We had a saying in communist Romania: "we act like we're working, and they act like they're paying us."   "They" in that sentence was the government, the sole employer for every single person in the country, whether doctor, lawyer, taxi driver or cleaning person.

It was under this "auspicious" environment of "make pretend work" that I had the great misfortune of attempting to fix a cavity on a permanent molar at the age of 14.  I can still remember it today:  the dentist was smoking a cigarette, drinking a glass of wine and talking to his girlfriend on the phone, while he examined my problem tooth.  In case you are wondering, no, there was no assistant present; that was standard communist medical care. 

Without letting go of the cigarette, the wine, or his phone conversation, he proceeded to pull my tooth.   He didn't ask me what I wanted, he didn't explain what he was going to do, he just pulled the tooth out.   That was the beginning of the demise of my healthy bite.  That one single molar, so centrally placed in my mouth, has had major implications.   Thirty years later, I am still dealing with the repercussions of that one single action of that particular dentist.

Last week I had oral surgery, one of several interventions I've had as a result of the destroyed bite that one missing permanent molar has caused.  As I was recuperating from the procedure, I thought about that horrible dentist who caused all my dental problems.  I am not even a comma in his history, yet he has certainly impacted my life.  As I was reflecting on that, I realized that ANY professional can have a deep impact on someone's life by either doing a great job or a lousy job.   A lawyer who has a bad day and doesn't do his job well could result in an innocent person going to jail.  A doctor who doesn't perform well could kill a person.  A Realtor who doesn't perform well could cost a family their life savings.

It can be as dramatic as that, or less life threatening, but still very unpleasant, like having the Sellers all packed up and ready to move out and having the deal fall through.  To the Realtor who did not take the proper precautions, this is just another deal gone bad, an inconvenience.  To the family, it's a minor disaster. 

The moral of the story is:  each deal mandates your FULL attention.  Diligently follow up on every deal, leave no stone unturned, do your BEST ALWAYS!  No deal is just a deal; to someone it's their life.

Knowledge is key, so study AND consult with other capable professionals.  I propose that we start a Problem and Solution forum right here on AR.  I will start posting blogs titled "Problem & Solution Forum", discussing a problem, then asking you for solutions.  This can be a great way to brainstorm, network, and create a how to manual for keeping all our clients safe and well cared for, regardless of the issues arising.  82,258 minds are better than one!

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte                  Join The Optimist Group!