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Credibility: It's a Fleeting Goal if You Abuse It

At least once a week there is a blog on Active Rain that points out the need to be credible in your work - and now there is a call for specialization in the field, so you can be even MORE credible.

But it is funny how fleeting credibility can be - the moment you believe your own press clippings is the moment it walks out the door on you.

I've been a professional writer since I could drive - covering high school and college sports at 16 was awesome. It got me more than one date, and it was always funny to talk to the coach when she realized that this high school kid was the one that wrote that great story about her last week. The credibility starts to flow in.

So when, I was honored in a recent Carnival of Active Rain, what happened? Those high school feelings came rushing back. I looked in the mirror and the chest was puffed out - this wonderful community of my peers had honored something I wrote. And suddenly the gold stars were coming easier. I got a big-head.

So, I tackled the foreclosure process. Remember, I've been a real estate agent for 100+ days. The first article was okay, the second was, well, something Sadie (our 1 year old Boxer) disposes of after dinner.

My credibility on this site should have taken a big hit. Why? Because I violated the first rule as a journalist and real estate agent - RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH

Just because something worked one time doesn't make it right this time. You always HAVE to check those facts and remember that it only takes one ASSUMPTION to get you summoned to meet with your editor or - worse - the Real Estate Commission.

Speaking from experience is wonderful, but we need to stay on top of things and make sure that our EXPERIENCE is still CORRECT for the environment we are using it in.

So allow my slip in credibility serve as a lesson to each and every one of you ...

Posted by Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio on 11/15/2006 11:03 AM

Comments (16)

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16 Comments on Credibility: It's a Fleeting Goal if You Abuse It

Mmmmmmmmm... Beeeer - the one thing you can always trust!

Seriously though - hey, everyone makes mistakes - it's what you do after that that counts!

11/15/2006 11:07 AM

by PGA National, BallenIsles, Mirasol - Marc Blasi (Leibowitz Realty / Knightlines Mortgage)

I agree Marc. And in this community, I'm not worried about it. But when that mistake comes "in the real world" it can cost you a connection - and money. So I thought I'd bring up the topic ... and make myself the "idiot."

11/15/2006 11:10 AM

by Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty)

Hey Toby,

Don't dispair! For a Rookie Realtor, well you are a good writer!

I suspect you are a good Realtor too! :)

11/15/2006 11:14 AM

by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 (The Berkshire Group Realtors)

I've been a business school owner, Assistant Professor for a local college, Project Manager for DOL training programs, real estate title company partner, legal research partner for a law firm, real estate agent and real estate broker. All wonderful rewarding career moves. All a piece of cake.

The hardest thing about any job I've had has been writing. Writing is an acquired skill and takes practice, practice, practice. I am in awe of professional writers.

My hat's off to you. Real estate will now be a piece of cake for you.

11/15/2006 11:22 AM

by Lenn Harley

The real estate commission? Ouch!

But always remember, "success is not in never falling...but in rising every time you fall". I forget who said that.

11/15/2006 11:25 AM

by Keith Jeppson - Salt Lake City Real Estate (Keller Williams Utah Realty)

Making improvement comes from climbing up on our mistakes.

11/15/2006 11:34 AM

by David Spencer & Assoc., Broker & Lic. Instr. CE and Pre-Lic.

Toby, I always just try to stay true to myself. Nothing else really matters. I only write what I know. That's why my posts are very limited in scope. I don't know too much:)

11/15/2006 12:59 PM

by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc

Dear Toby,

For a MAN to stand up and say that when he says something in the forest and no woman hears him, he is WRONG moved me to tears of respect and awe.

Now, because you were brave, you would probably have a greater credibility score than ever. Your credibility has a brighter light on it and you can keep writing, following your rules, informing, networking and being good at writing and real estate. Or, (which I'm convinced you won't do) you can slide, knowing that I will just give you points for about anything because you were brave and stepped up to 'fess up.

Credibility is a responsibility because it is reputation. Just read Broker Bryant and try to mirror his philosophy ;). The crystal pen has a great future for you, cause you're fun too.

11/15/2006 02:17 PM

by JudyAnn Lorenz, PREVA (Bar JD Communications)

Being honest with yourself and others is important. I see here that you are. Move forward with your new found knowledge.

11/15/2006 02:35 PM

by Christine Adler (Adler Realty)

Good Blog. You will be a tough one to keep up with between your journalism skills, research you will now faithfully do and your growing realtor skills. As someone towards the top commented, what really counts is what you do afterwards. Thanks for being open and honest. It made a good topic!!!

11/15/2006 02:42 PM

by Cynthia Sloop (Community Property Manager)

"Toby and Broker Bryant My Hubby"

BB...How can you say that. You are brilliant...

You know brilliant is not something I say about just anyone.

Toby don't listen to him...He's been reading to many Monk books. :0)

Toby I have been in the RE biz for 12 years now. Have been in sales for 30. Good to see someone who knows that the "MOTHER" of all screw ups is "ASSUMPTION". Assumption causes havoc...The End.

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Assume Nothing...Research Well...ROAR!

11/15/2006 02:51 PM

by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)

Toby.... I didn't see any mistakes and assumptions... ;o)

But you are correct.... I see many assumptions in certain blogs, but most off, I read opinions that are addressed as facts. This irks me, but all you can do is call them out on their sources. Just like you mention, research, research, research.

TLW.... I agree, assumptions have gotten me in trouble before. But sometimes it's hard not to assume when someone doesn't give you an answer and you keep asking them. So true tough.

Marc.... who do you like? Many of us that did watch the Simpson's a long time ago know that Homer's better friend was Moe... lol the bartender....

11/15/2006 04:43 PM

by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)

Well, Toby...even Babe Ruth struck out. It shows your human.

I like your stuff. You'll get over this in...oh...about the amount of time it takes to write a new blog (I'm sure it will be a good one)

11/15/2006 11:08 PM

by America's #1 Mortgage Broker

A good illustration that we're only as good as our last ... In your case you clearly have the right perspective, so keep blogging!

11/16/2006 01:36 AM

by John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)

Toby, success isn't measured in how many times you fail, just in how many times you succeed. The real failure are those that don't try, or don't realise that they have failed and keep on doing what they are doing! It takes a big person to say "hey, I screwed up... and that's the kind of person that is a long term success!!! Keep blogging!

11/16/2006 10:05 AM

by Chris Tesch College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station)

Thanks for the great comments everyone ... and don't worry, it bugged me because I am a perfectionist -- but not that much. Just thought it was a good blog topic. It didn't drive me to drink or anything ... darn, I really need to screw one up :-)

11/16/2006 10:13 AM

by Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty)

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