A friend’s Facebook post announced her successful completion of the real estate licensing exam.  She is enthusiastic and anxious to get started at her new firm. Any firm would benefit by having her.

Agents of the future are entering the business today. What words of wisdom would you give?  My message to her follows.

January 20, 2010

Hi Loriann,

I read your success post on Facebook. Congratulations on passing the real estate licensing exam!  I’m so excited for you and just know you will be an asset to the profession and a favorite among buyers, sellers and colleagues in short time.

Real estate is an amazing career.  I have truly enjoyed my 25+ years, and look forward to many more. So much has changed- advanced really- in our profession over the years.  Laws that govern our profession such as agency and consumer privacy privileges such as the Do-Not-Call List, not to mention advances in technologies from the introduction of the Internet to social media and more have all affected how we connect to the consumer.  These will be norms for you, but rest assured new changes will come along and with your ‘glass-half-full’ attitude, you’ll see the opportunities where others will see obstacles.

Amid all the changes and advances, one constant remains and that is how we connect with the consumer.  Even with the increased use of social media to get and give information, statistics from the 2009 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers tells us the majority of buyers and sellers still look to industry professionals for assistance and advice to price their property correctly for sale and to find the right home to buy.  That happens when you connect with people, not just to people – when you understand them and focus on their needs – when you make it about them, not you.

Malcolm Gladwell, the bestselling author of The Tipping Point, says it best in his new book, What the Dog Saw.  On writing, he says, “Good writing does not succeed or fail on the strength of its ability to persuade. It succeeds or fails on the strength of its ability to engage you, to make you think, to give you a glimpse into someone else’s head.”   The same is true for our profession, and that is where you have a monumental advantage.  You can combine technologies you already use to inform, connect and reach the masses with face-to-face meetings to service and build relationships with your buyers and sellers.

Loriann, with your business skills, talent to engage and congeniality, real estate is a perfect career for you. I wish you grand success in achieving your goals.

Fond regards,

Paulette