We're COMPETITORS But this is NOT a COMPETITION!

I've learned a HUGE amount from AR this week and many of you have responded to my blogs. But there is a thread that runs through this industry that we need to address.

We are competitors but not in competition. How does that work? It is my humble opinion that there is more than enough business out there for us to do correctly. We all make mistakes and some people take advantage of others' weaknesses. Let's stop the madness!

In my former company, the focus was GO GO GO..without a lot of direction. Just shoot..then aim. Now with training and correct planning through the Keller Williams philosphy, I've learned the opposite.

But I'd forgotten that that isn't the philosophy of other organizations out there, not that it is wrong..it's just different. In the past it was always who has the most listings/buyers however you get them..wins. I don't feel that way any more. It's whichever company or market center can achieve their highest goals and keep their integrity while still remaining a support structure and team building organization is the one that will come up ahead. 

 I don't know about you. I'm not in this business just for the almighty dollar. Sure it's nice to get a paycheck. But my goal is to assist my buyers and sellers to realize their dreams of home ownership in the best way I know how and still make it unstressful and enjoyable. The paycheck is gravy. We've all had so many jobs in our lives that were just that....jobs. Just to make a paycheck we did jobs that were not satisfying. But you have to do something you love. And making this industry a continual competition gets old, creates drama and only exacerbates the ideal of REALTORS as "used car salesmen" who are out there for a buck.

We're all better than that. Healthy competition to increase business is awesome. But never at the expense of someone else's business or integrity. So I say again. Lets all be competitive, keep pulling each other higher...but let's not be in a competition or we all lose. Lets pull the best out of each other and not push to get ahead.