REAL ESTATE AGENT NEWS Stupid is as Stupid Does

By: Paul Pastore

One of my favorite movies is Forest Gump. In my opinion, one of the best lines in the film is, "Stupid is as stupid does". Recently, I did something really stupid as a real estate agent. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistake.

I was in a Washington Mutual bank branch and noticed a large sign in the window that said 5%. The teller said the rate was for a 14 month CD with a $1,000 minimum. After a little research this appeared to be a good place to 'park' some funds that were earning half this rate. The teller impressed me because she asked for my CD business on several occasions.

One half hour later, I had a cashier's check for a six figure amount that is now a WaMu CD. As I drove away in my car I was pleased. The teller was pleased. Then a little voice whispered in my ear, "Hey, Mr. Experience; did you give out any business cards? Did you mention you were in the real estate business? Did you ask how WaMu handles their REO business?"

Hell, no I didn't! What was I thinking? That's right, I wasn't thinking. If I was as sharp as my ego tells me I am, I would have been more proactive. Did I ask if anyone in the branch had any real estate needs? No again.

A wise man once said, "The seeds of failure are sown in times of prosperity". The wise man's wife said, "Only fools rest on their laurels". Sales is a contact sport. Today, I failed to make several contacts. Shame on me!

Tom Peters in his business best seller In Search Of Excellence said if you want to double your success rate, begin by doubling the "amount of wells you drill". To a salesperson this means talking to more people, asking for more business, and receiving more rejection.

Tomorrow, I plan to buy another smaller CD. This time I plan to ask for some real estate business in return.


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