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Are you working your job or is it working you?

By
Industry Observer with Responsive Pest Control

Good morning! I was thinking yesterday (always a dangerous thought because it usually leads to a blog!) about how we in the real estate business should approach our job. Of course it brought up the question "Are you working your job or it it working you"?

I'm aware that the last couple years have been tough and I know that I'm also looking forward to better times ahead. Personally, I don't have much historical perspective. I started in April 2006, am not a quick starter, and by the time I figured it out things were almost at a standstill. The one thing I probably did right is I continued to work my job as if it was a career.

I think this is important. My office has shrunk from probably 18 people originating loans down to 5 over the past couple of years. Most of the people who left were younger and got used to a big paycheck without building their business. When I was counselled by two friends to go into the mortgage business, I took the plunge and tried to make it a career.

That's the difference and what I mean by working your job. I am always impressed when I meet a realtor, for example, and they're wearing their badge and talking about their Open Houses. To me that means commitment. Let's face it. We all have a choice and if we don't decide to work our job it will work us. Rich Sweum here on Active Rain recently came up with 30 things we can all do to keep our head in the game. Thanks, Rich. That list helped me get focused again. I'm curious what you're doing to stay sharp. I believe that for those of us who stick with it, and maintain our focus, good times will come again. And probably sooner than we might imagine. Have a great Thanksgiving and keep working your job. Or it will work you! Take care.

Posted by

Paul McFadden

Randall Schrader
Competitive Insurance of Dundee - Dundee, FL

There are pros and hacks trying to scoop up what was fairly easy money.  Now, the strong, well thought out types are standing tall. 

Nov 26, 2008 12:55 AM
Eric McGowan
Moody, AL

Paul this new arena is quite challenging. But there are many still thriving. Keep up the good attitude.

Nov 26, 2008 02:20 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Randall. I appreciate your sentiments. That is always what I hoped for!

Eric: Thanks for the complement. Back at you! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Nov 26, 2008 04:17 AM
Mobile Austin Notary
Apostille/Authentication/Embassy Legalization, Notary Public, Loan Signing Agent & Process Server Services - Austin, TX
www.mobileaustinnotary.com

I love this! Your attitude was great!

Dog

Nov 26, 2008 12:53 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Jenette. It isn't always easy but I have a lot to be thankful for. We all do!

Nov 26, 2008 03:07 PM
Bo Hussung
Bell Title /Triserv LLC - Nashvle, TN

Paul ou think like me....scary :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Bo

Nov 26, 2008 03:33 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Bo. You do the same!

Nov 27, 2008 01:08 AM
Gena Riede
Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792 - Sacramento, CA
Real Estate Broker - Sacramento CA Real Estate (916) 417-2699

Paul, good sound advice. Right now, we are all having to work a lot harder and longer for less at least here in CA but I love the business and as you indicated, this too shall pass. In the meantime, there are a lot of home buyers that are getting a great buy on homes right now.

Nov 28, 2008 01:35 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Gena. I appreciate it. I believe if we are passionate about our work the money will come. As we all know, real estate is a cyclical business. We may be down for now but not for long! Take care.

Nov 29, 2008 02:28 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTORĀ®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Paul, thought provoking to say the least. As with you we saw the quick buck artists move in and take the cream in 2005 however when times got tough, they were no where to be found. I picked up several clients that couldn't find their agent...

 

Dec 09, 2008 02:47 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Paul. I hope that we will benefit by being the stand up people. After all, it should always be all about our client! Take care.

Dec 11, 2008 09:08 AM