By Stan Albert
“I was able to see what I wanted to do. I could see the opportunity even when others could not, and I stayed committed to doing it and doing it well, no matter what.” – Magic Johnson, All-Star NBA player.
Late last month, after going through the car wash, I entered the 407 toll road that I sometimes take to the office when in a hurry. A fraction of a minute later, I hear a thud. Looking around quickly, I discovered my right-hand rear-view mirror was missing. Perhaps the brushes at the wash were misaligned and jarred it loose.
You know how hard it is to pass another car without a right-hand mirror? Let me tell you, in case you have never lost one. It is a crazy feeling. It is one of extreme anxiety when you cannot view the vehicle in the lane you just passed, or what is coming up from behind you on that side.
How long, I wonder, have the right-hand mirrors been around? Asking at the office, nobody could tell me and for the life of me, I could not remember ever driving without one. And I have been driving since I was 16!
I suffered through the next few days without one, until my dealer came up with a used mirror. I was grateful to have it back so that I could drive safely again.
During the few days that I was inconvenienced, I started to think about what was in our “rear view mirrors”. My thinking evolved to this: what did we do this past year? Are we about to repeat the same this year? Can we improve on what we did? Would we be able to say, “I gave back to my community”? Did I help my fellow colleague in a time of need? Did I devote myself to my family when they needed me most?
These are all tangible and valid questions that only you, my dear readers can answer.
When we come to the end of the year, are you able to see in your personal “rear-view mirror” and see some possibilities for 2011?
Are you going to make that extra effort to ensure you complete each and every detail so that your client and your brokerage are well served?
By making just a little extra effort to achieve your goals/business plan, will you make a difference in your life and your lifestyle? Or are you just going to look in that rear-view mirror next year and say, “I wish I did, I wish I could have”. Or will you make a difference in someone’s life by doing a better job?
Take a moment in this month to reflect, to review and to think about the many wonderful opportunities available to help you to succeed.
Yes, I see the possibilities in the future of our real estate business as a growing, energizing and truly amazing profession.
Our business has indeed evolved from the stereotypical vision of the back slapping and “pushy” salesperson that we were perceived to be in the past.
Today, the modern and up-to-the-minute agent has all the tools necessary to be on top of the latest technology at hand. The agent of the future will be better equipped and more skilled as more and more brokerages segue into providing the education and teaching of skills that are necessary to compete in the changing world. Those who do not choose to be up-to-date will not be as successful as those who do. So, again, is your rear-view mirror going to bring back memories of days gone past without you doing what you had hoped to achieve?
I leave you with this quote from one of the best trainers in the industry: “A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power” – Brian Tracey.
May I wish you and your families the very best of 2011 and may the coming year bring you only good health, happiness and prosperity.
Stan Albert, broker/manager, ABR, ASA at Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. can be reached for consultation at stanalb@rogers.com. Stan is now celebrating 40 years as an active real estate professional.
Stan Albert, ABR, ASA is a consultant with Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. He can be reached for consultation by email. Stan is now celebrating his 45th year as an active real estate professional.
