Have you ever walked into your office and wished you hadn't gone through the door? Do you find yourself avoiding agents who constantly complain and bring you down? Me too!
Agents, it's time to look in the mirror and take some responsibility. If you're not doing as well as you would like I have something to tell you. It's NOT your broker's fault, your associates fault, your wife/husband, or the fact that it's a full moon! You simply need to realize that this industry takes work. Real work. Not the kind you think is working from sitting at your desk or going to lunch (and if I don't miss my guess, probably doing some more complaining).
Let me take you back 28 years to when I first started in this business. There were very few computers, and not the kind that you could create a data base or look up addresses, etc. We still had fax machines where the paper had to be cut and the cell phone, for those that could afford them, were carried in a cumbersome mini suitcase. We had no idea at the time what the future held as far as technology. The present is something so far removed from what our reality was then that it could very well have been Star Wars.
Each evening after I put dinner on the table I would return to the office and open up a large cross reference directory. I highlighted streets I liked (no science involved, just streets that I thought had pretty homes on them) and then I would start dialing. I would not stop dialing until I reached 15 live people each evening. For the first 2 years that was basically the way I earned my living. And as a side note rates were running 16%-18% in those days! Would I want to go back to those times? NO.
However, in a challenging market such as we're in now, effort is required. And let's face it, we earn a handsome sum at the closing table so we SHOULD put forth effort! This is not the kind of industry where one can rest on their laurels. If we plan on supporting ourselves and our families we must be willing to look in the mirror and take responsibility for our successes and our failures. Too often I hear agents say they can't afford to market themselves. As a friend of mine says this is "crazy talk". Everything doesn't cost money. I doubt there are many of us who can't use a little exercise. Print out some creative fliers, attach your business card to them and go door to door. Heck, you might even find someone home and get to chat with them! Do open houses that you actually lay the ground work ahead of time to insure you have neighbors stop in that you can meet. If you attend church, stay afterward and talk with some parishioners. Let them know that you're a Realtor and proud of it! Remember, we can all find excuses not to work, but those that don't make excuses and forge ahead will always be at the head of the pack.
I guess what I'm trying to say is stop all the whining and do something about it! This industry unlike many, will treat you as well as you treat it. There is no ceiling, no one telling you it can't be done. Want a raise? Go out and sell more homes. Interested in having input on your town's decisions such as schools, future development, etc? Go to their public meetings and let yourself be heard. Let the people in your town know you care!
I truly believe we work in the greatest industry on the planet and it upsets me when I hear agents bringing everyone around them down. Either be willing to put the work in necessary to be successful or for the sake of the rest of us, GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Comments(42)