As the end of 2009 approaches, I will be celebrating my first full year in the real estate business in Central Alberta. With all of the talk of economic turmoil as the end of 2008 approached, to say that I was a little tentative and nervous about starting up my career at this point in time would be an understatement! But there are a few things I learned over the year that really helped me along, and also put perspective into my life on how to operate a real estate business:
1. Being myself. You would not believe how important this has been for me. In the real estate industry, there is a certain attitude whereby other professionals may expect you to act a certain way. I have found that focusing on being me, instead of focusing on what everyone else in the industry is doing, has been of great benefit. Apparently I have a personality, which comes in handy as a real estate professional! I try to have fun no matter what I am doing. I find that this has translated into my business, and I think my clients appreciate that.
2. Stay in touch! The first few months crawled by, and I found myself having a hard time figuring out how to get the ball rolling. As I was new, I was very eager to get out there and get the business going, but obviously it does not occur this way. After a few months of keeping in touch with people I knew in town, things started to happen. I had received a few inquiries, and some really amazing people in the Central Alberta area decided to give me a shot, and for this I will forever be grateful (a very special thank you to Mike and Shara-Lee Holmes, who were the first to purchase a property through myself only, and not through connections with my father).
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Real estate is an interesting business, there are periods of mass chaos, and periods of complete serenity. I have learned to enjoy both times. When you are busy, you have to enjoy it. If you don’t, you will regret it when the rush subsides!
4. Have fun. After a year in real estate, I have realized that this can be a great career, if you do it right. Take advantage of the down time, and work hard when the work is there. I hope that people can see that I love my job, and I hope it translates in the work that I do.
A special thank you goes out to everyone who has kept in touch with me this past year, followed my progress (via the website, the facebook group, twitter, or just word of mouth!), and to those who decided to use my services or refer someone to use my services. Without you guys, this year would not have been so successful.
All the best over the Holiday Season, remember to be safe and enjoy your time with the people close to you.
MW
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