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Important first impressions

By
Home Stager with Transitional Designs, LLC

Today we met with an agent, that we haven't worked with for over a year while she changed agencies, and shared some of our recent projects with her. She was so excited about how our company has grown and developed and the recent work we had completed. Meeting with her gave us a great "mirror" to see how we have progressed in our company toward our business goals. She even asked to go see our vacant stage so she can see the finished house for herself.

Since so many of our days are spend focused on the mundane elements of running the business, staging, marketing, and planning, we sometimes forget to take the time to celebrate our successes. Today's visit reminded me of just how important first impressions can be for home buyers. This agent was able to see our work with a fresh eye-as if she hadn't worked with us before. Her responses to our work was as good as our sellers when they see the finished property for the first time. Watching her "first impression" was a gratifying payoff for the hard work we do.

Made me wonder how other stagers celebrate their successes......

Margaret Ann Innis
Decorate To Sell - Merrimack Valley Real Estate Staging - Andover, MA
Real Estate Staging - MA & NH
Cheri - great success.  Reflecting on what went well and where you have journeyed in your business is part of successful business plan.  Note:  Reaching goals is like running a marathon.  You are exhausted from the work and effort it took to get to the finish line.  We really work on keeping the energy positive, too.  As a Realtor, my manager would have a display board with "cheerleader shakers" and bells to celebrate each listing and sale.  We follow that example:  business goalsa are visually displayed on an Easel Display in our offices and props to celebrate!  You work hard to reach goals!  And it is FUN!
Jul 27, 2007 11:37 PM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging
I think this is a really good point to remember.  I'm always setting lofty goals and don't always acheive all of them.  When I get disappointed about not meeting one I have to take a minute and remember what I have accomplished!  then I get re-excited & re-energized.  I just rewrite new goals (still lofty) and move on knowing that I can acheive them because of everything I have already acheived.
Jul 28, 2007 01:05 AM
Cheri Dueker
Transitional Designs, LLC - Saint Louis, MO
Transitional Designs, LLC, Home Staging St. Louis

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Melissa years ago I had a boss who taught us how to set goals using the SMART system. Goals will only motivate you if they are achievable-otherwise you spend all your time setting new goals. I have always used the system and it has never let me down.

Margaret: I love the marathon analogy. I think we get so busy putting one foot in front of the other, we forget how much distance we have covered. I know we felt realy good about her excitement and praise and it reenergized us for the job coming up this weekend.

Jul 28, 2007 01:32 AM