It was 10:30 this morning, and I sat at the table beside the podium. The room was nearly filled to capacity, and it was time for me to start my presentation. Lawrence, my M.C. announced, "Are there any empty seats?"
Hands would go up, and wandering guests would make their way to vacant chairs.
Three minutes later, I was ready to begin. But groups of people continued making their way inside the conference room.
By this point, there were no seats left, so guests stood along the periphery of the space. The convention center staff let me know that we were violating fire code, and only seated guests could stay.
I felt terrible as I saw so many disappointed and frustrated faces file out of the room. Lawrence then said, "I'm so sorry, but Myra will speak again at 9:00 a.m. Please come tomorrow morning." By my estimation, we had to turn away over 300 people.
So begins my talk at the California Association of Realtors annual conference.
My seminar was titled "Keys to Successful Negotiation."
As I stepped behind the podium, a combination of anticipation and anxiety surged through me. All tensions eased when I looked toward the front row and saw my friends, my husband, and my son seated near me to show their support. And I was ready.
I know that many at the CAR Conference this year--dare I say most?--are consumed with fear and all the doom and gloom that they read on-line and in the paper.
It's an attitude that I love to tackle. I was there to provide my take on the real estate biz, which is one where the skies are bright--there are a few clouds, but I always see the silver lining and the rainbow at the end of the storm.
It's a message that I've presented over and over. Most significantly in my book. But also through my blog, press releases, through talks with colleagues, and presentations like these.
You've got to remain optomistic, positive, and always see opportunities even in a downward market. The deals are out there, so make them happen.
This attitude has so much to do with why I love my work. My friends and family say that my enthusiasm is infectious. Today, I was glad to spread it around the packed room where I made my presentation.
After wards, I stood at my booth in the convention center and met those who attended my seminar. I shook hands, answered questions, and signed copies of my book.
I was inspired as so many people came up to me and said, "Myra, I'm a busy mom, and I could completely relate to your experiences." They were looking to me as an example of a housewife who decided to take the plunge and do something totally new. In the process she found a career beyond her wildest dreams.
Tomorrow morning I'll present again. I look forward to any opportunity to help my fellow Realtors to climb the ladder to success.
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