As I get to the end of 2007 I felt I needed to reflect on this past year and get ready to hit the ground hard for 2008.
For 2007 it was a year with some highs and some lows. I will be finishing the year below the aggressive goals I set for sales and personal.
The year started a little on the slow side. I spent much of December in and out of the hospital at the end of 2006 and most of January and part of February recovering from a surgery and then some complications. As you know what you work on today comes in later in real estate. Even with the set back, I think I had a decent year compared to what I am hearing from others. I have no complaints.
I made some changes to the processes I use for my business with mixed results. After scrapping Top Producer® I brought in Relay® for my transaction management. I have now temporarily gone back to using Excel spread sheets, which seem to be faster and easier. It just keeps me from easily sharing documents with others. In 2008 I am planning to try another product. I am determined to build the systems so as to be able to build a quality team with proper support.
On the team front, Donna Shefcheck got her license and has begun to work with me. We are going through a little trial and error to get our systems in place. We closed our first transaction together and she has a lot of energy. I am working with a couple of other new agents on a transactional basis. It is too early to tell if they will be team members in the future.
This year I helped several folks in their first homes and received referrals from friends and past clients. I also received some referrals through Active Rain and a some new clients found me through my blog posts and Active Rain.
On a personal level I finished the diet I was one since mid 2006. I lost about 185lbs. and have maintained my weight since August or September, which I am quite proud of. My oldest son's high school varsity football team won their division and I was able to attend all but one scrimmage game. My youngest son played soccer in two leagues, one which I coached and I attended almost every game. Both were significant improvements from years past and a goal I have made for the future. It is so easy to get lost in your work and neglect your family. My wife and I have seen more of each other than years past, but we still need to work on that a lot more.
We all need to remember why we work so hard. It is for our family.
During this year I have continued to be involved heavily in the community and with the Board of REALTORS®. I love doing community activities and they are also good for business.
So looking back on 2007 I have to ask the question: Are we having fun yet? For me the answer was yes.
Good luck in your 2008 planning. May you and your family have a Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian) and a Haoule Makiki Hou (Happy New Years in Hawaiian)
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