I can't believe I wrote a blog back on 1/11/11 setting up the goals for the "race of one" nearly 10 months ago. (Check it out HERE before you read on, and this will make so much more sense!)
I challenged myself (and hopefully YOUR one-self) to run a 10-month race competing with all of the other "yous" that are constantly competing to win. So how did "the race" turn out? Let me take a candid look back and see what place I will take on the podium:
Mr. Afraid-of-Cold-Calling
This guy has lots of tricks to keep ahead of me, but I took this guy head-on. I created a system to door-knock in the neighborhoods of my new listings, encouraging the neighbors to jump on Facebook and share Mr. Seller's house Fan Page to their sphere. Also, I invited them to the upcoming open house. What great responses I received from those neighbors, so willing to help out a fellow-neighbor in their cause! Plus, I met lots of new people, some thinking of listing their OWN houses....
Further, on those pretty days when I'd rather walk in the park, I decided to print out some info flyers and take that walk in local neighborhoods to share how THEIR market is doing! Guess what: No one yelled at me, nor slammed doors in my face, nor threatened my family's lives for daring to knock on their door with this info. Who knew??
RESULT: Mr. Afraid-of-Cold-Calling was passed early in the race and haven't seen him since. (Not sure he even FINISHED the race!)
Mr. Worried-About-That-Next-Commission-Check
This guy was fierce. He stayed ahead of me for most of the race, and every time I got close he seemed to pull ahead. (That great month of 3 closings had him on his heels for sure!). He competed hard, but late in the race I discovered an important trick: If I focus on the finish line and NOT on Mr. Worried-About-That-Next-Commission-Check, I somehow overtook him easily! He is still in my rear view mirror, right on my heels every day, but the important thing is that he's only there WHEN I CHOSE TO LOOK AT HIM.
RESULT: Focus has defeated this agile runner, but the battle was hard.
Mr. Gotta-Keep-Up-With-Technology
This guy is more of an ally than a competitor (but we ARE in the same race, mind you). I looked at this guy to keep me motivated to stay current with technology trends. We drafted each other the entire race, letting each other rest as the other leads for a short time. This team-approach has served us both well this year, as many new technology treats have helped my business expand and work better (Docusign, iPad, QR tags, video tours).
RESULT: I beat this ally by a nose, but embraced him as the race was won.
The other competitors gave me their own battles, each with their own tactic to try to take me away from my business, or use my business to take away from the more important things in my life. Each competitor has taught me lessons this year, and because of those experiences I feel that I am ready for the next battle in 2012. Remember, races are won, but the next competition is always around the corner. Training never stops. Victories are sweet, but we must continue on the journey.
On the podium I accept the Gold for a hard-fought race. Bring on the next and let's do it again!
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