Rewind to this afternoon.  I had a 1-on-1 with my Team Leader (managing broker).  The concept behind a 1-on-1 is three fold in my opinion:

  • accountability
  • conflict resolution (or maybe not a conflict, but a what's-on-your-mind-kind-of-thing)
  • coaching/mentorship

Now, my team leader has this gift - she always says just what I need (not want) to hear.  One thing she asked me today - and we talk about this all the time in the Keller Williams culture - was "what is your why?" 

What is my why?  I know some of you will roll your eyes at this next statement, but it's not about the money.  Go ahead roll them so you can finish reading this blog.  Now....  it's not about the recognition either.  If those things are part of your why then fine, go for it, the sky's the limit.  But for me that just doesn't do it.  So back to my answer:  purpose.  I want to know that what I "do" has purpose.  I like that fact that I can make a difference is someone's life.  I can help someone with their biggest investment.  I can earn someone's trust through building a professional relationship with them.  That was my answer.

Fast forward to tonight.  I love independent films.  So when I heard on NPR's Fresh Air that Christine Vachon, founder of Killer Films, has a new book out I rushed to buy it.  As I began to read it, I got stuck on page 2.  Here's why:

"For me, film isn't about the margins, bofoo weekend numbers, or the back end....Film is about the process-a long, complicated, passionate process toward something larger than the sum of its parts.  In production every film is different and most are accidents waiting to happen.  Amid all the chaos and cold coffee of production, the art of film can be hard to keep in mind. But it's what I live for-the flash of magic that eclipses everything." - Christine Vachon, A Killer Life

How perfect that I should start this book tonight.  Isn't this an analogy for real estate.  "Long, complicated, passionate process" - sounds just like an open house!  "The flash of magic that eclipses everything" - it's the satisfied customer, the customer you've helped find the impossible-to-find home, the customer that says "you're my Realtor for life," the customer that you help through a messy divorce or foreclosure situation.

Purpose.  Thanks Christine, for validating my answer.

 
Post is included in group: LGBTRES

32 Comments on A Killer Life

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JAN
17
2007

Wonderful post. I agree with you and everyone else that has commented up to now. If we don't have a passion and purpose not only for our professions, but for life, we are not obtaining our full potential.

I breathe passion in every aspect of my life. Sometimes I may not feel very passionate, but the rewards do come back to you.

Handing to keys to an excited new homeowner is what keeps me going in this business.
Lisa Kolb
11:46am • #13

I agree!  You have to know why you are doing what you do and like you I also don't find pure income a satisfying motivator.  I also think that real estate done well is a helping profession.  If you have a moment I wrote a blog on how I think this "why" of helping is really undersold in our education.  You can find it here.  Actually I go a little farther than you and argue that a focus on the money won't actually make you as much money in the end.  A focus on poeple is better.

Erik

http://erikwecks.com
11:47am • #14

 

 Sorry, I already posted this but was on another computer and not logged in, so here it is again

Wonderful post. I agree with you and everyone else that has commented up to now. If we don't have a passion and purpose not only for our professions, but for life, we are not obtaining our full potential.

I breathe passion in every aspect of my life. Sometimes I may not feel very passionate, but the rewards do come back to you.

Handing to keys to an excited new homeowner is what keeps me going in this business.
11:49am • #15
102,855 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Thanks for a great post Anthony, I sometimes need to be put back on track, which is to say my purpose in life  can't be just to make money.Can't be. There is no doubt we should feel our best after a job done well, working in the best interest of our clients, all the while being fair and honest to all parties concerned. When this happens in my life, money is just a by-product, but man does it flow! And there's nothing wrong with that.
11:53am • #16
283,209 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
If the world is not right around you and your foundation is shaky guess what work won't be much better.  You need to be there 100% no distractions for yourself, family and customers.
1:57pm • #17
I was turned on to Mortgage Lending due to the life my Brother-in-Law has lived since starting the business 10 years ago.  He is not about the money.  The money is merely a gague of how hard he works, nothing more.  That is how I see my work.  Good Luck!
3:22pm • #18
315,754 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Great post and right on! Making a difference is someone's life....being fair and honest...makes all the difference in how I feel day to day.
5:08pm • #19
You are lucky to love what you do, and your customers are even luckier because of that!
5:38pm • #20
8 Featured Posts
A job/profession that folks enjoy is typically #1, not money.  Numerous studies have pointed to this....
6:00pm • #21
110,059 Points 3 Featured Posts

Thanks to everyone for the supportive comments.

Renee  I agree, it's all about relationships!  And not just with customers - vendors, colleagues, even complete strangers.

Maggie  Excellent example.  Nothing sounds sweeter to my ears either. 

Ray  You're exactly right!  Regardless of the price range or even motivation (investors...) buying a home is sometimes difficult, sometimes risky, sometimes emotional.  Compassion definitely has to be one of the tools in our bag.  I can't wait to find out who got your QB!

Brad  A lender who's not all about the money?  I must meet your brother-in-law.  :)  Just kidding I have the best lender in the world!

AnthonyClarkRealtor.com
7:04pm • #22
205,052 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp
If all you are in it for is the money, people sense that.  A mile away.  Nothing is more offensive then being viewed as a dollar sign.  I got into this business with a nice nest egg, so I learned early on that money isn't what it was about. It was about being excited to go to work everyday.  It was about learning new things.  It was about experienceing new challenges.  It still is.  I am in this for the long haul. 
8:32pm • #23
JAN
18
2007
1,417,262 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Definitely reflects the KW culture. I think you should leave a copy of this where you'll see it every day, and you'll be surprised just how far your 'Big Why' can take you. Good luck in 2007!
12:57am • #24
738,077 Points 231 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anthony.... true meaning behind this. I read most of the comments. Now... I totally believe that my satisfaction is helping my client, especially when so many others said 'NO'.  Some mentioned that money is not a motivator or #1. Now...I will agree...it's not my ultimate goal. But it's still a motivator. I am just being honest. Everyone is different and some people mind not need the money to be a motivator if they have other sources of income. Maybe a husband that does well?  A steady source on the side from a pension, law suit...etc etc. Just some food for thought.

I had someone mention to me just recenlty as a loan officer...stating if she were to win the lottery and it was millions, that she would walk away from this business. Me?  Nope...in all honesty, I would take the money but still work.  Why?  Because I am passionate in what I do...I love helping others. Sure, I could go volunteer and such also. But that's the beauty of it. Money would not be my issue at all....no pressure...etc etc. And I could help at will, which I like to do anyhow.

Good post and looking into this from a certain viewpoint.
11:39am • #25
JAN
20
2007
190,810 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Anthony,

Thanks for the post. So true. The reward and sense of accomplishment comes from helping others and knowing that you have made an impact, in a very positive way, that has life long ramifications.
8:40am • #26
JAN
21
2007
2 Featured Posts

Thanks for this post and your comment on my blog.  I love to see the resonding agreement from other rainers that is awesome

Orville McCallister

 
2:49am • #27
JAN
23
2007
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Finally someone gets it!  I too get much more out of this than a paycheck.  I get to meet and talk with people (which is great for me!) but more than that I feel like I have a purpose.  I recently had a client that thanked me for making them feel good about thier purchase.  What a boost for my ego.  That is what I strive for.  Great customer satisfaction in turn makes more $$$.
2:16pm • #28
110,059 Points 3 Featured Posts

John  Funny, that's what my team leader said  :)

Jeff  I have made two major career changes in my short adult life.  Both times I took significant salary cuts in exchange for better quality of life.  Know what?  In the end I was making more than I could have imagined in those previous positions.  Money is a motivator, but you still have to just do the right thing.  If I won the lottery?  I'd still work, but I'd sure take some incredible vacations!

 

 

 
9:29pm • #29
FEB
08
2007
8 Featured Posts
Thanks for sharing.  "What is your why" is a question that will probably stick in my mind.
10:20am • #30
MAR
01
2007
110,059 Points 3 Featured Posts

William  I totally agree.  At KW Family Reunion, Ken Blanchard said that profit is the "applause" that we receive for a job well done.   

Orville  That's the beauty of this network.

Shawna  Yup!  Sounds like you get it too!

Shari  Blog your why, post it, print it.  This blog is push-pinned to the wall next to my desk  :)  When you post it, come back and comment linking back to your post. 

11:21pm • #31
MAY
28
2007
110,059 Points 3 Featured Posts
If you've posted about your "why" I'd love for you to link to it here!
11:57pm • #32

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