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February 2007
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
President's Message - Make today’s efforts worthwhile to create good ol’ days of tommorow
By Cheri Long
“Do you remember when?” was a commonly-used phrase as I grew up and we attended family gatherings.
All my cousins, aunts and uncles, and my not-so-small family would reminisce about the good ol’ days. I couldn’t wait until I had something to share, which in my mind meant that I would be old enough to be accepted.
Those were the days
So how about it? Do you remember when making a fashion statement meant wearing hip huggers, tie-dyed shirts, wedged heeled shoes and go-go boots? How about miniskirts, pedal pushers and Keds®? Or were you more of a fringe vest, Pocahontas head band, bell bottom grungy jean wearer?
Do you remember when a new kind of music entered the “scene” or your parents thought the whole society was going to pot? Do you remember when that President did something so bad while in the White House that everyone wanted to impeach him? And he went on TV and told everyone that he didn’t do what they said he did? Remember the war? Remember when we were threatened by other countries that wanted to “nuke” us?
Remember when gas was so high priced because it was in such demand? Or when scientists had successfully cloned the first animal? Do you remember when people became concerned for their health and environment?
Which era is which?
What era would you say I have described – the Sixties or the Seventies? Or how about NOW?
Oh sure, we use different words: capris are the new pedal pushers; Iraq is the new Vietnam; we think of Clinton’s transgressions instead of Nixon’s; and global warming has replaced Love Canal as the environmental issue in the forefront.
What goes around
My point is that what goes around, comes back around. This is true not only in fashion, politics, and environmental concerns but also in business and industry. Even when interest rates were hovering around 18 percent, people were still buying and selling homes. There was still demand and a need for REALTORS®.
So what are you doing to make today part of the good ol’ days for tomorrow?
1. Don’t be gloom and doom. Have a positive outlook. Our national dues are supporting a million dollar campaign purporting what a great time it is to be a buyer. Help deliver that message by telling everyone you greet, or better yet, put it on your phone message and website!
2. Be prepared. Talk to your clients about the state of our local economy...and be current and correct. If they want a prediction, tell them that your crystal ball is in for cleaning. You’re the professional, so be confident with your answers...and if you don’t know the answer, let them know you’ll find it out.
3. Attend the REALTOR® Rally. See what’s going on...and be seen yourself. It’s always a great networking event with plenty to stimulate your mind and help you get energized for the year ahead. Plus, the Association may have already paid for you to attend – so why not go? (To determine whether AAR is paying your way, see the article on p. 1.)
4. Read timely trends. Read about the Top 15 Trends for 2007 so you can be proactive.
5. Get an educational designation. What a great time to increase your knowledge! Your income may waiver during this year, but your knowledge will make you more confident. No one can ever take away your knowledge. AAR offers an entire series of GRI classes going on now and a CRS class in May.
6. Set your own standards. Don’t react to the standards or expectations of others!
Enjoy the good ol’ days of today, and make your own memories for tomorrow. |
