I do.
I mean it, and I am not trying to “nerny nerny” you with a typical “I am better than you are” chant (although I am not above doing it). I have loyalty and longevity in my real estate career and today I got the pin to prove it.
I am still in a bit of a state of shock over this number, but today at the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley’s holiday luncheon, I was awarded with my 20 YEAR REALTOR pin.
How is that possible? Well, obviously I was given my license in pre-school.
Seriously, I grew up as what I term a “real estate brat”. My mom owned a real estate company and my sister and I were her assistants all through the years. I got my license and started working as a REALTOR when I was eighteen years old-straight out of high school.
I am proud of my longevity in the real estate industry, but in this age of most people having 3+ careers in their lifetimes, it is very rare. I think the reason I have lasted this long is multi-layered:
#1- I have worked in almost every capacity in the field over the last two decades. I have been an agent, publicist, manager, trainer, speaker, TV host, office coordinator, writer, home retention specialist and social media teacher in the real estate industry. This variety sure does make the years fly by and also makes me a very well rounded real estate professional.
#2- I love this field. OK, it has it’s days, but this job is never dull. I love helping people and the one thing that is for certain is it is never the same day twice.
#3- I have pride in my career. Real Estate isn’t a passing thing for me and it has never been a “quick way to make some money”. This is a family trade, passed down by my mother and I take it very seriously.
#4- There are so many niches, specialties and angles that this career can take…if one avenue isn’t what you were looking for you can always pick another…
#5- I have control over my success. This is huge for me.
So today has me thinking: What do the next two decades hold in my real estate career? Stay tuned to find out!
Carin Arrigo-Zimmer
December 9, 2009 at 12:16 am
Lesley, apparently that was quite a preschool you attended. 🙂 Congrats! Well-deserved and a wonderful post.
Lesley Lambert
December 9, 2009 at 12:22 am
Thanks Carin! I appreciate your feedback!
Joe Loomer
December 9, 2009 at 6:34 am
Congrats Lesley! Too often we see silver-spooners running inherited businesses into the dirt because they took it for granted. What a wonderful, positive tribute to your mother!
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Lesley Lambert
December 9, 2009 at 8:09 am
Joe, thanks a bunch. In the interest of being clear, though…my mom retired and closed her office. I now work for another company 😉
Ken Brand
December 9, 2009 at 8:17 am
Congrats! What a wild ride huh. Live you said, the next 20 will be even more wooly-bully. What could be more fun. R E G U L A T O R SSSSS…..mount up.
Cheers.
Brandie Young
December 9, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Lesley,
First, congratulations! Not so much for the pin as for surviving 20 years in the business (assumedly) without doing physical harm to yourself or others.
Next, thanks for the term “real estate brat”. I may use that one (crediting you, of course). I’ve been called a DOB (daughter of a broker) and a brat, but never real estate brat.
Finally, kudos for your ability to be successful in this career so long before you were able to drive!
Lesley Lambert
December 10, 2009 at 9:38 am
Ken, Brandie: thanks a bunch! Brandie, my mom coined “real estate brat” years and years ago 😉
Frankie J. Mozell
December 20, 2009 at 11:54 am
Lesley,
Kudos to the longevity and passion you bring to the profession and bottom line YOUR passion in helping people including helping other agents.
I would like more information on your Social Media Training and views. I know that web 2.0 is a tool of the times but if you or I do not provide great service or provide a “wow” client experience…2O+ years will be an anamoly.
Word of mouth “juiced up” with Twitter comments good or bad is going to be standard.
Have a successful 2010!!!
Frankie