So I'm better off than Elvis, but not quite on par with Tiger (no pun intended). What's a Stager (or Realtor) to do?
I went to an evangelism conference at my church Monday night. The keynote speaker, trying to encourage the pastors, told us a great story regarding Van Cliburn, the world renowned pianist. In case your are not familiar with Van Cliburn, here are the basics:
- he was a child prodigy
- first performed at the age of 4
- played a performance of Tchaikovsky with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at age 13
- at age 14, performed at Carnegie Hall
- graduated from Juilliard with top honors
- won numerous competitions and played major concert halls
- has played for royalty, heads of state, and every president of the US since Harry Truman
- etc., etc., etc.
Where am I going with this? In his home he has a grand piano in every room. Every night he puts on full concert dress, sits down at one of those grand pianos, and plays the scales! Yes, this man who was a child prodigy, an honored graduate of Juilliard and has played for presidents and kings still plays the scales every night!
So what's the point? In this economy, or any economy; whether you're at the top of your game, or just starting out; if you're young or old, you must NEVER STOP doing the rudimentary, elementary, everyday things that lead to success. If Van Cliburn at age 74, with all of his accolades, is still playing the scales every night, then I'm going to get back to doing all the little things that add up to a lifetime of success.
Yes, Elvis is dead, Tiger is back, and I'm sitting down to play scales again. Care to join me?
Patsy Overton, ASP, IAHSP
Accredited Staging Professional
Patsy@SSSHomeStaging.com 770-843-2307 www.SSSHomeStaging.com
Wow! I think this is just soooooo important!! It is why I still send handwritten cards, farm and do newsletters. For me, these are the basics of my business....
Good girl! We've gotta keep doing the basics.
Yes Patsy, you are right. In my first years I sent out many, many postcards especially to homeowners and I haven't done that in at least a year. Gotta get back to it because it did produce results. My only reluctance is the cost of postage today. Thanks for the nudge. (BTW, I'm so glad Tiger is back!)
The more things change the more they stay the same. You must introduce yourself to at least 5 new people each day. Whether it is in the line at the coffee shop, when you are checking in for your pre -op appointment ( I got two leads that day!) or face to face with Realtors.
Ginger - I've never been a postcard person, but I certainly see the value. I strive to constantly add Realtors to my database and send out a "chatty" staging update every couple of weeks. That's how I pick up most of my business. Yes, it was fun watching Tiger play yesterday!
Michelle - Amen! Well said. I think I'll head out to Starbucks this morning to meet a few folks.
Patsy, you are so right, back to basics and staying on track and on message - very important in these times as always. Good post and thanks for the reminder.
Joanne - Thanks for your comments. This is one of those things I constantly have to remind myself, so I assume others could use a reminder as well.
I had not heard of Van Cliburn. His story is inspiring, and we could all take a lesson from him. I can't get past putting on the full concert dress every night. I would't have that level of dedication! Amazing!
Sharon - Maybe we should put on our staging aprons each evening and "practice" organizing our bookshelves. I went online to check my facts. He's currently 74.
What a great story and fun post! Technology is so advanced and wonderful-but basics is essential these days. I send at least two handwritten notes or cards out every day.
Back to basics is right. I'm calling different groups and RE office that let me speak before. My business comes from these meetings.
Cathy - It seems no matter what the technology is, it always gets back to personal contact. Good for you sending out all those personal notes. They make a difference!
Virginia - I've NEVER picked up any business from presenting at RE meetings, although I've done quite a few. What's your secret?
So true we have to keep doing what got us where we are! I've been trying to get in front of lots of realtors like I did when I first started my business. And getting back to at least 2-3 networking events per month.
Hey Patsy, that is an awesome story that you told. My wrestling coach in jr. high drove a pepsi truck and never wrestled -- he used to always say to stick with the basics (we thought that he was nuts). My high school coach worked for the city and used to tell us that it was all about the basics (we thought that he was nuts). My college wrestling coach won 2 Olympic gold medals and was a 6x World champion and used to always tell us to keep it basic (we thought that he was nuts). Years later, I have come to the conclusion that they were right, we were wrong and I need to stick to the basics of what I do in order to be successful. By the way, my nephew wrestles and this past weekend, I told him to focus in on the basics like I have shown him. Guess what, he looked at me like I was nuts (LOL)...
Annie - We've just gotta do it!
Khash - Good stuff! You need to write a blog on that It always comes back to the basics. Thanks for your comment!