Thanks Chris and to all the other responses.  I really spent some time on
this, and after hearing many sad tales from realtor families, divorces, etc.
I thought it would be appropriate for the public to know just what it is
that we do.

With the consulting class I'm teaching, this is a big issue.  Don't work
with those who don't appreciate you. Get paid for what you do, work only
with those that you like and who trust and appreciate you.  With that said,
don't ignore your family or friends.....one day will come when you need them
and if you have ignored them for 20+ Years, you will not have their love.
It is too easy to backburner life for real estate, what is more important is
to make real estate a backburner to your life.

Just my ..05 ( yeah, I charge more now ;-) lol) but for those who are in the
midst of doing their 2007 business planning, and want to incorporate work
and family/personal time, you may want to consider a coach.  I can recommend
two that I know personally can help you grow as a person, a business, and a
family.  One is Joeanne Fossland, http://www.joeann.com/ and the other is
Rossi http://www.rossispeaks.com/

I've also heard good things about Matt Ferrara and I had the chance to
listen to Darryl Davis at the NAR convention in Orlando a couple years ago,
and I think he is fabulous as well.

Whatever you do, while planning on how to change your business in 2007, it
may be a good idea to browse for a coach and get some help on what you want
to do to get you where you want to be.  A lot of people view this as an
"expense".....I view it as an investment in your future.  Sometimes it takes
someone else to hit you over the head. 

I recommend taking a few minutes out of your day and thinking about what you
want to do next year.  What did you do last year? How much did you make? Do
you want to make more, spend less?  How will you make that happen? Do you
have a wicked market that is very competitive? If so, how can you stand out?

It is now time to think of this, and if you need some help, hire a coach.
The money is well worth it if you get on track and do more deals, or if you
just get more free time to spend with your family.

I have my plans all set for next year. I know where I'm going, and I know
how to get there, but it wasn't without a lot of help from others.

Think about it: insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different
results.

Paula Bean
Orlando, FL