Karen Deis shared a 20 question post for members only. I thought it was interesting, but I felt that I should share my answers publically. So here you go...
Let's Play 20 Questions.... (Members Only)
Let's Play 20 Questions...
This will take you about 22 minutes to reflect back on why you entered the real estate business and help you measure how far you've come! My hope is that it also helps you with your future business planning!
So, what's the number one thing you love about what you do?
20 Questions
1. Now that you've been a Realtor for "X" number of years, what were those things that you envisioned about getting into this business that have held true? What things have not held true?
I have been a Realtor for over 10 years. I have discovered that we do make a difference, one client at a time. The vocations is ripe with possibilities to extend yourself and help those that call upon you. I have learned that the title “Realtor” has been purchased by many more than actually perform their job according to the standards of the title. I have also come to understand that the National Association of Realtors is more concerned with creating a false sense of the market than actually using their position to promote and raise the standards of our industry.
2. What has become tedious or energy-sapping for you in your business?
The most energy sapping aspect of my business is the unpredictable roller coaster of emotions one goes through as each transaction moves towards closing.
3. What has become the most rewarding and/or energizing aspect of your business?
The most rewarding aspect of the business occurs when, after settlement, you realize the incredibly significant impact you have had on your clients life.
4. What was your first 6 months like in the business? What challenges did you face?
The first six months opened my eyes to the fact that all the courses I had taken left me ill prepared to function in the real world. It soon became apparent that the experience garnered from every interaction with clients would be the only road to actually being able to perform my profession.
5. Did you ever have a time or a moment when you thought you'd get out of the business? What was going on at that time? What kept you from quitting?
There is a point in difficult transactions when I think, “this is the last one”. I cannot speak for others, but when things begin to crumble and I doubt my energy level can sustain me yet again, I do ponder stepping away from the fray. For example, when you discover that none of the items on a home inspection have been completed the day before settlement, it is physically and emotionally draining. I don’t quit because this is a vocation and I believe in my heart it is the best way I can contribute back to society.
6. What is the most embarrassing encounter you've had as a Realtor?
I suppose it may have been one of the times I opened a bedroom door when showing a home, only to discover that a large naked man is laying face up on the bed.
7. What were some of the things you were told to do to "make it" in this business when you first became a Realtor? What of those items turned out to be true and what did not pan out from that advice?
The first advice I received was from an older gentleman. “Stick with me, deals are done in the backroom.” I don’t know if that was true or not. I left and joined another brokerage. Others shared you have to list to last. A lot of agents have suggested that you check the coop before showing homes. I have made it ten years representing more buyers than sellers and I have no idea of the coop offered until we sit down to write an offer. The best advice I received was to treat your clients in the way you would want to be treated. Respect, disclose and disclose and disclose.
8. What's the most creative thing you've done to market yourself?
Blogging. It gives me the opportunity to share me. People can read about my likes and dislikes. Strangers can find a true measure of me in the words I share.
9. What is one thing that you spent money on to further your business that you now wish you hadn't invested in? What is one thing that you would spend that money on again and again?
There is not enough room to list all of the “silver bullets” I have tried. Lead generation companies come to the forefront. They are followed closely by all the other crap that sleazy sales people offer to real estate agents. The one thing I would spend money on again and again is donations to charitable organizations. Families to Families do a great deal to offset the pain and suffering for victims of Katrina. One dose of medicine to avoid cholera in Haiti is only $4. It takes very little to make a large difference. It is true that the recipients will probably never become clients. That is the beauty of giving. It does not expect nor does it require reciprocation.
10. What was the most fun project you ever undertook as a Realtor to either market yourself, meet new prospects or further your personal growth?
Hands down it was working at the Montgomery County Fair. I manned a table every day. I got to meet people from all walks of life. I saw friends, neighbors and family members. I was a great week. I don’t recall if the event actually led to a sale, but I sure got to spend a week sharing with my community.
11. What habits are you still struggling to fully embrace that would help you to grow your business?
Separating the chafe from the grain is always a challenge. From a practical standpoint, you should probably cast aside those that may not appear to be ready to buy. But who am I to judge. Following up with everyone that inquires takes more time than is available. I am always behind. And yes, I do encounter those that found another agent and made a purchase. This is bitter sweet. The goal is for them to find that home. I only wish I had been there in time.
12. What habits have you mastered that you are proud of that have helped you to grow your business?
Understanding the contract and real estate law is the thing I hang my hat on. It may not seem like a habit, but constant review and study are the habits involved. The contract is more than an agreement between two parties. It is the document that protects your client in the transaction. Knowing the implications of contingencies and how they are best used is one of my greatest strengths.
13. What special niches have you focused on? (i.e. Short sales, Senior focused special designation, company employee relocation, etc.) Did any one special niche work better for you than another?
I have spent much of my career working with first time home buyers. Focusing on education as well as complete representation has been my focus. Understanding their position and how it meshes with their dreams and desires has led to many satisfied clients.
14. Who do you look to when you need to brainstorm, share ideas, get creative, etc.?
God. I cannot think of any other source that could provide me with inspiration. Brainstorming, sharing ideas and being creative has to be tempered with the correct focus and purpose.
15. Who have you looked up to in the business? Why do you think you loop up to them? What is it that you wish you were doing that this person has done?
Jennifer of “Sell with Soul” fame comes to mind. She gets it and she shares it. Long term success is never realized by wandering from your comfort zone. This is not a one size or style fits all profession. The next two folks would be Inna and Jon from Ha Media. They both focus on their clients and helping them succeed. They possess that rare characteristic of understanding that focusing on money to be earned short circuits anyone’s ability to truly serve. Steve Davis out in Kansas City, Simon Conway in Iowa and Frank LLosa in Virginia are a few others. They have all ignored the beaten path and been successful. I continue to try and emulate different aspects of all of them.
16. Do you consider anyone a mentor to you?
Sure. There is a young priest at Saint Patricks, Father Mike Paris that is always available. He is so grounded in the faith that his encouragement and counsel far exceed his years.
17. How have you invested in your own personal and/or business growth over the years?
I invest in my personal growth every day. Satchel Paige said “Don’t look over your shoulder, someone might be gaining on you.” I agree, focus on today. Yesterday is done and tomorrow will be here soon enough.
18. What resources do you use that are a must in your business in your estimation?
I use my computer, my phone, the internet and my faith. I think that about sums it up my most valuable resources.
19. If you had to start your business from scratch all over again, what would you do differently? What would you avoid? What would you have implemented sooner, etc.?
I would have gone with a smaller brokerage. I believe that close one on one training that comes from jointly going through transactions are invaluable. I would never sign on with a firm that had in-house lending or in-house title companies or any other relationships with ancillary service providers. I would not sign on with a firm that had added charges for consumers that went to the bottom line. I would avoid every single sales tool that included me parting with my money so an expert could share the secrets of success with me. I would definitely develop an strong follow up plan for customers and clients.
20. WHY do you do what you do every single day? What is driving you or motivating you to press on?
Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. It may be a buyer or a seller. I have the skills to assist them. I have talents that I believe are God given and I have a responsibility to use those talents. I am like most. I have a family that I love. I am a care giver and provider. I am grateful for the opportunity and thankful for the life that I have. Pressing on does not require motivation. I press on because I am a Realtor.
There you have it Karen (and everyone else)
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