MLS Top Producer 2011 - Thank You!!!!

Friends, Referrals, Hard Work, Hustle & Amanda!
Given that the end of January looms, if I'm going to do it, I need to go ahead and report that thanks to friends, referrals, hustle, and a great partner (Amanda Q. Payne)... this dink blogger once again finished a year as the Midland's Top Producing Realtor, per CMLS. I have to admit, it's humbling to receive congratulatory texts and emails from colleagues and friendly competitors from around our state and industry. Pretty motivating, too

Honestly, the feeling is a little different from last year. Last year was a gigantic personal feat. Really and truly, I never thought being in the position was an option. Like all professions, competing with 20, 30, and 40-year veterans features a certain degree of respect and admiration. Fast forward to today, and the label feels more like pressure than relief. Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered beyond words and humbled more than the keyboard in front of me can convey but it still brings some pressure (maybe that's an ulcer....I dunno). That said, I'm proud and feel compelled to keep raising the (our) bar.

This may seem a little odd, but since we're enjoying the same perspective as 2010, I'm going to take the easy way out and copy last year's thoughts (see below). After all, it's pretty much spot on as it pertains to 2011.

Thank you, friends! FJ

Of Almost 2,000 Members, Proud To Be On The List
As the first week of 2011 progresses, I'm humbled to receive congratulatory phone calls from fellow Realtors, lenders and closing attorneys. After a busy year of networking, marketing and pretty much hustling our tails off, I'm proud to announce that MLS has posted numbers that reflect that this dinky blogger is the top producing residential re-sale Realtor in the Midlands. Exhale...

When I entered this profession, I sent a postcard and an email stating something to the effect of, "As in most sales careers, success will largely depend on friends and referrals..." Fast forward five or six years, I've never written a truer statement.

While the year was lined up to be a big one from the beginning, the single greatest event of 2010 was Amanda Q. Payne joining Coldwell Banker United, Realtors in April. Amanda is a flat out producer, and made the office exponentially more fun. We're a great fit.

There are some big real estate teams in South Carolina, and the Midlands for that matter. Some big production teams are five and 10 people deep. That said, I'm probably most proud of the fact that the we, along with a new mom/work from home Team Manager (Amy Ackerman Cartin), have posted such numbers.

I've touted for a while now that we're the best real estate network in South Carolina. As we all read and constantly hear about the doom and gloom real estate market and world's financial climate, we grind every day to find a way to make things happen.

Now, as always, it's time to do what we do best. Network, Grind & Produce