President's Perspective

Back to Business

By Doug McCloud
President

September seems to be the month when we get `back to business'. Don't misunderstand, I know many of you have been working 15 hour days, talking on three phones at the same time and juggling responsibilities in ways that would impress even the Cirque de Soleil acrobats.

But when the kids go back to school and vacations are over, our lives tend to get back to a more routine schedule. And I for one, find this rather comforting after the chaos and hubbub of the summer.

So as you plan your schedule for the next month, there's a couple items I'd like to bring to your attention...

First is the state Convention, September 11-14 right here in Columbus. It offers 12 hours of continuing education, a real estate Expo with 90 vendors, and some excellent networking opportunities. If you would like to register, visit www.OhioRealtors.org.

The feature of this magazine focuses on safety and what you can do to protect your self from harm. This business exposes us to high risk situations daily and our own personal safety is something each of us needs to takes more seriously. CBR is offering a personal safety seminar on September 16. The morning session focuses on preventing and avoiding criminal events and is approved for three hours of continuing education. The afternoon session will provide you the opportunity to physically practice some self defense tactics. See the flier inserted in this magazine for more info and to register. And, if you can't attend the September 16 seminar, please find time to take another self defense class. Your property can be replaced but you can't.

And while we're on protecting yourself, I'd like to again stress the importance of the NAR Action Center and how it will help us to protect our business from legislation that makes selling or buying property more complicated or more expensive. Just this summer, we've more than doubled the number of CBR members who are now registered on the NAR Action Center. But if you have not signed up, there's a flier inserted in this magazine that tells you how to sign up. It does not cost you a thing to sign up, but I guarantee it will save you money and make you money in the long run.