I think Realtors sometimes get so used to listening to real estate experts that they forget to look outside the industry to people who have great ideas that don't necessarily focus on realtor marketing! Here are my top 4 people that I think you should listen to who are NOT focused on real estate marketing!
Gary Vaynerchuk
He is a GREAT motivator who is the bestselling author of Crush It - if you haven't bought his book yet make sure you do! Also, here is a keynote speech he gave that is SO worth a listen!!!! (Watch out he is a cusser - do not watch when little ears are around)
Seth Godin
I love this guy! He is all about thinking differently and challenging the "rules" of marketing. If you don't follow his blog, start. If you want to read a great book that will help you get through tough real estate times, check out The Dip - basically he says that if you are not 100% committed to getting through the long haul, quit now! His organic chemistry example is one of my favorite ways to think about how to succeed!
Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers is his semi-most recent book that talks about spending 10,000 hours doing something to master it. Most realtors I know have WAY more than 10,000 hours in...:) AND he talks about how timing makes a tremendous difference in your success. Have you thought about the fact that the market share you get now during these tough times will never go away!?!?!? Spend 2010 taking over your market!!!
Brian Tracy
Mr. Tracy is not actually a marketing guy - BUT his strategies about starting get me all fired up to quit procrastinating and start doing by using goals!
If you spend time listening to people like this rather than listening to people who say the real estate is terrible or that buyers are liars or that you are silly to stay in the business - IMAGINE what 2010 can be for - Happy New Year!!!