Are you becoming better in this market?

Is everyone tired of getting asked how the market is? I will tell you I am not tired of the question itself. However I am very tired of what the answer is expected to be. This time of year creates more communication with family, friends, spouses co-workers, etc. and It seems that the question always comes up. "How's Business? Pretty tough?" I am not a real estate veteran, I have only been in the business for 5 years, and the first year I was so Green I had no idea what was going on. I started in the Treasure Valley Market four years ago with Idaho's number one builder CBH Homes, and when I started can be traced back to the beginning of this downturn. Guess What? I'm not worried at all, this is the business I have chosen and I am embracing it with open arms and hitting it with full stride. The old saying "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger" is a fairly accurate way of describing how I am dealing with this apparent "Bad Market." If you're not becoming better at your job during this time then shame on you. Now is the time we learn the most and become the best. This is what I like to call "Dealing with Adversity to become a better version of ourselves." Stop making excusses and become better, This is an opportunity of a lifetime to build your future. I have a few things that have come to mind below that are important during this time:

1. Be your own Compass: It starts with you, look in the mirror! Are you happy with what you've done this year? Are you excited about 2011?

2. Surrond yourself with the best: I recently heard a speech done by Boise State Football Coach Chris Peterson and he said these very powerful words: "You are who you Roll with." Think about that for a second? You are no better than the people you surround yourself with, chose wisely, chose people that are going to make you BETTER.

3. STOP COMPLAINING: Thank your lucky stars for everything you've got, you've done and more importanly WILL DO. Make a plan, and put the plan in to action, "Don't talk about it, be about it."

4. Focus on Trust: Now is the time where trust is more important than it every was before. Which is a shame, because trust should ALWAYS be important. It's not about you trusting people in this business, it's about them trusting you. FYI, that means you have to EARN IT and WORK FOR IT, it does not happen over night. Ask yourself these questions: Do your buyers trust you? Do your co-workers trust you? Do your bosses trust you? Does your Seller Trust you?

5. Work Harder on Past Relationships: I have been on the wrong end of the referal side the last five years and that is my fault. I have personally made a commitment to provide a service for friends, family, and past clients to generate repeat and referal business. What are you going to do?

This is not the written word of success, just my own thoughts. Love or it hate it, it's the way I feel. And remember before you complain about anything, check yourself first.