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Both Sides. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

Both Sides 

Then And Again Now. . . 

 

I am not totally sure of why this post title came to me but 

it did.  I guess post titles mean something.  Feelings too.  Definitely memories.  

 

This post title is based upon a memory from long ago yet it remains quite current in my thinking today. I have shared bits and pieces of this story before so for those who remember it - I apologize yet also thank you for reading my posts.

 

 

Right after high school, I worked part time in retail.  While it wasn’t my original intention, it continued full time after college.   I liked what the industry offered.  To me it was exciting even in its dullest moments. 



And I clearly understood the reason why others didn’t have the same feelings.  Everyone has different interests and goals.  The early years of my retailing journey was spent in the stores. I liked it, I grew and experienced much.



There came a time when other changes took place so I transitioned from a place in the stores to a position in the corporate side of the company(away from the sales floor) where I had grown up but still keeping a perspective on what I was familiar - after all it’s all about the customer, right? 

 

 

I kept that perspective for many years - actually more than a decade before realizing that a return to a store level environment was calling but this time I returned with a mindset shaped by years of "both sides" experience. 



I continued to enjoy the industry even as it transitioned to different positions.   Eventually(and once again), it became evident that some other changes were more important for me and I left retailing yet still keeping that "walking in another's shoes" perspective. 

 

 

Perhaps it is Peripheral Perspective Pondering.  Hmm.  I wonder.  Anyway that outlook became a part of life in real estate for me.  If one works exclusively with seller representation, isn’t it important to keep aware of what buyers want? 

 

 

So regardless if it is retail, real estate or other real life pursuits  - isn’t it wise to be able to look at more than one side?  Even when you may think "wow - this is beyond crazy". I think it is important. And watch who you call a dummy. . .

 

 

 


The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted: September 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - that song definitely came to me while this post title came to be.   How's that for random(or not-so random) rhyming?  

 

Joan Cox - that can definitely add much needed perspective.  

 

Sep 05, 2021 08:05 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Michael Jacobs - I was happy to hear that your brain went in that direction too! Have a nice day. 

Sep 05, 2021 02:20 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael,  working in my parent restaurant taught me customer service,  Working for another fast food chain taught me lots also as a managerm then a training manage then Regional manager and finally as a V. P. of operation.  Taught me lots for Real Estate.

Sep 05, 2021 10:29 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I think the more perspective one has, the better we can cope with all decisions that will need to be made. 

Sep 05, 2021 11:59 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Will Hamm - that experience along with so many others can definitely "serve" as a terrific training for many fields where customer interaction and connection is a part of the role.

 

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - I think so too.  

Sep 05, 2021 12:15 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

That was a good punch line!  Funny, you don't see many ventriloquists these days.

Sep 05, 2021 07:58 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Michael! I love the mention of Joni Mitchell's song from Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP! I will be singing that all day now!

My buyers and sellers are better taught as a result of my experience (and not just OLD experience, but CURRENT experience) with both sides. I have argued this point for years when some in our business say that you need to focus on one or the other. 

Sep 06, 2021 07:44 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I have long understood that "having listings is powerful" especially in an active sellers market but I think there are also many advantages of working both sides.  

 

And yes, lyrics can bring forth many musical memories that relate to real life.  

Sep 06, 2021 08:07 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Michael - I started my Career at Sears (remember them😀).  Well I also saw both sides as you did.

Sep 06, 2021 09:24 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have been pondering what my answer should be but I started in real estate so young as an investor, learned from a true salesman. I had several poor excuses for agents and then became one, pledging to be the best that I could be. I stand by that pledge to this day Michael Jacobs 

Sep 06, 2021 10:08 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Grant Schneider - of course, I remember Sears.  They were a great training ground for many.

 

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - isn't it interesting how much one can learn by seeing excellence in action yet also see lessons in "what not to do" when observing/experiencing the opposite.

 

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - while the song did come to me when thoughts of this post title entered my mind, I thought of Judy Collins and not Joni Mitchell at first.  Just another reason(among many) why I would never take part on a quiz show of any kind.  🙃

Sep 07, 2021 03:55 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

OH! "Peripheral Perspective Pondering" nice!

Such a great point you made in your post, I too worked retail grocery during high school, it taught me a lot about work ethics and people - design a great week Michael!

 

Sep 07, 2021 05:45 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets - some of those early lessons continue to prove valuable.  

Sep 07, 2021 06:00 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

great point to always keep an eye on the other side and try to walk in their shoes too 

Sep 07, 2021 06:03 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael there is so much wisdom in your post, having been to West Point as in the United States Military Academy I took a great deal of abuse for being not only a foreigner but an entry level .... anyway when I became a Second Lieutenant I remembered what it was like being on the bottom of the food chain and was always respectful to the Soldiers who were at the bottom of the food chain since I remembered the abuse I took and I did not want to pass on the same misery... Endre

Sep 07, 2021 11:15 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

YES to all of it.

Understanding the mindset of the other side you are working with is so important.

I know in home staging it is very important to have walked in the sellers' shoes and be able to explain to them from first hand experience how your advice will benefit them.

Sep 08, 2021 04:29 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Sharon Tara - when you are walking in those shoes are they more likely to be sneakers or battle boots?   Or choose any alternative footwear you think it is appropriate.  

Sep 08, 2021 05:25 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Michael Jacobs ,

Always better to be well educated on both sides.....understanding and communication can go so much smoother. I've been working towards 80-90% listings in my business but still need to do some buyers to keep up with their thoughts, struggles and understanding their frustrations.

Sep 09, 2021 07:23 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 - I don't keep track of ventriliquism stats - maybe I should but your observation seems to match mine but it's purely anecdotal.

 

Endre Barath, Jr. - I am sure the military can offer many opportunities for continued perspective.

 

Lise Howe - indeed.

 

 

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - it makes a difference in my opinion.  

 

 

Sep 09, 2021 04:26 PM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

I enjoyed reading this post. So true it pays to listen to both sides. Thanks for sharing Have a great weekend!

Oct 01, 2021 09:44 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Pat Champion - I appreciate the comment.  Thank you.  And I hope your weekend is good as well.  

Oct 01, 2021 11:07 AM