Hey, you lovely, crazy AR folks! 

Don't know about you, but it seems a bit difficult to get back in gear after the long holiday weekend.  We had some good recharge time, however - tomorrow morning, we'll be rarin' to go - hopefully!

My wife, Sue, and I had the very good fortune this past week to be the guests of Mary and David Johnson, and their three wonderful children, at their home, near St. Paul MN.  Mary has been a Master Trainer for the Floyd Wickman SMART Program, and, before that, Floyd's Enormously-Successful Sweathogs program, for nearly 20 years now.

The Johnson's live on a beautiful lake (one of the 10,000 in Minnesota - I believe their lake was number 3,748 or so).  What an incredible way to wake up to greet the day every morning - swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports at your doorstep!  And, a wonderful sunset view as well.

We had a great time with Mary, David, and their family this past week, and are very grateful for their hospitality.  But this post is about more than just their hospitality.

You see, I have known Mary for over twelve years, but only from a professional, training and teaching perspective.  Although I have long considered many in the Floyd Wickman Organization more like family than colleagues,  I have rarely gotten together with many Wickie's for more than a few hours socially.  I have never been able to observe or interact with Floyd's trainers away from their working and training environment.

Our visit to The Johnson's was not only a lot of fun - it also provided us some clues about how a busy, successful Wickman Trainer performs the balance between real estate and life.

Here are six reflections on Mary, as a friend, as a colleague, and as a mentor -

1.  MARY IS BALANCED!   Mary and David made us feel like part of the family, and we were involved in all the activities of their lovely family.  Little League games.  Her kid's birthday party.  A trip to the St. Paul Como Park Zoo.  A mini-tour of the city of St. Paul MN.  Activities on the lake on which they live (man, I have never even been on a pontoon boat before!)  

But, experiencing these non-work activities gave Sue and I insight as to how she balances life and business.  Business is important to Mary, but it never seemed to interfere with her family life.  It took a back seat during her time off this past week.

Mary had time to attend each of her sons' baseball games, and made it a point to discuss the games, win or lose, with her boys afterward.  She and David took their kids on the lake to water ski, or tow raft.  She organized and hosted her kids Summer Un-Birthday Party (because her kids real birthdays are in the cold weather months).  Hosted a sleep-over for her 12 year old daughter and her friends.  Served food David cooked on the grill.  And made her kids, and us, a hot breakfast nearly every morning.  All without letting here work life interfere.

Are you like that, too - or do you WISH you were?

2.  MARY HAS FAITH!   It doesn't matter if you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist. or an anything else, one of the earmarks of a Master is faith in some sort of Higher Being.  It helps put yourself in perspective, humbly - rather than always feeling like you're "King of it All."

3.  MARY IS POISED!  You know, I bet Mary never gets stressed!  No, not really - no matter who you are, stress happens, right?  But her POISE in dealing with stress was uncanny. 

Mary never let stress control her during our visit, and never let her kids and family see stress if it happened to be boiling up inside.  How about you?  And me?

4.  MARY LEADS WITH LOVE!  Even when disciplining her kids, Mary always told them she loved them.  Let's face it folks - there are times when you forget to say "I Love You!"  Right?  To your spouse.  To your kids.  To your mother, father, or older family members.

While we were visiting, Mary never forgot - even though, at times, the kids seemed be thinking, "Oh, Mom!"

5.  MARY SETS THE EXAMPLE!  "Don't do as I do, do as I say!"  Ever hear anyone say that - perhaps even a parent?  Then they would do something to set exactly the wrong example for their kids and their family.  And, you know what - the kids get the wrong message.  Because you are their mom or dad, and they will follow your lead.

Mary and David set a positive, loving tone in their family life.  And the kids notice that, and live by it.  When they are older, they will remember this - and they'll succeed.  The kids will then set the same example for their own families, I would assume.

6.  MARY LIVES IN THE PRESENT!  Mary is guided by the past, inspired by the future, but not overwhelmed by either!

How many times have you taken that un-gotten listing home with you?  That fallen real estate deal?  That crazy buyer?

Or, on how many occasions have you fretted about that tough transaction in progress?  That upcoming doctor's appointment?  That tough Listing Presentation happening next week?

Just like Real Estate Salespeople, Brokers, and Lenders in this challenging Real Estate Market we call 2008, Mary has faced production challenges this year.  Her number of students is down somewhat, in much the same way that many agents production has dropped a bit. 

She is working hard, perhaps even harder than anytime within the past few years, to maintain status quo.  But she is BOOKED, months in advanced, she keeps on track with her prospecting calls and client contact.  She does not seem to let adversity stop her - and we ALL have adversity - yes?

And - you know what - she takes a lot of time off, too?  But she becomes BOOKED, first!

Mary has a knack for keeping the problems of the past at bay, and the challenges of the future under control, while she tackles the opportunities of the present.  It's a gift you know - that's why it's called "The Present".

As you read this, Mary, we're not trying to swell your head (it won't anyway).  Or make you feel uncomfortable.  You know we love you, and always will - Sue and I, and our Lil' White Dog, Buddy Holly Moss (of Lil' Buddy's Blog fame).

We're just making a few observations - hopefully of help to those who read this post - on a few of the KEY TRAITS and CHARACTERISTICS of a MASTER.  A True Master!

Indeed, you are one!

Thanks so much for having us last week!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO