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5 Minutes Early & 10 Minutes Late

By
Real Estate Agent with OklaHomes Realty, Claremore Oklahoma

5 Minutes Early and 10 Minutes Late

My mother was a wonderful woman. She was about the same age as I am now when I came to live with her as a foster child. My mother was a woman of the land. She was interested in surviving, feeding her family, and instilling her children with lessons of success. Problem is...I didn't listen much as a youngster and now I wish I had.5 Minutes Early

My mother shared lessons often as I approached my teen years and started working odd jobs. She taught me to be respectful. She taught me to work hard. She taught me to always do my very best work. But most importantly she taught me..."be 5 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late and you will own the company." What an incredibly simple but profound idea. Come to work 5 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late and you will own the company.

I have applied this principle to so many areas of my life. I am always 5 minutes early for any appointment including listing and showing appointments. This extra 5 minutes ahead of life has served me very well. How many times have I discovered my ekey wasn't updated. How many times did the home need a quick sweeping off the steps. How many times have I cleaned up after the pet inside just in time for the buyers to arrive. I received one of the largest flooring transactions because I showed up 5 minutes early for my scheduled measure. I'm sure arriving 5 minutes early for any interview helped me to land a myriad of jobs as a young man.

10 Minutes LateStaying 10 minutes late has also served me well. When you approach your task without a worry about the end of allotted time, you naturally do better. Working that extra 10 minutes shows dedication to those observing. I received one of my first promotions at Wal*Mart so many years ago to department manager as the result of staying late. When I work real estate, I automatically plan that the task will take 10 minutes longer which allows me to to be more foucused on my clients. Yes, here it is 10 minutes and I actually do own "my company".

It's true..."be 5 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late and you will own the company". Thanks Mom!

If you are searching for a REALTOR who shares your dedication to come to work 5 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late, call me because..."What Matters to YOU, Matters to ME!

Show All Comments Sort:
Doug Peveto
Tempe, AZ

Jim, this really hits home when you sit down and think about it. Your mom taught you well, thanks for sharing!

Apr 12, 2011 03:21 PM
Rose King
David Tracy Real Estate - Friendswood, TX
Friendswood / Pearland / Houston Bay Area

Hi Jim! Your mom gave great advice! You were a lucky young man to receive her words of wisdom!

Apr 12, 2011 03:56 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good morning, Jim. Your mom was a wise woman...

Apr 12, 2011 09:06 PM