Ed Sutton

A lesson I've recently learned, and gladly share with you, is that sometimes you have to take a few steps backwards before climbing the mountain from the correct side so that you can reach the top. If you watch professional rock climbers, you will often see them letting out rope to take what appear to be a" few steps backwards". The fact is they do this so that they can take a new and better angle to approach their ascent. All committed climbers realize this is just a part of every adventure.

The real estate business provides us these opportunities almost daily. It is not for the faint of heart! The difference between success and failure is often just a little tweak. For those of you that enjoyed the Winter Olympics did you notice how many times the Gold medal and fourth place (no medal at all after 4 years of hard work) came down to a few tenths of a second?

What are you doing to build a plan and turn it into action on a daily basis? Are you keeping score - measuring the results of your efforts and adjusting where necessary? If is often said the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome."

If what you are doing is not producing the results you want in any area of your life, including your real estate business, I suggest you STOP! Find a coach and a system that supports who you are and where you are right now. The best athletes and musicians have professional coaching and support. Again I suggest they are doing something that works - why not copy? Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

If you have not reached the top put a stake in the side of the mountain exactly where you are now and start your climb up and around again!

Top Ten Ways to Be Thankful for "What We've Got and Where We Are"

We all know that everywhere you turn there is news of downturn and scarcity. Given that, our office has thrived. Our business is up 48%, we are opening a second office in Wethersfield, and have added twenty great people to our team this year!

Thanksgiving is a great time to stop, look around, and reflect on what we are thankful for and all that can be. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Do what you can with what you've got wherever you are."

Top Ten Ways to Be Thankful for "What We've Got and Where We Are"

1. In every problem lies an opportunity. This market provides opportunities not there yesterday.

2. As agents, we have less competition. There are fewer agents than one year ago today.

3. There is no better time to shine! People are looking for help, assistance and advice.

4. With fewer agents and a higher value for your service, you can charge a full rate for what you do.

5. Inventory is high. Interest rates are low.

6. 8,100 homes sold through October 2008.

7. The "can do" people are rising to the top.

8. We have time to learn, grow, coach and support.

9. We are pushed to look in the mirror to see where we can maximize our efficiency and service level.

10. Our clients need us more now than ever. Solid advice. Sound resources. Stellar service.

So take a moment to see what is there, not what is missing. You might be surprised at the next good opportunity at your door.