Insert the popular 60's song here.

My mentor reminds me of this on a regular basis. What’s the use of being in real estate (or insurance, or sales, or anything for that matter) if no one knows? You’re not a super spy, you’re not doing covert ops, and you’re not incognito.

Be proud of what you do, carry business cards with you (and don’t be afraid to give them out!), talk about the industry and provide advice (Although, I HAVE found there’s a fine line between being an attention hoarder and being helpful – and not many people like attention hoarders so don’t be ‘that person’…)

People want “easy” and that’s exactly what you do for them; you make the home buying/selling process easier. There’s no reason to keep that a secret. Get out there and don’t be so James Bond about it!

Now, I COULD sell you a house, but then I’d have to kill you 

At my former corporate job, “work/life balance” seemed to be the catch phrase of the month. I worked in a very demanding job (90+ hours a week most weeks demanding), but as long as the façade of work/life balance was there, it was all good.

Fast forward a few years to now; and I’m working for myself. Yes, theTHOUGHT of work/life balance, and the illusion of work life balance is there. Theoretically, I could take off a day to, say, go to the beach – but honestly, how many of us actually take off a Tuesday because we want to spend the day in the park?

Several weeks ago I suffered some life changing and devastating news. Over the course of five days there were two strokes in the family, three close family deaths, and some personal health issues. Probably needless to say, at first, I was in a tailspin and really didn’t know which way was up. Now, I’ve been able to get my head above water and have been working…kind of. I’ve been doing what HAS to be done. I’ll ask myself “What MUST be done today?”– then I’ll do that, and really only that.

I don’t bring up my personal life so that you can feel sorry for me – please don’t, I am very blessed in so many ways. I brought this up to ask for your help: How do you handle yourself when you fall into “personal crisis mode?” What gets you moving again when all you want to do is sleep through the day? How do you pick yourself up off the floor and kick yourself in the butt again?

Another great post at Realtor.org's YPN Lounge if I do say so myself :)

Check out the lounge here to see my latest post about how I have opinions and love to share them. I've learned, the hard way, that not everyone wants to know how I see things and I'm learning to censor myself. But don't ask what I think - I WILL tell you :)

Check me out over on the Realtor.org YPN blog! How cool is that?

I am very excited and extremely honored to be a part of such a great team! I really look forward to working with such a great group of young professionals.

Realtor.org has asked me to join their Young Professional Network  blogging team. Young Professional Network is an online place for young professional Realtors to discuss the business side of real estate and develop the next generation of leadership for our industry. This is a big deal for both me and The Heritage Home Team and I look forward to blogging about the ‘other’ side of the business.

Don’t worry; I will definitely share a link to my first blog post!