Taking a look at the chart below, it is very apparent that the 10-year yield has dropped significantly since early November.  It appears it has dropped about as fast as it ran up back in late August.  Not sure there are many earth-shattering insights on this.  Before, it was all about the pressure from FED rate increases; and now it seems to be about total uncertainty.  For those looking to purchase or refinance, it certainly presents an opportunity to benefit from the current relative lower rates.

Being Engaged versus Being Distracted

Okay, last week I got into my thoughts on asking others for help to improve our overall respective businesses. I will be candid here; there weren’t a lot of responses.

I am going to try to spin that to some sort of a positive. With the holidays here (and with people thinking about what they need to do regarding buying gifts for others, going to parties, etc.), I’m going to assume they were just too busy to really respond.

Last week, I also talked about how the real estate industry is a little difficult for some now.  Many are scared; and there will be some that no longer can survive as the market squeezes them out.  For those that remain, I contend they need to be as good as they can be.  So, let me get to what I want to talk about for this week.  Let’s talk about being engaged versus being distracted.

For example, you get a phone call from somebody that wants to invest in a property out of state. This person needs a professional in that state to help them find a property. Now you have some choices to make.  Do you just give them a name? Do you send a note out to your database looking for someone who does business there? Or, do you engage with that person (who’s making the request) to find out what their needs are?

I will tell you that most people will just provide a name.  And, the reason they do this is because it is easier not to get engaged. I get it. However, what service would you want if you were on the receiving end of this request?

The funny part is there are lots of people who make this type of request that don’t even know the details themselves. It takes more effort to think what you want and then be willing to ask for it.  But, if the professional is engaged, then you can then help this person succeed.  In addition, every time we interact with someone, it is really an opportunity to showcase our talents.  What message are you choosing to send in these moments? You have a choice as to what you want to be seen as.

I have to believe if you help others succeed over and over and over again, then they are going to start to see you as integral to their success. This will result in increased business through referrals and introductions.  I know those are the kind of people I prefer to work with. I just want you to think about what I’m writing this week; and then see if there are some improvements you can make which will get you positioned as this type of individual in business.

This goes right back to making incremental improvements in your business. Clearly, I am a fan of this approach. If you agree with me, and you feel I would be a good person to work with no matter what we’re working on, then reach out to me. I have a feeling we will find ways to help each other.