Southern Oregon Living: Oregon: Medford

The 15 Second Nudge.  You receive them all the time whether you notice them or not.  They're the little nudges from marketers and advertisers vying for your attention.  Some are more clever than others, offering the latest and greatest new thing.  Nudges also come in the form of warm and fuzzy encouragement from friends & family who reel you in with glimmers of hope and promise when you need it most. 

This morning, I received a nudge from Staples, encouraging me to go to their Staples Facebook Page and hit the 'Like' button.  In return, I received an opportunity to win a 15 second spotlight video highlighting my business in one of their commercials.  It's a clever marketing idea and of course, I'm game.  

We could all use an encouraging nudge every now and then.  It's difficult to stay focused and driven in a sea of apathy and despair.  The riptides of real estate can knock the wind right out of you, while the waves of discontent continue to crash against you.  While the sharks are circling around you, you're feverishly searching for a life preserver.  You can see the lighthouse from a distance and it offers a bit of hope in guiding you to shore, but your doubts and fears sometimes prevail, begging the question... can you survive?    

Real estate is a sink or swim business.  It's cut-throat, dog eat dog, and all about survival of the fittest.  It's definitely not for the faint of heart.  To swim with the sharks, you must possess guts of gold and nerves of steel.  You must rise above your misfortune and continually seek opportunity.  At times, you feel like you are spinning your wheels with little to no recognition for your efforts.  That's when a little nudge can be a helpful hint to stay on course.  Don't give up... hope is on the horizon... just keep on swimming!

That's my 15 second nudge for the day, what's yours? 

The Help - A Labor of Love.  Few movies move me to tears, but The Help did just that and then some.  The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi where a white woman, raised by black maids, decides to write about her experience.  In the 1960's, it was tabu for whites to associate with blacks.  And, in many jurisdictions, the law forbade the two from interacting on a personal level.  Kathryn Stockett took a huge risk when she decided to collaborate with several black maids and write about their story.

The Help was a Labor of Love in the making... not only for it's prolific author, Kathryn Stockett, but also for her best friend, Tate Taylor, a childhood buddy and amateur Director with whom she entrusted the rights to direct the film.  Both were rejected and discouraged from writing the book and making the movie, but something more powerful than the human spirit propelled these two to expose the naked truth about discrimination.  And the rest of the naysayers are eating 'Minnie Pie' today (you'll have to see the movie to get a huge laugh from this line).

Speaking of lines... one of the best and most powerful line in this movie is when Viola Davis tells a young white girl... 'You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important.'  Oh My God... we could all have benefited from hearing these most powerful words as children.  It is said that change begins with a whisper... Pssst, come closer, I want to tell you something.  A little closer... closer... okay, that's close enough... now listen carefully... don't walk to this movie... run!  And you best be bringing the tissues with you, because the tears are going to flow.  It is powerful, it is poignant, it is purposeful... and it is most befitting, on this lovely Labor Day, to encourage you to see this film!

The Help - A Labor of Love

Today was a 10... a ten wrapper day that is!  Board Bored meetings will do that to me... and I've had my share of them lately.  There's always one stickler in the group (you know who you are) that gets this blondie's blood curdling.  Rather than do a complete weenie roast... I choose my battles wisely!  I break out the Hersheys and I get to work.  Some of my greatest inspiration comes to me when eating chocolate ;)

I Don't Drink... I Blog!  For those of you who don't know me... the fact that I don't drink may come as a surprise.  It's not a religious decision... as I truly believe wine can be good for the body and the soul.  In fact, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding.  If He didn't advocate the practice, He certainly could have chosen another way to show His deity.

When I was in junior high, I attended a party where alcohol was served (not by the parents of course).  One of my classmates, a popular girl, got totally drunk and threw-up all over the living room furniture.  I quietly observed as she and other friends acted silly and behaved badly.  I made a mental note to self... excessive drinking can be ugly.  I also got a first-hand taste of the stuff by watching my family get blitzed at holiday functions... it wasn't attractive. 

Over the years, and at the urging of friends, I've attended a few wine-tasting events and experimented with sips.  However, to date, I simply haven't acquired a taste for alcohol.  My friends are relentless and continue to try and get this girl toasted (I think they secretly want to see me dance on a tabletop).  Every now and then, I joke that someone is going to drive me to drink... which causes my friends to get all excited.  Instead, I've found another love that's just as intoxicating... blogging.

I love to blog... but for reasons that might also surprise you.  Like the majority of Realtors, I originally chose the traditional route to blogging, posting about all things related to real estate.  I got great SEO results, which gave me a nice buzz without the nasty hangover.  But then, after attending a Rain Camp and continuing to hear the same rah rah about blogging, I realized that something was missing for me.  What I really wanted to do was write about life and all it's glorious moments.  I wanted to create a record of my experiences, my thoughts and my journey, leaving a written legacy of my life to pass on to my children and grand-children.  I wanted to share with the world the little idiosyncrasies of Mel.  I wanted to keep it raw and real... hence, The Naked Blogger.  That's the stuff that fills my glass to the rim.

Blogging about life has netted some interesting and even more surprising results.  I've started more conversations, made more friends, received more referrals, established more SEO and created something that I'm certain has imprinted itself in the minds of my readers forever.  Being true and authentic to oneself is engaging, exciting, exhilarating, and just plain intoxicating!  And that's the reason I Don't Drink... I Blog!

Packin' A Mighty One-Two Punch... I'm not much of a boxing fan.  Watching someone get their lights punched out doesn't make my heart skip a beat.  Although, I grew up in an explosive environment which taught this feisty girl the value of packin' a mighty one-two punch.  Today, the pink gloves are coming out of retirement for a different reason.    

Round 1 - Seeking to be Understood.  Recently, I went a few rounds with a fellow Realtor (someone I really like and highly respect).  After a few mince words and layers of misunderstanding, I violated my 24-Hour Rule and fired off an email to the Agent in frustration.  Apparently, my tone was received in the form of a low blow and things got a little heated in the ring.  Fortunately, the other Realtor exercised some toe-to-toe diplomacy and very gently pointed out the error of my ways while I listened with an open mind.

Round 2 - Seeking to Understand.  It's quite common for salespeople to yak their lips and sink a few ships in their quest to be understood.  A 'real professional' spends less time yakking and more time practicing the fine art of listening.  In a recent featured post, For Whom the Realtor Toils, Brian L. Sirota, Esq. offers a bona fide refresher course in Seeking to Understand.  As Brian so eloquently highlights... 'The walk of integrity is rarely served by walking out; it's served by earning the trust expected of a fiduciary.'  And how do we earn trust?  We listen.  We ask questions. We seek to understand.  (Feisty Girl's Note... Sometimes we hug).  And so the quest for understanding begins.

Round 3 - Pounding Heads Can Make You Crazy.  Naturally, there are times when many of us feel like taking out our frustration by pounding something.  This crazy market has dealt some heavy blows, causing us to hang out on the ropes acting like a bully.  I don't know about you, but some days it seems easier to throw in the towel and run from the ring, rather than hang around and take a few more blows.  What's a girl with pink boxing gloves to do?              

Round 4 - Going the distance.  Sometimes its necessary to throw a one-two punch in the middle of a round.  In baseball, it's called a Change-up.  In basketball, it's called a 3-Point Shot.  In spiritual environments, it's called a 'Come to Jesus.'  When the going gets tough... the tough find a neutral corner to regroup, re-evaluate and re-energize, seeking fresh and viable alternate solutions.  While it may be tempting to come out of the corner with dukes up... swinging, it's certainly not the best or only choice to resolve a difficult conflict.  Seeking to understand packs a mightier punch than seeking to be understood.  And when that happens... it's likely the pink gloves will come off for good and both sides can claim a win! 

When Lightening Strikes the Heart...  Today, a seller stopped by my office to chat with one of my agents about short selling her home.  In the course of the conversation, Mrs. Seller got very emotional and started to cry.  It was a moment that moved everyone in the room. 

This crazy market has affected so many people... good people, intelligent people, hard-working people.  What has emerged from this storm is genuine raw emotion and human frailty.  People are seeking answers to some very tough questions and we have the opportunity to offer them shelter of a different kind.  Perhaps the answer should come in the form of a hug, or a kind gesture, or simply telling them that everything is going to be alright.  There's something comforting in knowing that you're not alone in your circumstances and that somebody truly cares.    

Sometimes, our professional courtesy must extend beyond the scope of our expertise.  Not in the traditional sense... but in matters of the heart.  In addition to selling real estate, we are counselors, psychologists, pastors, priests, visionaries and motivators.  We help people see their way when there seems to be no way.  We offer hope when there appears to be no hope.  We display a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.  And when lightening strikes the heart, we rise to the occasion by reaching out and touching someone.  And when the storm finally clears, we help those around us pick up the pieces to their lives so they can begin again.  That's what we do.

Kickin' the Can Around on a Lazy Day!  It's pretty rare that I don't have any pressing issues to deal with on a weekend, particularly a holiday weekend.  Yesterday, I held an Open House from 1-3pm.  I wore a cute sundress hoping I could catch a few rays outside while reading a good book.  One of my former agents stopped by to say hello and the time just flew by as we sat in the backyard, shooting the breeze and catching up on life.  Before I knew it... I had a tan!  

Afterwards, I drove 30 miles to my favorite coffee shop, Mellelo Coffee Roasters, in Medford Oregon to enjoy a mocha.  They're the best!  Then I did something I rarely do... I found a random salon and had a pedicure and manicure.  The most amazing thing happened... I was able to live without my phone, texting and email for 2 hours while being pampered.  I should do that more often!

My evening was just as lovely... I enjoyed dinner with a friend at my favorite eclectic restaurant, Circle J Cafe, in Grants Pass.  The name makes it sound like it's a ho-down kind of place, but it's not.  They have wild neon pics with flashing red lights inside, with pictures of Jesus and Buddha hanging on a dark red wall, and all sorts of funky decor randomly scattered throughout the place.  It's an engaging environment (which I like) and the food is always great. 

Then I was off to the movies (thanks to a friend who encouraged me to learn how to use my DVR).  I stayed up late (2am) watching a cool flick, Charlie St. Cloud.  It was a bit of a tear-jerker, but inspirational for sure.  I love those feel-good kind of movies... where the guy gets the girl in the end ;)  I guess I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic when it comes to love.    

It was fun just kickin' the can around on a lazy day!  I hope the rest of you are doing the same this weekend!  Happy 4th!

Out of The Box Thinkers... Are You One?  I stumbled upon a fabulous post entitled; Apple, What's Your Secret? by Ron & Alexandra Seigel.  The author draws an interesting comparison between attitudes of a complacent Market Leader and a Workaholic, both of which possess vulnerabilities that prevent them from thinking outside the box.  Apple was used as an illustration and shining example of ongoing reinvention.  Whether you like or dislike Apple and/or their products, there is something to be said for their innovative ways of staying ahead of the game and kicking some major competitor butt!    

A few things got my attention in their post... First, the very eloquent and considerate reply by Alexandra to a dissenting commenter.  Rather than get in his face, she made the following statement... 'The Beauty of Life is Diversity!'  Alexandra's response resonated with me on so many levels... aside from it being a totally true statement, it was delivered in such a way that made it non-offensive to the hearer.  It also demonstrated the high level of respect she has for dissenting colleagues.  That's a Wow!

Getting back to their post... Ron and Alexandra Seigel show great depth of understanding regarding current day marketing and sharpening one's skills saw.  Case in point, the following is an excerpt from their post (which I highly encourage you to read in its entirety).

When a new idea of doing business is introduced to the complacent market leader, the response is often "if it isn't broken don't fix it."  When a new idea is proposed to a workaholic, it is often rejected because they do not have the time to take a break from sawing in order to sharpen the saw.  In both cases there is a paucity of innovation, ingenuity and imagination at the top which makes them vulnerable to challengers who are eager and willing to "think outside the box."

Thanks Ron & Alexandra, for not only being 'out-of-the-box-thinkers,' but for also being the catalyst in helping us  to see past our vulnerabilities and encouraging us to discover new ways to shine!  You guys  are consummate professionals, not to mention masters of marketing... right down to the LOL reference in your company name.  Love it! 

Out of The Box Thinkers... Are You One?

Today is my zany Bro's birthday!  I confess, I've had a love/hate relationship with my zany brother.  I love him because we're related by blood... but on many occasions, he's chapped my hide and caused me a great deal of grief. 

Fortunately, now that we're older, things are much lighter between us.  We still occasionally peck at one another's achilles heel, but we no longer ruffle each other's feathers as easily as we once did when we were kids.  Our mother would be so proud!

So, in honor of my brother's 51 years on this planet... I thought I'd surprise him with a subscription to AARP Magazine and a year's supply of Crest whitening strips for his teeth.  And just so he could get a taste of what it feels like to look young and beautiful again, I touched up this lovely picture of the two of us... and being the frugal siblings that we are, perhaps we'll get a two-for-the-price-of-one deal ;)

I MaY HaVe OuT dOnE MySeLf... LOoK at ThOsE PeArLy WhItEs! 

Today is My Zany Bro's Birthday!  Happy Birthday Bro!

Hold On... Let Me Grab My Wonder Woman Cape!  It occurred to me some years ago, that not everyone is a good match.  Thus the reason marriages fail, business partners split and some clients do the 'Realtor Ho' thing.

Disengagement happens... The question is, are we savvy enough to take notice?  Sometimes it requires x-ray vision and a cape to see through people.  As salespeople, we often try to fit a square peg in a round hole without noticing that it just doesn't fit!  Wouldn't it be great if we recognized this upfront and saved some valuable resources from being wastefully expended?!

Case in point... I received a buyer referral from a mortgage broker friend.  After speaking with the buyer, I knew instantly that we weren't on the same page.  The buyer wanted me to show her homes in the $375K range, when she was only qualified up to $250K.  When I explained the elementary reasons why we shouldn't be looking at properties at $125K over what she could afford, she got annoyed with me (red lights flashing).  She said that any other Realtor would be willing to show her the homes she wanted to see.  At that moment, I made a crucial business decision and said... 'Perhaps I'm not the Realtor for you.'  She was peeved and marched back to the mortgage broker to complain. 

Fast forward 1 year... The mortgage broker recently gave me an update and said not only did the buyer wear out Realtor #2, but she also announced to my colleague that she was going to use a different mortgage broker.  Hhhhhmmm... now we have a 'Realtor Ho' and a 'Mortgage Broker Ho!'  I don't know about you, but I make a practice of wearing my cape and using my x-ray vision to call em' the way I see em!' 

Hold On... Let Me Grab My Wonder Woman Cape!