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Passion Drives Excellence

By
Home Stager with Transition Stage LLC

Passion Drives Excellence

Do you ever wonder how successful people get to the peak of their professions? I believe the answer is simple: they have a real passion for their work. That feeling of passion makes it easy to pursue the information, the learning, the constant awareness of what's happening in their fields.

I was reminded of this at RainCamp in Atlantic City. While walking with Debbie Gartner, it seemed at first that she wasn't paying attention to what I was saying, which, if you know Debbie at all, you know that just isn't like her.

She noticed my hesitation, and immediately said "I'm listening to you. But I'm also looking at the flooring - something I do everywhere I go." And it clicked for me. Debbie is passionate about her chosen business, which is all about providing the best flooring solutions to her clients. This means she's very aware of flooring - it's top of mind for her most, if not all, the time.

And when I found myself studying the interesting wallpaper in the ladies room, and later on, how large expanses of flooring in the casino are broken up by varying the patterns of carpeting or terrazzo, I realized that I, too, instinctively look at visual impact everywhere I go, as it all adds to the store of knowledge that I use in staging and design projects.

This can be as simple as studying - and thoroughly enjoying - professionally designed web layouts, such as this one from the Pottery Barn website:

 

Pottery Barn: How to Create  Garden Bistro

Pottery Barn: How to Create a Garden Bistro

 

There is always more to learn, more courses to take, books to read, periodicals and online information to pursue. And the joy of of all of this is that, when it's your passion, there is a steady enjoyment and instinctive reaching out to gather this information every single day.

What's your passion?  And how does it drive you to excellence?

 

Passion Drives Excellence

Robert Butler
Aspect Inspection - Montreal West Island, QC
Montreal Home Inspector | Aspect Inspection

I'm like that about houses and buildings. I occasionally have to check myself and remind myself to pay attention to the driving first. But I'm always checking roofs and building details as I pass through neighbourhoods.

Apr 09, 2011 03:39 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Robert - Oh, I hear you! I should have a bumper sticker that warns people that I may unexpectely swerve, slow down, or completely stop when overtaken by something beautiful!  ;-)

Apr 09, 2011 03:50 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Judy, great post! I always love when I'm working with a great agent on the other side of the transaction. I can still remember my first listing when the buyers agent wanted to present the offer in person. Well, you know I was a bit nervous about this since I was so new and wasn't sure how it would go. The agent was so darn professional and really excellent in how she not only presented herself..but the offer that I learned quite a bit that day from her. Like you looking at design, I'm always intuned to the nuances of the other agents..

Apr 09, 2011 04:32 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Cindy - That's an excellent example of this point! It's so great when people we work with can teach us by example like this. Thanks for sharing this with me.

Apr 09, 2011 04:38 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Judy....my passions are multi tiered.....I have a passion for new construction and I'm always looking for open space as I'm driving....that could be a building lot or a subdivision in the future!!  I'm always open to talking to people and when I do, I decide at that point, if they would make a good real estate agent!!!  the list goes on....

Apr 09, 2011 04:42 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Barbara - I'm not at all surprised to hear this! Having multiple passions certainly helps to lead you to success - you're cooking on all burners!

Apr 09, 2011 04:58 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Judy - Those are delightful photos to illustrate the Garden Bistro idea.  I live in a small house, but have a nice backyard, that could easily incorporate some of those ideas. . .Thanks for posting.

Apr 09, 2011 08:29 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Myrl - I'm so glad you like these. Pottery Barn must have an amazing design team!

Apr 09, 2011 10:52 AM
Karen Baker
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty - Sunset Beach, NC
Professional Help with Rapid Responses...

Judy ~ Karen is passionate about her research for her clients ~ Frank is passionate about Karen being happy ~ grins ~

Apr 09, 2011 10:59 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Karen and Frank - That is one great partnership!!   ;-)

Apr 09, 2011 11:01 AM
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

Judy - You and Debbie are quite a pair!  You are looking at everything, and she is looking down!    I watched you two at Rain Camp, and it was funny sometimes - but really nice to know such nicely obsessed friends!

Apr 09, 2011 11:06 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Dagny - Yes, we are! We ARE obsessed with design!

Apr 09, 2011 11:13 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Judy, I think most Stagers are hooked on design. I know my mind starts rearranging things wherever I am LOL. It's great to have something that keeps me engaged and growing.

Apr 09, 2011 12:18 PM
Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Judy--That's a great post.  I am guilty of checking out everything from the carpeting to the light fixtures.  Also, like Janice, I rearrange things wherever I am.  I wonder where passion ends and obsession starts?  Don't care, love it! 

Apr 09, 2011 06:26 PM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

HI Janice - I think you're right! I had a good laugh at your comment, because I'm always redesigning just about every room wherever I go. It does keep us engaged and growing, that's for sure!

Apr 10, 2011 06:37 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Janet - We are a group of re-arrangers! Hmmm good question - obsession vs, passion - not sure I want to know that answer!  ;-)

Apr 10, 2011 06:39 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Hi Judy,

I agree passion drives excellence.. the problem that I have found is that I have so many varied interests.. I tend to be passionate about one hobby for a while and then that one rests while I am on a different one.. of course being I am always passionate about being a good real estate broker.

Apr 10, 2011 07:57 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Judi - I hear you! I suspect there are a lot of us out there with multiple passions. I think it's important to give them each some attention, so life feels rich, full, and satisfying.

Apr 10, 2011 09:00 AM
Mary Lou Teague
HOME STYLE AND STAGING LLC - Knoxville, TN
Home Style and Staging Knoxville. TN

Great post and one that makes one think...I would think that my passion is staging or re-designing older homes...I love the details in older homes....

Apr 16, 2011 02:12 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Mary Lou - There's a lot to love about the character in many older homes. I'm glad you've found your passion.

Apr 16, 2011 10:55 AM