What’s it all about, Alfie? The line of that song came to mind after Jim and I had a discussion about our real estate business. I had been cleaning house because we were having guests that evening. Now, mind you, I don’t clean house just because company is coming, but it is definitely a motivating factor. These guests are the same friends that, when I was about to enter their home, I could hear her holler in the background; “hold her off, I have one more window to clean”! It was said in jest, I knew, but somehow I also knew that we work a little harder to tidy our surroundings when we know there will be viewers. My thoughts aren’t going where you would guess—because staging a property for sale involves this whole process—my conversation with Jim went like this: “If I had a really successful business I would have somebody else sweating to clean this place!” That’s when I was brought back to real life. Very patiently Jim reminded me of my business goals. It was never to have a huge business. I have a successful real estate business because I made choices to cherish each and every one of my clients. Who they are as individuals, their needs and goals. No one is a number on my chart of yearly transactions. I am their consultant and advisor. But I am not their buddy. (That might come later!)

So, what’s it all about? We have made decisions and choices in life. I have a trusting relationship with each client. If I don’t trust them, they aren’t my client. They make the same choices. It’s about being satisfied at the end of the day that I have served someone’s needs. I earn my living this way.