Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves: What Can We Do In The Meantime?

Ken – So I wrote the perfect comment earlier, but apparently I’m too stupid to hit “Submit” or the computer gods are working against me.

Regardless, I had said in the comment, that you are indeed a “great writer” as you welcome blurb states. I would have read that even if I had no interest in real estate. Its interesting because I think you, Matthew Rathburn and myself all wrote similar articles right around the same time. We all came at it from different angles, but they’ll all reaching similar points (at least what I get out of each one). Strange that we should all be thinking the same general direction (some others might have even written in the same vein, I have more reading to do still). Thanks for the article and I look forward to more.

Hi Ken, and welcome,

I think you make some great points, particularly, your comment that the same pundits who didn’t predict the recession are now trying to predict the end of the recession. I have to ask myself, why am I still listening to them.

I like the idea of ‘not listening’ i.e. not participating in the doom and gloom. Yet, I want to be informed. It is a conundrum without an easy answer. Perhaps we need to be aware of current events without falling victim to them.

I find that there are some people in my company doing well despite economic concerns. I am going to emulate their attitude, style, and work ethic as much as possible. I will not be polly-annish about the real challenges people are facing, but I will try to be positive in my response to them.

Thanks for a great post; it really made me think.

Powerful headline – insightful content!

Congrats on the first of many articles in this venue. I have no doubt that you will be in demand.

I’m going to share one thing that I believe could be productive to counteract the negative news our potential clients hear each day.

I commit to call my entire sphere of inflence and talk about the market. There is enormous value in my clients hearing from me while the TV experts are “dancing in their heads.” They need to know that although we have some challenges, the “sky is NOT falling.” I will give them the courtesy of my encouragement.

We can be a force of positive energy and know that Albert Einstein was correct when he said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” I plan to take responsibility in finding those opportunities and profit from them.

Ken;
Great moustache!
And a pretty good post too. I stopped following general news in 1979 during my first recession when I realized that there was nothing in the news that could help me feed my family. Combined with a belief that whether you say “you can” or “you can’t”, you’ll always be right, your advice is wonderful and effective.
Welcome to AG – and thanks for the great start!

Kudos on your insightful writing. I do listen to msnbc or fox (rarely) and Nancy Grace. I see the world as dangerous. I see movies as promoting violence. Just turned off the last half hour of Mission Impossible as someone had a gadget to use to cut off a guy’s finger. Now that’s depressing. However, Law&Order is my favorite show. Go figure. I did try an experiment recently. Every time I checked out groceries I’d try smiling at the cashier and get a pleasant response. Next time I’d look down not make eye contact etc. The cashier usually responded to my mood in either case. She’s a sheep I’m a sheep. We all are to some extent. It’s unavoidable.

Thanks for the friendly welcome:-)

Matt – Yes, a definite theme for today and beyond. I imagine it’s a 100th Monkey Syndrome deal. A vibration many are sensing, lucky us we get to write about it:-) Cheers.

Thomas – You’re freaking me out and I’m scratching my head. Of course, that’s a good thing. Onward dude.

Laura – Thanks. As you point out, keeping your eye on the prize is wise. I think keeping up with what’s-what is important, as long as a person doesn’t get hypnotized or seduced. On a positive note, last night, Cramer on CNBC spoke positively about housing, he said that with mortgage rates in the low, damn low 4’s, great selection and crest fallen home prices, NOW is the time to buy. He also said that people should buy before summer is over. I say – BUY NOW. Be well.

Vance – I don’t read the paper, but I must confess, I do tune into CNBC. More to absorb and draw a bead on what the masses are being slapped with. Great point – you are what you read, eat, watch, think and surround yourself with. Rock On.

Kathi – You’re spot on – personal contact and conversation with your client base, the people who view you as the hyper-local expert, it’s a strong counter balance to the polluted world view they digest daily. Opportunity indeed, while the zombies shamble, you scramble and win. Thanks:-)

Missy – Yep, I see little Zombies/Dead People too, huddling, sharing tales of woe and sloth, spitting in Turrets Excuse Syndrome style. Truer words never spoken – you are who you hang with. Thanks:-)

Mustache Brother Bill – Thanks for the warm welcome. As you share, it is Mind Over Matter, Can over Can’t. Go, go, go!

Gary – I hear you. You can’t have winners without losers. We can’t shine and impress if there aren’t dullards dragging each other down. Hang out, share and learn with the achievers is the only option. Amen

Nickie – Thanks. I’m excited and proud of this opportunity. I’m a big fan of all who write and read here. Woot!

Ken,

Great post! Been having to beat the Zombies back this last week. Our team has seen it’s best year ever and we attribute that success to two key items:
1 – Leaning INTO the market;
2 – Keeping our team and it’s mentality within the same 4 walls.

When you lean into the market, you recognize that your competition is likely examining the color and status of their shoelaces! This presents a great opportunity for those willing to see it. Just as a lone flashlight in a dark room draws everyone’s eye to it, so do optimistic, positive folks..especially these days.

By keeping our team within the same 4 walls, our positive focus, our passion for real estate and the energy we bring to the office is catchy! Besides, great ideas are created and refined when you hear your office partner handling a tough or easy situation….

Did I mention I’m practicing RE in Michigan? Nearly 2400 days in this business, and this was the BEST year ever for my business!

I knew it was a matter of time before you showed up on the roster. Great writing – as always.

I cut the vampires/zombies out of my life a long time ago and waive garlic at those who cross my path now. Warning them of the dire consequences for peeing on my cheerios.

AS for books – I read a lot. My current favorite is Happier Than God – Neal Donald Walsh. An upbeat, positive-reinforcing read.