by ©Patricia Feager, 1/8/2017
The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization; a world view. In yesterday's post, Praful Thakkar challenged me to explore my world views. Thanks to Lynn B. Friedman today I embrace the complexities of Weltanschauung - 2017 6th Annual Blog JUMPSTART Challenge, my focus point today is #5:
"We believe that the constructive dialogue at ActiveRain fosters transparency among consumers about the industry. We understand that ActiveRain plays a key role in demonstrating the integrity and professionalism of those engaged in our industry."
If you read my post yesterday, you would know my humble beginnings in business began at age 17 while having an interview with W. Clement Stone. I was not hired but with time, I understood how to learn from failure. One simple word "no," could have changed the outcome. Instead, I said "yes," and was exited out the door. As they say on Project Runway, "One day you're in; the next day you're out."
Background
Everyone's background has a story. W. Clement Stone the founder and chairman of Combined Insurance Company of America started with only $100.00. He was born in 1902. His autobiography discloses he went from rags to riches from selling newspapers to selling insurance, building a multi-million dollar company in 1919. He has been quoted many times in life and death. In reference to integrity, this quote hits home to me:
Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth.
Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys
to living your life with integrity. --- W. Clement Stone
As a licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Texas, agents are required to take Legal and Ethics every two years. I choose to take it every year because my future depends on running a business with integrity. I am highly aware of the ups and downs of the industry and the challenges facing consumers. Today's consumers are very attuned to what's going on because they listen to the media, social media, Zillow and Trulia, HGTV, Flipping Houses, and more people are buying properties today than when W. Clement Stone was alive! The best advice I can give consumers is to find a local Real Estate Agent who you know, like, and trust. Believe in yourself and TRUST in the right people who are in the business for the right reasons because they are an investment in your future.
I am a member of ActiveRain because the guiding principles and philosophy match my values. Agents who are members of ActiveRain know that while we all do the same thing or we are in the same industry, we do it different depending on which states we are licensed to do business. Plus, we get a different perspective. There are some things that are universal, e.g., rules that apply to Government Loans. Home Inspectors follow Standard Procedures and Home Designers and Interior Decorators bring value. I find designers and decorators are the gems on this platform whose ideas help all of us to have nicer homes to sell or live in.
The underlining truth about each member on ActiveRain is that we are expected to be truthful and be mindful that while we can comment on each others posts, we may not plagiarize, nor should we be critical of what the author wrote. Staying positive and truthful is the lifeblood to success. When there is failure we learn from each other's mistakes and we keep trying to support each other and stay positive. Consumers want to focus on the positive. Today, consumers and members of ActiveRain thrive on Social Media. As agents, we need to be mindful that we writing to the consumers and local consumers are reading what we write. I expect the truth, don't you?
Patricia
