How do I stack up? Who cares?

I have never worried about how I stack up....maybe because I don't care about that.  What matters is I don't lose money, "I" create a happy environment for me and my clients like the result.  Now those things I care about.

Number of transactions?  That may be nice for bragging rights it is hardly a gauge of success.  Numbers of transactions is more of a gauge of busy and how many assistants you pay to help you.  It certainly is not a gauge of profitability.  If that was the case we would not see teams breaking up....or leaving the business.

Advertising budget...that is interesting public perception and agent perception.  Public sees your face you must be successful....agents think they really have deep pockets I wonder how long this will last?  Not every one that advertises is making money....but they certainly are spending it.  I think you can have a blend and they know you, remember you and spend 50% less to create the same image.  That is just my thoughts....works for me!

Listings...the one with the most listing probably is making the most money.  Well not if they are not priced right you are probably looking at the person with the most headaches....sellers are calling, advertising dollars are flying out the window and buyers are a scarce as hens teeth.  Listings are only as good as the price you listed them at.  If they are no longer competitive you are not going to sell them.

Cars....think like this.  I have a few (3) very nice cars...is that a gauge of my success?  Here is a little thought to dispel the myth of the Lincoln.  This man drove an old pickup.  He was up early greeting clients, offered more service than the client expected.  Always smiled and worked to get the best price he could for his customer.  He drove that pickup for 30+ years....his name.....Sam Walton founder of Wal Mart.  The shinny car is a status symbol and may even create a image of success but the bottom line is if it doesn't leak a little oil on the driveway...you are good to go.  It is you and your presentation that creates your image.  It is your service and responsiveness to client needs that creates the image.  Sure I have nice cars...but they are not who I am...they don't get the car to represent them....they get me.

So how do you stack up?