Why are we in this Business ?

WHY are we in this business?

We ask ourselves this on a regular basis. As I sat in my business planning session today at RE/MAX Allegiance we all pondered this question. It's a tough situation for buyers, sellers and even agents. Everywhere I look it seems someone is being affected by this crisis. We hear about layoffs, Stock Market drops and the bust of the housing bubble along with a credit crunch. As business we spend the same amount if not more in this market on advertisements, fees, dues and associations. Now we have tech tools, websites, and a multitude of other expenses to keep ahead of the competition. There are days I wanted to shut down and scream doom and gloom just like everyone else. Instead I spent my time thinking wow I should be thankful I am successful. And I have been the past few years. I never in a million years would a thought I would earn a 6-figure income. Me, yes me the average student in school who had the hardest time not typing anything with out a misspelling or a grammar issues.  (I still do) I did not go to collage or business school. I just have drive and determination. I choose to be successful. YES I think you can CHOOSE what you are and are not going to do in this world. I find my self-looking at basic skills. Door knocking, Open houses, ANSWERING my phone when it rings. Its time for us to get back in the game. Put those rose colored glasses on. You know the ones you had when you got your license. It seems that all we see is doom and gloom. I want to go back to the bliss of the unknown. I don't know what is going to happen. I have no idea if Ill still be around in a year or two. I can tell you this. I’m not quitter. I have no one to blame but my self if I don't get up and make something happen everyday. I just know I’m still willing to do what I can to be successful in any market that comes our way.  I earned my license  (YES EARNED) it in 2002, Heck no one gave it to me. I had to work for it. At that time I had no idea of a doom and gloom market. I was a hot tamale ready to jump in the car to every home. I was a team leaders dream. I was young aggressive and willing to soak in loads of time to make money. I knew nothing of the stress or the worries that comes with real estate. What happened to us? I think anyone who has been in this field for at least 4 years for some reason thinks we are all supposed to sit and wait for the calls to come in and the sale to just happen. I’m seeing now that was GRAVY and if you want to stay in this business its time to WORK   What are my feelings about 2009 Market?  It’s going to be a crazy roller coaster. I have to be at the top of my game. Work more earn less but be 100% in it. I am not going to find the freedom of what I do anywhere else. I love my job. I love my clients. And I love the feeling of success after a closing.