Interviewing the Pros: YPNers Talk Shop at Annual

Check out the interviews from YPN’s “Reception on the Rooftop” at San Diego’s Hotel Solamar during the NAR Annual Conference and Expo, Nov. 13, 2009.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next Annual Conference in New Orleans, Nov. 5-8. 2010!

Don’t Be a Secret Agent

By Crystal Webster

Insert the popular 60’s song here.

My mentor reminds me of this on a regular basis. What’s the use of being in real estate (or insurance, or sales, or anything for that matter) if no one knows? You’re not a super spy, you’re not doing covert ops, and you’re not incognito.

Be proud of what you do, carry business cards with you (and don’t be afraid to give them out!), talk about the industry and provide advice (Although, I HAVE found there’s a fine line between being an attention hoarder and being helpful – and not many people like attention hoarders so don’t be ‘that person’…)

People want “easy” and that’s exactly what you do for them; you make the home buying/selling process easier. There’s no reason to keep that a secret. Get out there and don’t be so James Bond about it!

Now, I COULD sell you a house, but then I’d have to kill you

Crystal Webster is a REALTOR® in the Kansas City area. Visit her networking site at www.kcyoungprofessionals.com and her Web site and blog at www.theheritagehometeam.com.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

By Jeremy Williams

I heard the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin played over the radio on the way home from the office.  How relevant could this song be as the theme song for the thousands of real estate business owners across the United States?

Running your own real estate business can at times be stressful and create worry.  Like the lyrics from the song say, “In every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double.  Don’t worry, be happy…”.  How often do we let the little things in our business get under our skin to the point it becomes an agitation?  The agitation festers and bitterness can follow.  We know that it is inevitable that troubles will come, but it is how we deal with the troubles we face that will determine the outcome.  So don’t worry because we know that challenges will come; instead be happy that we can prepare ourselves to deal with them.

Here are a few steps to prepare how to deal with challenges that may evoke worry:

1.       When faced with worry, know that in the grand scheme of life the challenge you are facing is more than likely minimal though it may not be pleasant while you are in the situation.

2.       Always know that someone has more than likely been through what you are going through in your business.  Seek the advice of seasoned REALTORS concerning your business situation.

3.       Avoid becoming a rain cloud to those around you.

4.       Don’t forget the past, but don’t remain in the past.

5.       Remember that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.  A smile can change the attitude about the situation you are in, and a smile can also positively impact those around you.

So don’t worry, be happy as you set out in your business today.  What are your thoughts on this?

Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE in Kingwood, Texas specializes in the residential real estate market of Kingwood, Atascocita, and Humble, Texas.  Visit his Web site at www.williams4yourhome.com.

This Whole ‘Work/Life Balance’ Thing

By Crystal Webster

At my former corporate job, “work/life balance” seemed to be the catch phrase of the month. I worked in a very demanding job (90+ hours a week most weeks demanding), but as long as the façade of work/life balance was there, it was all good.

Fast forward a few years to now; and I’m working for myself. Yes, the THOUGHT of work/life balance, and the illusion of work life balance is there. Theoretically, I could take off a day to, say, go to the beach – but honestly, how many of us actually take off a Tuesday because we want to spend the day in the park?

Several weeks ago I suffered some life changing and devastating news. Over the course of five days there were two strokes in the family, three close family deaths, and some personal health issues. Probably needless to say, at first, I was in a tailspin and really didn’t know which way was up. Now, I’ve been able to get my head above water and have been working…kind of. I’ve been doing what HAS to be done. I’ll ask myself “What MUST be done today?”– then I’ll do that, and really only that.

I don’t bring up my personal life so that you can feel sorry for me – please don’t, I am very blessed in so many ways. I brought this up to ask for your help: How do you handle yourself when you fall into “personal crisis mode?” What gets you moving again when all you want to do is sleep through the day? How do you pick yourself up off the floor and kick yourself in the butt again?

Crystal Webster is a REALTOR® in the Kansas City area. Visit her networking site at www.kcyoungprofessionals.com and her Web site and blog at www.theheritagehometeam.com.