This month not to be cliché is about Thanksgiving. We start by reflecting on the past year and really focusing on what we have to be grateful for. In our line of service there is much to be thankful for, although some may disagree. We certainly should be thankful for the opportunities given to us each and every day, whether we take advantage of them or not is a story for another month.
Our career choice also affords us the flexibility to spend time with loved ones and pursue passions outside of real estate. We should also take solace in the fact that we will have people to share the holidays with and that we will have warmth, shelter and food.
Yes, these are the tip of the iceberg of things we can all be thankful for. Now, we look at the equally important "giving" part of the holiday. Sometimes when our careers take a downturn or are not reaching the heights we have expected we are susceptible to feeling sorry for ourselves and possibly begin to blame circumstance for our perceived misfortunes.
This past year probably more so than ever, our industry has felt the belt tighten and a lot of agents are at a real crossroads, understandably so. I am here to tell you, that no matter how poorly of a year you may have had, you still have something to give. I would think that the majority of us have warmth, shelter, food and people whom care about us. Reality is though, that there are people out there who lack one or more of these, not to mention the capacity to seek for them. We have an opportunity to give, no matter how little we think we have. It can be in the form of money, various donations of coats, canned goods, blankets, etc. However, the one thing and probably the most impactful we could give is our time.
We have no excuse to not lend ourselves to our communities and to the people in them who truly need our assistance. They often have not had the luxuries and opportunities that we enjoy, and that no matter how down of a year we have had, we are often still in a place to lend a helping hand.
Believe me when I tell you, you will get back way more than you put in when you take the time to help those less fortunate, and who of us isn't looking for something to make us feel great.

Happy Thanks - Giving, I look forward to the tremendous impact our real estate professionals will have on our communities this year. Please share any and all of your stories, I would be delighted to share the light with everyone.

By Walter Sadowski

Think about it. You prepare for an appointment by putting together your presentation(candy bag), then you put on your business attire (costume), and proceed to your neighbors offering your services (trick) to get their home sold (treat).

Contributed by Walter Sadowski

It should matter to everyone. There have been several reported incidents across the country where Realtors have been victimized. Of course you have to be aware that this may be the tip of the iceberg. Not all victims report their assaults. They are ashamed, embarrassed and often do not want people to know.

Maybe you're like most of us that believe that these things happen to others not us. Wrong! They can happen to anyone. Most of us walk around not even cognizant about our surroundings. We are too absorbed in our daily routines. We worry about what we have to do, who we have to call, etc. When doing this we are not concerned about what is happening around us. You do not have to be paranoid to be "aware", just observant. But first you have to accept the fact that you are vulnerable. You must first admit that you too can be a victim. Then you will consider taking what I call "common sense precautions" to lessen your vulnerability.

SHIFT in the news

Gary Keller's new book is Inman News' top story

 It was an intense Mega Agent Camp as 5000 Keller Williams associates gathered for the premiere event of the year in Austin Texas. It’s HOT in Austin in August but the cool Gary Keller assured us that this SHIFT that we are experiencing will only make us stronger. It is so important now to tackle the twelve tactics to push through tough times. In SHIFT Gary explains how to implement the twelve tactics. He said it himself, SHIFT happens.