Central Florida Real Estate Blog

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Life and Real Estate – What Do You Want and Where Are You Heading?

What do you want out of life and real estate?

business plan via google imagesThis is not meant to be a personal blah, blah, blah, but it's also the only way I know how to relate the way I see things.  Call it Marc's semi-educated outlook, if you wish.  I've been mulling this over in my head for a while since commenting on WooHoo Sally's post Business Plan 2008? The Art of Handling Life's Curve Balls ....First.  She told me not to hide the real me under the jokes, etc.  But it must be said that I do like the jokes and I do not think I'm hiding.  I truly believe that laughter is one of the best medicines and especially laughter at ourselves.

Anyway, this one doesn't include much laughter or maybe even my normal caustic sarcasm that many of you have come to know.  OK, so already I'm rambling.  Let's see if I make this somewhat cohesive.  With it being the New Year, there have been many, many posts in regard to predictions, business plans, changes that we are going to make in our lives, etc. 

Yes, I have a business plan, it is basically a numbers plan, but it probably isn't specific enough for many in that it's not broken down into # of calls, # of hours calling, etc.  Read Margaret Woda's post If You Don't Yet Have a Business Plan, This May Help You Get Started for a very simplistic business plan.  We've all read that for you to succeed you need a business plan.  Yes, you can have success without a business plan, but you will never come close to your potential.  For some this is fine; and yes, I've also had a ‘secret business plan' in the past; one that I kept in my head.  Again, writing it down on paper is one of the easiest things to do.  And, the benefit that you will derive from that simple task is innumerable. 

Writing is a very good thing, at least for me.  When I'd been through some troubling times in the past I would start a journal.  To me it was very cathartic getting it out.  It was a release of sorts. 

There are a couple of things that I'd like to touch on.  We are in business, but one of the things that I see holding too many back is that they don't believe in themselves.  Let me put it another way.  How else can any of us expect anyone else to believe in us and our abilities, if we do not fully believe in ourselves?  There is no way.  

Yes, the old adage is true that you can fool some of the people all of the time, but not all of the people some of the time.  Not too many of us have the ability to be that good of an actor as we might like to think we are.  We wear our emotions on our sleeves.  Even when we think we can hide them, they are more easily read than you may think and you are only kidding yourself, otherwise. 

believe in yourself - via google imagesTo be an integral part of this business; and, well forget about that, just in life in general - you need to believe in yourselfWhen you believe in yourself, anything is possible.  Additionally, no one - not one damn person has the right to belittle you or make you feel inadequate.  NO ONE!!  None of us is perfect and anyone who thinks that he/she is - is a fool! 

This of course, leads to a topic that we know and have read about quite a bit as well.  There are many negative forces out there that will serve you no purpose whatsoever.  Part of being in this business and part of selling ourselves is being positive.  I, myself, limit the amount of negativity in my life - whether it be friends, acquaintances, situations, etc.  Negativity will bring you down. 

Think of it this way.  When you've been around a negative person for a little while, how have you felt afterwards?  I know that for myself, these situations and people are like energy vampires.  They sap you of your energy and tire you if you fall into the trap and allow them to.  You know the saying ‘misery loves company.'  Yes, there are many adages, cliches and old wives tales.  The fact is many of these are so very true. 

Think of the people around you.  Do you surround yourself with positive people and positive situations?  The market is, period!  (OK, so an exclamation point in this case.)  Bob did I say that correctly?  You can't do anything about it.  But you can change how you look at it and take actions accordingly.  You see that I did not say react.  A reaction is just a knee jerk action without a plan and no direction.  This again is another reason that you need a plan.  A plan leads to action.

We have to keep ourselves positive even in the face of adversity.  Almost all of us have so much to be thankful for.  Yes, we've heard the statement that there are so many less fortunate than ourselves.  Sometimes it's hard to see this because as the complicated human beings we are, we do just that - complicate matters.  Everything and I mean everything can be broken down into its most simplistic form.  When you do break things down to such, only then can you see the underlying cause of what's going on.  What you are doing to yourself.  Why you may or may not be succeeding. 

success - via google imagesBut to do this you have to be introspective.  It's hard for some people to look at their life from the outside looking in or to see themself in the third person.  If you can't do this yourself then maybe you should speak with a respected person in your life or possibly even a psychologist.  Now a proper therapist will not give you the answers, or at least they shouldn't.  But they should ask you the questions to make you think and see for yourself what's going on in your life. 

Once you get down to the basis or root, only then can you see what needs to be done to possibly make the proper changes, if need be.  If you expect someone to give you the answers then you are only doomed to fail.  No one can give you the answer, for you won't believe them in the long run.  It has to come from within.  Then and only then can you make a plan and take the proper actions that need be. 

Now many people have a difficult time with change.  Unfortunately, you are in the wrong business then.  To be a successful realtor, mortgage broker, etc. you have to be adaptable to the times, situations, etc.  Do not get me wrong, I am not telling anyone to get out of the business or what they are doing is wrong.  I have no right to do that.  Only you can make that final determination for yourself. 

We will all run into so-called negative situations in this business.  It doesn't always go easy.  It is how you handle these adversities that will lead to your success.  When you fall down, what do you generally do?  You pick yourself up and brush yourself off and are a little more careful of your next step or so. 

Don't look back on how it was.  That's over and done with.  You are in the here and today - not the yesterday and not even the tomorrow yet.  You can't do a damn thing to change the past, but you can take action steps today to make for a better tomorrow for yourself. 

All in all you have to remember that only you have control over yourself.  You have the control to make things happen.  You have the power to control your life and your destiny.  Yes, they are clichés, but are they not true?  Take action!  Take control!  Be who you want to be and be the best at it that you can be!

smile - gotten from somewhere on the net via google imagesPut a smile on your face and the whole world smiles with you!

 

For more information on Central Florida real estate and Central Florida homes for sale in addition to Central Florida  relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Central Florida Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Comments

Marc - I enjoyed your post.  I know my "WHY" and it helps me get through each day with a positive attitude and working to reach my goals.  I am a firm believer in  if you know "WHY" you work, it brings peace to your life.  It's gonna be a good 2008!  
Posted by Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals) over 4 years ago
MARC - I hope that people read to the end, because I think that the best advice was saved for last.  We can't change the past, so there's no point in dwelling on what we would have done differently.  Hindsight is 20/20, so it's easy to see the mistakes that we've made looking backwards, but we have to deal with the present and future and move on, as you suggested.
Posted by Adam Waldman - Long Island REALTOR® (Westcott Group Real Estate Company) over 4 years ago
I am adapting as fast as I can, Marc!  LOL...excellent points here, my friend, and you are so right on every count.  It's easy to dismiss the "keep it positive" people as PollyAnna's, but truly, when you get up on the right side of the bed and decide to make lemonade every day, you'll never look back in regret.
Posted by Lisa Heindel, New Orleans Real Estate Broker (Crescent City Living LLC) over 4 years ago
Marc, this was an excellent treatise.  Good to see the man behind the jokes from another who pokes fun first, second and thinks critically third.  You've basically summed up my mindset.  Market lousy?  So what?  I've got to pay the mortgage, so I've got to move houses, period.  I don't give a fig whether 50,000 listings are sitting on the market.  I'm only concerned in getting mine sold.  Worked well for me last year, and it will serve me equally well this coming year.  I've have a goal in mind with a detailed breakdown of number of transactions that are likely to be needed to get me there (based on mean commission per transaction figures from the past 2 years.  I find that the total volume will be there as long as I hit my total sales number.  Best of luck in realizing your goals for the year, Marc.
Posted by Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives) over 4 years ago

Christine - Exactly!  It's going to be an absolutely fantastic 2008.

Adam - Thanks!  I didn't plan it that way and hopefully they will read to the end.  You know what a big mouth I have and that I write too much, but...

Lisa - Yes, It's very much about your mindset and also the aura that you project.

Paul - Bingo, that's exactly how I did mine.  But too many won't even do that simple 5 minute task.  Seriously, how long can it take, even if you're not good a math.  Thank you and same to you and it's going to be a great 2008.

Posted by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker (Marc It Sold!) over 4 years ago
I read Margarets it was great, earlier today. I know we have to adapt to change, I'm just over whelmed right now with ALL of it. But, it will be over soon and then I get get back to my life of blogging.
Posted by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor-Realtor® Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor) over 4 years ago
Marc - This is an excellent post - I flagged it for a feature.  You are a contemplative soul indeed.  This is great stuff.  I need to go read about the business plan from Margaret, as this is one area that I could use some help, frankly.  Have a good one!
Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) over 4 years ago

Hi Marc,

There is so much good stuff in this post, where do I begin....One thing I know for sure is you do need a plan to be successful in this business. I agree, stay away from the negative situations they will drag you down, and TOXIC people. Believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind too! A big smile for you. :)

Posted by Somerset MA Real Estate ~ Suzanne Sands (Pavao Real Estate) over 4 years ago

Fabulous post, Marc. If it were within my power, I would make every agent read it.


Posted by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, Land Park, East Sac, Lyon RE (Top 1% at Lyon Real Estate #00697006) over 4 years ago

Marc- GREAT post--is there another career, 'motivational speaker' for you in your future?!  I think each and every agent should read this and BELIEVE it!

Another note--As a former oncology nurse, I love that you donate 10% of your net to Hospice.  That says alot about you.

Debe in Charlotte, NC

Posted by Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate) over 4 years ago
What a timely post for me...there was a lot I can relate to in this one.  Thanks for sharing.  Margaret and Woohoo are two of my favorites around here...
Posted by Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) over 4 years ago

Everything and I mean everything can be broken down into its most simplistic form.  When you do break things down to such, only then can you see the underlying cause of what's going on.

You've hit on this point several times in various posts, and each time, it resonates.  I don't know how to begin to tell you how it resonates.  Thank you for all of your words, Marc.  You have given me much to think about.

Posted by Elaine Hanson, REALTOR® ~ Topanga, CA Real Estate Agent (Snyder Sutton Real Estate) over 4 years ago
Marc..excellent post....you need a plan to be successful...I preach it all the time!
Posted by BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) over 4 years ago

Missy - I understand what you are saying, but being overwhelmed is a reaction.  Take that and change that into a more positive action.  It can be done!

Jason - Thank you very much.  It would be very simple to use the plan the Margaret has outlined, but also add what Paul mentioned above.  If you have an issue, I'm sure that you could call either one of us for assistance.

Suzanne - Thank you, but it is so very true.  It's like anything else, it all comes from within.

Elizabeth - Thank you, but unfortunately, too many will not read this.  Many because of the length, many more because of the fear of what they may find out.

Debe - I don't think that I would want to be a motivational speaker, yet I won't deny that I've thought about counseling agents.  I've always believed in Hospice and they were extremely helpful with the last week of my mother's life several years ago.  Wonderful group, wonderful people!  It takes a special person to be a hospice nurse.

Bob - Glad this could be of assistance.  Yes, I read them regularly as well.

Elaine - Wow!  You can't imagine how much a comment like that means to me.  I am so very thrilled that a simple little post can be of assistance to you.  I know that I utilized that concept before and thought twice about using it again.  Obviously, now I'm so very glad.  But it is the truth when you look at things and put them in perspective.

BLR Guy - I won't deny that I was a doubter at one time myself.  But we learn. 

Posted by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker (Marc It Sold!) over 4 years ago
Marc - Great post to start the New Year. Attitude is everything and really can make a huge difference in this business, especially at a time when everything isn't all rosy. In life and in business the people that are generally not negative are healthier, happier, and move productive.
Posted by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty) over 4 years ago
Bill - I quite agree with you! It's about attitude and perception.
Posted by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker (Marc It Sold!) over 4 years ago

Goodness Marc...I really didn't mean to insinuate that I didn't like your jokes and humor.....I suppose at the time...it was a serious side and story  and I really liked your comment.  Laughter IS the best medicine....just know that I just liked the "deep" side of you for that particular situation. On the other hand...we just talked lol! 

Okay and now.... this one went deeper :)

You have the power to control your life and your destiny.  And as usual....it's all in the manner of how I handle the situation. I loved the writing here and the "to the point" what you need for your business plan as well as "fooling people some of the time...but not all".  And I really can't add more to this as I believe the same with much of what you wrote.

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations (Century 21 Liberty Homes) over 4 years ago

Marc...

As you know I love humor. I have never found anything that can take it's place. Really :) As far as having a biz plan goes. Well of course we need one. How would we know we have succeeded in something if we didn't have a plan? :)

P.S. We are so not in charge of our own destiny. We contribute to it but the world has a funny way of doing what it likes :)

Marc It Planned :)

TLW...ROAR!

Posted by "The Lovely Wife" (Broker Bryant's Wife) The One And Only TLW. (President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.) over 4 years ago

Sally,  You're too funny!  I should have taken the fooling people one step further, because too many people are just fooling themselves.  Too many will say one thing, but when it comes to doing it, it's another story or excuse.

TLW - I agree with you so much and also about us not being in charge of our own destiny, but it does matter how we handle that. 

Posted by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker (Marc It Sold!) over 4 years ago

Okay...this still going on? I had to run and meet a client.  Fu fu fu fooling themselves. Wasn't that a Def Leppard song :)

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations (Century 21 Liberty Homes) over 4 years ago

Marc, I read the post and yes I believe it all- except having a written business plan.  It's in my head.  Don't kill me for that!   

Posted by Judy Greenberg- Coldwell Banker- Buffalo Grove- Long Grove Homes for Sale (Coldwell Banker Buffalo Grove- 350 Half Day Road ) over 4 years ago

Sally - I think you're right or something like that!

Judy - It comes down to what you are comfortable with and what works for you.

Posted by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker (Marc It Sold!) over 4 years ago
Marc - Having a plan is what gets me up and going in the morning.  Good real estate advice; great life advice--thanks for sharing.
Posted by Norma Toering Palos Verdes Homes in Los Angeles Area (REMAX Palos Verdes Realty Broker Associate Lic# 01147470) over 4 years ago

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