A month or so ago we took my kids to Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach SC for his 10th Birthday. While there we paid excessively for adult beverages and virgin daiquiri's for the kids, but we knew that going in. As a professional actor (go to www.EdWagenseller.net) I had the bar set fairly low for the show. Perhaps that is why I was so impressed, as a whole. As a professional Real Estate Broker, I took away some valuable lessons that I will share with you now.
1) You Get What you Pay for:
The ticket price was $34.95. That included the show and dinner. The show was top notch and the actors (except for one, I'll get to that later) were prepared and committed to the production. The dinner was filling and pretty darn good for Dragon (Roasted Chicken that you eat with your hands) There was sword play, jousting, horse dancing (I'm sure there is a real name for it the display of horse training) and all was quite impressive. But the price of admission was well worth it. I used this scenario on a listing appointment when asked if I could sell their home for 4.5%. I told them about Medieval Times and the price I had to pay. I then said if I had paid less I would have to forego the dinner or the show, neither of which I was willing to give up. Similarly, I need every bit of that commission to get your house sold, otherwise which part of advertising would they like to fore-go, the web presence or the property fliers? They agreed to my rate.
2) When things don't go as planned, back off, re-group, and attack.
Part of my training as an actor included stage combat. One of the rules in stage combat is if the other combatant isn't ready or the fight gets off track, both fighters back off, make eye contact and re-engage. So often in real estate when something goes awry we plow ahead in hopes that if we push harder things will get better, when in actuality things most often get worse. Sometimes it's best to back off, re-group and then attack with the proper plan in place.
3) All it takes it one bad actor to spoil a perfect production.
All the actors and cambatants were great. Except one. The Princess. It was as if they found the prettiest girl in high school, threw her in costume in put her out for the crowds to feed upon. Even my 7 year old commented on how bad she was. In real estate it is so important that the people and services we align ourselves with are the best of the best. All it takes is for a bad attorney, mortgage broker, inspector, or repairman to screw the proverbial pooch. Pick and choose those you align yourself with wisely.
4) Sometimes you don't get to pick your cards you pull for, but you play the hand your dealt nonetheless.
When you go to Medieval Times you are assigned a Knight to root for. You have no choice. Soemtimes in real estate we have to work with a new agent or an ego-maniac agent or a know-it-all agent in co-broke transaction. We didn't choose this but we have to make the best of it. It is so easy to make it an adversarial relationship, but never benefits the transaction or our client. so pull hard for that agent and help them in anyway possible. You'll feel better at the end of the day. I pulled for my Knight like I would for my favorite football team (Go Irish).
5) It's just a show, not life or death.
In the end, Medieval Times was just a show, not a life or death engagement. While in today's market every transaction feels like life or death, in fact it is not. We have to remember that through diligence and hardwork we will make it through this downturn to better days ahead. Be thankful for each day and remember, things could always be worse...and yes they could be better ,but we can't control every little thing now can we?
I hope this provides a little insight to your Friday. And if you go to Medieval Times stay away from the bar and add-ons. If you wish to have an adult beverage, carry a flask the Pepsi is all you can drink!
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