A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

It is the time of the year I love. A time for new beginnings, a time to come out of hibernation and feel the sun on your face, a time of awakenings. You can see it in the green that is bursting forth , you can hear it in the chorus of birds as they announce the rising of the morning sun, you can feel it in your soul and you can smell it in the air. Spring has arrived.

This morning as Bear and I left the house to walk the trail the parking lot ( which is across from my house) was filled with cars, it was 5 a.m. Their motors were running, an attempt to keep warm, and at 6 a.m they were on the river bank casting their lines into the crisp chilly waters. It was a cold morning and with coffee cups in hand they began their search for the big one. They are a special group, these fishermen, I have seen a couple of inches of snow on the ground opening day and still they were there, elbow to elbow. Snow, sleet, rain, ice, nothing could hold them back. Opening day of fishing season is here.

There was a cameraderie among this group that was infectious. There they were freezing their tails off, patiently casting their lines into the waters and having a good time amongst themselves, you could feel the bond among them, it was like a special club. We were warmly greeted and chatted with many of them. Some were disappointed in their lack of progress and others were grinning from ear to ear showingoff their catch. I began thinking about how success in fishing and real estate are similar and came up with the following thoughts.

1. FISH UPSTREAM Cast your line where the others have not. Do not follow the crowd, do your own thing.
2. USE THE RIGHT BAIT Market to a specific target, use materials relevant to the area and the type client you are trying to catch.
3. CHANGE BAIT IF NECESSARY If they are not biting it is time to use a different lure. Track your marketing if it is not working try something else.
4. USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT You can catch a fish with a string, stick and a hook, but you can catch more fish with a rod, a reel, and a fly. Keep up with the technology and innovations that can improve your game.
5. PERSEVERE Don't give up, keep casting your line until you find what works and then work it.
6. DON'T MUDDY THE WATERS Stay focused and you will reach your quota.

Dottie

Wishing you a full creel. Happy Fishing,