If The Shoe Fits... You Damn Better Put It On and Wear It! Twelve years ago, I moved from Southern California to Oregon and tried my hand at a new career in real estate. I didn't know a single soul in Grants Pass except the Realtor who helped me buy my home. After getting my real estate license, I decided to go to work for her as a buyer's agent. I had some doubts about our compatibility (she was an arm-twister and I'm a relationship builder), but I said yes anyway. It took less than a week for me to regret my decision. The next six months felt like Mr. Toad's Tumultuous Wild Ride.
After coming to my senses and realizing that it was impossible to fit a square peg in a round hole, I resigned. Unfortunately, I had signed a non-compete, which my Realtor boss (who was also a partner in the brokerage) fully intended on enforcing. Honoring my word, I was forced to hang-up my license for a year while I burned the clock on the non-compete. In the meantime, I was unemployed in a small town, where even the locals were lucky to land a minimum wage job.
Fortunately for me, an opportunity presented itself when Gottschalks opened a store in Grants Pass, and I was offered a job as a Manager of the Shoe Department. After accepting the position, my former Principal Broker made me an offer I couldn't refuse. If I would agree to come back and work as an independent agent for the same brokerage, my former Realtor boss would tear up the non-compete. I was delighted, as my passion had become real estate. I gave notice to Gottschalks, but I agreed to work through the holidays so they wouldn't feel the burden of having to replace me during their busiest retail season. What happened next proved to be one of the best blessings I received in my real estate career.
One day, an older couple stopped by the shoe department to buy some shoes for their honeymoon. They explained that they were both widowers about to be married. I let them know of some special deals the store was having on shoes and luggage and they were very grateful for the extra savings. I helped them carry the luggage to their car, and on the way out, they told me that when they got back from their honeymoon they were going to buy a home. They thanked me for my help and I smiled and wished them both well (I could hardly contain myself).
Later that evening, I went to Hallmark and bought a 'shoe' card (similar to the one in the pic above). I wrote a nice note to the couple and here's what I said... 'Now that I have one foot in the door, I'd love to jump in with both feet and be your Realtor!' Two weeks later, I got a call from Walt & Sue, saying... 'We want you to come over now and list our home.' I was ecstatic!
When I arrived at their home, we filled out the paperwork and I thanked them for putting their trust in me. They said... 'Don't mention it honey... now let's go over to our other home... we want you to list that one too!' I couldn't believe it... another home?! I felt like I had just hit the real estate jackpot. I ended up selling both of their homes and I helped them buy another one together. With three sales under my belt... from just one Hallmark card... my journey to independence continued.
Some might chalk this fortunate experience up to luck. Perhaps. But, I'd like to think that something special happened that day, allowing some very valuable life lessons to come into play. Here are some lessons that I've learned along the way...
Lessons Learned from The Naked Blogger
1. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. Take risks.
2. Listen to your gut and never try to fit a square peg in a round hole. It just doesn't fit.
3. Be open to opportunities from the most unlikely places. Seek and you will find.
4. Be kind to strangers and everyone you meet. Kindness pays.
5. Follow-up is one of the keys to success. People appreciate personal touches.
6. If The Shoe Fits... You Damn Better Put It On and Wear It!
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