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Ask An Ambassador: Be A Fountain, Not A Drain

By
Real Estate Agent with Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com SAL.2002007747

We saw the movie The Forge recently and a key takeaway was a scene where a mentor tells a young man "Be a fountain, not a drain".

You could probably interpret that statement multiple ways, but the core of it boils down to being a positive contributor to others.

Why do many members come back to ActiveRain day after day, year after year?

It's about the ratio of fountains to drains.

Flashing back to our beginning years in the Rain, an early realization was that Rainers were very helpful and sharing of information.

When you're used to other agents being guarded about how they market and lead generate, it's amazing to find so many people willing to share what works for them.

Blog this way, not that way.

Tips for using direct mail.

Escalation clauses.

QR codes.

CRM comparisons.

News about industry changes.

The list goes on and on, and so many times ActiveRain was the first place I heard of the latest and greatest.  ActiveRain reliably bested all our CE classes, brokerage training session and local board offerings.  Lots of working fountains in the Rain!

ActiveRain offers a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, we each bring something different to the table, and a willingness to share that knowledge and experience is what makes this community special.

Be a fountain.

Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help,

Bill & Liz aka BLiz

Posted by

Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of Transaction Alliance
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, Ohio License SAL.2002007747

William (Bill) Spear, Ohio License SAL.2004011109  Kentucky 77938
Ask for us by name if you visit the office!

EHO
Bill Direct:  513-520-5305
Liz Direct: 513-265-3004     
Fax: 866-302-8418

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Comments(21)

Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Bill/Liz,

Your post reminds me of something Bruce Lee said.  In 1971, Bruce Lee Said in the TV series "Longstreet" to "Be water, my friend". In this quote he was alluding how people shouldn't allow themselves to be trapped in a certain mindset and should adapt and flow as their surroundings and circumstances change.

Sep 17, 2024 06:20 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

We're definitely in a profession that requires adaptability to succeed.

Sep 17, 2024 06:49 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic week! Bill 

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Sep 17, 2024 06:28 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

You're welcome!

Sep 17, 2024 06:49 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Lets face it, we all know people who add color to the world and those who suck the life out of it. Just sayin

Sep 17, 2024 06:58 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I try to avoid the drains as clients, and for the few in the Rain that are drains, once you know who they are, you can minimize their impacts.

Sep 17, 2024 07:11 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Bill,

Love this..be a fountain! Good take away from the movie. In our profession we have to be adaptable, adjust to new things (especially right now) and communicate with others to get things done!

Sep 17, 2024 07:10 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Dorie, in one form or another, it seems like real estate is always in flux.  If one likes stability, real estate is going to test them.

Sep 17, 2024 07:12 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Very true, plenty of fountains in the Rain.

Sep 17, 2024 07:50 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

And I feel fortunate to have learned from many of them.

Sep 17, 2024 08:25 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I love this saying! There are so many AR members who share their knowledge, experiences, suggestions and more. Many many fountains here!

Sep 17, 2024 08:12 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

If we don't learn in the Rain, we need to take a look in the mirror for the fault.  There's no shortage of opportunities to pick up things to help us in our business, or life in general.

Sep 17, 2024 08:26 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Absolutely right about that mirror!

Sep 17, 2024 09:11 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Bill (and Liz too) - thank you for the mention of The Forge. While I am aware of many movies, the breadth of my knowledge is continually tested.  As for the point of your post, as always, it's a source of enlightened thinking.  

Sep 17, 2024 08:16 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

We enjoyed it.  I think it was/is like a lot of faith based movies, if you don't catch it in the first couple of weeks, it loses big theater screen time.  No Micheal Bay explosions or action sequences, just people interacting.

Sep 17, 2024 08:25 AM
Michael Jacobs

Bill Liz and Bill Spear a quick online search led to me a synopsis which told me a lot of the story but obviously not all.  I miss many blockbusters and all sorts of different genres.  I do appreciate whenever I can learn something new (to me) or different.  

Sep 17, 2024 08:29 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Michael Jacobs , we don't make it to many movies (something to do with engineering/real estate/zookeeping seems to limit our times), but it's still fun even when I know the mandatory popcorn/soda surcharge doubles the price of attendance (despite the senior ticket rates we can now claim).

I need to check for movie theaters near where our new home will be.  I suspect we may need a 30+ minute trek at a minimum.

Sep 17, 2024 08:33 AM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

I love that thought.  Be a fountain, not a drain.

Sep 17, 2024 09:21 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

+ or - , our call.

Sep 17, 2024 10:00 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

I Love that quote.  Be the Fountain, not the drain.  There are so many drains and not enough fountains around right now.

 

 

Sep 17, 2024 09:54 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Ginger, especially true IMO on Facebook.  The drains get snoozed or unfollowed.

Sep 17, 2024 10:00 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bill I remember many times hearing about new 'news' regarding the real estate world way before I did here at our board or CE courses.  People would ask me, where did you hear that?  Well ActiveRain of course?  And you know that led to an invitation to join!!

 

Featured in BananaTude!

 

Sep 17, 2024 10:49 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Time and again, this has been the FIRST place I've heard info that could prove useful.

Sep 17, 2024 06:26 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Bill- I don't think I'd ever heard that quote but I love it!!!  I've often said that if you want to know anything regarding real estate, r.e. marketing, etc you have only to read the posts here. And, if you can't find it, just ask in the Q&A. And unlike many others in sales, members here are more than willing to share their "how to" tips. 

Sep 17, 2024 05:41 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I think that's a huge difference.  Even within our own office, there's a tendency to be tight lipped about gaining business.  Here, everyone seems to be willing to share.

Sep 17, 2024 06:26 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Fountains are much preferred when dealing with people. Those who drain others are best to be avoided.

Sep 17, 2024 05:50 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Wherever I can identify a person that is just about draining others, I'm probably going to avoid.  I don't mind helping people all day long, if it's information they seek.  But if they're looking to drain the joy out of my life, I'm moving on quickly.

Sep 17, 2024 06:28 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Liz and Bill Spear - I have not heard of that movie but the message is very true. The word fountain quenches my thirst and I want to stay clean and fresh. You never know what good comes through the fountain if you don't give back to others in need. As for the drain, I think of someone sucking the life out of me and flooding the pages on AR with toxins. Who needs that?

I like that picture you chose very much and your post is worthy of frequent reflection. Your writing is excellent!

Sep 17, 2024 10:34 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP , it's the Trevi fountain in Rome from a vacation with my mom in 2018.  Would love to go back and explore the area more than the 1 day tour we had :)

Sep 18, 2024 07:03 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

What a great quote to read this morning as I start my day. I had a closing with an incredibly difficult client last night. At the end of it, all I could do was smile that I had gotten paid. She was truly someone who sucked all the joy out of life for everyone around her.  

Sep 18, 2024 04:58 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Fortunately it is rare, but every now and then we get similar clients. You dread the emails/calls/texts, and they're not going on our Christmas contest.

Sep 18, 2024 07:05 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have always loved how helpful everyone has been in the Rain and I try to be as helpful as I can for others.

Sep 18, 2024 05:06 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I think most would put you in the fountain category :)

Sep 18, 2024 07:34 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

I agree 100%. Took a lengthy break from the rain. Glad to be back!

Sep 20, 2024 04:31 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

One of the nice things about the Rain, it's here whenever someone is ready for it.

Sep 22, 2024 01:41 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

So many of us migrated over to Facebook and I am guilty of forgetting to come here where so many solid friendships were formed.  I learned so much over the years by participating and had so much fun with shenigans as well! 

Sep 20, 2024 08:05 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Not too many shenanigans in its current form, more straightforward blogging for business by most.

Sep 22, 2024 01:42 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bill:

That's a great quote and such a good analogy. AR is filled with fountains and always has been, and thankfully drainage is fairly limited. True of life, too, isn't it?

Enjoy your weekend!

Jeff

Sep 20, 2024 05:30 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

And with some selective engagement, we can decrease the drainage factor.

Sep 22, 2024 01:42 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

The measure of a person is how many people they lift up and pour into For sure.

Sep 20, 2024 10:43 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Lots of people contributing here.

Sep 22, 2024 01:43 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

We really enjoyed that movie.   

And yes, there was a fountain of knowledge here that helped guide me through the housing crisis that could have taken me out of the business if I hadn't shifted focus and learned how to get the little buyer business that was out there.  I learned so much here and have passed on to others some of what I learned.  Still helps today.

Sep 21, 2024 11:02 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

No doubt some major contributions for how to improve our business can be found in the Rain.

Sep 22, 2024 01:43 PM