When I first started mountain biking I learned real quickly that it's not like cruising around the neighborhood on a beater bike. In a recent blog, "Two Important Keys To Realtor Success", I talked about the two key components of mountain biking and how they relate to real estate. Those tw
o keys were, 1. Equipment, and 2. Technique.
I bought a pretty good entry level racing bike for my first mountain bike, a Klein Pulse Comp, so technique was my biggest challenge. In those early days, I spent all my time learning the "how-to"s of conquering terrain. But, there was one piece of terrain I struggled with over and over.
It was what we called the amphitheater hill. It was about 150 long and about 60 degrees vertical except in the middle where it was even steeper. I would attack that hill and flip over backwards, rolling down the hill with my bike attached to my clip-less shoes. One time, my sons had ridden to that area with me and watched me struggle with the hill. One back flip caused me to land right dead-center on my back. The impact caused my camel-back water bag to explode like a car airbag. Water went everywhere. The boys were scared that I was really hurt, but the only thing that was really hurt was my pride and ego. I got up and went at again.
I tried it it over and over, flipping over backwards every time. Finally, I called Gary Klein, the CEO of Klein Bikes. I needed someone who really understood the techniques for hill climbing. Gary gave me a few tips that ultimately led me to the top of the hill. I was elated!
I tell that story because a lot of Realtors are entering the real estate market in one of the most challenging economies and real estate markets in my life time. I can imagine for a lot of new agents the new job is like climbing that hill. It's imposing. It looks overwhelming. It even looks impossible, but the good news is - it's not.
Every real estate opportunity has the potential to pose a challenge. It might be entering the business in a down economy. It might be having to learn how to market yourself for a broader appeal. It might be finding a new way to gather leads. It might be a whole series of things, but like that hill, it can be conquered.
Once I made it up that hill the first time, I never failed again. My friends who raced on my team would come along and train in that area. They did the same thing I did, one flip after another. Failure after failure. But, when I would tell them what Gary Klein told me, up they went. It was a matter of technique.
They were tempted to think it was a matter of skill. Nope. Technique. Some thought they just weren't strong enough to overcome the shear vertical height of the hill. Nope. It was a matter of technique. Once they learned the technique, they all made it. Ironically, we never faced anything that tough in a race, but if we could scale that monster then the racing hills were nothing.
No matter what the challenge you're facing, don't give up. It might be a matter of changing technique. You might need to find your Gary Klein to teach you how to overcome the obstacle, but trust me, it's just an obstacle. You can overcome it, and then you can face the next one with a victory under your belt.
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