Some 145 of my colleagues from all across the real estate world had the privilege of hearing Tami Bonnell, President of EXIT Realty for U.S. Operations this past Tuesday at the Calhoun Beach Club.

She spoke about the State of the Market and how we can each make shifts in our business to maximize the current situation.

Here are some things to think about:

1.  Why are you in Real Estate?  What makes you get out of bed every morning?

•       Are you doing this for the money? Your family? Because you love houses?  Because you love people?  You really enjoy the autonomy?

           Each of us has a different reasons.    Many of the Brokers I work with are doing this not only to provide a better situation for their families, but also to give their agents the opportunities to succeed that they didn't have. So many had to struggle to get to the level of success they enjoy now.  The WHY for them is WHY can't I do something to make it better for others through cooperation, respect and a little pat on the back for motivation.

           Tami Bonnell told a touching story of the WHY for a couple from the Dominican Republic.  This couple came to the United States some years ago and made a life for themselves thanks to real estate and residual income.  At a recent EXIT Convention, they got an urgent phone call and were told that they had to hurry home.  Being gracious guests, they approached Steve Morris, CEO and Founder of EXIT, to thank him for the week and let him know they had to leave early.    Steve said to them that he hoped it was nothing serious.  So they informed him that their attorney had called and asked them to return as soon as possible.   They continued with a THANKS to Steve, because the news was that they had been given the final okay to open their orphanage in the Dominican Republic, which was funded through residual income.   For them, this was the reason WHY they were in the business,  not only to help those needing to buy a home, but also to help those children who needed to be blessed with a home and future families in the Dominican Republic.  That is a very special WHY! Isn't it?

So, take a moment to discover your WHY?  It has to mean something to you!

2.  Have you planned your next year?  Use November 1st as NEW YEAR'S Day.

• How do you want to finish the year?  How do you want to start the new year?  Are you BALANCED in what you hope to accomplish?

          It is so important to have a definite and balanced LIFE/BUSINESS Plan.  Now, why do I group those together?  The two go hand in hand.  If you don't know where you are going personally and professionally, how do you know how to get there?  You need a whole life plan for balance in all areas.

          Start with the broad strokes and work your way down.  There might be a number of steps from point A to point B.  All that matters is focus and the actions you take to get there.  As yourself, what is the highest and best use of my time?

3.  Who holds you accountable?  Who is your coach?

• Who is the most influential person in your life?  What if they rode around on your shoulder?  What would they say to you?

         We all need someone to keep us on track.  To give us a gentle, yet firm elbow to the ribs if we are not where we should be or doing things that might not be to our benefit.  If you have an accountability coach, make sure they are not a friend or relative.  They won't want to hurt your feelings.  Find someone you respect that is at a little bit of a distance so they can help you gain perspective.

So, now you have a lot to think about and I know it will help you in where ever you wish to go. 

One last thought:

At a minimum you should ask yourself everyday: What have I done to help others today? 

Sound funny?  Well, think about it.   In our business, our ultimate goal is to help someone meet their goal of obtaining or selling a real property or other related situations.  So, if YOUR focus is on others, and you do anything right, only good will follow.