The media has currently jumped on the recession bandwagon.
They are deluging us with gloom and doom about real estate, credit markets,
our investments, the economy. The sky is falling, the sky is falling!
Now, the easy thing to do as you make the rounds is to join in on all the
wailing and whining. It's tempting to do so, as we try to connect,
emotionally with our clients' perspectives. But the truth is, while we all
like to complain a little, we are drawn to, and prefer to spend time with,
people who are upbeat, optimistic and confident.
Back in the late 1970's, a book smart President, Jimmy Carter, appeared on
TV when the economy was struggling and inflation was running at 18% . . .
However, instead of providing hope and inspiration, he provided a dour
report, and lectured the American people about our "malaise." Along came
Ronald Regan, jaunty, beaming, with a message of can-do optimism, and he
obliterated Carter in the subsequent election.
The point here is not to be blissfully naïve. But as a salesperson, if you
want to be welcomed into your clients' lives during stressful times, bring
along a ray of hope, an upbeat disposition and, best of all, some real
world solutions to help their cause. You will be writing orders while your
pessimistic competitors are crying in their beer.
St. Charles County, Missouri - Prudential Alliance Realtors - O'Fallon, MO
GRI, e-PRO, Broker/Sales Associate
With all the negative news bombarding us, it is definitely a challenge to remain optimistic. Thanks for the encouragement! :)
Mar 25, 2008 05:13 AM
Myers Park Mortgage - Charlotte, NC
You are right on with this message. Most of the folks here are doom and gloom! And some people even try to talk me out of my optimism...
Mar 25, 2008 07:02 AM
Ask The Underwriter - Atlanta, GA
Blog: Ask The Underwriter
Thanks! I'm currently working on a new marketing campaign and that's one of the things I'm attacking! Great Post.
Mar 28, 2008 04:36 AM
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
Rick, keep spreading your positive message of optimism. We all need more of YOU in the world.
Mar 28, 2008 05:04 AM
1st Security Bank - Everett, WA
There is optimism, and there is delusion which denies facts and realities. I totally agree with you about needing to be optimistic, but I can only be optimistic if I have a full awareness of the challenges. Optimism for me at this point is all about a realistic time frame and realistic expectations (and the fact my eternity is secure).
I think that providing sound and accurate counsel to people requires not selling them on a reality that doesn't exist. There are many things to be optimistic about, but the realities need to be factored in so that client's don't get a "rosey" picture.
Mar 28, 2008 06:57 AM
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production
Great story...can we ressurect Reagan? He'd get us where we need to be before barack or Bilary would.
Mar 28, 2008 03:24 PM
Mahwah, NJ
NJ Mortgage & Marketing Professional
Hi Rick - A positive attitude is the most difficult thing to maintain right now. But it is also the most important for those of us who want to survive wht is undoubtedly a difficult situation. President Reagan is a hero of mine, and we sure could use a leader like him right now. On a lighter note, to keep things in perspective, I actually keep a stuffed Chicken-Little doll on my desk to remind me that the sky, in fact, is not falling. Best of luck,
Mar 31, 2008 04:08 AM
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
Rick - I'll leave my political views out of it for now, but I do think we could use a more educated & action-driven optimism right now. That's a big part of leadership, thoughout our Industry & throughout our Country. Nicely done.
Mar 31, 2008 07:29 AM
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield Wisconsin Real Estate
Hi Rick,
Just popped by to say Hello! I agree, we can keep our enthusiasm - even in a difficult market. Our other business associates and customers/clients will certainly appreciate it. See you later in the Rain.....
Apr 13, 2008 06:54 PM
Rainmaker
89,525
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Rick Kellow
FHA & Reverse Mortgage Expert
Comments(9)