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Do you ever really take off your business hat?

By Rebecca McArdle

Home Stager with Stunning Staging & Redesign, LLC

June 13, 2011 05:43 PM

I think we can all agree we all wear several "hats" (i.e. mother, father, employee, employer, friend, sister, counselor, referee, etc.) but when you are in business for yourself, do you ever really take off your "business hat?"

I put mine on awhile ago and super glued it to my head...because I realized if I'm ever going to succeed, it has to stay ON real good...underneath my other interchangeable hats of course. Why? Because you never know when an business opportunity might come your way!

Whether you're a Home Stager, Realtor, etc. I think you will agree that an opportunity for business can come from anywhere! It may be from your kids friend who has parents looking to sell, or that person you're waiting in line with at the grocery store, or for me...the guy that gave me a ride from the car rental store to my car at the shop.

What's interesting is how much my "business hat" has changed me over the last year...for example...

I was comfortably living in my own little world, no need to make new friends, I have enough... But my business hat said "No, I don't think so...get out there and start talking!" So I did...and I met some really wonderful new people that I have learned so much from and continue to learn from.

I'm naturally impatient, something I always had trouble changing. My business hat told me "Things don't happen overnight, so quit your pouting and keep working" and so I do...

I have a slight case of road rage (don't let the face fool you). My business hat told me "No more mean mugging strangers" because they could be your next client...and they won't forget your mean muggin little face... HA

You get the idea. When you put on your business hat, you have to be sincerely conscious of how you're presenting yourself, because that can either bring you opportunities or lose them! One of the added benefits of wearing it all the time is that CHANGES you and helps you grown in ways you never knew. So, I don't think I'll be taking my sassy burgundy over the top hat off anytime soon...that's how I picture mine anyway ;-)

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Eric Fischer

Coldwell Banker Pioneer Real Estate - Moreno Valley, CA

Moreno Valley, CA Realtor

That hat stays on 24/7. That why real estate is a business, not a job

Jun 14, 2011 08:15 AM

Susan Gaieski

Water Pointe Realty Group - Jupiter, FL

Director for Social Media & Technology

Rebecca

It's so funny that you talk about the many hats. Years ago when I did my Dale Carnegie presentation I did one on all the hats I weare and stacked them all on top of my head. This is a great reminder about being flexible and remembering where and how you present yourself. Thanks for the reminder.

Jun 14, 2011 09:17 AM

Tammie White, Broker

Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Sometimes I wish this weren't so but it is. Nicely written.

Jun 14, 2011 09:57 AM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Oh...I am always "on the job" for the most part but do my very best to not be intrusive or aggressive!

Jun 14, 2011 11:45 AM

Ray Waisler

Finance of America - Atlanta, GA

NMLS #6621 - Specializing in Jumbo FHA & VA

Rebecca, most 9-5 wage earners have the opportunity to take the business hat off after hours. As commissioned salespeople we do not have the luxury of off hours. Thanks for the reminder.

Jun 14, 2011 12:36 PM

Rebecca McArdle

Stunning Staging & Redesign, LLC - Fort Wayne, IN

I say we all agree that the HAT stays on :-) THANKS everyone for your comments, I enjoyed reading all of them. If there's anything else to add, please continue to do so! Its nice to see that we are not alone on how we do business! "Hats off" to ALL of you for being so comitted to your careers ;-)

Jun 14, 2011 01:07 PM

Kate Elim

Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA

Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Rebecca...What hat? That's just another appendage.

Kate

Jun 14, 2011 02:24 PM

Shar Sitter

Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN

Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

Very interesting perspective Rebecca. My business hat doesn't come off often but I must say I am really myself even during business so I don't change too much.

Jun 14, 2011 02:56 PM

Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender - Leesville, LA

Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA

Interesting post, Rebecca! My family says I always have my "hat" on - maybe it is the entrepreneur in me! But when you have an "eye" for your next client - if your hat is not on - at least it is handy!

Jun 14, 2011 03:50 PM

haha Kate, so true!

Shar, I bet you are a very laid back person :-)

Erica, I know what you mean...its an internal switch we just know to turn on and off!

Louise, its definately the entrepreneur in you!

Jun 15, 2011 05:25 AM

Glenn Freezman

Nucazza LLP & Home Buying Evolution, & Family Abstract, Inc - Fort Washington, PA

I find that Schizophrenia works well, I have a personality to fit each hat so I am alwasy fresh!! keep on writing, good stuff!!

Jun 16, 2011 03:20 AM

Haha thanks Glen! I bet you're a Gemini, we usually tend to have several personalities...

Jun 16, 2011 03:26 AM

Julia Maher

Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT

Connecticut Home Stager

What a wonderful post, Rebecca - sorry I missed it earlier. Welcome to AR! You have a great "voice", and I look forward to reading more! Julie

Jun 16, 2011 05:30 AM

Thanks Julie, I've enjoyed reading some of your posts too!

Jun 16, 2011 08:02 AM

Janice Sutton

1st Stage Property Transformations - Murrieta, CA

Home Stager - Temecula Murrieta

Great analogy! I take my hat off to you!! ;)

I use to put on and off different hats but now, I am who I am! Take me, or leave me! I believe people buy from people so I make sure they know the REAL me!! So glad I can be ME! And so are my family,friends and clients! :)

Jun 18, 2011 08:24 AM

I like the way you think Janice!! :-)

Jun 19, 2011 10:13 AM

Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging

Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR

"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Rebecca ~ Good post and it's true that we are always "working" in some way or another. Wherever we go, someone is either putting their home on the market, or wanting to redesign it in some way, or has a friend or relative who needs our help. Cognrats on the featured post and we look forward to hearing more from you!

Jun 19, 2011 06:23 PM

Thanks Maureen! :-)

Jun 20, 2011 05:03 AM

Anna Dovger

Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX

Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Rebecca, great post! I wish I can take my business heat at night, than I would not need some sleeping pills. LOL

Jul 13, 2011 05:27 PM

Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC

eXp Realty LLC Salina Group - Salina, KS

Love To Help People

Excellent Information. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day and a blessed weekend.

Mar 05, 2023 01:09 AM

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