary, the key is then to make the required changes. Just moving to a new area or office is not a fix.

One can't really blame anybody but oneself if he/she is not happy with where they are at. I've had a great year and I have every intention of making 2010 even better! Thanks for the post, it's really well written. All the best to you!

Chris Ann, the "within" change will make a profound impact on our lives, much more so than the external changes.

So, then---HERE I AM! I better make the best of it! Hum...how to do that? Maybe set a desination for Where do I go from here! Then how do I get THERE? Hum...set some goals...

I showed more than 15 homes today to two different sets of clients and clocked more than 200 miles on the milage. I am thinking...LETS GO! If life is a road trip, you better set out your route! Selling Real estate can certainly be a road trip! Now, what tools do I need? (my new GPS was surely useful today!) Active rain advice will be useful tomorrow when I submit an offer on a short sale...one step at a time. Keep busy and work hard in the New Year!

Chris Ann - You are spot on with this post. Sometimes people think running, hiding or changing their surroundings will fix everything, but it doesn't.

Chris,

SO TRUE! Houses, money and stuff don't make you happy. The best example we personally had with this was the new house purchase 14 years ago. A day after closing we found out our 3 month old son needed heart surgery. He is great today! Folks, the house itself doesn't matter, it's the people inside!

All the best in 2010! Michelle

No Chris Ann -- Whining about you as in around you not ABOUT you, LOL.

Evening Chris Ann, Terrific reminder during the Holiday Season. It is still the simple things which bring real joy to our lives. Happy 2010 to you !

Chris Ann, this is SO TRUE! If you are not doing well, switching companies is not going to do anything for you. And if you aren't doing what you need to in order to succeed, you are going to keep running in place.

Great saying applied to real estate agents.

Chris Ann, I have also seen lots of agents come and go in our office. Some have left because their business is slow and they don't want to pay desk fees. Others because they want business to call them and not have to call for business. I agree that things have to change internally for there to be external change.

It's the same idea of the grass is greener on the other side. It never is, but people often think it will be.

DEC

2009

I am reminded of a Pink Floyd song and a lyric that says "All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be." It is a profound statement, we are the actions we take. They define us and our careers. Thank you for your post!

We constantly wait for life's biggest moments. When this happens, when that happens - but what happens in the mean time? You're right. Your attitude determines your attitude.

Those who had turned in their licenses - it doesnt have to be forever. They could just go into an indefinite sabbatical when finances are better.

Very well written and a great featured post at the right time. . .2010

Make a 10 out of 2010~~~Happy New Year!

ChrisAnn ! It's weird - and sort of sad - that so many want to deflect all their personal challenges onto other people and situations. You covered it perfectly, with the majority of peoples problems needing a change from THEMSELVES first and foremost.

Great post and nice feature to round out the year !

Happy New Year and much continued success Chris Ann !

Hi Chris Ann! Awesome post girl! People never think of themselves as their own worst enemy. They blame everything and everyone else for their problems. As a new agent, it's been rough but I expected it. The business will come only if you work it. You can't expect results overnight and you can't just sit back and wait for someone on your SOI to give you their home to sell or for them to buy. I've worked until 9 p.m. every night for over 3 months including this week making phone calls and sending out market reports to FSBO's. I've left over 500 market reports on doors in November. I've placed a controversial ad in a local paper 2 weeks ago knowing it takes 4 to 7 times for a person to read that ad before calling on it. It's been hard work but I know it's going to be worth it.

And today, I'm going to Babylon Village and hand out 15 scratch off lottery tickets with my business card attached to complete strangers and say, "Happy New Year".

Happy New Year Chris Ann and I hope you have an awesome 2010!

Chris Ann-as the year draws to a close and everyone reflects on their year and the good, the bad and the ugly. For some jumping companies may seem to be the answer. For others it may be digging in and continuing to take on the hard jobs in real estate such as short sales when others shake their head and say "no way." May 2010 bring you continued success on your choosen path no matter what it is and remember to look in the mirror and realize that "no matter where you go there you are."

Patricia: That's brings to mind another post I'll be writing today. Some people see the writing on the wall, others have to go toward the wall at full speed.

Chrystina: It's such a simple message.

Richard: Thanks. After two years, could it be that I am finally getting the hang of AR feature writing? :)

Jerry: True. Some offices can be toxic environments.

Terrylynn: I am not proposing that changing offices is ever a bad idea, but it seems that this is where many agents start to fix production problems.

Ron: You truly can succeed in just about any environment. It's up to you.

Yolanda: I have that on a painting in my house. It is also a simple message.

Jennifer: Self exams are very necessary, yet rarely done.

Susanne: Same here. Of course, success takes a lot of hard work...another thing some aren't willing to do.

Gary: When I was writing this post I felt oddly inhabited by the spirit of Gary Woltal. This type of message is right in your wheelhouse.

Amy: Ah yes. Planning. Another skill sorely lacking in so many real estate careers.

Michelle: Thanks. It certainly seems to be ringing true to a lot of people.

Michelle: I sold a house to a couple this year that had a similar issue after they moved in to their new house. Now their two year old daughter is battling brain cancer. The imperfections in the house don't mean a thing anymore.

Elizabeth: OH! Duh. Must have been in too much of a hurry for that one to compute. :)

Bill: Simplicity is where I try to live my life.

Marney: I learned this lesson myself from years in the sales field. IT took a few years, a few scenery changes to realize that my attitude and actions needed a change.

An: Great saying for anyone avoiding the obvious.

Tammie: I have seen agents struggling with leaving the business. It's tough. This is not a business for everyone. Yet some of the agents that give up, I think, could have a much more lucrative career than some that have stayed, if they just worked at it.

Christine: I almost used a picture of grass for this post, but went with the chick in the mirror, fixing her "outsides."

Wendy: Invoking Pink Floyd for a slam dunk!

Loreena: When they get the license back, time to investigate the four letter word called WORK. Nothing in my real estate career has fallen in my lap.

Fernando: I certainly will. Rolling into 2010 with four clients under contract, and three more following rapidly in their footsteps.

Sheldon: Okay. Add me to your list of subscribers visited. You've been very busy these days. :)

Jackie: You are the poster child for hard work. You are already a great agent, and will have a great 2010.

Cindy: I feel like 2010 is bound to be a repeat of 2009 in the type of transactions we face, but we did it in 2009. Time to suit up and get ready for 2010.

And I am reminded of everyone who said "if you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else" or something like that - I think that was a book too.

Best wishes for continued success in the new year. Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! David Home Inspection...

Chris Ann--What a timely post. Very well written. It's easier to blame external forces ... the market, the broker, the guy next to us, than to blame ourselves.

I'll be looking for your next post! Thank you and Happy New Year from Secoast NH

Patricia

Peggy: You definitely need a plan to get where you are going.

David: Thanks. What a neat looking graphic.

Erica: Ah yes. Blaming the "other guy." Another marvelous business tactic. "If everyone else wasn't so darn successful, I would be."

Patricia: I better get busy then. Happy New Year to you too.

I live that phrase, it is something I often repeat. Did you know there is a book entitled "wherever you go, there you are."? You are who you are no matter the surroundings.

Philip: It's a good thing I learned to be happy with myself and work on me to change the things I want to change.

JAN

2010

Chris,

I'm on the other side. I was in a toxic office; when I left and surrounded myself with professionals, my business took off.

Terry: That's good to hear. An office full of negativity isn't good for anyone's success.

JUL

2010

We do take our baggage with us everywhere. A change of scenery is not usually the answer. I know that from experience.

The hardest place to look for answers is inside. Very hard to do when it's so easy to blame external circumstances, especially in sales.

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Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA

Bristow, VA

More about me…

Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA

Address: 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA, 20155

Office Phone: (703) 402-0037

Cell Phone: (703) 402-0037

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