Coaching Corner: Why are you in the business?
By Marilou Butcher Roth
Now, don't get me wrong, I have encountered agents who are very clear they are only in it for the money and I can assure you those agents tend to be out of the business pretty quickly, or if they stay in it, they may feel as if something is missing. The money will be there, but only if you stay connected to the deeper motivation of this business.
When we can connect to our desire of wanting to help others, we connect to a deeper part of ourselves which affects all parts of our lives. This business can be challenging. To more easefully meet these challenges we must stay in tune with the deeper "why" of real estate.
What an honor to participate with clients in this adventure. Buying and selling homes is an emotional experience, sometimes bringing feelings up that catch you by surprise. Having an agent equipped to facilitate the transaction in an easeful way cannot be underestimated. Are you that agent? Do you keep a clear head in the face of problems?
One of my new agents spoke words that have remained with me for several years -- he said, "I view myself as an extension of my clients." We are here in this business to be just that, an extension of our clients and their desires. We may bring many skills to our clients, one of the most important being to keep our client's needs and desires at the forefront of our minds and directors of our actions.
The message is short and simple -- are you staying connected to your deeper purpose? Are you treating your clients and other agents in a way that you would want to be treated? Do you put your head on your pillow at night feeling good about what you have done during the day? Most of you will answer "yes." If not, you can easily shift yourself into living a more purposeful life, including how you look at your real estate career.
If you find that you are having some difficulty with this process, you may consider writing in your journal first thing in the morning. This practice is highly effective for creating clarity and calmness. Let yourself write whatever comes to your mind, no matter how silly it seems. Clear the cobwebs out and you will be delighted at that thoughts that remain. From this point you can begin to pose more pointed questions to yourself when you write, such as "How can I stay connected to my greater purpose or vision?" Take a deep breath and begin to write. Enjoy the results!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
