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Are You So Concerned With Paying It Forward That You Neglect to Pay It Back(ward)?

By
Real Estate Agent with Retired

We see a lot of blog posts and comments about "paying it forward", planting the seed and waiting to get a harvest from it in the future. I agree, great concept and everyone should make a practice of it. Just think of how pleasant the world would be.

But, at the same time, are some people so focused on "paying it forward" that they don't pay it backward? How often do you thank the person that reblogged your post? How often do you comment on others blog posts? How often do you read the posts of those that read yours (I will admit, I don't do this very well. I only have so much time set aside for reading posts and commenting).

There are some people out here who are very good at this. For instance, there are a few that I know who will, when I comment on their post, in return read one of my posts and comment upon it. There are some who will always come back and read my re-blog of their original post and thank me in a comment. Even though there are no AR points involved in comments on re-blogs, the thank you means something to me.

Or how about those that have sent you referrals, whether other agents or your friends, your clients, your neighbors, etc. Do you keep them posted of the status. Do you go back and thank them?

Or how about your family for standing by in these difficult times? Do you show your appreciation for their support.

I know that too often I fail to express my thanks or appreciation, although I try a bit harder to do it. How about you? Do you Pay it Forward and Backward?

Brian West
imortgage - Gilbert, AZ
Arizona Lender

You make a great point, especially about checking in to some of the commenters other blog posts, taking an interest in what they have shared. I try to, but certainly don't do as well as I would like

 

Nice post!

Jan 29, 2011 04:42 AM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

Great post! It is easy sometimes to forget those who have helped you.

Jan 29, 2011 04:44 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Well said!   Real estate seems to be about the forward momentum, but it's so essential to remember the background!    Good post!

Jan 29, 2011 04:52 AM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Mike, I am afraid I underpay in both directions, forward and back... I guess, it is inevitable, we are just trying to be good within certain limits.

Keep trying

Jan 29, 2011 05:36 AM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Very nice, Saunders.  Nothing wrong with inherent courtesy/general appreciation whether it be forward or backward.

Jan 29, 2011 05:43 AM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

I can only say that I try. Referrals are so appreciated in this business that even a spoken thank you does not seem like enough. Great reminders to acknowledge all the good stuff that comes our way.

Jan 29, 2011 06:10 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hey Mike,

What a great post, this should be featured..because it's true.  Just as Barb stated, we need to acknowledge those who are or have helped us.  Keeping the cycles of forward and backwards alive :)

Jan 29, 2011 06:53 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Brian - it is very hard to keep up with all of the commentors, or even those subscribed to

Rob - or to just inadverdantly overlook them

Li - without a base its hard to move forward

Jon - that's all we can do

Sardi - thanks for the good words

Barb - and it helps to remind people that you appreciated their action

Carole & Laura - thanks for that comment, we should acknowledge those that have been of benefit to us

Jan 29, 2011 07:39 AM
Ted Baker
Carmody and Associates LLC - Winter Haven, FL
MidFloridaMediation.com

See, Mike - I do read your posts.  

 

(o:

 

Jan 29, 2011 07:50 AM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Now if we can just get Ted to read my posts, all will be right with the world:)

Jan 29, 2011 08:25 AM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Mike,

Something else I need to get better at. You would think at my age I would have it down pat by now...sigh.

Rich

Jan 29, 2011 11:12 AM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

Important to spread the comments around and comment on people that comment on you.  At the same time though, you could spend way too much time on these social networking sites and not enough time selling properties.

Jan 30, 2011 01:11 AM
Kevin Robinson
Twin Falls, ID
Fractional Developer

Mike- Hopefully things are good for you. How is the GA market these days?

Jan 30, 2011 01:56 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Ted - thanks for dropping by

Sardi - I bet he is a stealth reader of your posts

Rich - I would think at your age, which appears to be similar to my age, now what was I writing about?

Rob - balance is very tough

Kevin - thanks, Ga might be picking up, how are things for you?

Jan 30, 2011 02:48 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Mike, what a great post!  It's so important that we do say thank you!  And not forget to look back once in a while too!

Jan 30, 2011 04:39 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Lee & Pam - thanks. We do need to remember those who helped us along the way.

Jan 30, 2011 09:27 AM