It was the first morning of classes at Arizona State University. I was approaching the culmination of my degree and was enrolled in an upper division course called "Conversational Spanish."
The teacher arrived and, unsurprisingly, addressed us in Spanish. She told us that we would speak nothing but Spanish throughout the semester; then she asked us to introduce ourselves. She wanted us to share with everyone what our hopes would be for the class. There were more than a dozen of us in attendance, so this took quite some time.
I would be second to the last; my neighboring student appeared to be quite young- like an incoming freshman. I presumed he must be some sort of whiz-kid to be able to mix with students much older than he. However, it was apparent to me that he might be in over his head; he was increasingly nervous and I wondered if perhaps he felt his language skills were not quite up to the caliber of the others in the group.
When it was finally his turn to speak he said, in English, "I'm guessing this isn't German 101?"
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As a newly licensed real estate agent I attended my first meeting with other members of an established agency. I felt a bit disoriented in that meeting, as there were veterans of the industry using an assortment of acronyms and terms that were entirely unfamiliar to me. When they asked me to introduce myself to the group... I felt like saying, "this isn't German 101, is it?"
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This message is for the new agent. First of all, I want to say welcome to real estate! You've chosen a noble profession. We all have memories of home- that place that is more than just walls and a roof... but a place to create memories. By choosing to make real estate your path, you'll discover the feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing that you've done some good in the world.This feeling will help propel you to become as proficient at this profession as possible
However- right now you may be feeling the weight of the task ahead... let me assure you that, with diligence and enthusiasm you'll be up to speed sooner than you could imagine.
We were all new at some point. If you feel that your fellow agents are speaking a language they didn't use in real estate school... well... we're just so used to the jargon that many of us forget to employ the more familiar alternatives to the real estate slang. If you don't understand a term or two, please- don't be shy... ask us what we mean. Though you may meet an impatient agent or two, most will be very helpful. You'll learn quite quickly that many of the more successful agents will treat you quite well and will offer valuable insight and encouragement. You'll esteem such agents throughout your career.
Second, you're probably wondering how you'll be able to earn some business. You've come to the right place. This message comes to you from a blogging service called ActiveRain. I'm a member of this network but so are more than 100,000 other persons from across the nation and, increasingly around the world. By joining ActiveRain you'll be able to ask other members any question that enters your mind. Chances are you'll receive answers rather quickly. These questions can be asked in a "members only" forum that lets you speak only to an audience of members. Next, you'll be able to "blog" ... that is to say- post messages to a larger audience of people. When you do so, "speak" (or type) as if you're in person. People will be able to relate to you as you address them conversationally. It may take a while to get a hang of it, but soon enough you'll "find your voice"... and with it- a few new clients.
Finally- don't be intimidated in the slightest that there are persons with hundreds of posts. They each started with one message. Before long you'll be surprised at the quantity of messages you've delivered. Not each one will resonate with everyone... but that is to be expected. The important discovery you'll make is that a few have resonated with someone. It's quite the experience to meet people this way. You'll discover that you'll do more than assist someone in their real estate needs... you may actually make a few friends in the process.
I wish you great success in real estate. My hope is that this will become more than just another step on your career path but that you'll find the way to make it your long lasting career.
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Chuck Willman is a real estate agent based in the Phoenix metro area. He specializes in relocation, first time home buyers and real estate as an investment. He's available at 480.292.0600 or www.AZvest.com.
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Photo "Consumer Behavior Class" by the very talented Ed Schipul
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