Mama Liz's Blog: December 2009

 

 As I stand up from the closing table at the end of each transaction, I always have two very distinct feelings.

1- I am always happy for a job well done and a successful transaction. There are few things that you can do in this business that feel better than helping everyone get to where they need to be.

2- I always feel as if there was more that I could have done for my clients. I spend a lot of time educating them, preparing them, and protecting them from themselves and outside forces. But when I reach the end of the road, I always feel as if I could have done more. I could have sold the house faster, I could have found the right new home sooner, or I could have taught them a few more tricks of the trade.

 

 Maybe you think this shows a lack of self confidence, I can assure that's not the case. I am confident in my ability to provide my clients with competent service, but I am a perfectionist of sorts. If everything goes right except one little thing, that one little thing will be my immediate focus and I will try my best to be sure that it never happens again. Most of them are completely out of the control of myself or my clients, but I still want to cure the cause.

 Maybe I should just shake the feeling and learn to relax, but then how would I get better? It's just part of my process to improve my ability to represent my clients and after all, the devil is in the details so you better pay attention. I like to think that this feeling will never go away, because the second you stop attempting to improve your service, you never will again. And my clients deserve better.

Time has come

Yes, the time has come -- I hate to see this day, because I so love my Active Rain.

I have to take a few days off from AR -- I won't see you guys until after Christmas.  I've been trying to do everything and it is catching up with me.  I did take Saturday and Sunday off, but am still so far behind.

Saturday was spent doing a little shopping and then spent all day Sunday baking --this just got my pies made (pecan pies and magic pies). 

I still need to bake a fruit cake, wrap all of my gifts,  do grocery shopping and clean house -- and oh, yes, am still working -- doing goal setting, business plans, helping agent-owners, etc.

We will have 3 family gatherings at our home during the holidays -- our immediate family, my family and then Boyd's family -- the large family gatherings (not our immediate family) will be at least 25 -30 for each gathering.

Most importantly, I want to have everything cooked ahead of time, so that I can relax with the family gatherings and enjoy the families.

"The whole gray mare ain't what she used to be" is becoming more suitable for me every year.

My gift to each of you this holiday season --

gently unwrap the present and inside you will find "peace, good health, safety in your travels, good riddance 2009 and hello 2010."

 

 

 

 

 

Now, this is a good question --

Some of my most enjoyable moments have been when I have paid for the car behind me in line at a fast food restaurant -- even when I didn't know the people -- I don't even give a business card.

Yesterday I was in Stein Mart -- they were having a huge sale.  As I was walking by the blankets, I saw a sign that said "from $14.99 up" -- well, I had a coupon that would make the blanket cost me $6.95 if I could find one that was for $14.99.  I found one and decided how could I not buy it for East Cooper Community Outreach (E.C.C.O.). 

Giving to families less fortunate than me is a real thrill -- I don't want the families to know that the gifts came from me -- it is my way of giving back to the community.

  It seems especially important at Christmas time to be giving to those who cannot afford a Christmas.

Receiving gifts always makes me uncomfortable -- I am not a really good gift receiver -- don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the gifts, but just would much rather be giving them.

 

My grandchildren are getting a special gift this year ---- they each will have a gift wrapped and under the tree.  When they open it, there will only be a card that reads "You have donated a sweater to a needy child for Christmas through E.C.C.O.".  The children need to learn early to give back to the community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas party at Buddy Roe's Shrimp Shack Tuesday night was awesome --                                          

many have told me that it was the best party AgentOwned has ever had --

Thanks to Kim & Ronnie Johnson and Residential Mortgage of SC

In wondering why we all thought our party was so great, I came up with the following:

 #1 -- it was the place -- Buddy Roe's -- the atmosphere

#2 -- it was Ronnie & Kim Johnson(owners of Buddy Roe's) - they were so warm and their music had everyone (old and young) dancing their feet off - thanks Kim & Ronnie

 #3 -- it was the fact that Residential Mortgage paid for every one's drinks when the agent-owners had come to the party thinking it was a Cash Bar -- thank you, Residential Mortgage of SC

I know everyone had more fun not having to pay for their drinks -- Thanks, Residential Mortgage

I know that Boyd & I had more fun than we have had in a very long time.  We danced with so many different agent-owners and/or spouses --
 
Ronnie & Kim provided the entertainment FREE

Residential Mortgage provided the drinks FREE to the agent-owner.

For those who could not come, I'm sorry -- hopefully next time.

If you are not a Buddy Roe's regular, you need to try them --

Happy Holidays --