Just before Christmas our Board of Realtor association had a Christmas party. I stayed late to help clean up and a group of Realtors starting discussing age and high school. The conversation led to "where did you work in high school" and "who did you know"? A name came up that was one of those names that stopped the conversation! You know him? was asked, I worked for him! was said, Where is he now? came up! The conversation went on, questions were answered and everyone went there merry way...But I had made a statement to the group I had not made in a long time, one of those forgotten statements. It was part of the conversation and again was forgotten by me...until now.
So why is this statement coming up again now a few weeks later, a statement that was made about 25 years ago in a high school classroom? Well lets start 25 years ago with career week! My high school brought in local business people to talk to all the seniors (maybe juniors, it has been a while) about what career paths they wanted to take. We had a huge list of people to listen to, we would change rooms and listen to the people we wanted to hear. I believe I went to three or four but only remember one! His name was Joell and he was manager at one of our local pizza joints. It was a popular place with 80's video games, good pizza, great fries, subs, etc. We all knew him mostly because he would kick us out of the joint because we would sit in a seat and not order any food. He was good manager and a good speaker. OK back to the classroom...He started his talk by telling us Boddie Noell (company that owned the joint) payed for his home, his car, his gas, his vacation, and everything he wanted...FOR FREE!!! We all listened extra good then! He said all he had to do was put in a good days worth of work, take care of the customers, and we could also have everything we want for free too! He challenged us to do all we can, be all we can be, and to set goals! I left there feeling great and inspired.
You may ask why is all of this in a Real Estate blog? This has everything to do with Real Estate and everything to do with 2010! Inspiration does know what year it is or what business we are involved with, Joell did not know who he was talking to or what we would do with our lives. He only knew we were some kids that did not know what we wanted or where we were headed. Sounds like a Realtor in 2010 to me (or at least me)!!!
In the years that followed his statements I moved up the ladder very quickly of a chain restaurant. By the time I was 21 I was General Manager. Joell was a frequent customer of mine for many years and not knowing to him would give me a personal boost!
So back to the Christmas party, that was Joell we all were talking about! I had shared the story of all the free stuff if we only worked hard and took care of the customer! This past year the free stuff did go very well for me and my family! So when I heard Joell's name I must ask myself; have I worked hard and taken care of my clients? I guess if I want to stay in the business and have all those free things in life I must work harder and take better care of my clients...or get out! Not ready to get out, so I will take my friends Joell's inspiration again...I wonder if he needs to buy a house?
Who inspires you?
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