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Stirring the Provincial Pot

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

Stirring the Provincial PotStirring the Provincial Pot.  I had to grin when I read Alan May's recent title to a post, That's me in the Corner... That's me in the Spotlight!  For a moment, the title sounded like an all too familiar story.  I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone's business.  My neighbors know my comings and goings better than I do (they even take out my garbage when I'm not around).  So it's pretty obvious when the poop hits the fan, inquiring minds want to know.

Last month, three of my agents left my brokerage, which caused quite a stir in my little neck of the woods.  For the past several weeks, Real Estate Cafe has become a household name in Josephine County... right up there with Cheerios and Bounty.  At first, I cringed.  My initial reaction was Ugh, what are people going to think.  It's not uncommon for agents to jump ship... but three in one month (from the same brokerage) is pretty big news here.  I admit, I'm a curious George too.  So, it's only natural to wonder 'what and who' stirred the provincial pot.

Well, here it is plain and simple... One agent left because she partnered with a friend who happens to work at another office.  One agent left because she works part-time for another agent who feeds her.  The 3rd agent left because she didn't want to adhere to some newly implemented office policies.  That's it... no big news.  Although from the sound of things, Ma Bell is getting her money's worth from all the local chatter ;)

I'm amused by this stuff... one, because it's about big fish in small ponds (and I love small ponds :)  Two, because I live a relatively quiet life and I don't aspire the limelight.  I'm a simple gal, who loves good coffee, good people and good conversation.  The things that annoy me the most are egotistical peeps, drama queens and kings, Prima Donnas, backstabbers, manipulators and liars.  That pretty much covers it.  I don't start fights, but I'm certainly capable of defending myself when it becomes necessary... which is right about now.       

So here's the latest news flash... I'm not dead, I'm not closing my doors and I'm not leaving town on the next bus.  Any ridiculous half truths being used by my competitors to recruit my remaining agents is simply lame.  I will have more respect for you if you compete on your laurels and not on what some perceive as my misfortune.  Any self-serving exploitation of the truth will only expose you for 'what and who' you really are... a weak competitor.  Here's some naked advice.... Take the high road and walk the path of respect.  Then, and only then... will we dance ;)

Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

Comments(28)

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Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thanks Laura!  My provincial pot runneth over ;)

Ahh, thank you John!  Reminds me of a song... Just another day in Paradise ;)

That's very sweet Jim... thank you!

Love the phrase Mimi... "Small things excite small minds"  I'd love for you to come up here and bitch slap some small minds around :)))  Hee hee!

Jan 17, 2012 05:06 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Mel-I love your spunk my friend. I have a lot of respect and admiration for you. I think if they are smart they won't mess with Mel. She walks softly but can carry a big stick gun when she needs to. You TELL me.

Jan 18, 2012 02:05 AM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Mel, remember, there is no bad publicity...think of how much your firms name has been mentioned in the last few weeks. They will be watching, now would be a good time to come out with something new and exciting while they are all still watching to see if you fail. Seriously, grab em while you have their attention. All the best...

Jan 18, 2012 02:38 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Mel,

 I was going to say karma is a bitch slap in itself, and these nasty folks are due for a good dose. However, I think they are already living in an "ugly" world - I see pinched faces, shriveled hearts and jealousy.

Continue to dance by the light of the moon - the rest of the world cheers you onward and upward. Hugs. Me

Jan 18, 2012 03:33 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thanks Gabe... I pondered this for awhile, but yesterday's rumors became a tipping point.  At some point, you simply have to stand up and defend yourself.

Much appreciated Sharon!  Rarely do I pull out the big gun... you know I'm really a marshmallow ;)  I've always believed the ole' Proverb that a soft answer turns away wrath ;)

Great advice Gerry and something I've been giving a lot of thought to.  Hhmm, now all I need is a wild and crazy idea... got any Gerry? ;)

This isn't the first time RE CAFE has caused a stir Debb... we all left a big box franchise to get here and they weren't too happy about it.  I've seen a lot of 'pinched faces, shriveled hearts and jealousy' since I started my brokerage... it's the stuff I don't like much.  But I love your statement... 'Continue to dance by the light of the moon'... which describes me to a T.  Thanks Debb... I needed the encouragement this morning!  

Jan 18, 2012 04:41 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Missy Mel~I learned a long time ago, that no matter how small the community, you will still have your share of drama. It takes a village to make an idiot is one of my favorite mottos! I thought your last lines about taking the high road are so true to who you are: one class act.

I'm calling you right now and catching up!

Jan 18, 2012 05:36 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Mel,

Gayle is so right about the village idiot...The road not taken is the high road, what those idiots do not realize is that they taint their own reputation by spreading half truths and innuendos.  I cannot tell you how many times someone has told us  somebody is bad and other half truths, and upon investigation, we found that person to be utterly charming and a delight.  The people who we all want to work with are those who investigate for themselves rather than believe the gossip. A

 

Jan 18, 2012 06:27 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

What a joy it was to chat with you this morning Gayle.  Sounds like you've had some storms of your own to deal with lately... I hope you get your power back on real soon!  You're a lovely lady Gayle and I so appreciate your wonderful wisdom and uplifting advice.  Thank you sweetie!

Alexandra ~ I had to laugh at Gayle's village idiot comment... laughter keeps us sane, doesn't it ;)  Thank you for your words of encouragement Alexandra.  I'm hoping my colleagues will possess the same wisdom and will consider investigating the truth rather than listen to gossip mongers.

Jan 18, 2012 06:56 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

"Stirring the provincial pot" is a cute turn of phrase.   Mel, I know you could turn the heat up and boil some butt, if you wanted, but taking the high road affirms what everyone already knows about you:  You're Grants Pass's classiest chickipoo broker!

Brian

Jan 18, 2012 07:37 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thank you Brian... that means a whole bunch!  Many folks believe I have alligator skin... tough enough to handle anything.  It's really not true... I'm a total softy at heart and I'm very much affected by events such as this.  My 24-Hour Rule has turned into 4 weeks, so you know I've given this a lot of thought before speaking.  I'm looking forward to moving on... I hope my colleagues will join me on the high road ;)

Jan 18, 2012 08:40 AM
Rich Cederberg
eXp Realty - Albuquerque, NM
eXp Realty Agent Albuquerque

Mel, I'm not quite getting the dance move yet.  While your drawing is great, I think a video of you demonstrating would go a long way to helping us all learn to stir the pot.  Seriously though, its a shame when people can't mind their own business or at the very least, be honest.  Glad you're doing well and holding it together despite the madness.

Jan 18, 2012 09:32 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Funny Rich... Thank you for the well wishes... I'll keep on dancin' ;)))

Jan 19, 2012 04:22 AM
Dawn A Fabiszak
Private Label Realty ( Denver metro area, Colorado - Aurora, CO
The Dawn of a New Real Estate Experience!

Mel ~ I absolutely loved your line.... "Here's some naked advice.... Take the high road and walk the path of respect.  Then, and only then... will we dance ;) "  It says a lot about your character!

Jan 19, 2012 05:17 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thank you Dawn... I so appreciate and respect others who are willing to take the high road.  Not everyone adheres to the Golden Rule philosophy, so sometimes it becomes necessary to draw a line in the sand.  That's what I like to call... digging your heels in.  It takes courage to stand on principle... it's not fun nor easy, but necessary on occasion ;))) 

Jan 19, 2012 08:09 AM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

at least you haven't lost your religion, wait I've said too much...

 

I haven't said enough.

Jan 19, 2012 08:50 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Was that picture on this post when you first posted it?  It is darling!  So are you.  Hugs, my sweet friend

Jan 19, 2012 02:07 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I might lose my mind Alan, but I'll never lose faith =)

Yes indeed Mimi... isn't it cute?!  I'm still laughing at your bitch slap comment ;)

Jan 19, 2012 02:54 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

With five daughters, there was a lot of that kind of 'offering' going on.  My offer still stands :))))

Jan 19, 2012 11:46 PM
David Popoff
DMK Real Estate - Darien, CT
Realtor®,SRS, Green ~ Fairfield County, Ct

Mel, it is not the quantity of people but the quality of them. Agents move between brokers for many reasons and as you have shared many personal.

Jan 21, 2012 03:18 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Things are pretty calm right now Mimi... this may just be yesterday's news afterall, which would be just fine by me!  

So true David... and I've always strived for quality over quantity.  I'm happy with the Agents/Brokers I currenlty have, they are all supurb people!

Jan 21, 2012 03:52 AM