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Happiness in the real estate business is a choice…choose well – Featured Blog

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Today’s posts from our featured Port Elizabeth Blogger:

Happiness in the real estate business is a choice…choose well by The Port Elizabeth Property Blog:

Are you happy?

What a silly question, but also profound in its simplicity.

People often make the assumption, that other people are happy because the people are working, from time to time smile and get on with their colleagues.

But are they really happy?

Happiness is such a wide concept that can be expanded in so many ways – but let’s for the sake of this post, say it means that pleasant feeling you get when you are in the groove and connecting with the people you work with.

So often we do not know ourselves, so we often treat others in a way we think that we would like to be treated, but we are all different. In my life I always thought I did not like groups, turns out I love working in groups and managing people through influence. I also learnt that I am a stronger driver, so I generally do not do well when micromanaged or when my creative streak is hindered. So life has been kind and I have had many opportunities to work with groups and individuals which has been a blessing.

I have also in my life had the experience of being micromanaged and constrained – which have made me experience a feeling of claustrophobia and frustration, which has been a challenge far greater than the work challenge at the time. The lesson was clear for me and that is that I really needed to get to know people so that I can interact with them optimally, from a stronger inner locus of control, within myself.

If I was micromanaged and contained to extent that I became an automaton, the choice would be very obvious to me – that is to move out of that position into one where I could give greater expression to me. I have realised that I can be more me, by helping others achieve their goals, if I am suitably engaged.

I am sure we all at some stage felt super engaged, bonded with the beliefs of the cause and ready to change the world; but then people changed everything. In this case you owe it to yourself to develop into the person you want to be. Do not be spoken into seeing yourself as any less – often others will try to convince you to suit their dream, irrespective of how it affects you.

By moving on, you are saying “No” to those who would use you. You are saying “No” to artificial limitations. But more importantly you are affirming your right to be you, to strive to build your dream and to be all you can be.

If you achieve your personal goals, don’t you think you will be happy? Of course you will, but before patting yourself on the back – set that next goal.

The property industry is a hard business.

Keep your priorities. Keep your dreams.

And be happy!

Clinton Begley (B.Proc (NMMU) PPRE MPRE) is the Team Leader of KW Explore Properties Port Elizabeth, at their Port Elizabeth Market Centre. He also holds a B.Proc degree through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (previously the University of Port Elizabeth) and is a non-practising Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer. His legal and real estate experience is augmented by studies towards a MBA degree through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, which he is scheduled to complete at the end of 2014. This article reflects the personal opinion of the author only, it is not intended as legal advice nor may any reliance be placed upon it. The article is purely for information purposes and you are advised to consult an expert before making any decision. The author nor any other person or entity may be held liable for damages of whatsoever nature from whatsoever cause.

Read more here: The Port Elizabeth Property Blog

Because people work with people, not framed value statements… by The Port Elizabeth Property Blog:

What makes for an ideal fit when an estate agent is looking to pair their personal brand with a local or international brand?

This is indeed a question which has perplexed many property professionals, irrespective of their level of aspiration.

What makes for a brand in my mind is not in general the tech, the training or even the remuneration package. In my opinion, people seek connection, they seek the opportunity to give expression to their talents and they want to be able to develop as people.

Let’s ignore our various brand loyalties for a minute, because it masks something far more important.

Buried deep below all the business, lies the people that we will partner with. It is at this visceral level that we as human beings connect with others. Is it not at this level that we truly interact with others. It is here, where we stand in almost naked honest before others. On a person to person level, we cannot hide behind lofty value statements or route repetition of the brand culture. It is here that we see the real culture, it is here where we see whether or not we really are “partners”, here we see where we really know where we stand.

But what of the brand? If nothing else the brand is merely a promise, a promise of a culture which adheres to certain principles. In this sense a brand is a banner a rallying point for people who resonate with values of the banner but often major brands have failed on an epic level because people driven by other motives rallied to the trusted banner. In many cases top brand failures have been ascribed to a failure by people to “get” the brand.

So which  brand is right for you? Look for people who truly care about you and not your potential to generate commissions.

Look at people’s words when they speak of a company – do you hear us or lots of “I”‘s and “My”‘s. Do you see the values of the company being rolled out to every decision, even sometimes when it may cost the company. When the people truly live the promises of the brand, that is a good company.

Yes, the platform a brand promises is important on a base level because this can provide a competitive advantage to the agent in the market place. In my mind, knowing that your team “gets” the brand and lives it, is far more important.



Clinton Begley (PPRE MPRE) is the Team Leader of KW Explore Properties Port Elizabeth, at their Port Elizabeth Market Centre. He also holds a B.Proc degree through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (previously the University of Port Elizabeth) and is a non-practising Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer. His legal and real estate experience is augmented by studies towards a MBA degree through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School, which he is scheduled to complete at the end of 2014. This article reflects the personal opinion of the author only, it is not intended as legal advice nor may any reliance be placed upon it. The article is purely for information purposes and you are advised to consult an expert before making any decision. The author nor any other person or entity may be held liable for damages of whatsoever nature from whatsoever cause.

Read more here: The Port Elizabeth Property Blog

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Port Elizabethan

This author is a 'catch-all' for occasional articles and letters written to MyPE. The Author of each article can be found in the signature at the bottom of each individual article.