Yesterday I listened to an agent explain all the reasons why he was not achieving at a level to sustain himself. His reasons were well thought out and plausible. He was able to back them up with statistics and examples. He was convincing to himself and to many others. He had been successful at one point and needed to have answers why he was not at this point. It occurred to me that all the time he spent formulating reasons and ideas on why he was not able to do what he wanted; why he was in the position he is in was an utter waste of time, as were his excuses, Oh, explanations. When you spend all your time justifying why you are not achieving at the level you want you are spending no time figuring out how to accomplish what you want. I wanted to scream, ‘you are wasting my time and yours with your bullscript!’
-
As I left the room I was thinking I am lucky to be starting my career at a time when every single transaction is difficult. I know when I get a listing, when a buyer decides to buy, when a lead agrees to sign an agreement that I have done everything that is necessary to insure the best outcome for them and for me. I am learning what works and a whole lot more of what doesn’t work. For me what doesn’t work is wasting any time thinking or talking about why things don’t work. I want to spend all my time on strategies and actions that lead to the results I want. Our industry is filled with people who can shine a potato with their words but this leaves me wondering why we need shiny potatoes.
By focusing each and every day on what is working in the industry and how I can do more of it I am insuring that I will be able to serve my clients, prospects and leads in a way that they will achieve what their goals are. I think if you are not thinking this way that no matter how well you justify and explain that people will see through you. You may not, but others will. Each of us needs to check our script at the door for signs of justification and explanation rather than results that are meaningful. As John Wooden said, “Never confuse activity with achievement.” And I want to add never live on your past accomplishments unless they inform you how to accomplish today. Spend all your time moving forward rather than explaining why you haven’t moved forward. Who cares anyway, no one but you and you will soon be irrelevant if you continue with this focus.



Posted by



40 Comments on Best market to learn; what’s your niche?
Great post Larry,
I started my Real Estate career about a year ago and couldn't agree with you more. It was difficult getting going and there is absolutely no room for negativity. Ask yourself how you can be the best you can be each day and go out and make it happen.
Fabulous post Larry! You are correct! I absolutely love the quote you used "As John Wooden said, “Never confuse activity with achievement.” And I want to add never live on your past accomplishments unless they inform you how to accomplish today. Spend all your time moving forward rather than explaining why you haven’t moved forward. Who cares anyway, no one but you and you will soon be irrelevant if you continue with this focus.
Like Elliot Topkins said, "keep charging forwards"..
God Bless
Paul There is absolutely nothing wrong with assessing and reassessing your business. In fact that is what you are supposed to do. The point you missed is that after spending all your time with this part of the job is detrimental to the real job...getting to what does work!
Great reminder Larry.
We have a new agent in our office who OVER THINKS everything rather than getting out there and doing it. He is too rigid to be successful in this industry. You have to roll with the waves to make it.
Larry, great blog. I agree with the "stop conplaining and do what you need to do to succeed" ethic. It's what I do.
BTW, is that Karl Malden?
No Eric, not Karl Malden, it is someone from the Chicago area that I don't know. I found the photo on flickr by putting in Old School Realtors. It is someones grandfather. I just liked the picture.
Excellent advice! Thanks.
Hi Larry. Some people do point out what is wrong with the market instead of what's right and think of many excuses. It's not easy but there are many opportunities out there.
What the thinker thinks, the prover proves. Sounds like he needs to do some good old-fashioned prospecting.
Hi Larry -- My philosophy is simple (not sure if it's naive)...I try to treat each client so well, crazy well, and then keep in touch with them. So far, it seems to be working for me..
Okay, "bullscript"...it's my new word and I'm using it until someone tells me to shut up.
Hey Larry,
I hand delivered invitations to the newghbors of the open house I am holding this weekend. I too am hopeful for few neighbors to drop by. Your other ideas are great too. There is a school close by and a couple of large employers about a mile away. Hmmm, Let's see what I can do there. I'll let you know how it goes.
Love, love the word bullscript and thought this was an excellent post!!
Larry - I have bookmarked this to review on the days when I realize that I am being active but not productive.
I have spent the last year in a head-grinding re-invention of myself and my business. I have never worked so hard or tried so many new things, many simultaneously and with no guarantee of success. Many people I work with have quietly -- sometimes openly -- snickered along the way. I am now in the top percent of my mls market and my office --but this could disappear in a month, so two seconds to pat self on back, then back to work. Ignore the naysayers (their 32 years in business doesn't make them experts in this business today), surround yourself with experimenters and thinkers and really hard workers. Good luck.
Well put! I live by a simple motto..... "excuses are for losers"
Larry,
Yet another well written blog. I know you have only been in the business of real estate a short time, but the way you incorporate your past working experience into real estate you will be very successful.
Keep it up.
Larry,
I just got home and checked out your blog. You've got some great stuff right now. Keep it up.
Thanks David, I am trying every day as you know. Home from where? you lucky dog.