I am honored to be asked to be a quest writer on this blog. Michael asked me to write about what I do now to stay alive in today’s Real Estate market.

Honestly I am busier then ever, and really have not slowed down at all. I still really enjoy what I do and get much satisfaction from helping others. I guess I do not see what I do for a living as a “job”. It is a career and what I do. In some ways defines who I am.

I get to help people everyday. Yes, help people…………I do not see Real Estate as sales, I see this career of mine a way to help people doing what I love and have a passion for.

Many have cut advertising cost and expenses to a minimum. I have not………..actually I have more advertising out there then before and I am increasing again this year. Let’s face it; people want to work with winners, successful people. I am successful, growing and going strong.

My advertising has gotten smarter; making sure what I use gets out to MY market place.

If I had to use one word to describe the reason for my success it would be persistence. I have never given up on my business or the willingness of people wanting to buy. Sticking with people through the hard times makes them remember you when times get better.

I did not push someone to the side just because they could not qualify to buy a home now. I worked with them and stuck with them. I was their biggest cheer leader on the road that leads to American dream. After hard work they too have become home buyers.

Surrounding my self with only positive thinkers and successful people is also another way to keep me going. Successful people are not just people who make a lot of money, its people who have goals and work to achieve them.

Finding the need in my market place and figuring out how to fill the need is very important. How can I help fill a need now and what needs are coming in the future. Then putting a plan together - short and long term goals.

I see many individuals running around just trying to make a living, with no direction. Shooting from the hip, trying to make a buck here and there. If I remember anything from my motivational speaker days –this is not a good idea………make a plan and stick with it. It may take a while to catch on or to become effective. So many put so much energy in multiple jobs and idea’s that your one good idea does not have to opportunity to take off. It suffers due to the lack of attention.

Constantly net working is another way to keep the juices going. I do not wait till I get slow, this is part of my business plan. Just because I am busy now, it does not guarantee I am going to be busy 3 months form now…….I have to keep the pace in busy times as well. It is easy let your marketing slide when you get busy but it will not last for ever unless you keep doing what you did to make yourself busy in the first place. However knowing when to change it up a bit is important too.

I also think volunteering in my community helps ……………. Although I have been a “volunteer” all my life. I was raised to give back and raised my children to do the same. I think giving to the community comes back to you leaps and bounds. No matter what your industry is, I am sure some one can benefit from your knowledge and expertise. Some one needs your help and in today’s market if we all give a little what a better place it would be.

So in a nut shell:

• Persistence
• Surround your self with successful – positive thinkers only
• Have a business plan – Long and short term
• Stay focused – do not stray
• Continue to advertise
• Network
• Volunteer

Michaelle Gordon is a seasoned Real-Estate expert in Grand Rapids, MI
Gordon writes a blog dedicated to helping professionals and their families relocate to Grand Rapids at www.relocationgrandrapids.com/ she can also be found on the web at www.yourhomewithmichelle.com.

• Michelle Gordon

  630 Kenmoor SE Suite 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  Mobile 616-443-0596  | Home 616-575-9053 | Fax 866-792-5311 |  www.yourhomewithmichelle.com