My dad is a huge inspiration for me. He was a very successful real estate broker, and when he speaks, I listen. He is 83 years old, and has a wealth of wisdom to offer me as a Realtor.
One thing he says to me almost everytime we talk about business is:
KEEP YOUR NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE KID!
This saying, or idiom has been passed dowm for centurys, and was probably derived from early knife sharpeners.
Because there are so many variables in the real estate industry, the lack of control we have over the "market", intrest rates, the economy...the list goes on...it is particularly important for us as real estate agents to keep our nose to the grindstone.
There is not alot of imposed structure on us an independant contractors. We don't for the most part have a " boss" / or a "schedule". So it is up to us to be self motivated, self disciplined, and create a system that we stick to. This can be very difficult in lean times, as discouragement can set in. It can be equally hard in busy times because we can let our business run us, rather than running our business.
I am going to say something BOLD. This business is not for everyone. As for me, I LOVE what I do and it shows!
However, there are no salaries, no medical benefits*, we have to withold/pay our own taxes, and it is CONSTANTLY changing. There may be exceptions for some of the brokerages, so I am just speaking from my own personal standpoint*.
This is not a "normal job". Rather,it is a hugely rewarding career that take constant diligence, vision and alot of risk.
When I am not quite sure what to do, I reflect back on my dads borrowed words which always apply: Keep your nose to the grindstone! Keep working hard. Keep on keepin' on.
I would love to hear some of your tried and true favorite sayings that help keep you motivated!
BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor- Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.
509-362-4607
...there's no place like your home!
BethAnn,
You are right...this isn't a business for everyone. There are certainly both postives and negatives. I don't really have a saying that helps motivate me...but when I do have one of those days...I look back at how far I have come and all I have invested into myself to get this far...so I just keep pushing on. And bless my broker...he is always there when I need him...
Hi Lori :) Amen!
BethAnn,
There are so many good things to keep you motivated. I am a big Joel Osteen fan. He preaches what we all know but I need to hear.
" We are camped right outside the promised land is a great on"
Have a great XMAS
Bob
realestateofhealdsburg.com
He who holds the gold makes the rules, and where the mind goes the energy flows. These were two sayings my previous broker at winderemere would say. He was hilarious, and had some others but I realize I best not share those in case they seem a bit too off the top.
Thanks Bob and Mary