I am one very thankful woman. I am healthy and have a wonderful husband. Our children all having caring spouses and we have 8 healthy grandchildren, with number 9 due next week. We are not wealthy, but we travel and live very well. I wake up each morning filled with gratitude and take nothing for granted. Life is good.
A large part of one’s life is their work, and when challenged to discuss the five things I’m most thankful for in my real estate career, it really got me thinking. Success does not have a blanket definition or single common contributor. What one might consider unimportant might be a huge step on the road to success for another. So my list of the five things for which I’m most thankful in my career, might seem a bit off-the-wall to some.
#1 – Mom and Mrs. Lea. When I really thought about it, I realized the important role that writing has played in my success. Not just in blog posts, but in numerous reports, marketing materials, well conceived emails, and convincing cover letters. My mom was a very good writer and always offered positive critique of everything I wrote all the way through school and even college, if asked. Mrs. Lea was my magical high school English teacher that always encouraged me to find the best words and push for excellence. Writing is dear to my heart and a key factor in my success.
#2 – My talented husband. Ah, where do I start? Not only has my husband Ronn put-up with my crazy schedule, endured my private rants, driven with me to meet sketchy clients, but he is a marketing guru and the most talented person I know. Having worked professionally in art direction, marketing and TV for over 40 years, and now running his own company, my Emmy-winning husband has been responsible for doing all of my art work for my logo, business cards, signs and print advertising and a video series. Plus, he always has good ideas about my marketing tactics. I totally respect his professional input, not to mention the enormous savings he has provided! And oh, did I mention that he is also a geek and manages my computer issues and cooks for me 2 nights a week? Love you babe!
#3 – The Broker who shall go un-named. A couple of years after obtaining my sales person license, I studied for my broker’s license and obtained that as well. At the time I was working for a broker who, shall we say, had rather lax standards….I’ll leave it at that. One day, while completing a form for an REO that I was servicing, I discovered that his license expired within 2 days! When confronted he admitted that he had done nothing to renew his license, but didn’t seem too concerned. Legally I knew that I couldn’t continue as an agent without a legally licensed broker, so within 3 days, I set-up my own brokerage business and took a couple of the agents with me. That was a step I likely would not have taken at that time without his laziness pushing me out on my own. Talk about a leap of faith! Thanks ----!
#4 – My loyal clients. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to help so many great people with their real estate challenges. I’m proud that over 85% of my business is based on client referrals. For several years I was heavily invested in helping people with short sales….such a tough time for a homeowner. I’m just happy that I was able to provide emotional support and professional expertise to get it done. And challenges must be my calling as I’m now helping several couples faced with divorce and selling the family home. Knowing that I’ve helped someone is the most rewarding part of this business, and truly what keeps me going.
#5 – A good attitude. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, and certainly not what I envisioned for myself back in college days. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world! There are of course times when things just don’t seem to be working out, but I get up each morning thankful and excited for the day ahead because I know, based on experience, that whatever I set my mind to, I can figure out. Real estate is not brain surgery, and no one is dying on the table if I don’t know the answer to something right away. I’ll ask the questions, find the answer, and negotiate the deal without letting stress win me over. Life is too short!
So here’s to appreciating a roof over our heads, food on the table, the health of those we love and a lifetime of thankfulness for all the goodness life has to offer! Happy Thanksgiving!
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