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Are you in sales to make a buck or make a difference?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Boise
www.brianbrumpton.com biography featured listings Boise Relocation Information Local Boise Events Search For Boise Homes Free Reports About Real Estate

I've been reading High Trust Selling by Todd Duncan, and he poses this question in one of the chapters.  I had to stop and ponder a minute, okay, actually for a few days.  Not because I didn't know why I'm in real estate but why real estate altogether. 

There are a lot of other ways to make a buck, and if you're not certain why you're in real estate, it's a pretty good question to consider.

Without a doubt if you don't know the difference, your clients do, or they'll figure it out in short order.  So after a few days of deep thought I came to a conclusion.  There's a reason I work the long hours, spend time away from the family, and take a pass on any other job opportunity that comes my way.

I like helping people make sound financial decisions, either making a smart investment, or in the current market, and more often than not, limiting their losses.

It was great to take some time and reexamine what the driving force is behind what I do.  It gave me a new found energy to press on.

Comments(10)

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Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Brian:  I think that anyone who is in real estate simply for the money... will disappear in short order.  This is a really tough business... and if you are not in it to make a difference... you will fail.

Jan 24, 2010 01:38 PM
Denise Delozier, Realtor, CNE
Reliant Realty ERA Powered - Nashville, TN
Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin & Middle Tennessee

Brian, That is an interesting question.  My real estate business puts a roof over my head and food on my table, so of course my bottom line matters in that sense. But by the same token, if it was all about the money, I would have been gone a long time ago!  There are thousands of other ways to make money (and most of the alternatives offer a LOT more stability) but like you, I stay in real estate because I love it.  Right now, I just count my blessings every day that I am still here.  I know a lot of other Realtors who also loved it ... and were very good at it ... but they just couldn't stay because they just weren't getting enough business to survive.  

Jan 24, 2010 02:06 PM
James K Barath, CMPS
Canopy Mortgage, LLC - Crown Point, IN
FICO Pro, Certified Military Housing Specialist

I've been through Todd Duncan's 90-day burn and that is one of the basic tenets to get your career and life on track. Action without purpose is simply an exercise. Understanding your why definitely keeps things in perspective.

Jan 24, 2010 02:28 PM
Janna Scharf
Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert

Like you, I know exactly why I am in the real estate business.  Of course I do it to make a buck, but I also do it to make a difference in people's lives.  In the real estate business, I find there is no limit to what I can achieve on each side of that coin!

Jan 24, 2010 02:40 PM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Its important to love what you do. I completely agree that your clients will know the difference.

Jan 24, 2010 03:05 PM
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

Yes, I agree - your clients will know the difference and run the other way if you are not in it for them.

Jan 24, 2010 03:53 PM
COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn
COMPASS - Palm Springs, CA
COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate

A timely post ... and good for thought!

Jan 25, 2010 09:40 AM
Corey Chase
Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID

It is always good to have something that remotivates your drive! Kudos to you

Feb 23, 2010 12:55 AM
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Brian - Great post!  It never hurts to be introspective once in a while.

Mar 01, 2010 11:20 AM
Lori Cofer
Beasley Realty - Moscow, ID
REALTOR, Moscow Idaho Real Estate

"Without a doubt if you don't know the difference, your clients do, or they'll figure it out in short order."

 

I wholeheartedly agree!!!!

May 15, 2010 06:25 AM