We've all read articles about how Realtors can thrive in a down market, not just keep their heads above water. Since I certainly plan on being left standing when the market improves, I've eagerly embraced this concept. Or have I really?
It's easy to drink in all the helpful info that we're bombarded with daily, not so much to actually make the big changes. I've been pondering how to go about this, so I continue to grow as a Realtor and emerge better, more sophisticated and skilled at my job.
Since massive cash infusions aren't happening right now, ingenuity and thoughtfulness take over. Okay, maybe that's Lesson 1. I started thinking about all the little things I could do in the course of my day to change the dynamics.
I have been observing all the varying energy levels of the people in my home and office, and how people deal with stress. Boy, it's really easy to diagnose others and come up with a plan so they can be more productive! As for myself, while no sane person would ever describe me as athletic, I've always been high energy and somewhat driven. But I think in many ways I may have slipped into a lower gear, not exuding much sparkle or oomph.
Lesson 2: I've started being more aware of what activities and functions I choose to do on a daily basis; some of which may be dragging me down. In order to get more listings this month, perhaps I should be putting 100% of my focus into that, instead of work that may justifiably be called busy work (that we convince ourselves will pay off.)
Lesson 3: Ramp up my energy and exuberance on showings and listing appointments. I realized that if I unconsciously think of of my job as comprised of tasks and routine, I'd always stay at the same level. Could it be possible that I've been working like this? Doing everything with a renewed excitement and pleasure to be working with people should be challenging, uplifting and full of possibilities.
Lesson 4: As corny as it sounds, I've gone back to the old technique of having a big smile on my face while talking on the phone. It actually changes the tone and liveliness of the whole conversation. My goal is to leave the person on the other end feeling like I'm happy to have had this conversation, and have heard and care about what they have to say.
Lesson 5: Negotiating with all my mental energy, and then some. I'm re-teaching myself how to fully focus, and do so in a more intense and engaged way. I can negotiate a contract for instance, and in actuality just be tossing the buyer and seller's positions back and forth like a hot potato. Or, I can have a clear blueprint of where the parties stand, what the actual issue really has come down to, and what is the best case scenario, as well as a respectable fall back position for all involved.
I know that I'm going to end this year, and go into the first quarter guarding against complacency and lethargy, and understanding that I love my job and what I do, and ought to be showing it more often. And it won't cost me a dime!
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