Can YOU quantify success?

This blog was originally going to be about ‘What is a Realtor®?’ with this as a second part, but I realize that it would just be too long.

I try to keep upbeat & you have to in this industry otherwise you’ll just sink, but sometimes you just find yourself at a loss.

Take me for instance, many would consider me successful. But what is successful to one person may not be to another. Some may quantify in monetary terms (granted, that doesn’t hurt). Others may in the amount of closings you’ve had. Some may feel it is what you give to others. And then again there is the quality of life that you lead.

I think that it is all of these & more. I’ve been in the business for a number of years. Yes, I do consider myself somewhat successful. I’ve been busy, thank goodness, while others have complained and languished. Last year was probably one of my best years & this year appears to meet if not exceed that.

Let me backtrack for a moment, I am not a boastful person, even though this may appear differently.

So how do you measure success? I was at a loss this morning. Granted, this could partially be due to the fact that the holidays are here. But, I have to wonder. I have some great marketing pieces that I’ve produced. Friends have told me that they don’t know anyone who works as hard as I do. I don’t feel that it is hard work, because what I do is a joy. I really do get a lot of pleasure out of being a realtor®. This isn’t a bunch of bs. I don’t have time for bs & I’m sure as heck not going to try to sell it to you, the reader.

But, there are times, it is like what’s the next step? What can I do to promote more business? What can I do to get that home sold? And, I’m sorry, but I just feel at a loss. And this is when I have to question, am I really successful? Granted, when I do feel like this I just trudge into getting some work done and that does help. I also try to go out and walk/run. Another great help. In fact, that is where I came up with the idea for this blog.

I’m not usually one to put myself out there so to speak. But, on the other hand, I’ve also never denied what I am. I’ve allowed my life to be an open book. I have nothing to hide.

I tell people that are thinking about getting into our industry that you have to have a ‘thick’ skin. We all know that there is quite of bit of rejection in this business. I also tell people that you need at least six months plus living expenses.

I see quite a few people leaving this business now. Many, of course, came in past several years when the industry was riding on a high. And, now that we are settled into a normal business cycle, they are having issues and do not know how to respond. I’m very lucky that I know what a ‘normal’ real estate market is.

As a realtor®, it is too easy to get down in the dumps. We’ve all been there at least one time or another. And for some this is an ongoing situation. But to deal in this business, you have to pick yourself up. You have to remember that whatever you are feeling, you are projecting it onto others around you. People can sense a lot more than you may think. This is whether you are in person or on the phone. What do you think it is said that before you pick up that phone to put a smile on your face. It works. I know this for a fact, I am very good at converting.

I’m also very good at picking myself up, but yet there are times… Yes, I know that we are only human, but… I take my business personally. I know that there are many that do not, but this is just the type of person that I am. I’ve been very lucky lately in that my last two listings have sold within 45 days each. This is great in this market and these two listings were priced correctly; they were not low-balled. Yet, I also have a couple of homes that are quite nice & priced very well. Yet I can’t seem to get them to move. I told I have a great marketing plan. I’m all over the internet. Have great flyers & brochures. Virtual Tours. The whole shebang, yet…

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not crying here at all. And, of course, I’ve gotten a little off of track, but you can understand how I question ‘How do you Quantify Success?’

There are all of these coaches out there selling you expensive programs to make you successful. I have not bought into these. I’m sure that some have many good points to show you. But, I firmly believe that to be successful, you have to have it within you. It has to come from within, otherwise all of this reading, coaching, etc. will be for naught. You have to have the will to be successful. You have to have the desire to be successful. You have to want to be successful.

Thanks again for reading my rants.
Until next time – Marc It Sold!™