I'm not a newbie, but I'm the new gal in my office after being away two years. I'm trying to hang out IN the office, which breaks a long term tradition of working exclusively from home.
And, I'll admit. I'm Jennifer and I'm intimidated. I see all the activity around me, all the hustle and bustle, people coming and going. The ink on my re-activated license is barely dry, so I don't have a lot of hustle and bustle on my desk yet. I hear tidbits and snippets of conversations about situations that sound terribly complicated and even a little scary.
Now, I'm a 12 year agent, who has solved a gazillion difficult problems and sold lots and lots of properties, so why should I be feeling this way? I dunno.
I'm sure I'll get over it once I have my own complicated situations to resolve, but I just want to reassure our beloved rookies that it's not as hard as it sounds from those snippets you're overhearing. I promise you.
Once you're out there in the trenches yourself, you'll be intimately familiar with your own deals and you WILL be able to understand and solve the problems that attack your paycheck on a daily basis. If you have made it this far in your life, you are obviously a competent human being. Trust that about yourself and dive in headfirst.
And enjoy! Solving problems is actually a lot of fun!
I'm with a RE/MAX office I worked with in the early 2000's. I think I left here in 2003 when I started my own company. When I returned to Denver, I wanted a hassle-free transition back in, so I came back to RE/MAX and it's great so far...
BB - Absolutely! Where's the finish line? What's the bet?
Heather- Glad you brought that up. I think rookies (especially) SHOULD "admit" that they're new because when they try to BS their way through something they have no clue about, it's crystal clear to the BS'ee. If you just admit up front that "this is your first time" most people will be much kinder to you and more helpful than if you try to pretend like an expert. I love how you put that - "you look like you know what you're supposed to be doing, you're just not doing it well!" Classic!!
Latonia - I hear ya!!!
I think rookies (especially) SHOULD "admit" that they're new because when they try to BS their way through something they have no clue about, it's crystal clear to the BS'ee
dammit!! There goes my day one stratedgy! LOL
Thanks, Jennifer. You helped me feel better by bringing this topic up. I am constantly having to overcome my feelings of intimidation. Being the "new guy" can make one feel very small. You just have to power through it!
Sharon - Just relax and trust that you are a capable, intelligent, creative person. That will take you much further than you think it might.
Shantee - LOL!!!!! Yeah, it's a bad tactic, but unfortunately, one that is very commonly practiced!
Jennifer, I think if you are out of it for a even a few months things seem complicated. I had a rush of business July through September of last year and then a drought. I am rolling again and wonder how I did all the deals I did before, but it is something you just used to.
Best Wishes, I know you will be rolling soon and right back up there at the top!
Jennifer,
Can I ever relate! I just relocated to Huntsville from Nashville, to get married. I am in the process of leaving a great business that took me years to build. Now, back to "newbie" status, knowing NO ONE....I hate it! I hold open house for agents and cringe at the thought of being asked about other subdivisions...I'm lucky to find my way home, let alone other areas. This is my worst nightmare come true, lol...I feel like a rookie, with 9 years experience. I think I would rather be a rookie, and know the area and have a sphere I could hit up, right? Anyway, best of luck to you, and to me, lol!!! If my fiance weren't the best man in the world, I would have NEVER left Murfreesboro. Oh well.....onward and upward!
Jennifer
Like the article some good old positive reinforcement always goes well with those who need a boost every now and then. Nice photo.
Elizabeth - I SO feel your pain. I went through that when I moved TO Alabama - I only lasted two weeks, so you're a braver gal than me.
However, something I've noticed now that I'm more into the swing of things is that an awful lot of the chatter is simple boasting. I have two buyers under contract and a handful of listings coming up and all these people who were intimidating to me seem impressed by that. To hear them talk, they all had closings out the wazoo and more buyers than they could handle... but apparently not.
Jennifer,
Good Luck to you. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us fellow rookies. Sell it soulfully.
Jennifer,
It's refreshing to read that someone with years of experience isn't afraid to say they are a bit intimidated in their new surroundings. As a rookie I sometimes struggle with admitting my lack of experience, afraid that it will make customers turn heel and run! Thank you for your openess!
Cindy Hill
Jennifer,
Isn't it funny how, with years of experience under our belts, we can easily become so flustred when starting over in a new location? You only lasted 2 weeks in Alabama? How funny! Trust me, I would run home to Nashville in a minute if I could, lol....back to my comfort zone and clients that know me, love me and trust me. Makes our jobs SO much easier. The one thing that keeps me going is knowing that I built a great business there, so I can surely do the same thing here. I know in a few years I will look back and laugh at my fears I am now facing. Luckily, the market is very similar to Nashville, so that is the easy part to over come....not knowing where I am half the time is my real challenge.....when folks ask me about other subdivisions that may interest them, I feel like a deer in the headlights. I am hoping my future clients will realize that I am a great agent, with a small lack of knowledge of the area (lol) and will bear with me. Congratulations on all of the business you have going now! I hope to be writing the same soon!