WHO...WHAT...WHEN...WHERE...HOW??? Remember learning that in school? Our teachers taught us that every story needs to answer these five questions. But...wait...where's the 'WHY'??? I mean...isn't that what we really want to know?
By nature...by divine design...we humans are curious creatures. Unless we know the 'why', we care little about the 'who', 'what', 'when', 'where' or 'how'.
When my first daughter was born, I imagined a delicate, little princess who would grow up believing that I had ALL of the answers...ACCEPTING everything I told her without question. (This is the point in the story when my husband chuckles and says, 'Yeah right...she's YOUR daughter!') BOY...was I in la la land!!!
One of her first words was 'diet coke' (thanks to our good friends, Bill and Kathi)...followed very quickly by 'WHY'. I always told myself that when my children asked me 'WHY', I would never tell them...'Because I said so!'. Yet, at times, I didn't have an answer. Not wantiing to be THAT mom who could not give my children answers...I realized that I better find out the 'WHY' so that I would be prepared when they asked.
I EVEN made a deal with my children that...IF they did not agree with me, they could discuss (debate) any/all of their objections with me...AS LONG AS they had a well thought out argument and presented it with respect. (This little plan bit me in the behind when they were teenagers! I had trained them so well in the art of argument that I rarely won.)
ALL of the 'stuff' I learned from being (SUPER)mom...I've applied to my real estate career. (Further proof that everything we experience in life makes us better and stronger and prepares us for the next step of our journey.)
When I was newly licensed, I asked myself "Why would ANYONE want to work with me when there are so many experienced agents 'out there'?" By anticipating their questions, I was able to prepare myself for the answer(s) I would give them. I even made a list of ALL the reasons that they should choose me. Then, I decided that I would answer their questions even before they asked. Of course, by 'putting it out there' upfront, it forced me to live up to the expectations I had created. I couldn't tell them that I was the best because I did X,Y and Z IF I did not do X,Y and Z! The most amazing thing is that...because I 'put it out there'...no one ever asked.
Today...in this post...I'm not going to discuss my 'WHY'...my X,Y and Z. It's not important. WHY? It's not important because my 'WHY' is my 'WHY'. You don't need my 'WHY'...you need to find your 'WHY'
Ask yourself...what do you bring to the table that is special and unique. What sets you apart from the other 5000 agents in your market? What life experiences have you had that give you an edge...give you the ability to relate to a certain type of client? What makes you tick? Why did you become a real estate agent in the first place? IF you were a customer, why would you choose to work with you?
IF you have never asked yourself these questions, you may discover things about yourself that you didn't know before. WHAT you discover may prove to be the key to your success. What's your WHY??? When you find out...let me (and the rest of the world) know. We'll be anxiously waiting!
If you have enjoyed this article, let me know. It is so encouraging to hear from you guys!
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
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