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Throughout history man has always looked for ways to let others know that they were once here on earth.  Whether it was drawings on cave walls or even fossils, there are clues all around us proving there were things and people here long before we were.

Living in the technology era, we're lucky.  We have all sorts of ways of leaving a record of our existence.... Which I think is kind of cool!  Who knows, in 6000 years maybe our blogs may be likened to the Egyptian hieroglyphics.

What I'm interested in is how YOU want to be remembered. Other than the written word, what type of lasting impressions do you want to leave?  What will your legacy be?  How will others know that you were once here?

For some, their legacy is fulfilled with their children and their families.  For others, there is the hope to do something profound, maybe invent something.  Yet others long to be famous.  Inherently (I'd like to think) everyone hopes to make some sort of an impression.

For me, the legacy I hope to leave is tied to my character. I want to be remembered as a GOD fearing, loyal, loving friend and family member.  The line between my personal and professional life is very blurred.  And I like it that way.  I choose to exclusively work with friends and referrals of my friends.  So for many making the jump from saying "Sara is an honest & sincere friend" to "Sara is an honest & sincere Realtor" should be easy.  At least that's my hope. 

I've had another secret hope for my legacy for some time now.  I've decided that it is finally time to share it... OH BOY!  It has to do with the impression I leave on the Real Estate Industry and everyone who deal with those of us employed in the Real Estate Industry. 

With all my heart I hope that I can make real differences with the "outside world's" impression of Realtors.  I want the general public to trust in us the way we trust in Doctors, accountants and such.  I know, tall order.  I want the masses to know that for many of us, this is a career that we take VERY seriously.  We take the time to become knowledgeable in our areas expertise. Although the spoils of this career can be lucrative, it is just a byproduct of a job well done. 

As for the impression I leave on my colleagues, I hope to bridge the gap between competitors, encourage collaboration and healthy competition.  Frankly, this is the first step towards changing the public's impression of us.  I have met so many fantastic people in this business, nationally and locally.  Many of you inspire me.  I would be so lucky to inspire any of you.  My passion for this career abounds and I just feel so blessed to make a living doing this.

So again, I ask each of you....    When you're gone, how will others know you were once here?
 

25 Comments on When you're gone, how will others know you were once here?

I love it! great post gives us all something to think about bridging the gap is 1st and foremost for me, great attitude!

02/22/2007 12:51 PM by Krisy Clayton (Brio Realty)


Wow, what a powerful post!  Many years ago I took a course on The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and while I try to remember all of the habits, the one that has truly stuck with me is Begin with the End in Mind.  Basically, how do you want to be remembered?  Once you determine that, you pattern your actions and adjust your attitudes accordingly.  The exercise suggested in the book is to actually envision your own funeral and what you want people to say about you at that time and work backward.  It is a powerful exercise and one I highly recommend. 

This is a great post, Sara, and I'm so happy to have found your blog.

02/22/2007 12:55 PM by Betsy Talbot (DelegateNow, Inc.)


Great thoughts Sara makes you stop and think.

BTW Welcome back haven't saw you around in a while

02/22/2007 01:00 PM by Tyler Wedel (THIRD TENNESSEE REALTY)


Good points.  Like  The Ozymandias poem, many things once considered great and mighty don't stand the test of time.  The best legacy is in the memories of the folks you have helped in your life, be it personally or professionally.

02/22/2007 01:12 PM by Michael Byrne (Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Services)


Wow! That is a wonderful post, Sara. I want to be remembered not only for who liked me, but, more importantly - who DIDNT like me. I want to be someone who IS remembered, and the way to be that is to be the best ME that I can be. And stand for something (or you will fall for anything...)

02/22/2007 01:15 PM by Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs REALTORĀ® (Wagner iTeam -Keller Williams Clients' Choice)


Deep thoughts, Sara. 

I was at an area meeting last nite where they showed a video of some of the early residents of this rugged land I live in.  Amazing accomplishments.  These are independent hard working folks.  We had alot of laughs and fond memories, but there were only 4 people left of these forerunners.  So what will they be remembered for locally?  The roads they created, the timber cleared, or that they lived a good life and helped their neighbors?

 

Ozarks Joan 

 

 

02/22/2007 01:35 PM by Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS)


Hello Sara,

"Bridging the Gap" are definitely words to live by.  We are all in this life together and a day doesn't go by that I don't consider how I want people to see me.  Is it a ruthless competitor or a kind person who gives of her time to her customers and treats competitors as human beings?   Thanks for sharing your thoughts wit us here on the AR.

Lisa

02/22/2007 02:14 PM by Pascack Valley Real Estate>> Lisa and Robert Hammerstein (Coldwell Banker)


Great post.  I too see the blurring of personal and professional life as clients become long time friends and long time friends become clients.  Thanks for the inspiration.

 

Jeff

02/22/2007 03:04 PM by Jeff Bentz Boise,ID e-Pro (Realty Executives of Treasure Valley)


 Sara, "I choose to exclusively work with friends and referrals of my friends" You have some mighty fortunate friends! You are an inspiration to many!  Continue to inspire!

Always look forward to your words of wisdom.

Baltimore,Md

www.HomeRome.com

02/22/2007 03:07 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


I have tried to leave an impression professionally and personally, by volunteering to be a mediator!  I have been doing this since 1989.  Sometimes, it has made a small difference -- but many times it has made a significant difference in people's lives.  Sometimes the power of a apology is so simply and yet can make such a dramatic difference!  I have found that leaving a lot of little impressions -- is sometimes as significant as leaving one big impression!  I hope I can leave some more.

02/22/2007 03:50 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


A very deep post.  Right now in my life I'm 41 yrs old trying to raise four kids, see their basketball games and not forget to pick them up from school on time, run a real estate business, keep a good marriage to my wife of 21 years, make it to church before it's over, get all the bills paid on time with enough left over for savings...

Hopefully I'll live long enough to come up with a legacy!!!

02/22/2007 04:19 PM by Chris Lengquist, RIPS (Keller Williams Realty)


There are too many ding bats to change the perception of the industry sadly.  You can only control what you control and be an Evangelist to the professional standard consumers should expect. 

Think of yourself as an attorney.  How many slugs are trolling for PI cases for the quick return?  Are they professionals?  Are they even good courtroom trial lawyers?  But they sure do make a CRAP load of money. 

You can only control what you control.  Be professional and an example for other agents to model.  More than just your manerism but your ability to Persistently Prospect, Produce for a Prolonged period of time.  Set the standard in your area and deals will follow.

 do I get a bonus for the 4 P's?

 

Go sell something

CH

02/22/2007 04:30 PM by Christopher and Bernadette Hurley (Go Hurley Group)


Thank you to each of you who have taken the time to read this post.  I had been working on it for a while and not so sure I wanted to put it out... However I was on a high from yesterday's post that I thought, what the heck!  As it turns out the powers at AR liked this one too.  I may quit while I'm ahead!  No... I'm happy to be back on AR posting away.  

Christopher, I'd give you a bonus for the 4 P's.

Chris, Easy for me to say with no kids yet... RIGHT?  I hear you loud and clear.  Again, those beautiful babies may be your greatest legacy!

Joan, It sounds like you're doing just fine with all this.  Good for you!

Ms. Rome, You are a class act.  Your words just seem to continue to lift me!  Many thanks.

Steve, Something for us all to aspire to... let's hope so!

Jeff, May we only ever have a blurred line!

Lisa, I think my competitors ARE my customers. It sure makes life easier that way.

Ozarks Joan, I bet you'll leave a mark on your community.  The Ozarks....WOW

Mariana, What is that they say about walking in the middle of the road??  :) Good for you for taking a stand.

Michael, I agree totally!

Tyler, Thank you for the words of encouragement... I'm trying to stick around!

Betsy, I always think about the end (not in a bad way) it really makes the journey that much clearer!

Krisy,  The attitude is not always great, but I try.  Thanks!

 

02/22/2007 05:58 PM by Sara Lipnitz (SKBK Sotheby's International Realty)


Very good food for thought Sara.  I had never given thought to how we (our current society) would leave it's mark for future generations.  Thanks for the ideas and for making us all put our thinking caps on.  Keep up the good work!  P.S. I wish all Realtors would step up to the plate, improve our image and take our profession to a new level.

George

02/22/2007 06:44 PM by Boise Idaho Real Estate - George Tallabas (RE/MAX Advantage)


You put a lot of thought, time, and heart into this post.  Thank you.

02/22/2007 07:59 PM by Judi Barrett (Integrity Real Estate Services)


As usual a wonderful post Sara, very thought provoking. I won't have to be remembered, I'm coming back and rattling chains!

02/22/2007 09:08 PM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


I'll be happy if:

(a) the bartenders in Solana Beach remember that I tipped well and knew  more about baseball statistics than any other patron

(b) the priest who serves at the funeral really knows my name because he saw me frequently

(c) a few clients remembered that I gave them some good advice.

(d) my wife remembers me as her best friend 

(e) my daughter remembers me as a source of happiness and love 

02/22/2007 11:56 PM by America's #1 Mortgage Broker


This is the first time that I have read your blog.  I think that it is wonderful and the topic is vital and powerful for the real estate industries in many more ways then what may appear in just your post.  Please keep up the Great Work and Attitude!

If you would like to learn more on what I am doing to counter some of the problems that you are addressing please visit my blog Table Talk With Apella here or here and my community page on the main site at http://www.apella.org/

It is my goal to leave the legacy that I developed a company that truly helps people. 

03/18/2007 12:04 AM by Apella


Beautiful post and much to think about and keep in mind every single day. What we do has a profound impact on others whether we realize it or not.  To be remembered well as professionals and as PEOPLE; thanks for a lovely post.

03/24/2007 10:34 AM by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)


Ooh, I like this post.  I won't say, "I wish there were more Realtors that thought like you."...there are.  I will say, "I wish there were less Realtors, not like you."  Then, the general public's impression of us would be much easier to change.

Have a prosperous day!

08/13/2007 06:40 AM by Deb Johnson~Farmington Hills real estate RE/MAX Farmington Hills, MI (RE/MAX New Trend)


Beautiful post, Sara.  This is a very interesting topic for me personally, not so much for how I want to be remembered, but for your choice of clients.  I generally rely on the internet for client leads, rather than friends.  I am not really comfortable with "selling" my friends.  I am definitely not saying that in a bad way as far as your choice whatsoever.  I think it would be wonderful working with more friends, but I have so many other friends who are Realtors also, and the idea of competing with other friends for business is not something I relish.  Maybe it is because I live in such a small town?  Oftentimes, I realize that I could have done a much better job, and regret the fact that I didn't sell myself more to my friends.  Thank you for sharing. 

08/14/2007 08:31 AM by Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC


You are the first and most achieverable woman on earth.The succeess is your comments to the other people of the world.

 

ALL THE BEST  SARA,

 

Special thanks. 

01/05/2008 08:40 PM by JOHN FRANCISCO YULE


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Real Estate Agent: Sara Lipnitz (SKBK Sotheby's International Realty)
Sara Lipnitz
Birmingham, MI
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SKBK Sotheby's International Realty

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