Haven’t we all looked back and wished we had the foresight to see what was coming? Many times in business and in life you learn, “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” Be it taking a chance on a new path in life hoping it will bring you to the promised land, partnering with another to create a business which will catapult you to the next level, making an investment… crossing your fingers everything you were promised will actually come true and investing in people.
Back in 2002, when I was first getting my feet wet as an entrepreneur in real estate I had no life experience in business to reflect on. What is a good decision and what is not. What path will bring me to the top of the mountain. Remembering when you first got started, sitting behind your computer staring off into space just waiting for that epiphany to hit you. I realize now, I was in survival mode. Most often living on Ramen noodles and eager to make a difference. Patience being your biggest enemy…. For the thought of riches filled your head.
I decided in 2002, it would be best, to take the path of least resistance when getting into real estate. I had less than $1,000 at the time. Realizing real estate sales is a gamble and there is a lot more upfront expense than I expected. “Why?” Should I take the chance if I could find someone to bet on me. As I searched newspaper ads and online I sought out the one who was willing to take a chance on some young buck he thought would lead him to riches. A young man looking to make an impact with absolutely no clue how. I found a successful real estate broker, Allen Woods, at Realty Executives, who was offering to pay a flat $2,000/month salary selling real estate. When I found this ad it was like hitting the lottery. I said to myself, “This is just what I was
looking for.” I picked up the phone and called ASAP. Thinking in my mind, “Man I hope this position is still available!! I need the cash.” After making contact with the gentleman I scheduled a time to meet. During our meeting I could see it in his eyes. He loved my passion, my vision and my never say die attitude. He looked at me and said, “Son, you are just the kind of person I am looking for. Your IN!” Ecstatic about getting this gig and getting paid in a business otherwise known for it’s 100%, independent contractor, good luck I hope you can swim environment. I really couldn’t have wished for anything better.
Day 1, I came into Allen Woods’s office, Realty Executives, and find myself sitting next to two other starving young men. The first day was a big meeting about Allen’s goals and aspirations. How he wanted us to do this and that and if we followed his six step plan we would be rich and in turn so would he. What was his big plan for us you ask? Knocking on doors— like the poor kid selling pest control who came to my door last week. Meeting with FSBO’s (For Sale By Owner) — those who want nothing to do with real estate agents because they don’t trust them, have been burned before or don’t see their value. Calling expired listings — pestering those poor souls who picked the wrong agent to work with, have been on the market for 90, 120, 150 or even 300+ days because their home was over priced and now they just want to be done. Sitting in open houses — where only your neighbors show up to finally see your house. Now they have something to talk about with your other neighbors in the driveway while drinking beers. Finally, having us create new innovative ways to grow Allen’s business. Heck, we are the young bucks, we must have some cool ideas. Hahahah! 😀 Looking back on that
I can’t help but laugh. Damn, I was so ignorant — a Low-Information-Agent.
90 days later, Boys this just isn’t going to work! I can’t keep shelling out $2,000/month to each of you if we aren’t selling anything. Between the 3 of you we have 1 sale. As he was saying this I was thinking to myself, “Buddy, didn’t you realize this was going to happen when you first hired us? Hello!!” He never told us what his plan was upfront. He had no incoming business we could service, no hot new leads we could follow up on and no solid business model allowing us to be successful in a short period of time. Hmmmm…. I wonder why these are the results we are getting. Plus, all 3 of us were not really excited about being beggars, telemarketers or the real estate agent everyone hated. This was not me. I wouldn’t want someone doing it to me so why would I do it to others.
You see, over the last 13 years I’ve learned something I didn’t know when I first started. Looking back, it seems like common sense. But, and this is the key — when you innovate, putting time into perfecting your approach, with the goal of creating a “Disney Experience” while reducing costs & maximizing profits for friends & clients — there is absolutely no need to do anything else.
Back then, I thought success was all about hustle and self-promotion. Man, was I a rookie!!
Now I understand, it’s all about the impact you make and relationships you forge. I believe helping others achieve what they want in life will allow you to have everything you deserve.
The Path Of Least Resistance
Haven’t we all looked back and wished we had the foresight to see what was coming? Many times in business and in life you learn, “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” Be it taking a chance on a new path in life hoping it will bring you to the promised land, partnering with another to create a business which will catapult you to the next level, making an investment… crossing your fingers everything you were promised will actually come true and investing in people.
Back in 2002, when I was first getting my feet wet as an entrepreneur in real estate I had no life experience in business to reflect on. What is a good decision and what is not. What path will bring me to the top of the mountain. Remembering when you first got started, sitting behind your computer staring off into space just waiting for that epiphany to hit you. I realize now, I was in survival mode. Most often living on Ramen noodles and eager to make a difference. Patience being your biggest enemy…. For the thought of riches filled your head.
I decided in 2002, it would be best, to take the path of least resistance when getting into real estate. I had less than $1,000 at the time. Realizing real estate sales is a gamble and there is a lot more upfront expense than I expected. “Why?” Should I take the chance if I could find someone to bet on me. As I searched newspaper ads and online I sought out the one who was willing to take a chance on some young buck he thought would lead him to riches. A young man looking to make an impact with absolutely no clue how. I found a successful real estate broker, Allen Woods, at Realty Executives, who was offering to pay a flat $2,000/month salary selling real estate. When I found this ad it was like hitting the lottery. I said to myself, “This is just what I was
looking for.” I picked up the phone and called ASAP. Thinking in my mind, “Man I hope this position is still available!! I need the cash.” After making contact with the gentleman I scheduled a time to meet. During our meeting I could see it in his eyes. He loved my passion, my vision and my never say die attitude. He looked at me and said, “Son, you are just the kind of person I am looking for. Your IN!” Ecstatic about getting this gig and getting paid in a business otherwise known for it’s 100%, independent contractor, good luck I hope you can swim environment. I really couldn’t have wished for anything better.
Day 1, I came into Allen Woods’s office, Realty Executives, and find myself sitting next to two other starving young men. The first day was a big meeting about Allen’s goals and aspirations. How he wanted us to do this and that and if we followed his six step plan we would be rich and in turn so would he. What was his big plan for us you ask? Knocking on doors— like the poor kid selling pest control who came to my door last week. Meeting with FSBO’s (For Sale By Owner) — those who want nothing to do with real estate agents because they don’t trust them, have been burned before or don’t see their value. Calling expired listings — pestering those poor souls who picked the wrong agent to work with, have been on the market for 90, 120, 150 or even 300+ days because their home was over priced and now they just want to be done. Sitting in open houses — where only your neighbors show up to finally see your house. Now they have something to talk about with your other neighbors in the driveway while drinking beers. Finally, having us create new innovative ways to grow Allen’s business. Heck, we are the young bucks, we must have some cool ideas. Hahahah! 😀 Looking back on that
I can’t help but laugh. Damn, I was so ignorant — a Low-Information-Agent.
90 days later, Boys this just isn’t going to work! I can’t keep shelling out $2,000/month to each of you if we aren’t selling anything. Between the 3 of you we have 1 sale. As he was saying this I was thinking to myself, “Buddy, didn’t you realize this was going to happen when you first hired us? Hello!!” He never told us what his plan was upfront. He had no incoming business we could service, no hot new leads we could follow up on and no solid business model allowing us to be successful in a short period of time. Hmmmm…. I wonder why these are the results we are getting. Plus, all 3 of us were not really excited about being beggars, telemarketers or the real estate agent everyone hated. This was not me. I wouldn’t want someone doing it to me so why would I do it to others.
You see, over the last 13 years I’ve learned something I didn’t know when I first started. Looking back, it seems like common sense. But, and this is the key — when you innovate, putting time into perfecting your approach, with the goal of creating a “Disney Experience” while reducing costs & maximizing profits for friends & clients — there is absolutely no need to do anything else.
Back then, I thought success was all about hustle and self-promotion. Man, was I a rookie!!
Now I understand, it’s all about the impact you make and relationships you forge. I believe helping others achieve what they want in life will allow you to have everything you deserve.
Tim Murphy
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