WILL 2010 BE YOUR BEST YEAR?

We’ve all heard it’s not good to dwell on the past, nor spend too much time worrying about the future.  Living in the present is the best way to live healthy, happy lives.  We have also heard to everything there is a season.

 We are coming to a season where it is appropriate to briefly look back and see what we could have done better.  In the present world it is imperative to face the future with leading edge tools,  thinking, and training  which will keep us moving forward into the future. We must do this to provide services which are in the best interests of our clients, at a level that they deserve and to which they are entitled.  Equally important, a plan of growth  is absolutely necessary if we are to succeed in our careers.  We owe this, not only to our clients, but to our families and ourselves.

 Many of us have been doing quite well by doing much of the same things year after year without spending much time considering adjustments, whether major or minor, to what we do.  We have avoided the training opportunities which are available to us almost daily.  Today there is so much information and training available it’s hard to choose what to do. We are faced with so many directions and decisions from which to choose we become overwhelmed and find it far easier to just do what we’ve always done and hope for the best.  This is a luxury that we can no longer afford.  The increasing pace of change in the world around us will just not allow us to continue to do so.

 A good example: We have all seen the number of short sales recently and have been told these will increase in numbers and become an even larger segment of our industry.  Training is available in dealing with short sales, yet few agents have taken advantage of this opportunity.  The information obtained and the professional designations you will acquire will add an extra degree of success to your career, resulting in more income for you and your family.  There is no doubt that this will be true.  Our recent marketing affiliation with the Bank of America is going to provide additional listings to RE/MAX Properties East, but at present, these listings will only go to agents with either a CDPE or SFR designation. 

 No matter what your level of success in the past, I urge you to briefly look back and see what you could have done better, but of most importance look forward.  Most of you will have goals for 2010.  I urge you to take the time to have a specific written plan to reach those goals.  In writing this plan, be sure to include some time to learn something new which will help you to grow.  As is said,  “Anything that isn’t growing, is dying.”

 Within our organization we are fortunate to be surrounded with opportunities to support and help each of us develop and grow.  The hard way is to think you know it all and can do this alone.  During the coming months we should all make time to attend as many activities as we can where there are other agents present.  When you talk with another agent in this office you will always come away with an idea or a better feel for changes you may be considering to your plan.  This is not an opportunity other agents in Louisville will have.  Take advantage of it!

 Set a goal, develop a plan, and have a positive attitude. You cannot help but be successful in 2010.

 Dedicated to your success,  Harrell

 A footnote to the above:  We are all extremely fortunate to lead the lives we lead.  I would encourage each of you have a 2^nd goal and plan.  Touch someone else in this world that is less fortunate.  Whether it is money or just a kind word, take time to give something back to this world with no expectation of a benefit to you.  Just doing this may be your biggest benefit and success of 2010.