I have read some posts lately where the author gave a list of reasons why clients would want to choose a new Realtor over a veteran and all the reasons given were great reasons. I have also read some posts that gave several reasons why "seasoned" Realtors were a good choice and many of the reasons given were great reasons as well. I am not criticizing these authors because they all believed in what they wrote. I choose not to mention names but do want to say that all the authors left out one constant ingredient in all super successful people.
"Passion"
Tiger Woods has it....
Michael Jordan had it....
Luciano Pavarotti has it....
Madonna has it...
My Father had it.....
I mention my Father because he came to Idaho from Wyoming in the 50's with a 5th grade education and was technically illiterate. In his life time he became a successful farmer and farmed 1,000 acres at one time. He self taught himself to use a cutting torch, welder and built trailers and truck beds that people marveled at. He overhauled his own tractor engines and built machinery. Tell him he couldn't do something and "just watch him". Those that bet against my dad during his life time were mighty embarrassed. He was told many times he couldn't do something and proved his critics wrong every time. You could see the passion in my Father's eyes.
"Passion" is the driving force in every successful person. They can't wait to get up in the morning and get to their destination whatever it may be. My Father could not wait to get up in the morning and get to his destination he loved so much. This is true with any successful person.
I don't care if a Realtor is 6 months in the business or 35 years in the business. If the Realtor with 35 years in the business has twice the "Passion" as the Rookie Realtor, I wouldn't bet against him/her! Try telling Ralph Roberts who is now 30+ years in the business that a rookie is taking over his territory. I wouldn't want to be that rookie! I don't know of a Realtor with more passion than Ralph Roberts. I have been told that one feels electricity when you are around him. By the same token a rookie Realtor can come into the business with a vengeance which I think is awesome.
Passion can overcome a lot of weaknesses as my Father proved. RALPH ROBERTS writes in his book "Walk like a Giant, Sell Like a Madman" that he first hired an assistant because he himself was illiterate. He first hired the assistant to write legible notes that went to other Realtors in the office when he was on floor. Ralph became one of the top selling Realtors in the history of real estate in this country. All the education and skills known to mankind are nothing without "Passion".
All the reasons can be given why this group of people may be greater than that group of people but give me the group with a deep "Passion" for what they believe in and I will hire them hands down.
I want them on my team!
Posted By: George Tallabas - Boise Idaho Real Estate Agent- Associate Broker
with RE/MAX Advantage, Canyon Counties #1 Brokerage in sales and listings
specializing in Boise Idaho Real Estate and Southwest Idaho Real Estate.
Danny....it was instilled at a young age by my Father. I am like him and I can't wait to get to the office in the morning. I love people and I love what I do....even after 27+ years.
I agree 100%. I call it "enthusiasm" and make the claim that without it, you won't make it in this business. You gotta be so excited about your job that (especially when you're new), you're thrilled to show homes during the Super Bowl, even if your team is playing. You can't wait to check your voicemail after your dentist appointment to see who needs you RIGHT NOW. You find it hard to take vacations because you know that no one cares about your business like you do.
You love your job. When someone asks you what you do for a living, you proudly announce, "I'm a real estate agent and it's the coolest job in the whole world!" That kind of enthusiasm/passion is irresistible, and as you say, George... You want that person on your team!
Great post.
I really like this post George. Sadly, the majority of people just don't like their jobs/careers. They just see it as a J.O.B. To get by. To pay the bills. I just find that really sad. I too love my job.
Definitely have the passion, the fire, the inner drive. Once long ago I read somewhere or heard at a class - "What do you live to do?" I love that question. If more people really thought about that, then more people would love their careers as we do.
I agree. I can't imagine doing this everyday and not enjoying it....how frustrating!
George,
Great post and you are correct about Ralph having a lot of passion for what he does and it shows in everything he does. Some people call him the "human tornado" and I couldn't agree more.
I am adding you to Ralph R. Roberts Monday night conference calls. We have them at 7:00 pm. EST. and look forward to having you join us.
PS. Have you read the new book called Flipping Houses For Dummies ?
You can view the website at- www.GetFlipping.com
Virtually,
Kandra Hamric
Virtual Assistant to Ralph Roberts
www.AssistantForRealEstate.com
George,
That was a great post and you seem to have a lot of passion for what you do. I am sending you an autographed book of Flipping Houses For Dummies. Send your mailing address to Kandra@AssistantForRealEstate.com and I will get one shipped out to you.
I also wanted to comment on Lenn's e-mal..
Lenn,
Ralph's mom helped him study for his test and he scored over a 90% on it! Ralph can read, just can't spell very well. Thank god for spell check! Plus he says it was multiple choice so it was easy!
Kandra Hamric
Virtual Assistant to Ralph Roberts
www.AssistantForRealEstate.com
George, my friend, YOUR passion shows in all you do here on Active Rain!
I LOVE what Jennifer Allan wrote above - enthusiasm, ya gotta have that for sure!! Her quote, "I'm a real estate agent and it's the coolest job in the whole world!", says it all!!
Ann
I can't agree with you more, without passion you can never provided the needed level of service and energy to win over clients and to wow them in sending referrals.
George,
This is the truth for certain about what we do. We have to have that passion or it shows through in everything we do in life. We love what we do and we think that shows to our customers. Thanks for another inspiring message.
George-
Excellent post!! You hit the nail on the head when it comes to what results in success - passion is the single trait I'd look for when building a business. If employees don't have it, they won't enjoy being at the office (as those with passion do). I can't emphasize enough for people to not be content with a job they aren't passionate about. Too many people limit themselves mentally in terms of what they are capable of achieving.
I have had over 50 jobs which most people would consider a bad thing, but I think it was the best thing that I could have done. I read a book at a young age that said to do what you love and the money will follow. I honestly don't remember what book it was, but I didn't love any of jobs I had. Heck, I didn't even like most of them. I discovered sales, enjoyed selling, eventually ended up in real estate, and I LOVE IT! I wouldn't be here today if I would have settled for a paycheck like so many others do.
I totally agree George, Passion is the fuel of life. It's what gets us out of bed and drives our spirit through the day. If you don't have a great passion for what you do you need to be doing something else.
Heather...thank you my friend and you have done a great job on Localism!
George, It seems like you are becoming a passionate blogger. Great stuff.
People love passion. Find something you love and do it with passion. What else is there?
George.... an excellent point. So true, young, old, new, veteran, etc etc... Passion. What such a word. And to use your favor, that's awesome. Thanks for sharing....
Ryan...thank you my friend. Passion is in my heart and soul. Have a great evening.
Hi George,
I think you may be referring to this post since you commented on it about Passion. If you read the rest of the comments, you would see that Passion and Drive surfaced as the most motivating traits of a Good Agent!
I think the Agents that have a Passion for Real Estate, can be spotted a mile away, even here at AR amongst thousands of Agents, there are some that just can't help themselves. I am one of those Realtors, I love Real Estate and everything it entails. My only regret is not having started when I was much younger.
Thanks Karen....Anyone with Passion can go so far in their career even with limitations like my father had. Ralph Roberts is the best example of Passion in Real Estate that is nationally known. Here is a man that cannot spell or write well and is a Superstar. Thanks Karen and I hope all is well.