 On a nice day like we had today, it always reminds me of how Golf and Real Estate are so much alike. I use to play a lot of golf prior to my knees acting up; however, I am still very fond of the game. Golf has ethics, rules, principles, and requires much discipline, practice and patience just like real estate.
In golf, weather conditions change your game; in real estate market conditions change your approach to business. I think we have all learned that over the past 12-18 month’s.
In golf, if you want score well you have to have the right equipment. In real estate today the right equipment means being on top of the best technology to provide great pictures, websites, Blogs, and other tools that we use on a daily basis to service our customers and clients.
In golf, if a golfer wants to score well, he or she needs to know the course. Do we know your market? The inventory of listings, schools, amenities, tax rates, transportation, what’s going on within the community etc?
In golf, they say your score depends on 75% mental attitude; you have to have a vision of how the shot is going to turn out or feel the swing. In real estate, we have to believe the results are going to be that new listing or sale. We have to picture the results. "Those who believe they can, and those who believe they can't, are both right.
In golf, you should always play the course, not your opponent. Sometimes we in real estate worry too much about our competition instead of focusing on the services we can provide each buyer or seller. Our business is to offer value added service. How long is your list?
In golf, we have the drive, the approach, the chip and the putt. We call those activities in real estate, like lead generation, prospecting, Internet marketing, networking, building relationships, preparing presentations, and building our skills.
In golf, sometimes the hazards like sand, trees and water can challenge our game. We in real estate experience that with slumps along the way, problem files, negative media, challenging sellers, buyers, co-op agents and vendors. However, by chipping out and getting back on course we keep our focus on the end results.
In golf, I know most pros have coaches who may assist the golfer on mental attitude, stroke improvements, and various segments of their game. It's also important in real estate that an agent has that support system. We have managers; staff, systems, tools and many agents today even hire a coach to boost their income and accountability. Today we are also privileged to take part in networking sites and Blogs like this to learn and earn, plus gain friends and mentors.
In golf, most golf pros practice, drill and rehearse daily to perfect their game. Realtors who want to be pros are also subject to practicing their presentations, scripts and staying on top of marketing techniques to survive in today's world. How can we expect to win customers and clients over to our side if we don't practice, drill and rehearse?
In golf, they call it good edict to replace divots, fix ball marks, treat every player with respect, and count all your strokes, in addition to using the proper amount of clubs. We in real estate have a great code of ethics provided by NAR that gives us the guidelines and rules to follow. The golden rule goes along ways when working with other Realtors to compliment, communicate and look at them as true peers of our industry vs. just competition. No one is as smart as all of us; I guess that’s why you and I are on this site together, sharing our expertise.
In golf, they keep score and have a handicap. Are you keeping score of your real estate career? What's your handicap? Vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics are what Realtors need to succeed.
If a golfer wants to hit a great shot, they have to keep their head down. Realtors, I say keep your head up, especially in this current market. You have opportunities today that may not exist again for sometime. It’s called a paradigm shift, where we all are on a level playing field. While others are wallowing in self pity you can be a positive Realtor who wants to help buyers and sellers solve their real estate challenges, in addition to supporting your peers by participating in networking groups like this. What do you think?
“Expect the Best” Mike
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