What is Your Motivation?

Remember the very first day that you walked into the office of your new career as a Real Estate Agent? The butterflies in your stomach. The unknown of what lies ahead of you. All of the questions that you had running through your mind at a rapid pace. Will I be successful? How will I get my first client? Am I crazy for thinking that I can do this?

It's funny to me how we can prepare for a career by taking classes, reading books and writing our business plan and then when it's time for the rubber to meet the road...we doubt our decisions. I believe that these are all common things that all Realtors go through, especially when they first start their careers.

When I decided to become a Realtor in Orlando and the greater Central Florida area, I made a commitment to myself that I was going to be successful. I decided that I was not only going to be a good Realtor, but that I was going to be the #1 Realtor in Orlando and the greater Central Florida area. That's right, with no experience, I was going to be the best Orlando Realtor.

I got into the Orlando Real Estate market for many reasons. I had been successful at many things in my past and knew that if I could apply lessons that I'd learned from my past to the Orlando Real Estate market, that I could very well become the top Orlando Realtor. I asked myself, what motivates me? Motivation is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. Well, the obvious answer would be money, right? Isn't that why we all get into the Real Estate business? I'm not so sure. We all have different "drivers" as to why we go into business for ourselves. I believe that there are four major drivers that propel us into this business: Independence, Wealth, Recognition/Fame, and Contribution.

Independence. This is a common driver for many of us. We are motivated by the day when we can tell our boss what we really think of them and walk out the door with confidence. If you like the idea of setting your own hours and standards, then independence could very well be your main driver. Being a Realtor can give you the independence that you are looking for in your career.

Wealth. Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth (a picture of Ricky Schroeder in Silver Spoons comes to mind for some strange reason) then you most likely have to work for a living. We all have different definitions of what wealh means to us. Some of us would say that wealth is having a jet in the hangar, a Ferrari in the garage and the large estate on the lake. Others might define wealth as not having any debt or just being able to put food on the table. Unfortunately, a lot of people are afraid to state that wealth is what motivates or drives them. There is nothing to be ashamed of if this is your main motivation. In today's world, the word profit tends to be seen as a dirty word to many people and being in business for yourself somehow makes you greedy. I'm here to tell you that nothing is further from the truth. When you create your own wealth you are able to provide for you and your family's needs. You are also most likely providing employment to others (by hiring assistants, or utiizing the services of others such as mortgage brokers, underwriters, insurance agents, website developers, marketing associates, etc.). Wealth is not something to be ashamed of. Remember, profit is not a dirty word. Wealth can be obtained by becoming a successful Realtor.

Recognition/Fame. These are also some great reasons why people become Realtors. As a Realtor in Orlando, we all have our pictures on our business cards and on our websites. Why? We are building our brand. You are your own brand in this market. If you provide outstanding service to your clients, then you should take great pride in that. By having your face and name associated with your business shows the public that you have great confidence in yourself, your company, and your abilities. There's nothing wrong with wanting fame as well. Fame is sometimes a motivator for someone that is tired of just being another face in the sea of faces in a place of employment. Just being a number in the eyes of their employer. I think it's fair to say that everyone wants their "15 minutes of fame". Besides, fame can make you money. Fame can make life much easier for us such as always being able to get a seat at our favorite restaurant or receiving "comps" for different products. Remember though that it can also be a double-edged sword. I once heard a saying about recognitiion and fame...."Babies cry for it, grown men die for it."

Contribution. This can be an important motivator/driver. There are some of us out there that desire to give back to others. Some of us are compelled to help meet a basic need for people, animals or the environment. We just want to help others and leave the world a better place. There is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with you if this is your main driver. You need to recognize that your goals are going to be very different from other Realtors in your area though. The motivation of contribution can be just as financially rewarding as any of the other drivers/motivators. Your profits can be invested back into your community and allowing for even more good works to be done.

So, what is your main motivation? I have different motivators at different times. Sometimes in my business I'm more motivated by wealth while at other times I'm more driven by contribution. As you may have noticed, by having and sharing this blog, I am utilizing my driver of recognition/fame. In the end. all of these drivers will propel me to become the best Orlando Realtor.