The soul of a writer lives within me. So far, it's not anything that will pay the bills but maybe someday it will be. So I write and I blog. Not often enough, but I blog.
The soul of a sales person also lives within me and she has actually done pretty well in her life. She made me a successful advertising agent in the the third largest US market for many years. She did mention to me the other day when I was lugging around A-boards after an open house that I might have picked a different time to start a career in real estate.
Admittedly, real estate has not paid too many bills lately.
Sure, I could have gotten my license and jumped in a few years ago when it was possible you'd have closed transactions before the ink on your license was dry. I am dealing with a lot of those "more experienced" agents and I'm finding many with less than desirable customer service skills. I mean, waiting two days for a return call is completely ridiculous. We live in an era when four hours gets a customer's toe tapping with impatience.
My inner salesperson hopes a lot of agents who aren't focused on customers will naturally fall away from the business.
My first year is nearly complete. I've filed my first tax return as a real estate agent and I'm planning my next year. It's hard to project and plan but I think most business owners are having those same problems so I'm in good company.
Be different, keep expenses low and keep smiling is my plan for this year.
It's a wild and crazy business and I've met a lot of loveable, crazy agents. I love having a glass of wine with associates and talk about CMAs, PSAs and Closing dates. I love hearing about other people's successes and their relationships with clients over the years.
I love salespeople who understand that the heart of sales is service.
Those are the ones whom I will choose to mentor me and encourage me in this crazy business. At the end of each day, even those many days in a row when I feel like I'm working for free, my daily inventory should always include helping someone else whether it's a buyer, seller or another agent. Being of service to others is always a good way to spend your time.
Then I feel like another crazy day in real estate was worth it.
Copyright 2008 Tall Cedar Publishing
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