Admin

Learning to play well with others in the sandbox..........

By
Home Stager with Staging by Patricia

 In my experience growing up as an only child you learn to do things for yourself and by yourself. I also remember hearing all the time (the times I actually listened oops! Did I say that out loud), "if you want something done right do it yourself"

I have learned in staging this is just NOT so!  I am SLOWLY and I mean bit by bit learning to just let go.

In the beginning (I say this sounding as if I have had years on my under my belt...not only one.) When I took a staging job I did it all myself. I am talking moving all the furniture, picking colors and painting, stripping kitchen cabinets (of course I am the only one in the entire state of Virginia that can strip cabinets.....NOT) re-painting them (I actually liked this part.  I got to use the foam rollers which leave everything just smooth and perfect).  Ok, I know I have a problem it is not you it is me and this relationship......just kidding.

NOW.......Drum roll please......I have let go! I actually have people I will bring on to help me!!!! Can you believe it???? Help? I feel empowered! (Of course I check things every step of the way that is my own issues) At least I got the first step down.  I have to say I am so passionate about staging it is my creative outlet and no two homes are the same.    The very best part for me is the instant gratification.  I just love to see the property before and all it's potential and the finished project is so rewarding.

Stage on my friends!

Show All Comments Sort:
Cynthia Sloop
Community Association Manager - Indianapolis, IN
Good for you Patricia!  It's sometimes hard to allow others in and accept help.  Thanks for sharing your poat!
Jan 30, 2007 11:06 PM
Allison Stewart
St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL
St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

Hi Patricia

Also an Only child..I can relate well to this post. We are raised on self-sufficiency, able to self soothe, and are self entertained. Not all only children are selfish however, it is by necessity we learn this skill set. So letting go is sometimes a skill we have to work harder at, when compared to  those with siblings because we had no one to yield to when growing up. (Can't blame someone else who "didn't do it" as siblings so often do as with chores for example. Having said all that, it is a big step and supervision is OK as you must maintain some degree of "quality control" over a job which bears your signature. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!  Congrats!

Jan 30, 2007 11:33 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Red Hook, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection
Patricia, learning to let go is a good thing, now you will have more time to be even more creative .  Getting ideas from others allows you to look at things from another angle which can then lead to a better project.
Jan 30, 2007 11:53 PM
Patricia Barta
Staging by Patricia - Great Falls, VA
Staging by Patricia, N. Virginia
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support! This entire "blogging" thing is so new to me.
Jan 31, 2007 03:08 AM
Marci Toliver
438-4642 - Mauldin, SC
Anderson SC, Spartanburg,Greenville SC, Home Staging
Patricia, Im the oldest child, so I'm used to bossing folks around! lol- keep blogging
Jan 31, 2007 04:27 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate
Good for you for letting go.  You have to know how to delegate to be a good leader. 
Jan 31, 2007 08:01 AM
Nicci Parrish
Impress Me! Home Staging LLC - Bowie, MD
RESA-PRO

Hi Patricia,

It's been a while since I've seen you. (FYI--I came to the DC IAHSP meeting at your beautiful home.) Good for letting go. You have a lot of great people in your area to support you. Thanks for the posting. 

Feb 01, 2007 12:21 PM
Gina Dougherty
Fusion Design Consulting - Redondo Beach, CA
Home Staging Redondo Beach, CA- FusionDesignConsulting.com

Patricia, I know what you mean- it is part of being a perfectionist.  Although I've learned and perfected delegating a long time ago, I always need to check and make "suggestions" every step of the way as well.

Good for you!  Hiring and referring professionals or even enlisting the help of a family member or friend is wise and will help you grow your business even faster. 

Feb 04, 2007 05:31 PM
Kathy Nielsen
http://atlantahomestaging.net - Marietta, GA
Atlanta Georgia Home Stager

Good for you for "letting go." 

Gina -you bring up a good point, using professionals or enlisting help will help grow the business faster.  Fortunately, I have an identical twin sister who thinks and acts exactly like I do (shocking, I know).  Not only is she a tremendous help, I just love being around her (smile).

 

 

Feb 05, 2007 03:08 AM