By Craig Witt

Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits…to that I say…resist! Keep the healthy habits and drop the unhealthy ones. We are off and running in 2011 and it is going to be a great year.

Craig Witt of EXIT Realty

The economy is recovering, attitudes are improving and we aren’t getting any younger. The time is now to take full advantage in improving your family, your career and yourself. Look hard at the things that didn’t work out so well and fix them, change is good and change is healthy. We live in the best country in the world with endless opportunity, and we happen to be in the greatest industry known to man. Under all is land. We are entrepreneurs, all of us, and our dedication and commitment to our profession is necessary. We are counted on and we count on each other to uphold the values of the Real Estate profession.

2011 must be a year of Participation and Contribution. It is imperative that we invest in ourselves in order to be of value to our customers and our company. A carpenter cannot function without his tools so he must buy saws, hammers, nails and everything he needs to get the job done. We are Realtors and we have to invest in ourselves to get the job done. It is so important to have training and personal improvement programs written into your business plan. No one knows it all, and the successful agents understand this; this is why I always see them at networking events, training seminars, state conventions and trade shows. This is not by accident, they are deliberately participating in these events to learn and outflank their competition. Are you participating enough in your profession? Are you investing in yourself and buying the tools you need to compete and stay current? I can guarantee you your competition is and if you do not, they will win.

Participation is an investment in your profession; it boldly states to everyone that you are involved and coachable. Contribution to your company is expressed while you are participating. Offer ideas and suggestions, help others, and provide positive words that can influence those around you. Attend your office meetings and be present while you are present. Put your phones away and pay attention. Lead by example and promote participation and contribution; you get by giving, everyone knows this.

I sincerely wish you all the best in 2011 and let’s all do our part to support and defend the wonderful profession of Real Estate we are part of.