Making the Most of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Making the Most of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Beyond question, this is “the most wonderful time of the year…”

As life provides us with opportunity and experience (which sounds so much better than “as we get older”), we are reminded and personally experience that for many, the Holidays are not always full of love, laughter and JOY.  That is unfortunate yet a reality.  We should respect each situation and story.

As a Coach, my goal is to help others focus on the positive and the things that they can change rather than being drawn into despair and situations which have little hope and opportunity to improve.  That is why I love our industry.  The real estate industry provides opportunity each and every day for us to make great choices and take action to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

This blog entry is not encouragement to be the sleazy, creepy salesperson that everyone dreads seeing.  It is quite the opposite.  This week’s entry of Tuesday’s with Kathy is dedicated to empowering you to make the most of each opportunity provided to be a stronger, more valuable professional and to make the most of this Season of the year with 4 key thoughts!

Maximize Each Opportunity.
Build a strategy around where you will be and what you will do.  This is the greatest time of the year to live deep in your community and sphere of influence.  Show up where you need to be.  Go where you are celebrated and not just tolerated.  Be present.   May I repeat…BE present.  Be with whom you are with and give them all of you.  Lead with effective communication.

Communicate with Compassion and Clarity.
Exercise caution with this one!  Make sure you always lead and direct your communication to clearly convey the message that “they” are the important ones in the room and conversation, not you.  Be prepared to ask respectful questions to discern who, where, and what the individual’s or group’s needs are in all aspects of life.  Conversation should be more about the relationship than a transaction.

When people ask, “How is your business?” be prepared (scripted) to answer appropriately and to convey a message of knowledge and service not busyness. Be prepared to convey that perhaps you’ve enjoyed an amazing year, the market is great—yet you are never too busy to assist!

Become comfortable and end (and this will take practice) each professional/business conversation with the question, “Who do you know that I should be talking with?” Again, be appropriate.  Be present. Be respectful.  Yet don’t be afraid to ask how you can serve.

Serve.
Wow! This topic totally touches my heart.  Our industry has such power and opportunity to make a difference in each life we touch.  Technology, social media and so many contributing factors have transformed the role of the REALTOR® in the capacity of true “servant leadership”.  So often, home ownership is synonymous with joy! Unfortunately, often the opportunity provided in our business is through difficult situations; death, divorce, relocation.  Fortunately, often the opportunity provided in our business is through difficult situations; death, divorce, relocation…think about it.  What an incredible chance to be a resource, a guide, professional mentor and truly, make a difference in the lives of others.  What an opportunity to transform a difficulty into viable, livable solutions and make a challenging experience a more positive, life-changing event.

We can truly live deeply and make a difference when the “transaction” becomes an exceptional consumer experience.  Even negative and difficult circumstances will be diminished when successful results are combined with a positive and service driven outcome.  When all parties feel “served”, they depart with a sense of gratitude.

Gratitude.
We should practice this daily, yet as we enter this magical time of year, pause and thank those around you with intention and specific words and acts of kindness.   Not only your family and those whom ride alongside and tolerate the challenging career you’ve chosen, but those who provide opportunity and endless support by entrusting you with their business and life.

Give back.  Find your cause and honor and serve with a cheerful spirit and joyful heart.

In all things show grace and gratitude.  Be a resource, not a sales pitch.