Herculean Effort on a Spartan Diet

I was speaking with one of my veteran agents this morning when the subject of our "early days" in the business came up. I mentioned that when I first started out almost ten years ago I would often go to a restaurant and just have a cup of coffee while my grade school son (at the time!) ate his breakfast. I was on a mission (my new real estate career) but I was at the same time on a budget as money had not yet started coming in on a regular basis.

I haven't forgotten those days of making a "Herculean effort on a Spartan budget." I observe many newly licensed agents, both in my office and in the marketplace, and occasionally I even catch a glimpse of that same quality in one of them. And as a Managing Broker I'm always looking for individuals in Chicago who are farsighted enough to realize that the real rewards often come later than sooner.

In those early days I made a decision to be a Listing Agent and was 'Rookie Of The Year" in my office with 18 listings my first 12 months. There were others agents who started at the same time with more money in their bank account, a nicer car and a bigger sphere of influence. I was never concerned about them other than in casual passing. I tried to remain focused on my early goals. I knocked on doors, learned by trial and error and drank a lot of coffee---I was on a budget and I was making an effort!

image by askwhy

Is Your Office A 'Smoke-Filled' Room?

Is your office a smoke filled room? No, its not what you might be imagining. I'm talking about good smoke...not the kind that sticks on your clothes and your hair but the kind that sticks to your mind and your attitude. I'm talking about the ideas and techniques you acquire just from being in the same room full of Real Estate experts--that kind of smoke.

Many new agents don't even realize the dynamics of just being associated with a group of top producing and energetic Realtors. Their techniques and styles rub off and if the 'rookie' is estute he or she will stay close enough take some of the essence for themself. Too many new licensees begin this career with certain expectations only to find out pretty quickly that the 'river to success' is a challenging one, to be sure. It only makes sense to observe (and stay close) as more experienced professionals navigate the channels and address the perils of a competitive real estate market.

Osmosis is a very powerful force in the universe and a key component to learning this business. If you are new or are considering a career in Chicago Real Estate sales then you need to think about the environment that will surround you. You not only need to 'stick your toe' into the water to test the temperature, you need to 'take a deep breath' and smell the air. If the 'smoke is of the 'good' variety, then I advise you to follow not only your heart but your nose!

smoke image by lastpromise.com