Alex Milshteyn
By Alex Milshteyn
I am writing this 30,000 feet in the air as I fly to St. Louis, Mo., where I’ll be participating in a “30 Under 30” panel discussion during the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®’ YPN second anniversary celebration. As I’m writing this, I feel very little stress, which is a giant contrast from just a few years ago when I’d travel out of town.
During the early years of my real estate practice, I hated leaving town. Just the thought of leaving town would put me in a foul mood. The reason was I couldn’t stop working or stressing about my business even though I’d be somewhere else. I lost count of how many times I returned from a vacation several days early because my business was just too overwhelming. If you’d like to know how to take a vacation to Thailand in three business days, ask me.
At this point, you may be wondering what’s wrong with me. Well, let’s face it, I’m a control freak and a perfectionist. The thought of someone else taking control of my business was impossible – no one could do it better than I could. I shied away from all vacations, all day trips, and a lot of family time because I didn’t know how to handle the stress of being away and continuing to provide the same level of service as I do when I am in town.
Eventually it got to a point where I began to feel like a slave to my practice. I realized that I couldn’t make it much longer unless I got help. I needed someone who I could trust and train. The only way I was going to take a vacation and ease my workload was to hire an assistant. Continue reading »
Kelly Reark
By Kelly Reark
Career, health, relationships, spirituality, and finance are just a few of the many aspects of your life. Are you living a balanced lifestyle? If New Year’s was the last time you stopped to evaluate where you are, how far have you come? As you put one foot in front of the other to reach your goals, make sure that none of your key aspects are lagging behind.
Success has different definitions for each person. Write out what success is to you, and make a plan to be successful. Take the time to exercise and nourish your body. Call at least one friend while you are making your cold calls to heat things up a bit. Step away from Facebook and remember the value of meeting socially offline. Check your business plan and get on track to meet your sales goals for the year if you aren’t yet there. If you are, reward yourself. Rest one day a week, away from gadgets and gizmos, breathe deep, and meditate on something peaceful.
Living a balanced life will bring success and happiness to you!
Kelly Reark is a native Floridian and e-PRO® with Gasparilla Properties, Inc. in Boca Grande, Southwest Florida. Visit her blog: www.BocaGrandeRealEstateNews.com.
By Michelle Flaherty
Michelle Flaherty
This week, I went on a quick trip with my fiancé to visit the site of our upcoming wedding in Marco Island, Florida. With my work week reduced to Monday and Tuesday, I went into action mode, arranged coverage for the week, and packed my laptop so I could take care of business from the beach.
Of course, as soon as our flight touched down on the Gulf coast, I transformed from a Type-A taskmaster to a Type-D sun worshiper. So how can a responsible REALTOR® relax on vacation while still keeping all balls in the air?
A few things I’ve learned:
- Don’t plan on doing nothing. Even with perfect preparation and great coverage back home, there will be loan conditions, appraisal delays, water tests, buyer’s remorse… and your clients will need you. Whenever possible, respond briefly via Blackberry. Expect that at least one transaction will require some phone time. In real estate as in life, realistic expectations help avoid disappointment.
- Don’t plan on doing too much. Just like the books you lugged home to study over Thanksgiving break in college never saw the light of day, neither will the marketing brochures and new Web site you plan to create over vacation. Relax, grab some juicy fiction, and head for the sand. No guilt allowed.
- If you’re going to do any extra work, make it market research. Here in Marco Island, I love going to open houses to see how brokers conduct themselves, picking up marketing pieces, surveying the signage, checking out what new communities are offering for amenities. The market norms of a far-away area can be ground-breakers back home!
- Be grateful. The problems that REALTORS® have with work-life balance stem from our incredible freedom, and we should never forget how lucky we are to have it.
Michelle Flaherty is an associate broker with Prudential Northeast Properties, serving Greater Portland, Maine. Visit her Web site at www.michelleflaherty.com.
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