November 2002 - Guest Editorial

Making your organization
Making yourself... Big & Strong!

 

 

by Sandy Schupp

Do you remember when your Mom said, “ Eat all your vegetables? They will make you big and strong?”

As a well-respected Board of Realtors®, looked at for guidance, and how we make it stable and productive, by smaller and bigger boards throughout the country, we the Directors of your Board, elected by you, need your help. Become INVOLVED and you will learn how to keep the Columbus Board of Realtors® - BIG and STRONG.

Those of us who have been involved for 15 or so years would like to pat all of you on the back for sustaining a “job well done”. BUT, in order to do that we need to see your voluntary involvement in the Board.

Like any successful business, it's the little things that create the big picture. Being a committee person, then a committee chair then moving to another committee to learn that piece of the puzzle. During this time, you meet your fellow Realtors® — those who hopefully will ell your listing or give you their insight on how or what makes their job a little easier.

This VOLUNTEER TIME IS PRICELESS. You grow as a person, learning management skills. Just knowing that giving back to your chosen occupation increases your knowledge of why your Board of Directors make the decisions they do. It's not just for a chosen few, little or big companies, it's what will work for the organization as a whole.

I have never regretted the volunteer time I have given to this group. It bothers me that people say they don't have the time to give; they have a living to make. Well, it is possible to do both. It takes organization, commitment and figuring out in your own mind a way to become involved and make a wonderful living.

Do you want a hired outsider running your business? Then you will have to commit to becoming a volunteer. We need your PRICELESS, FREE, VOLUNTEER TIME. Your fellow Realtors® need you and YOU need to have a direct finger in your future.

An industry credit, either being on a committee or holding an office in your local Realtor® association, is a small price to pay if future leadership is being developed. Over these past 22 years, I find it hard to tell you what is more important to me…Rookie of the Year from my company, HER, Salesperson of the Year from the CBR, President of the Columbus Chapter of WCR, admittance to NAR's Omega Tau Rho fraternity, or my 25 Million Dollar award from CBR, all received from making the commitment to my profession.

I wish this on you and hope to say to you, I remember when you were just a rookie!