Last week, it happened. I got triggered. My typical response pattern? Ugly and unflattering. A side of me I’d rather not admit, share, or write about - but here we are.
It was inevitable. The daily dose of pedantic realtor rhetoric increases every day. You needn’t wait and wonder. Rest assured - realtors will serve as easy and soft target practice for desperate politicians in the back half of 2024.
But that’s not what got me.
What took me by surprise happened inside our own ranks.
Realtors openly verbalizing despair. Acting helpless. As if a white-knight was supposed to ride in, sword drawn, and demand an answer for the assault on their character.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I wanted to go into Godzilla mode.1
I wanted to cite fifty ways how they were wrong, why their thinking was flawed etc., etc. If I had refrained from going into Godzilla mode, I would have recognized what was happening. They were scared. They needed guidance and grace—not my judgment or opinion.
But here’s the harsh truth. Nobody’s coming.
It’s on us—you and me.
The perfect advertising campaign, the rallying cry, the step-by-step manual that says, “do this next” isn’t on the horizon. Nobody’s going to explain who you are or what your value is on your behalf.
And that should excite you - not terrify or deter you.
The future is ours to shape - and that’s a gift. However, that comes with responsibility.
What we say among our peers in casual conversation, private masterminds, and panels is more important than ever. What you say in small moments carries more power than a press release.
Our words will be triggers or touchstone moments for one another. By that notion, we’re all industry leaders and should act accordingly.
It was this lack of self-awareness that triggered me.
But I get it.
Some realtors view themselves as employees vs. business owners. An employee waits for directives. Business owners write them. Your mindset and how you view yourself will determine your path in the new era of real estate. This latest industry evolution is a touchstone moment. We should respond thoughtfully.
Will you respond as a business owner or an employee?
Our choices, words, and conversations will shape the future of real estate. They’ll be triggers or touchstones. Choose wisely.
For the record, I did NOT actually go Godzilla mode. I ranted privately before turning the mirror on myself. Chalk one up for personal growth in 2024! :)
Nicely put. We must remember that we don’t need to fix, correct or change the minds of anyone except those who may ask us openly and honestly for help. Let the thunder roll by, and the sunshine will emerge from behind the clouds again. 🙌🙌
Brilliant as always Sandy!