Rest In Peace

Realtors are supposed to stay in touch with clients, friends and the grocer on a regular basis to remind them what they do and that they welcome business. We’re supposed to network and prospect all the time. Sounds simple. You try it.

I  run to Shopper’s Corner in sweats and an old t-shirt for garbanzo beans I need for the dinner I’ve planned for guests coming that evening. I don’t want to run into the lady I’m showing houses to tomorrow. She’s there buying bananas, what am I supposed to do? Hide in the peanut butter aisle until she leaves the store?

I’m tired and cranky at the end of the day. My feet hurt. My eyeliner has worn off. I don’t feel up to a chamber mixer and being on. Do I go or not?

I read that if you give a gift to someone every day, you’ll feel better. I bought a book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, in December for a friend. It’s about life and wisdom, a man whose hobby is racing cars, his family and his dog, Enzo. It’s cleverly written from Enzo’s point of view. My friend races Porsches, loves his wife and their golden retriever. The book is perfect for him. It was not supposed to be an official Christmas gift, just casual; no exchange obligation attached. I intended to drop it off at their house during my property viewing rounds. I don’t want to stop by on my way home from work, too close to dinner time and possibly inconvenient and rude. When I have a few spare moments, I sail past their street absorbed by the ten other tasks I need to accomplish, or I just forget. It’s April and the book is still on the backseat of my car.

Where does our business life end and our personal one begin? Or do they just blend? When it comes to prospecting, socializing and our “sphere of influence” is more important than advertising. Networking is more effective than nose-to-the-grindstone. For most people, it’s more fun. Occasionally my mood is too foul to do either. It’s better for me to hermit in my cave.

I’ve decided to send a postcard to the people I don’t want to work with any more. It’ll say, “Kathy died.” If you don’t receive one of these, call me for all your real estate needs!