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Walking on a tightrope

By
Real Estate Agent with Max Broock Realtors

Man on tightropeAs with most things in life, I think that the saying "everything in moderation" applies.  There are always consequences for our actions.  Too much playing means not enough working.  Too much working means not enough playing and possibly... BURNOUT.

Well, I'm guilty of falling prey to this trap. At times, I spend so much of my time reading, learning and thinking about internet marketing, I fail to get "my basics" done.  "My basics" are uniquely my own and have consistently garnered me business.  These are the things that come naturally to me.... For instance, networking.  I have recently passed on social events in an effort to read, work and research.  Not good, not good at all.  

I understand the importance of having a web presence.  I have a limited knowledge of how I can make the Internet work for me.  I now have a personal website and a personal blog.  Both are a step in the right direction.  Both are miles away from where I was a few months ago.  But both are very challenging to me.  These things are foreign to me and push me FAR out of my comfort zone.

However, socialization is my comfy place.  Because I'm social, I sell homes, lots of homes! 

I strive to give each customer a satisfying and rewarding transaction.  I take great pride in the things I can offer a customer.  These things include an unmatched marketing plan, consistent communication and service that will exceed high expectations.  Tall order, yes, but I'm up for it!

My goal is to have a web presence AND continue to do what I do best.  Finding a balance that works is tricky. 

So I will kindly acknowledge that my new website and blog will never be as good as some other agent sites.  I may never fully understand how to make the most of my online presence.  However, I will try.  I will try as long as I can keep my balance. 

There is no agent out there that is capable of having it all.  Everyone walks on his or her own tightrope.  Those agents who can master the online experience may need some work on other skill sets.  Recognizing that fact gives me comfort.   Some of the best selling agents in my market have no idea what SEO even means, and they're perfectly happy with that.

 At the end of the day, there is enough business for us all.  We just have to remember to stay on that tightrope and don't look down!
Show All Comments Sort:
Craig Schiller
Trempealeau, WI

Hey Pearly!

OY... how I agree. I am so trying to balance all that is going on... this last year has been the biggest challenge of my life. AND to top it all off... it seems like the rope is getting longer and thinner.

THANKS for coming back... you know how welcome it is for me to see you back in the puddle.

Me

PS: I am thrilled to be the first to comment on your 2nd blog after your return.

Dec 07, 2006 11:19 AM
Sara Lipnitz
Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

Craig,

Did you happen to see that I gave you Mad Props on my post yesterday.  You helped push me back over the edge and here I am.  2 of my last 3 post talk of my love of Craig.  Let's not tell Rich this... I kinda dig him too!

Thank you sweet friend. 

Dec 07, 2006 11:29 AM
Leigh Brown
Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC
CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC
I think you should put that lnext-to-last sentence in all caps and bold, bold, bold-'there's enough business for us all'!  Heaven knows that if all agents thought about that, we'd quit fussing over not having every listing (currently over 14000 in the Charlotte NC market) or every buyer (and i don't want all the buyers, i have enough crazies thank you). =)
Dec 07, 2006 11:36 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Hey Sara, I think it is time to get off that thin tightrope! Widen your road and make it cushy.

How? By doing what you love. The more you socialize.. the more your business will grow, the more houses you sell ,and the less competition you have. Go for the comfort.

It is nice to see you back!

www.homerome.com

Baltimore,Md

Dec 07, 2006 12:06 PM
Kristal Kraft
Novella Real Estate - Denver, CO
Selling Metro Denver Real Estate - 303-589-2022

Welcome Back Sara,  Good post.  I like the last line where you say "don't look down."  Looking at the goal and glancing occasionally at the side lines is the best mode to follow.  Looking down only goofs up your balance.

Margaret is right, "Why perfect your weaknesses?"  as Joanne Fossland always says.  You are a natural networker and that will probably always be where your strength and heart is.

Building a website is a necessary evil for you, it's a must have, but don't lose yourself in the technicalities of it.  Do what you love and what you are best at.

I believe I give up my "power" when I do what others deem right for me and not what I know myself to be true.

kk

Dec 07, 2006 01:32 PM
Sara Lipnitz
Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

Kristal,

When I wrote this post I kept thinking about you.  I thought about how I haven't had the chance to meet you face to face but I feel very confident that I know you.  I think that you may be the exception to this post. 

To me, you seem very adept with all aspects of this profession.  You're a pro and it shows.  You get it!  Its very inspiring.  My only hope is that maybe you're terrible with the paperwork aspect of the job.......  LOL!

Margaret,

I am honored that you took the time to read my post and share your wisdom.  I have heard nothing but wonderful things about you.  I shall pay your blog a visit and return the favor.

Leigh,

Thank you for the nice response.  I agree that we all need to be reminded sometimes that there is plenty of business to go around.

Lastly to Midori,

Thank you so very much for the email that you sent me regarding this post.  I hope that your plans to use the email helps your team.  Your time and kind words are greatly appreciated.

Dec 07, 2006 02:09 PM
Shaun-Ann Smith
Las Vegas, NV

You know Sara you really nailed it. I have been having a hard time lately dealing with the pressures of real estate and how competetive I have to be. I feel like sometimes people expect me to be the best negotiator, sales person, web designer, analysis, computer designer, publisher and attorney all wrapped up in a blanket for a cheep price. I hear you loud and clear and I think you are awsome for pointing out that we all have our strong points. Nobody can be perfect at everything. I needed to hear this from more than just me and I am so gald that I was able to see your blog today. I will fell much better now. I am not alone.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

Shaun-Ann Smith

www.simplerealtyhomes.com

 

Dec 07, 2006 02:29 PM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Sara, ya know, sometimes it does definitely feel like a tightrope. The challenge of trying something new can be scary AND exhilirating all at the same time. We have to force ourselves out of our comfort zone on occasion, to change or adapt to the market. But we also need those times when we can be comfortable in our own skin, and revel in our God-given abilities. So stretch yourself, but enjoy your strengths too!
Dec 07, 2006 04:35 PM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590

Good post, Sara.  Welcome home. 

Walking a tightrope?  Well, it beats working at Sears! 

Dec 07, 2006 05:31 PM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

Well put, Sara......

"A wise person will avoid all extremes...."

That is in the bible..... ;-D

 

 

Dec 08, 2006 02:02 AM
Carole Cohen
Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH
Realtor, ePRO
Hi Sara, I'm glad you are back and posting! My mind is abuzz with what I don't know these past few weeks....and I have been setting up mtgs with people who know what I need to know.....and the rope gets longer lol.  Very cool post.
Dec 08, 2006 02:36 AM
Anonymous
Phyllis Pafumi

Hi Sara

This is the first time I am reading one of your  blogs and appropriately written for me as well. While I feel that we need to keep up an internet presence, sometimes, I feel glued to this office chair and need to muster up energy to "get out there" to meet and greet. This is something I initially did which truly paid off. I have already set new standards for myself for 2007 and one of them is to have a balance in this business so that I can enjoy my life. Hopefully it will include less time on the internet..What did we do before the internet??

Have a blessed Holiday Season

Phyllis Pafumi

 

Dec 11, 2006 05:51 AM
#12
Professor X
NONE - Ludington, MI

Sara...I heard a rumor you were blogging again?  Is it true or were they just trying to tease me?

guess what...my work Xmas party is in birmingham on Friday! 

Dec 13, 2006 02:59 PM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

We wish you a merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year! Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin! Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!

Broker Bryant and The Lovely Wife (pretend we are singing it works better like that) ROAR!

Dec 23, 2006 09:43 AM
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Hi Sara,

Happy Holidays and my best wishes for the new year. Sorry I'm late to this post, I've been doing a lot of socializing myself.

I've always told you to do what you do best. It obviously works for you. Barbara Corcoran the Queen of New York real estate wrote a book titled "Use What You Have" Use your most valuable asset, Sara you are your most valuable asset.

I hope 2007 will be a very prosperous year for you.

 

 

Dec 28, 2006 04:23 AM
Craig Schiller
Trempealeau, WI

"Tonights the night the world begins again..."

While these are not my words, they are the words of an amazing rock song that conveys my wish to you on this eve of a New Year.

Happy New Years!

Me

Listen here: Windows or Quick Time

Dec 31, 2006 05:29 AM
Sara Lipnitz
Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

Mitchell & Craig....

Two of my favorites in one blog!  How lucky am I?  All I need now is a little Plummer and Rich and it would be pure "AR men heaven" for me!  Thank you both for the well wishes. 

Mitchell, Doing what I do best has really helped me recently.  I have gone back to really working my style of networking.  Low and behold, I'm swapmed with appointments again.  Socializing is always good!  In fact, I'm off to a party tonight. 

Craig,  LOVE THAT SONG!  Wonderful words, very uplifting.  I have that one in my Itunes.

 

I hope that 2007 brings all my favorite AR members love, laughs and prosperity.  Enjoy all that life has to offer. 

Much love....

Sara

Jan 04, 2007 09:50 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
right here with ya, Baby!....
Jan 04, 2007 09:51 AM
Sara Lipnitz
Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

Cupcakes and poundcake for everyone!  ;)

 wink wink.... I'm happier than a pig in poop!

Off to the party.... see you in a few.

Jan 04, 2007 10:08 AM