Severna Park Rookie of the Year

So, last week I found out that I had my picture in the paper as Severna Park's Rookie of the Year. It's funny how, no matter how competent and accomplished you are, a stupid title like this goes farther in earning a potential client's trust than most anything else could. :) But, it does feel good to be recognized as the best (at least, most accomplished) of those who share my time in the business at one of the more prestigious Long and Foster offices in the state. At the same time, it kind of makes me a bit sad to wonder how the heck all the other rookies get by and survive!

In the past week, I've received two buyer referrals from previous clients, and have had two other people contact me sharing that they are looking to sell their current homes and buy a new home in Maryland, and that would like to interview me for the job. I spent yesterday prepping for one of those "interviews", telling my wife that she needed to consider it like my version of a test weekend. :) Of course, my primary lending partner, the one who sets up the call capture lines that I use on my listings, and which is a major example of the value I bring to the table when I do my "listing presentations", is away at Disney World with the family. I can't be mad at him, of course...just figures... :)

Meanwhile, tomorrow is the O's game-client appreciation event that I have organized. I started this week with 7 tickets left out of the 65 I ordered, found myself having 72 people coming at one point, and now have 70 people coming. It should be a really great time. Here's a cute story that illustrates why these events are so important, but also shows one aspect of what prepping for an event like this is like: one guy, a really, really nice guy from my church, is coming with his wife. He calls me yesterday just to make sure that I knew that he wasn't planning on buying or selling a home anytime in the near future.

Me: Don't worry about that! And, honestly, if you do, and you have another Realtor that you would rather use, that's fine. Seriously, I run these events so people can come out and have a good time. I had some extra tickets when I offered them to you because I thought you'd enjoy them!

Him: Yes, my wife and I definitely will enjoy them...I just want to make sure that you knew that we are happy where we are, and you should use these tickets for someone else that might become a client or something if you need...

Me: Again, don't worry about that. It'll be great to have you at the game.

Him: Well, you know, if I know anybody that's buying or selling in the near future, I'll certainly refer them to you.

Me: That'd be great, Jim...thanks.

Exactly. :) Building marketshare in this business is not rocket science. Of course, you need to be good at relationships, and you need to be good at getting results to survive...right now, I'm surviving (in fact, I'm thriving relative to those who have only been in the industry as long as I have). And, with the good results I've had to date, more and more people are giving me the chance to show them just what I can do for them, and that's a great thing.

Peace,
Greg