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It's Up to You and It's Up to Me: Leading By Example

By
Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

 I am crediting this spin off (of sorts) to my mentor, TLW who wrote Three Years Of My Time...And All I Got Were These Stupid Plaques...ROAR! who entered her own first comment: 'Sometimes the best way forward is to lead by example :) '

I am just going to take that comment and run with it (you folks are welcome to join in). Play this song

                < CLICK ....Everybody Hurts  

while you're reading and then thinking what to write. A time to expand your thinking and "get out of self".

I choose to "lead by example" and show the new agents that walk into our office what a professional in the Real Estate Industry "looks like"Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii is a comfortable office. We have a "family" atmosphere and not too much drama goes on in our office. We help each other out and work together as a team.

When a new agent walks into our office I hold out a helping hand and offer:

  1. A hearty welcome to our office and let them know that our two Brokers and the "regulars" in the office are all here to help them along in their new career in the Real Estate Industry!
  2. Give them specific information in becoming members of our local board, NAR, HAR and paying their dues so they can have access to our MLS. I also let them know that until they are members that they are not authorized to carry the Realtor Associate® trademark until they have become members.
  3. Letting them know that that it will take awhile to get started and they can start by sending out letters to friends and family announcing that they are in real estate and to add a couple of business cards. Be patient, take the initiative to start their business and above all motivate!
  4. If the new agent is a NAR/HBR/HAR member I give them specific information for signing up online on each site and the information they offer. (including downloading Zipform, downloadable forms not on zipform, how to start with MLS system, Ethics education and test on NAR, registering with our local board for new member class and so forth)
  5. Keep a professional attitude in or out of the office. I surely do not want to give the wrong impression to a new agent and show them the "wrong" way of presenting themselves to a client.
  6. No cutting corners or trying to skim on by and let them know that it is imperative to be honest and determined to hold our position as real estate agents in high regard.
  7. And that as long as they are willing to listen, learn and follow direction that they will have a never ending supply of helping hands in our office.

At times of stress, confusion and anger we all go through the "victim stance" mode in thinking we are the only ones going through what ever situation we're going through. We also want people to side with us, console us and support us in "our own unique thinking" on any given subject. Just remember, How we act is how the new agents are getting that "first impression" of how we as professionals are portraying ourselves in the public eye

The only person that has control over me.... is me..... and it's all in the manner of how I handle the situation. I choose to "lead by example" for my community of real estate professionals ....and offer a helping hand.

                                                                                   How about YOU?

 

Posted by

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

 

 © 2007-2015 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's

Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

All rights reserved.

     

 


 

 

Comments (53)

Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
Sally, I was just scrolling through your recent blogs, after getting a bit behind, and I couldn't decide which to comment on - I always enjoy them all.  Your office is very lucky to have you setting the tone for a positive envirnoment!
Oct 15, 2007 04:04 PM
Tracey Thomas
BrokerInTrust Real Estate - Calabasas, CA
CA Real Estate Broker
I love this song!  And I always remember the gal who was nice to me the first day.  Thanks for being that gal!
Oct 15, 2007 04:10 PM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Sally- Well, let's see it is just me and Nestor, and a couple of my assistants which are my kids, so let's see, I suppose I could be a good example to Nestor and the kids, hee hee. 

No but seriously- Since we are our own office I set the example to all other agents we cross paths with, I always lend a helping hand and offer my coaching services as I do not see any competition only abundance. I live by my values and principles. Others see that. Katerina 

Oct 15, 2007 04:15 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate
I wish more agents would take "professionalism" seriously.  I know we've all seen a lot of things we'd rather not see, and hear for that matter! It's good that you have a set of standards you abide by. Great post!
Oct 15, 2007 04:27 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Margaret: Thanks a bunch....Actually, we're all pretty fortunate to have each other....I love my office, I love my work....and that may be all the difference in the world.

Tracey:  Thanks for remembering...and that song tells it all....what if we all upped and walked away....where would we be?  Why not just work as a team and lift up the people?!

Katerina: That's cute!  I really like to see the lighter side of you!  And so the reason you are successful here and out there!  More than you know you have educated me and I carry what you and a lot of others have given me here.

Lisa:  It's how we set the pace for the public and that which reflects on our industry as a whole. Thanks Lisa.

Oct 15, 2007 05:23 PM
Thesa Chambers
West + Main - Bend, OR
Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon
setting the example  and the standard is always the way to stay in front of the pack - great post Sally
Oct 15, 2007 06:26 PM
Susie Roscoe
Signature Realty Associates - Brandon, FL
Real Estate Specialist | Brandon, FL

Sally - YOU could inspire a bull frog to believe he could become a prince! 

I love that you are so giving whether it's in real estate, real life, blogging and then some!  YOU'RE heart is on your sleeve...many could learn from your generousity!  I truly believe that what comes around DOES go around and your GOOOOOOOOD is coming!!!

Oct 15, 2007 10:55 PM
Neal Bloom
Brokered by eXp Realty LLC - Weston, FL
Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate

At my last company I can't tell you how many I have helped...not as much to offering them..but they some how seeked me out and I was glad to oblige...never was given the position nor did I ever ask or receive anything in return. I was given help when I started out but it was more going out in the field and learning the street part...it is a lot easier just to sit by the phone...but going out in the trenches is the real world.

Oct 15, 2007 11:46 PM
Adam Waldman
Westcott Group Real Estate Company - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor - Long Island
SALLY:  It's nice to see that there is a support system for new agents in your office, and that you are the embassador of good will.  Around my area, there is more competition than help when you first start.  Unless you are joining someone's team, you're pretty much on your own, sans the new agent training that many companies provide.
Oct 16, 2007 12:05 AM
Ginger Wilcox
Sindeo - San Francisco, CA
Sally, I LOVE this post.  The only person who has control over me is me- great words of wisdom.  I wish people had treated me like you treat the newbies in your office.  When I moved to my first office in California, the agents were not very nice.  AT ALL.  No one took time to get to know me or show me the ropes.  I was new to the area, but not new to the business.  Because I am young, no one even took the time to find out that I had more real estate experience than many of them- they just assumed I was a new licensee.  Shortly after starting- I started getting some big transactions.  Some of the agents got jealous.  I started to hear nasty stuff about me- backstabbing, catty comments in the copy room.  Shortly after, I left the company.  I couldn't stand to be in an office where people where so negative and rude.  Interestingly enough, that office used to be one of the best, now one of the worst in the county.  I am now in an office where people are thoughtful and helpful to everyone.  Those agents who were so rude- I can envision how they treat their clients, and if I had choice, I wouldn't do a deal with them.   New agents are people too- and everyone was new once upon a time.
Oct 16, 2007 01:54 AM
Jennifer Monroe
Indigo Home Team powered by Compass - Charlotte, NC
Real Estate REALTOR®/Broker/Designer

I remember how welcoming my colleagues were when I joined our team. It made all the difference in the world to me and set the pace for me from the start. It let me know that my clients would receive the same warmth and professionalism any time they stopped by. I can't imagine working anywhere else now. 

You're probably making more of a positive impact with your 'leadership' than you realize Sally :) 

Oct 16, 2007 03:45 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Thesa: And being part of the team IS the ultimate goal right?

Susie: I get back what I put into it...the contentment of being a good person. Darn sleeve wearers. :)

Neal:  That's how it worked for me. I went out on my first transaction and another agent literally walked me step by step (I'm so happy I learned from her) and today I work my transactions to detail....with heart...and in the best interests of the client. Which is how I help others to understand the importance of client before anything.

Adam: Everyone is helpful in our office. Some more than others. I just believe giving back is the main thing for having a smooth running office. Our office does not have full on training. They have new members classes but it still won't beat getting out there and doing that first transacation.

Ginger: I especially love to help the young ones who are energetic (I have minimal hehe) and willing to learn. There are others who were know it alls....they're all gone now. And that's what happens when a bunch of people get together and instead of supporting each other they rag on each other...then everyone leaves.(and so my song of wo :)

Jennifer: No matter what it will always be up to the individual if they want the help too. Also, it does make a difference what kind of attitude a person comes into the office with as well. The main thing in our office is that our Broker in Charge runs around and introduces the new person with a hearty attitude and then we jump in to help. There are only a few of us who are in the office a lot. I have been appreciated over the years...and those are all the strokes I need. Knowing I helped out and was appreciated.

Oct 16, 2007 04:08 AM
Andrew Trevino
ADT Real Estate - Wilkes Barre, PA
Wilkes-Barre Homes For Sale

Sally,

Sounds like you do more for the new agents than most in this industry. You're not afraid to "train your competition", are you? I wish I would have had a WooHoo Sally to hold my hand when I first got started. There's no telling where I'd be in my career now. Thanks for all you do...in your office and for all of us on AR.

Oct 16, 2007 06:06 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
Andrew: That was sweet Andrew. Why would I be afraid? We all have our own niches and I suppose I'm just not looking at people as competition. Maybe that's the difference. Hey...I would've helped you too! Thanks Andrew.
Oct 16, 2007 06:15 AM
Danny Thornton
R & D Art - Knoxville, TN
WordPress Guru
Celeste, great post. I am with you. I choose to lead by example too.
Oct 16, 2007 10:16 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
A really excellent blog! We all need to lend a helping hand and lead by example!
Oct 16, 2007 10:39 AM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

If more agents had your philosophy, Sally, ours wouldn't be an industry beset with mistrust.  Mistrust from fellow agents, the public, the media, etc.  I love your attitude and hope others learn that they have the choice of being a positive, dynamic professional rather than a stick-in-the-mud curmudgeon.  You're C-21 colleagues are fortunate.

Oct 16, 2007 10:54 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Danny:  Join the club!!  We'll have great long train here in the rain shortly!

Barbara-Jo/Bill:  (BTW..my middle name is Jo too!) Thanks so much and hop along with me!

Paul:  No kidding! I believe there are MANY in our profession that do a wonderful job although I believe if we all just chipped in a little to help and support our peers it sure would make for a better industry that we can all be proud of! Even here! 

Oct 16, 2007 11:06 AM
Fran Gaspari
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ

Sally,

'Leading By Example' is where it's at!!! How can this post not be featured??? Thanks,   Fran

Oct 17, 2007 05:24 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
Fran: That was sweet...  as long as the few who saw it get something from it...that's all that matters. Thanks Fran!
Oct 17, 2007 06:39 AM