Better Sorry...than Safe

As serious business people in real estate it becomes clear really fast that safe is not where we want to be. I am not talking about personal safety which of course is paramount in our business, but rather being "safe" in our business practices. We grew up with our parents telling us not to talk with strangers; we are told not to be pushy; we are admonished to take one step at a time and whatever you do don't "make a scene" The fact is we are in a very competitive business. Recently, at the Keller Williams national convention called Family Reuniion, I had the privilege of hearing Seth Godin, author of his most recent best seller THE DIP.  Have you read it? If not run to the bookstore to get it. Godin told us..Hey, there is a superstar shortage in real estate. A shortage of trustworthy superstar agents. Being the best is not about effort and not about cheering. Whether you are judged the BEST is up to the person interacting with you. Our goal is to be the best in our self-defined world. Godin talks about the DIP being the chasm between "showing up" and pushing through all obstacles to ultimate success.  People start talking about you when you are out there, taking a chance! Be just a little bit better and people start talking about you. The old "safe" way of doing real etsate was to get a listing, buy a lot of ads, do cold calling, sell the house, make a commission, and put the money back into the ads to get another listing etc.  Get a buyer sell them a house and get another buyer. According to Godin, the new mantra is to BE REMARKABLE. You can't just do the job like everyone else.  It is all about your unique story, people "buy" your story...they see you are different; they spread the word to others..List with Her..her work is remarkable. The process propels itself.

But, you say. the market is... With 23 years worth of markets under my belt, my answer is "Who cares?" The fact is that agents "buying into" a down market are following the lemmings into the sea. Playing it safe. Don't invest in your business now, they say. I don't have the money for training now. There are no buyers. It is hard to get clients now. If you hear yourself saying these things, you may have hit your DIP. Godin talks about what can happen when people hit the DIP. Responding with stress means that some are getting tired and quitting the business. They panic and quit. They are frustrated with waiting and quit. They think they don't have the talent and quit and so on. Now is the time to make the choice. Are you going to push through the DIP? It is up to you to decide. When you decide, measure your progress or get a coach to help and hold you accountable. You can't see progress unless you have a plan and a commitment to it.

Mediorce is easy. Average is overrated. The alternative.... Aim High. Act Bold, Live Large. Be remarkable!