Paying it forward by helping others the way I was helped.
When I was a newbie 
I was a sponge, soaking up everything I could to be good at my job. It was easy to spot people who wouldn’t mind helping me get my feet wet. Many times, I’d ask another agent to look over my contracts to make sure I did them right. Someone else will caution me about safety such as not jumping up to show property to people who called asking to see a property without getting information about them, or getting proof of who they are (like copy of driver’s license).
My turn to help
With experience under my belt, it was time to pay it forward. Since I am still one of the few agents in the office doing short sale listings, a co-realtor asked for advice on how to handle a potential short sale listing. I recommended that she complete the company’s version of the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) class so that she is better prepared. I printed documents and walked her through what are required for the short sale (lender, state and company required documents).
Since she was new to the company, I also showed her how to do the CMA (comparative market analysis) using the company’s in-house and branded system that draws from the MLS.
When it came time for the listing presentation, I went with her so that I can help explain to the seller what to expect in a short sale. The seller kept asking me questions which I would answer, then I would steer the conversation back to what my co-worker will and can do to sell the property.
Co-listing? No…you can handle it 
My co-worker offered to have me co-list with her, and do a 50-50 split. I demurred, and told her that she can handle it. She needs the money (all of it). Further, she needs the exposure and the experience, and she should take the listing on her own. I reassured her that if she needs help along the way, that I will be there with her, that I’ll be in the background, helping any way I can.
Introduced her to blogging on Active Rain
While talking with her about marketing strategies, I mentioned that I am actively blogging on Active Rain, and that 40% of my business is from the internet (blogging, answering questions online, etc).
So I invited her to join Active Rain, and she accepted.
What to blog about
And the next time we saw each other again, I congratulated her on signing on. She asked what to blog about. I told her about what other successful people do --- they blog about their local markets, and their own experiences professionally as well as personally. I guided her where to search for information about blogging style, format, etc.
Happy?
Now, I don’t know who’s happier. She for getting some needed help. Or me for paying it forward in honor of those who helped me before.
In a way, this is also a BEST BUSINESS PRACTICE because we thrive on the practice of the Golden Rule. Helping each other get better in our jobs also help elevate the profession by building trust and respect.
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