Real Estate Blog - Are You Afraid Of The Big Dog?

Home : Blogs : Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth : Gary Woltal's Blog

Are You Afraid Of The Big Dog?

Big Dog Real Estate offices are known for a few individuals, how shall we say it, that have some fairly sizeable egos. Depending on where you are in a career path, some with all the accolades on the wall, some who talk loudly, and just are king of the hill, it is easy to get intimidated. So,

Are You Afraid Of The Big Dog?

This applies to all people in life in many categories who may have more experience than you. Do not show lack of confidence in ANY area of your life. WHY? Because you are worthy. We all have our strengths. You have strengths BIG DOG DOESN'T. It is true. If you believe in yourself others will believe in you.

NEVER back down to the big dog. In your mind ALWAYS view yourself as TOP DOG!!

Posted by Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth on 12/22/2008 07:25 PM

Comments (49)

Confidence in the ActiveRain Channel

confidence worthiness big dog

This post has been included in Texas Information Denton County, TX Information Flower Mound, TX Information
Post is included in group: The Optimist
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: 100 Days to Change

49 Comments on Are You Afraid Of The Big Dog?

DEC

I'm not intimidated by anyone....there's always going to be those "Big Talkers". Those are the ones who usually don't have the amount of success they keep bragging about.

There is much that can be learned from the Big Dogs. They shouldn't be feared.

Hi Gary...I'm an alpha. Need I say more?

Kate

P.S. Hmmm, I wonder if that's true. I do know that I am not easily intimidated. In fact I'm trying to remember when I last was. Maybe I better clarify...I never growl and I never bite.

Hi Gary... There is an old saying about how the world views you as you view yourself. ALWAYS think of yourself as a leader and the Big Dog and the world will too! :)

very good advice Gary! They don't scare me. I have learned that often, the big dogs are just big marshmallows inside. Top dogs should not be intimidating!! Top dogs, really can't be "on Top" without the help, adulation, and attention from all the little dogs--- otherwise-- they'd just be lonely dogs!! We are all human, after all.

Gary, the Big Dogs I am learning from "at this stage of my life" are right here in ActiveRain! Hmmm and I guess that YOU would be one of those. ha ha....any tiny tidbit morsels of knowledge for a new kid on the block? or should I say standing in the Rain?

Happy Holidays

Debbie

When I had Dobermans, I had a T-shirt that said, "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch." Now I have a mini dachshund, who thinks he's the size of a Mastiff. In his little mind, he doesn't know he's not feared. We're no different. It's all in our minds as to what we are or can be.

When I was new, there was an older agent who was definitely a mean top dog. She was a new construction queen at the time and she used us like coolies in a labor camp, sitting the new construction and treating us like dirt. She was friends with our manager and when I became the manager's best friend, she had to be nice to me. Many years later, the manager and I parted ways and I ran into Mean Older Agent. She was sneery and snide and I was as nice as can be, because she no longer had any power over me.

Loved your post, but especially loved the picture! I have always been a huge fan of the "BIG DOGS!" I've been fortunate to learn so much from so many of them and I like to hang out with them and just see how their experience and expertise affects their clients and to watch the interactions. So much to learn.......

Amen Gary!...

The only time I was afraid of Big Dogs was way back when I was a punk kid delivering papers... There were a couple of real big mean one's on my route!

I love a challenge, and I love sharing the experience in concert with clients and friends I respect. The big EGO has always made me laugh, they're usually 'way over compensating' for something they lack... We're all in it together and we have different ways of contributing... "what a grand design!"

Nice post... thx...

René

Cecily: I love "fearless" Cecily. THAT is the way to be.

Lorrie: I agree, learn from the big dogs.

Kate: Sweet you, an alpha dog??!! Don't mess with Kate LOL.

Steve: We must believe in ourselves, for sure.

Mary: Some the bark is worse than the bite.

Debbie: My tidbit, YOU ARE GREAT Debbie. Believe that and you will go VERY far!!

Elaine: We all need to be mini-daschunds!! : )

Hi Susan: I think as younger people we are naturally intimidated but we can grow out of it as you did with that snide lady. Makes you feel real good once you conquer it.

Vickie: Good big dogs are helpful but some like their power and laud it over you. Our own power comes from within.

Rene: I love the overcompensating psychological angle. That WILL make you laugh!! Thanks for the insight.

Hi Gary-First of all I love that pic. I look like the dog with his ears up. <smile>

Are You Afraid Of The Big Dog?(YUP) Big dog has scary side, but thankfully never used it towards me. Whew!

"You have strengths BIG DOG DOESN'T". Yes I do.

It is true. If you believe in yourself others will believe in you. Sometimes people believe in me before I believe in me. I am very thankful for that.

"NEVER back down to the big dog. In your mind ALWAYS view yourself as TOP DOG!!" (Easier said than done but a good support system helps keep me thinking as though I am) Fake it til I make it.

Such as great and wonderful post. You always have a way of looking at life in a positive way. I like that a lot. Have a great night. Merry Christmas to you and family. Safe travels, unplug, relax and enjoy some quiet time of the season. We'll be here when you return. <smile>

Hi s.lee.p: We all encounter these big dogs and the sooner we learn to stop being intimidated by "others" and trust ourselves that we are good, valuable, and worthy of all that we deserve in life, the better for our journey. You have a great Christmas where you are at too Sharon Lee!!

One thing that I have learned is that big dogs can be mean....

but the nicest of them seem to outlive (and have better health) than the mean ones...

so, what goes around comes around I guess!

And so the reason I never forget where I came from...helping hands to the new dogs is one thing I take pride in. It's all in the manner of how the new dog adapts too. All I know is that if everyone has a productive and fulfilling day ..they sleep well at night! Happy Holidays Gary!

Gary, This is oh so true! When I first started selling in Nashville, my old office mate had me scared to death of more than one "heavy hitter" in our area. The first deal I had with one of these big dogs had me shaking in my boots, for about 30 seconds. I soon realized that my office mate was the one that was lacking belief in herself. We all have talents, in one area or another:)

Gary- They can only intimidate you if you let them. We have some here where I live. For the most part, they know who they can intimidate and aggravate. I have seen some chopped to pieces by them. I, personally would not let it get that far before I would tell them to take a hike. LOL

Great photo and one I can relate to! I recently made my first foray into the REO world for one of my buyer clients and the listing agent attempted to intimidate and humiliate me based on my lack of knowledge in dealing with bank-owned properties. Turns out that her own buyer client wanted the property. At the time I didn't know what was driving her behavior, but I transcribed her nasty, demeaning voice mail word for word and added the pauses, sighs, shouting, and expletives then sent it to her broker and the partners who owned her firm. The result is that my persistence in ensuring that my client's offer was submitted resulted in him winning the bid on the property and because I remained calm and professional throughout, I have a good working relationship with her now.

Timely post for me today. Even though this BIG DOG isnt in my office, I feel that this person continually puts many down, so much so that I'm letting this person win in my head. It's not fear I'm facing but I cannot stand the condescending attitude that this person puts others down. I dont know what it takes, but I know I will shake it off. Sooner rather than later though.

Remind them that they are the big dog and they'll gladly show you where all the bones are buried.

The big dog is fun to play with. I enjoy getting a big ole stick and poking them with it just to see their reaction. Usually you get their attention pretty quick and then you can treat them like the mere mortal they are, but if they slip up again take big stick and smack in head really hard.

Gary, I was the terrified dog when I was starting out....but every experience has been one of learning. After a while I wasn't afraid and I have to say, confidence in yourself is a wonderful feeling to have. The doubts are gone and you just KNOW you can do a wonderful job for any client.

Gary,

These top dogs often are more bluster than anything else. To ignore them is usually the best way to handle them, which is what I do.

Gary, quiet and confident is so much more effective in my book Gary. If you have to be loud, you are covering somehing up and usually it is a lack of confidence.

I really dislike the egos that some agents have at times...We are all equal, period!

Gary,

Great advice and really cool picture to illustrate your message. :)

Steve

Shelia: Be nice, live long. Sounds like a good reason to be nice.

Sally: Helpinghands is the way to go. Happy Holidays to you too.

Elizabeth: Glad you claimed your power BACK!!

Laura: Big dog, take a hike.

Gail: Great story. I love how you did the transcribing too.

Loreena: Put their condenscending behavior aside.

Amanda: Play to their ego. Love it!

Pat: A great Three Kings rendition. I commented on your MeMe.

Denise: Love the hit them with the stick advice. Violent, but effective.

Carole: As we get older we get less intimidated.

Esko: Ignoring big dogs is good advice.

Bo: Loud reveals some kind of insecurity.

Jeremy: We are equal, I agree.

Pat: Great Good Night Sweetheart song. Goes with staying up too late. Got your spy cam trained on me again?

Steve: I think we have all been in the place of the scared dog before.

Gary: Cute! I love the picture too!

I'm not afraid of the dog that barks; I'm more weary of the one that doesn't...

This is going to the top of the Optimist Board. It will keep good company to the other two animal blogs we have there now....

Gary,

We have a big dog as a pet!!! I marvel at how docile she is...If you tried to burglarize our home, she'd lick you to death!!! :) Thanks, Fran

There are quite a few Big Dogs in our office, but be careful who you listen to on how to achieve success! Some might lead you astray, other attained top agent via the country club, and many of the others are milking the success of the pre-internet, social networking internet. Be careful who you go to for advice, as the experience of others may not be the proper advice for you in todays market.

Gary,

Most big dogs are harmless. It's those little ankle bitters that can be dangerous...

Ann

Hi Gary,

I agree. I've learned from big dogs, top dogs and young pups alike.

DEC

Great post. Our office has quite a few big egos. However the business I came out of prepared me well for them and I love taken em on! Happy Holidays.

Terry Miller

Big dogs can be all bark. Sometimes they are also unaware; I am not scared! Bring on the big dog!

Gary,
You mean I'm NOT the BIG DOG? Gosh, I always thought I was! LOL!

Gary it is so sad to see people with ability give up on themselves because of lack of confidence. One of the best thing anyone in this situation could do, is to build up confidence then the Top Dogs won't be able to knock you down.

THat's a great picture Gary. I am not afraid of the big dog! I am not afraid of the big dog! I am not afraid of the big dog! I'm really not! I feel badly for people who think they have to intimidate others in order to feel good about themselves. I just started a book this week "Dogs don't bit when a growl will do" and it is so true for them and for us! If we use a voice that means we are serious there's no reason to get ugly!! KM

Gary,

I loved the picture!! I have learned a lot from the big dogs but I think it's fair to say that it's been a 2 way street, though I did not realize that overnight. Merry Christmas!

That is the cutest picture ever!!! There's always someone with a loud bark, but we all need to realize that we shouldn't let that "loudness" overshadow our own worth...even though it's not always easy to do!

Gary: It's those big teeth that scare me LOL . Actually, I'm not easily intimidated. I usually view people who feel the need to intimidate as the ones who are masking something inferior. Big egos on the other hand, usually make me giggle.

I may not be the biggest dog, but my bite has become nothing to play with. And I don't even waste my time barking.

DEC

I have no fear of anything except spiders. It's not the size of the critter, it's the bite.

DEC

and a BIG AMEN to that! - always a good message - to the point - and something many should take to heart! God Bless Gary and Hope your Christmas was a very special one! xox Liz

DEC

I have always found in life when you confront the big dog, they are just as scared if not more, they just have a bigger bark!

Congratulations on 2 years in the rain and thank you for your contributions to the rain, I know personally I can't thank you enough for some of the great articles you have written these last 2 years.

Gary, great post! Too often we focus in on our faults and not our strengths allowing ourselves to be intimidated by others, when more often than not, they are just as insecure as we are! Thanks for the reminder to look at our strengths and talents and draw confidence from within from those!

Gary,

In my experience the big dogs just bark loundly and are really not much to be afraid of. I found lttle, prissy lap dogs a lot more dangerous.

Sandy

Gary: I enjoyed reading your post and I especially loved the picture you provided. What a great illustration to help drive across your point. Also, I agree with you about standing up to the big dog. I believe if we possess a great deal of self-confidence then, naturally, this won't be a problem.

DEC

Gary - Great post! So true about egos in this business too. Some are just showboats!

Gary:)Great photo, love it. There is a lot to be learned from Big Dogs, Medium Dogs and Small Dogs and I am sure that letting them know we are equal may have it's own bite.

This blog does not allow anonymous comments