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Are you PLANNING for 2009 to be the WORST or BEST YEAR of YOUR CAREER?

Today was a typical day for me...BUSY. However, late in the afternoon...while waiting for a client to arrive at my listing...I had a half hour of unexpected and uninterrupted 'thinking' time.

As I have done much lately, I seized the opportunity to work on my 2009 business plan...a plan that realistically addresses the 'challenges' of our current real estate market. Mentally projecting six months into the future and attempting to predict the 'temperature' of the market, I had one of those 'ah hah' moments that caused me to stop in my tracks. I'll get back to that a little later in the post.

By nature, I am a planner...a control-freak, according to some people. True to form, I began my real estate career with a clearly defined purpose, plan and goal. In addition to being a planner, I'm also very passionate and hardworking. My husband says I'm the most stubborn person he has ever met. I think 'passionate' and 'hardworking' have a more pleasant ring, but I cannot argue with 'stubborn'...being the realist I am.

Within six months of earning my real estate license, I was the top producing agent in my office. After only two years in the business, I opened my own brokerage. I could continue to list all of my career achievements, but that is not the purpose of this post. What I will share with you is that...although I did not always follow the 'plan' step-by-step...I always had a plan...a written plan. Furthermore, I have almost always exceeded my own expectations and goals set forth in the plan.

Even now...in this turbulent market...I am busy. I'm certainly not closing as many transactions as I did two years ago, but I'm still in business to do business. The plan has changed with the market, but I'm still making and following a plan.

Earlier in this post, I promised to share my 'ah hah' moment.
Here goes...

When I began my career, I did not ask anyone what I should expect to accomplish in my first year. If I had done so, I may have learned that only one in ten new agents are still in business after their first year. I may have discovered that it takes the 'average' agent five years to reach the sales level that I achieved in my first six months. What if I had listened to my first broker-in-charge who told me that I would NEVER be successful if I "gave so much (of myself) away" to my clients?

According to the news media, we have not yet seen the worst of the housing crisis. Just today, in a meeting at the Durham Association of REALTORS®, I learned that they are expecting the greatest decrease in membership for 2009 than any previous year. All of the 'experts' seem to agree that 2009 will be a really bad year to be a REALTOR®. Pondering all of this bad news, it 'hit' me...IF I did not bother to consult the market analysts and news reporters before planning to succeed my first year in business, WHY SHOULD I CONSULT THEM NOW?

Statistically, I was pre-destined to fail...but I did not fail.
In fact, I achieved record-breaking success!

So...I will continue working on my business plan for 2009. ..a plan for success. I will set realistic and achievable goals, but they will not be based on the experts' predictions of gloom and doom. Nope. Neither will they be driven by fear of failure. In contrast, they will be based on my personal desire and commitment to make 2009 one of the best years of my career.

You see...I believe that:

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

- William Jennings Bryan -

***Photo courtesy of freefoto.com***

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale

Posted by Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team on 12/16/2008 03:03 PM

Comments (83)

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Originally posted at: Raleigh - Durham...A Real N.C. Girl's Perspective: Are you PLANNING for 2009 to be the WORST or BEST YEAR of YOUR CAREER?

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83 Comments on Are you PLANNING for 2009 to be the WORST or BEST YEAR of YOUR CAREER?

DEC

Elizabeth, you give me hope. I've just finished my first year in my new profession as realtor. I love it but have a long way to go to achieve the success that you have.

I'm planning on 2009 being a great year and who knows, perhaps the best. But that is based on personal happiness which does not include unrealistic expectations of me doing something to jump-start the housing market. If sales remain down, then it's not realistic to expect agents to maintain their level of productivity, much less increase it to the best ever. Of course there will be exceptions and it sounds like you plan on being one of them. I'd say go for it and offer my best wishes too.

Aloha

I think I will work on mine also Elizabeth :)

Goodness your blog is so pretty and full of life and colour, mine seemed dull and fontless hehehe. I still have been sorting the HTML out.

I really like your Post here and think you really did a great job at putting everything together. I am proud of you and your success.

Best to you and yours always.

Cheers.

Nice post. I remember that when I got into the business I saw nothing but the goal ahead and the predictions and projections couldn't distract me...so why should they now?

I believe 2009 will be a profitable year for me! I have changed my business strategy, and I am on my way.

We had a near record setting year this year and are expecting to beat that by leaps and bounds in 09....it never matters what anyone says...it only matters what you do...how you think...and your choice to move forwardf ! Happy holidays and and a prosperous 09 to you !

When it comes to goal planning we cannot be listening to others, we need to listen to ourself and write the realistic goal(s). Then get off of our buts, not mispelled, and do them.

Have a very successful 2009 despite what the experts say!!!! GBU

You brought up something I thought about recently: I remembered what it was like my first year in this industry. I didn't know to be scared. I hadn't heard that this was a hard profession.

I just went out and learned and had a blast. (Oh yes, I also earned money)

Perhaps if we all stepped back and remembered those first year joys and innocence we'll get back on track :-)

Flagged for a feature Elizabeth. This was outstanding!

HA! I recall my first year too. I earned exactly $25,000 and it cost me $50,000 to do so. Of course, that included living expenses since I was living and operating a new business with savings.

It took me 3 years to get to top producer in my office. We had a super star. He taught me a lot.

But, I really started to earn real money, meaning Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars when I opened my own company and didn't pay a broker. That broker split or desk fee can be a killer in my area. Even with a 25% broker split for my last broker, if they aren't giving me office space or leads, what is the money going for? The pleasure of having some place to hang my license was the only benefit and that's not worth 25%.

Being your own broker is the biggest step to financial independence, IMO.

Very nice post Elizabeth. It should be a feature.

Everyone is at different life stages, we set our own private goals. That's it. We can earn as much as we need or want by having the desire and a good work ethic. Most that complain are around the water cooler complaining instead of being out and about where the people are. I can't say I had my best year but we had a realy great year and it is not over yet.

AWESOME post. I remember my first year in the business too. I was even oblivious to the fact that my broker cheated me out of thousands of commission dollars. Of course I figured it out in time, but even through that I kept on trying. And 11 years later, I'm still in the business!

Great post! Best wishes for a successful 2009! 2008 was a very good year and you are right it is all in what you plan and believe in!

2009 will be a great year for my team. We have been planning for months now and are filling up our pipeline to start producing in the first quarter.

I finished my business plan for 2009 last week and plan for 2009 to be a good year. Changing the way some of my business has been accomplished in the past was definitely #1. SUCCESS is also a frame of mind! Thanks for sharing your uplifting thoughts.

This is a good post for those of us who are contemplating our business plan for 2009, we do need to expect success not failure!!!

I plan on 09 being a great year! I can not think any different as I have always been a positive person. I know you think the same way so it will be no surprise when you kick butt:)

Oh, Elizabeth.

You and I were thinking along the same lines the past 24 hrs with our PLANS!

Awesome post (as usual)

This is an awesome post. I love it. I am huge into lifeplanning. This is a great parallel. Plan for greatness....and be purpose in 09. Nice.....vedddddy nice.

Elizabeth, Aren't you glad you didn't know enough to be frightened? I'm glad the thought never entered your mind. Yuo had a plan and stuck to it with amazing success. This is a gem, thanks for sharing it--and GBU always.

MARIA: Success is not a monetary thing...as so many people believe. It is about doing your personal best...consistently. Just keep on keeping on! ~GBU~

RICHARD: Thanks for your encouraging words! I hope that your 2009 blows you away. ~GBU~

TIMOTHY: Thank you, my friend! But...believe me...there is nothing dull about you or your posts. I'm planning another little color tutorial very soon. GET READY FOR IT!! ~GBU~

MICHAEL: EXACTLY MY POINT!! Go for it! ~GBU~

CAROL: Just follow the plan...regardless of what others say or do. You'll be successful! ~GBU~

SALLY & DAVID: AMEN!! You already know what I know. I pray that your 2009 will be the best year of your life. ~GBU~

DON: I plan on it. (pun intended!) ~GBU~

KRIS: Thank you, Kris!! I truly believe what I wrote. I hope that it encourages everyone who reads it. ~GBU~

LENN: Thank you for your words of encouragement! They mean a lot...as I know you speak from your wisdom and experience. May God continue to bless you and your business!!

MISSY: It certainly is NOT over yet. And the good news is that we get a fresh, new year in just a few weeks. I love new beginnings!! ~GBU~

KIMBERLY: Eleven years from now, you'll still be in the business (if that is your choice) because you get it! You understand that you cannot blame your success or failure on anyone else. It's all about you. ~GBU~

DORIE: Thank YOU! I'm ready!!! ~GBU~

MORGAN: Having a full pipeline is one of the secrets to success in any market. GREAT JOB!! ~GBU~

LAURA: "SUCCESS is also a frame of mind!" You said it all!! ~GBU~

Elizabeth - 2009 will be the best year of my R.E. career. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

There are still many transactions to be had. We've had around 6,000 closings which is 12,000 sides here in my area. I just plan to have a larger slice than other agents. I think the average is 5 sides per agent (just based on the numbers). I crushed that and plan to crush it again next year.

I've got more booked already than I did last year at this time. I'll rock 2009 with you!

God is with you and that is the reason for your success. Others need to find him and they too will thrive like you.

Hi Elizabeth! I plan to have a great year too dear. My focus may change but it's growing! XXOO

Elizabeth, you have blinders on and march to your own drummer. I think that is GREAT!! 2009 will be terrific!!

2008 was my worst year in Real Estate. We struck out on our own and formed a new company. However we also put into place a lot of channels for marketing so I am going to say 2009 will be my best year in rea estate

YOU are so inspirational Elizabeth! You make us all feel we can get out there an succeed just like you have! And you are right, why should you listen to the media and others who say 2009 will be an awful year for Realtors when you never listened to them when you started your real estate career and look why you achieved! Good for you and here's to an awesome 2009, personally and professionally!

Elizabeth, I have seen you meet your goals personally AND professionally - I'm betting that each year is better than the last, and your planning is an essential ingredient in making that happen.

Nice blog...great page. It is all about mindset. If you think something is something strong enough, it ends up being an internal belief. It is like sending propaganda to yourself. Do you want to participate in the recession belief that things are going to get worse, therefore you must get worse yourself, or do you believe that you can thrive in any economic situation?

It is a pretty simple switch to turn off and on, but most wont even reach for the switch......

Great attitude Elizabeth. I have thought so many times how in my early days I didn't know that my way of doing business did not work for everyone. I didn't know there were people that could not be financed. I didn't know that I, like you achieved unbelievable numbers and then all those that said I was wasting my time suddenly wanted to know what I was doing, down to the smallest detail. I am going to join you and stop listening to the economist and do what I do best!!!

Hi Elaine...It will be neither. It will be a very good year but definitely not my best. My best was my first year and that had nothing to do with money.

Kate

I love planning! I love to see what goals I have accomplished and what I still need to work on. 2009 will be a tough year and a interesting year for me. I relocated to a new city, more like town, and am already ruffling a few feathers with my professionalism and competitiveness to grow my business again. My broker told me, "were the good ol' boys here, we just want to be friends with everybody." I agree, but you have to be competitive to be good.

Elizabeth, I had to stop back and congratulate you on a well deserved feature. You are an inspiration to ALL of us--one of the reasons why we love you!

I personally expect 2009 to be a wonderful year. The demand should start to head in the up direction! Good Luck to you for 2009!!!

Chris

well put. never wait for permission or for what others are doing.

Why take a chance when you can have a plan that will bring success. Good luck to you in 2009 and stay stubborn.

Elizabeth - It amazes me that I am still hearing the same stuff from the media about how bad things are going to be, when I am in the midst of my busiest December in years!

Thank you for the sweet reminder. I'm always breaking away from wrapping up my 2009 Business Plan. It seems like my 2008 is not complete either. That's a bad, bad, no, no. I need help! I need to finish mine. Ah....

I love the fact that we both dont believe in odds. We work hard. Thanks, girl.

Elizabeth, I just want to say that you have really inspired me with this post. As a brand new agent licensed for less than 3 months, this was awesome. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts

Great post. If it were easy to be a realtor everyone would do it. Now is the time to take our lives and make them better.

Marcy Moyer Intero Real Esate Menlo Park Ca.

semper ad meliora -- always towards better things

It's how I live my life.

I love this post, because having started real estate school two years ago this month, when word hit that the market was "going in the crapper" as one instructor put it, I was destined to fail, too. While I have not had quite the success you have had, (Some of that my fault, some of that was out of my control, a lesson I learned early this year.) I have far from failed. I know that everyone in my office thought that it was just something I was going to do, and that I would quit. Then, when offices merged, they again thought that I would quit. I was beat up, chased down, and criticized. I offered some agent opens with free lunch, continued to kick butt on listing appointments against those other agents, and even though my focus has changed from what it was then, I am outselling many of those agents who said I wouldn't stay in it. I loved your post, a well deserved feature.

P.S. 2008 was a better year for me than 2007 in number of closings. However, I made less money. :(

The message of your post comes through loud and clear, sis......

Make goals and PLAN for success.....

(I can't wait to finally talk with you on the phone about our little evangelistic effort...)

=-)

Elizabeth,

Your attitude, determination, stubborness (call it what you will) have obviously served you well. I am spending Friday with a group of like-minded people to put together my 2009 plan.

Ahhhh, and on a positive note.........Thanks you that is what we need more of!

The sweet smell of success.

Debbie

Elizabeth.... attitude is a big part of anything, especially success. 2008 was my best year in many years, but for some different reasons also. And as yourself, I have already planned to have a better 2009 than 2008, because of my business plan and goals. If you don't have both of these prior to the start of the year, you will usually fail. Nice job here...

jeff belonger

I am in the process of writing my goals and the plan to get there. I will not be one who throws in the towel and look forward to things turning around for the better. I am glad to be in the Birmingham market.

Oh, yes!! I remember those first years. A vision, a plan, and no money.

But, you know what....here I am 13 years later with my own brokerage and have loved every minute of the journey.

2009 will be a memorable year in lots of ways. I plan to gain market share and make it a great year.

Thanks for your post. It was good to remember the ride.

The Best Year Ever! Thanks for your motivating post. I hope to work on my business plan tonight.

Elizabeth, I LOVE you quote, and I LOVE your attitude. Looks like we're on the same page. Wonderful!!! AND congratulations on the little gold star. ;-)

Elizabeth, what a great post!

I also look for 2009 to be a spectacular year. The Las Vegas metropolitan area has seemed to be the national poster child, so to speak, for the devastating effects of the housing collapse. People are just now starting to realize here that this is a tremendous time to take advantage of some once in a lifetime opportunities that our market is producing, and our numbers have been showing it. With all of the outstanding new resorts, restaurants, shows, and other businesses opening up next year, 2009 is going to be a great year to be a Las Vegas area REALTOR®. The lessons learned in this time can only make us stronger and that much more successful for the times ahead.

Elizabeth, you are like a ray of sunshine. Thank you for this post. I love your new photo and blog design.

Elizabeth...do you know why you are so successful? Because you believe you are! You are a Ninja, and don't even know it..(more on that later). I too, can see it and it shall be mine! I hit the ground running when I first started selling and haven't looked back, even while relocating. My husband was so "you won't have any closings the rest of the year"..showed him! Just wrote 2 offers this weekend, closing this month:) Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Negative, lol.

I think for those of us that do live with our heads in the clouds, it's a pretty darn great place to be. We can't see the negative of the real world...we're too busy thinking everything is going to be great!

Wow! Great stuff here. I am just finishing my first year and what a learning experience. Although I only acquired 5 listings, all presented extreme challenges aka growing pains :-) I look forward to next year with more confidence and the attitude that the strongest will survive. The funnest thing happened while I was busy helping people, my community voted me "Best Realtor", I didn't even know about the contest! I am eagerly looking forward to 2009!

6 months???!!! Girl, you are amazing! (and blessed) It seems like there are not a lot of "in between" agents these days. Either you are making it (like you) or you are not (like me (but moving on)). This is definitely a proving ground. Rock on sister!

Like you, we are planning for another GREAT YEAR in 2009, lets dont stop there...lets keep going.

We are also planning on having a great year in 2009. In fact 2008 was such a great year Im nervous that it will be tough to match in 2009. Sometimes I feel guilty knowing the difficulties of todays market yet we still had a great year ! In any event, great success to you in 2009 ! Im sure we will know more month to month and network with you to see how things are going.

Elizabeth,

Truer words have not been spoken! You keep doing what you're doing and 2009 will definitely be a banner year for you! I too am a big believer in planning, and likewise am working on my business plan...it takes work to produce a good plan, and carry it out! Thanks for being one of my AR friends.

Elizabeth ~ you certainly are wise beyond your years! There are always challenges, the simply change from year to year. Congratulations to you on all your accomplishments and best of luck in 2009!

I plan to 2009 to be the best year ever. I hope I'm not wrong.

I have no doubt you will have a very successful 2009. It is in your DNA! Merry Christmas!

2009 will be a great year -- it definitely will be -- all the best for the holiday season.

Great post Elizabeth! I am going to have a fabulous year in 2009 as well. I can truly relate to your drive and passion.

The one I consult told me to trust in Him and He will provide. I'm planning on success in 09 as well.

First, congratulations on that shiny gold star!

Second...I dove head first into real estate after leaving the corporate world and I've never looked back. To me, failure is not an option because it would mean giving up the freedom of owning my own business. It's up to me where that business goes.

Third, you ROCK that positive attitude all the way into '09 :)

Hi Elizabeth, What happened to all the perdictors that said RE would rebound by mid 2009. I have always thought, business as is life will be what you make it.

Right on!

Elizabeth: Great post... we all need to take time and make our business plans for the coming year.

Elizabeth, this is an amazing post. I have realistic, achieveable goals each year. Like you mentioned, if we listen to the "experts" and not our PHONES RINGING with new potential clients, we probably wouldn't make it through the challenging years.

DEC

Hi Eliz - Yep 2009 will be great for many reasons. Hard work, knowledge, great past and future clients, amazing friends all across the web and the local neighborhood. And lots of great blessings. I think the real estate business will be just fine too. Nice post.

List and Sell (every day and every person is important) Gary @ RentonHomeFinder.com

If we do not know we are supposed to fail we will most likely succeed -

Hi Elizabeth,

This is great inspiration! Your post made me think back to my first year too. Not only was I brand new to real estate, but also brand new to Kansas City! Talk about odds being against you, and I didn't even know! I believe I was so excited about my new career, and maybe a little naive, the word "failure" was not even an option. Since then, 8 years ago, my what a journey it's been. It was the best decision I ever made, getting into real estate. I really love it, still to this day! I think it is hard to fail, when you are passionate about what you do!

These times, too, shall pass. Great Job, Elizabeth!!

Elizabeth,

your post ties right into my daily affirmations that are displayed on my desk..

My energy is focused and directed toward my goals.

My attitude determines how i experience the world.

I am in charge of my destiny , i am the builder of my life.

Much success to you in the new year. All my best, Benita Ann

I agree. Why set limitations and goals based on conventional wisdom? Let's all get busy in 2009 and find the best paths for us to achieve all our goals and help others achieve theirs too.

I can't plan too far ahead...I'm just going to go along just like I did this year and it didn't turn out so bad and I'm still here so that's what counts for me.

Elizabeth, Great post as usual! Here in Clevleand , I think our paper had bad press for about 10 months with regards to the "horrible real estate market" and a lot of times that made the front page. And then they wonder why advertising by the real estate community is down. hmm....

Hi Elizabeth,

"I had a half hour of unexpected and uninterrupted 'thinking' time."

This is when good things happen - when you actually have time to think "about" your business - not just on what busy work you have to do.

My only regreat is that I don't do this enough - until now. :)

Good luck with your 2009 business plan. I am working on setting my goals and what I want to acheive. I haven't been watching the news and I don't plan too. That also means I have to limit communication with many negative agents.

Elizabeth, although I'm not a Realtor this also applies to us in the home staging industry. I am in my 1st year of business and WILL ACHIEVE SUCCESS in 2009! Thank you for your inspirational thoughts; when I'm feeling discouraged YOU are one of the main reasons I stop from what I'm doing to jump into AR! ^i^

DEC

As some one who left in his first year(2004) and is back this post summarizes what I have learned since I left. You are correct about everything. I personally don't watch the news or read the paper because all they cover is doom and gloom. I look forward to a very profitable and successful 2009.

DEC

I am looking forward to 2009. I am planning for a great year. If you do not plan for it, you will not make it happen.

DEC

Elizabeth, congrats on having an amzing year in 2008 and here's wishing you even more success in 2009. With your positive, customer driven attitude - there's no stopping you! Thank you for sharing your positive and inspirational messages with me this year - I have learned so much from you and I'm honored to call you a friend. GBU my friend! ~Anne Marie