Kay...this is a terrific blog!You "Get It!"

It is soooooooooooo true...it is what you put into your business that will get you results.There are agents who just change companies because they think that will help....it isn't the company..it is the agent.

Congratulations to you and your success!

Kay.

Good message to many agent who are not doing much business these days.

Fact is, someone is listing and selling, it might as well be ME.

Kay

I have to agree with you that responsibility for success in this business would fall upon our own shoulders.  Where I feel some fail while others succeed, is based on those who choose to treat this industry as a business compared to a hobby.

Well, Ms Kay, it's Kind of a cliche but you

-

This is a business based on action and accountability!  It's that simple.

BLG buy - Wonderful response to my blog. Apparently YOU get it too.

Lenn, That is way I see it also.  Someone has to list and sell in any type of market...it might as well be ME>>>>>your are SO right. Good for you.  Keep at it.  This is where patience and persistence pays off.

Gary - I totally agree....to be successful a realtor has to treat it like a business.  Great comment.

ERBY - I LOVE YOUR GRAPHIC...so true.  Thanks.

Mike - great way to summarize success - accountablity and action.  That pretty well separates the successful from the unsuccessful agents.

It's wonderful to see no one so far this morning (within 45 minutes from the time the blog was written) has complained about their brokers.  That shows the early bird DOES get the worm.....ha.   Later we will see what others have to say.  Good day!

"...Actions, activities, attitude..."

That about sums it up.

Of course, looking at it that way it makes it tougher for me to point the finger and blame someone else should I fail.

right on Kay, I am doing things a little differently these days, planning more long term than short. But it is pro-active and thats what is important.

Mike J,   Another positive blog.....  

That's the point.....you can't blame anyone else....ha...

Yes Actions, activities, and attitude - the way to do it.  Add consistency and persistence to that also.

Now everyone - get out there and create your own plan for making your market be good to you.

I will offer on thought on that. I do agree that it is all about personal motivation, but as an agent who did switch brokers a year ago, I can also say that it can have an effect. I was at an agency -  a good agency - but I just did not fit. Nothing at all wrong with it. I switched - and I am a million times happier.Again - nothing wrong with the other brokerage - just was not a good fit personality wise. My production was good before - it is great now.

I had to meet a buyer's agent at one of my listings because the condo association doesn't allow lockboxes.  The whole time I was there he did nothing but complain about the market and how lousy it was.  Well it wasn't tough to see why he was doing poorly.  In addition to a poor attitude he was dressed in jeans and a polo shirt stained from what ever he had for lunch.

Its my feeling that if you have a positive attitude and act like a professional you will succeed even in a challenging market.

I can't remember who said it first but I have this quote posted over my desk.  "You can make money and you can make excuses, but you can't do both" 

Bill C - Great idea.  Making a PLAN whether long or short term really seems to keep us on track.  Glad to see your plans are more pro-active and important. I learned a long time ago, to 'not sweat the small stuff' and eliminate things that are not important or unnecessary.  For example, I gave up housekeeping.....that was a simple choice for me. I couldn't do it all. We all should look into our daily lives and see what small things CAN be cut from our busy lives because we definitely need to have time for God, family, and self.  Thanks for sharing.

Hi Kevin, You did the right thing.   Sometimes there are times when you should switch companies but more often it is changing your own actions and attitudes.  But this time I truly believe you did what was right for you.  Congrats on your success.

It's funny though - I get some of my best work done when cleaning the house - I can turn my mind off for a few minutes - then let it wander while I clean - and I am often suprised by the ideas I come up with.

Hi Tom D, I truly love your saying "You can make money OR you can make excuses, but you can't do both" - I can't remember who said it either but it's TRUE.

It's all in the attitude.  Sometimes it is not easy to keep a positive attitude when everything seems to falling apart all around you...but this is the time you will learn the most about how to succeed.  When the times get tough, the tougher get stronger...[or something like that...please correct my cliche.]

Thanks for your great ideas.

It's all up to my activities, actions and attitude. I like this saying "You can make money OR you can make excuses, but you can't do both" 

Kay:  I believe in what you said but almost want to keep quiet about this.  SHHHHHHHHH Maybe we shouldn't tell them what they are doing wrong.  An attitude adjustment is just too easy!

Mohamed - I am very glad you like my suggestions.  It really works.....thanks for reading by blog today.

Renee,  You are so funny....ha..  You're probably right but not everyone has the right attitude and they may not know what kind of activities plus they won't take action.  So our little is safe...haha....  Thanks SO sharing your thoughts.  Oh, by the way, it's not very easy to change an attitude for some people...So we are TOTALLY safe.  Have a great weekend Renee.   Enjoy all the realtors in your city next week for the realtor convention.  Sorry I can't make it. 

Kay, I'm with you. Most the people crying about how bad the market is are those who go home in the middle of the day, rarely see in the office, and/or don't make an effort to secure new business.

Way to go!  I appreciate your work and motivation... it is rubbing off on others.

You've got the right attitude and certainly prove that it's possible. Just curious...what was our plan?

Sandy

Kay, I agree.  I had to change my plan mid-stream as single family homes were not moving, so I focused on investors as buyers and multi-family listings.  It has paid off.  Meanwhile I hear many agents moaning about the market while I'm having my best year ever.  Properties are still being bought and sold.  If you aren't doing it, another agent is.

Kevin - to respond to your second comment to this blog, housework does NOT inspire me to come up with ideas....  Want to come clean my house?  ha.  Thanks again.

Vincent - You are absolutely right....the ones who complain about the market being so bad are just not even trying to come up with new ideas.  They are wallowing in self-pity...  The main thing is to DO SOMETHING...  Thanks for your pointing that out.

Trey - yes it is amazing how a positive attitude is contagious.  You and I have both been through 3 recessions and we are still in real estate.....that shows we did something right.  Thanks for your input Trey.  I appreciate it. 

For those who don't know it, Trey is my broker.  I am the cheerleader of the week... Rah! Rah! Rah....  Go Classic Realty, Go!   .....and we are strong in our market.

Sandy - Our plan has expanded now to:

• activities, actions, and ATTITUDE creates a good market out of others think is a bad market
• you have only yourself to blame, not who you work for or the economy
• you must be creative and try new things
• You can make money OR you can make excuses, but you can't do both
• .....and what else?

Gail - I really like how you changed your plan from single family homes to focus on investors as buyers and multi-family for listings.  GREAT idea.  Now that took some creativity.  I applaud you for that.

Wow what wonderful ideas we are getting from this one blog.  Thanks to all.  We need even more because there are so many different types of markets and market conditions at this time all over the U.S.

Let's add more....

Kay, did your plan involve doing something radical or unconventional to generate business  or was it more of the "back to the basics" and doing some of the things you used to do?

Agents fail due to lack of planning, lack of focus, and lack of accountability.  Most that fail think they fail because of something else, i.e., lack of support, lousy market, etc.

Thanks for the post. 

Kay,
Great post. One of the great things about our chosen profession is that we get out of it exactly what we put into it.  Hard work and perseverance have not gone out of style... and they still provide results. 

That is true, I do believe many of us are venting about the market and I am guilty myself, but I believe most of us are forging forward and implementing ways to create additional business and staying in contact with past clients. Referrals are a wonderful source of business. It's just been a bit of an adjustment period for some of us.

I believe it is all in our hands. We control what actions we take every single day and if we want it enough we will do what it takes.

Rhonda, In response to your question.  It was more 'back to the basics' with farming my neighborhood being the main action I changed.

David B - You are correct: Agents fail due to lack of planning, lack of focus, and lack of accountability.

I'd say lack of accountability is of extreme importance but then again you MUST focus and plan....  I think they are all equal.  Great points.  People hate to except blame for their own actions.  Thanks for sharing.

Jesse and Kathy, You are right......we get out of it what we put into it.

It's all up to ourselves to make the right choices and take ACTION>

Frank H - Yes I think this type of market is a time of adjustment for all of us.  We have to change as the market changes.  That's why we are all on Active Rain....  Thanks for sharing.

Christina B - Yes we are the only one who can control what actions we take every single day.

Realtors are very creative.  I can tell from all the responses the this blog.    Christina thanks.

Kay-I hope you are right.  I have stepped up my marketing in my farm and held several open houses for another agent who had a listing in my farm.  I did that so I could meet people there and they would put two and two together.  I have to admit, I am a little frustrated as I just found out 3 townhomes went up for sale in the last two weeks and I didn't even get a call to do a presentation.  I have been farming in this area for a year and a half.  I'm trying to stay positve but that revelation the other day was a little bit of a set back.  I'm keeping the faith though.

That was food for thought HUH? I like where the blame  was put.. on the one where the blame should lay,  the, one who says it is slow. We make our own paths in life. What path are you going to take?

Christi S - Yes I am right. Sometimes it takes a while for a farm area to turn into your area.  Be persistence, patient, and consistent.  Maybe it is time to reevaluate what you are sending out or doing in your farm areas and come up with fresh ideas.  I always go by this:  if it works, do it again; if it doesn't, don't do it.  YOU CAN DO IT....

Rod - Great point... I like that:  What path are you going to take???  Very good.  Keep up the great work.

Cool Post. I just joined this group. I will share my most recent post it note: Get Belly to Belly with more people. I too tend to spend too much time here behind my computer so my goals through the end of the year are simple: to get face to face with more people with nametag firmly attached to clean! shirt and a happy smile on my face.

Thanksfor the dose of good happy advice. I have found a new source of motivation right here-who knew!

We've learned from the get-go....that only the man (or lady) in the mirror is to blame for lack of business - there's enough out there for everyone-you were correct in just devising a plan and going out to get it!

There is a saying: when you point your finger at someone or something for blame....three other fingers point back at you :)

LOL

Grace Safrin

Kay,

Making a simple plan, initiating the plan, staying focused and staying repetitive, i.e., doing it over and over and over again,  are the only way to consistently make a living in real estate sales.

Everytime I slack off, my income falls.

Bill

We are ultimately responsible if we succeed or fail.  That is not.  The market dictates what we have to do to be successful, but that is it.

So many times, I walk into the office in the morning, and I hear 'wooos me', the market is so bad. 

I just close my door, get to work and stay working  all day.  Stay positive, work hard, and have a plan!!!  Don't let the negative infect you!

Excellent, it is great to read how others are doing well in this market. Now the fun part, getting your listings sold.

By the way, what was your method you used for getting these listings. Mailers, door knocking, sphere?

It helps a lot to hear a positive outlook.  Thanks for sharing.

You are right on and everyone agrees. We make our own destiny.

Hi Doris B - Thanks for your kind comments.  I'm happy I could provide a Blog that has had remarkable responses and that I have added to your motivation.  Again, thanks.

Grace, You are absolutely right.  I love your saying: when you point your finger at someone or something for blame....three other fingers point back at you :)

Bill, I'm the same way.  When I take a mental break from real estate, my income falls also.  I agree that "making a simple plan, initiating the plan, staying focused and staying repetitive..." is the only way to go.  But we must also have plenty of time for fun.  I play Internet games....relieves stress.

Matthew Z - I love the way you stated:  "We are ultimately responsible if we succeed or fail.  That is not.  The market dictates what we have to do to be successful...."  Great words of wisdom.

Andrea T -  Your comment expresses it well:  "Stay positive, work hard, and have a plan!!!  Don't let the negative infect you!"  Today we hear so much negative media, it's hard to stay positive but we must.  Sounds like you got it right.

Rob B - To answer your question - My secrets to getting my listings sold are: 

• communicate with the sellers as often as you can and at least once a week.
• prepare an accurate market analysis
• let your sellers know you will reevaluate the price in two weeks if it has not sold
• let your sellers know ALL the feedback from other realtors, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
• put the listing up on as many websites as possible
• network with realtors in your community to promote your listings
• mail out postcards in the subdivision
• keep reminding those in your company to show your listings
• the main thing: CARE about your SELLERS real estate needs and be sincere.

Hope this helps.

Adele I - The only way to make it through any type of market, bad or good, is to keep a positive outlook.  Thanks for reading my Blog.

Nancy M - Your are right.  We each make our own destiny in everything in life.  Except, of course, God is the one who controls our lives.  But we can help Him by doing our part....thanks for your comment.

Kay,

The formula is simple...and available to all of us.  You have to be willing to implement, follow-up and follow through.  When you are committed you will succeed.

Continued Success.....

Everyone says it's our fault and if we focus and work hard it will work- shades of my granparents. I don't believe it's all hard work I think it's being smarter and wiser and HAVING to succeed. Then you are forced to find a way that work! 

I love how many answers you have generated from this one blog! I bow, I bow!  Good for you! 

You're right, Kay.  So what was the plan you put in action.  Inquiring minds, you know!

Kay, how very true and congrats on your success!  As you and others pointed out, we all know those who place blame on everyone except for the person who's most responsible, themselves....I know the right Broker is very important, but I find it interesting when people switch just because they think "the grass is greener", when the real problem is them, not the Broker.

Dan B - your said in your comments: the formula is simple...and available to all of us.  You have to be willing to implement, follow-up and follow through.  When you are committed you will succeed.

YOU are 100% CORRECT.  Thanks for your comment Dan.

Vickie A- Well stated.  The grass is not always greener, in fact, it seldom is.  Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Mary Ann, If you read all the comments, I think you will find them BUT I might make another blog with bullets from all the comments.  Subscribe to my blog and you will see it when it comes out.  Thanks SO much for your comments.

Everyone, your comments have inspired me to better focus on the part I play in the success of my business.  Thanks.

Doris, I agree, you can work hard in this profession and still fail.  It's important to have a business strategy and a unique selling proposition.

You are absolutely correct!  In order to succeed, we must work hard, if you think the market is bad, then work harder!  I love the Real Estate  business, and it's challenges!

Unique selling proposition: E-PRO They do go together don't they?

Lorinda, Yes no matter what kind of market we have, we must work hard to succeed.  Even in a bad market, a smart realtor will find another niche to market.  I've been through this kind of market 3 times before.  And....it always bounces back eventually.

Doris, Since you are a e-PRO professional, do you really think e-pro has helped you?  I'm going to take the class, I think.  The Internet is where it is at.  What do you think?

I am a believer to the extent that I teach the Intro Class here in North Texas.  The module that I found the most value in will be 3 and 4. The first 2 I knew a lot of it already. A lot of REALTORS are really more savvy than they realize. This class gives you common sense things to do that will get you more business and a great place to ask questions and get answers from technical people at no charge. Check out the realtown website.

http://calendar.internetcrusade.com/Index.aspx?st=TX Here's the link to find classes in this state or others. Just click on the state where you live and slide down to see the actual classes.  or you could just sign up and skip the "sales pitch, which is meaty but also take an hour and a half" http://dorisbarnett.certifiedeprotrainer.com/

Kay I like your positive outlook dont change it and try not to let others bring you down. Keep up the good work. Your Orlando & Lake Mary Real Estate Expert, Heather Joubran