Get involved!

Get involved!

When I first became a real estate agent I also became a Realtor. Not because I wanted to, but because my broker said I had to. But, I thought, if I am going to have to be a Realtor, let me get involved.

I started by attending free events at my local association, and then some free seminars, and some Happy Hours. At all these events I met people and got to know people I was going to be doing business with.

Then I attended a Government Affairs program put on by my state and got introduced to our State Association. I came and visited the State meetings and sat in on committees. I applied for a Leadership Course put on by our state association and on the second attempt was accepted. It took place over a year and I learned not just about leadership, but a lot of other things as well. I met people from across the state and realized everybody does real estate differently. I come from a well to do area and a starter home may cost from $350,000 or more depending what township you purchase in. I met people whose bread and butter sales were $50,000 -100,000.

I started attending our local Realtor Convention, Triple Play in Atlantic City New Jersey and met many of the same people, plus others from other states and leaned again that not everyone does real estate the same way.

I got more involved both at state and local association levels serving on committees, and strategic planning task forces, acting as a liaison between our association and our office. I got involved in RPAC, our political action committee and every time I have taken on a new commitment I have met new people and learned something as well.

So, I would encourage all new Realtors to get involved, don't just presume that how real estate is done in your neck of the woods is the best way or the only way. Be willing to learn. Getting involved lets you meet new people, build relationships and hopefully develop your business over the years.

Pretty much like Active Rain does as well. Only as you get involved do you learn from reading others, their humor, their opinions, their problems, their ideas. And what is amazing is how many people you meet along the way who are willing to share with you. So be willing to share yourself. Get Involved!