2008: The Year of the Woman

In a recent interview, the host asked me to reflect on this benchmark year for women in power. Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin nearly made it to the White House, Michelle Obama is the first African American First Lady, and Caroline Kennedy is a potential U.S. Senator representing New York.

Woman are accomplishing more than ever. We’re running companies, we’re leading the nation, and many of us are making lots of money. At the same time, we’re still required to be mothers, wives, and daughters.

Information is traveling at the speed of light. Literally. My clients have comparables, real estate legal matters, and information about me available to them a mouse click away or with a few taps on their iPhones.

For professionals moms the pressure is immense. We have both the demands of a competitive and ever changing workplace, combined with our duty as life givers to our children.

We women are being stretched farther than ever before.

So yes, it’s an amazing time for women. In fact, I’m awestruck at the collective accomplishments we've made just this year. In my own family, I’m proud of my daughter’s success as a doctor, wife, and mother, and I see a bright future for my young granddaughter.

At the same time, the increase in opportunity doesn’t translate into a decrease in obligation in regards to the roles we’ve maintained for generations. We still bare children, nurture them, and are called mommy—a 24-hour, year 'round job whose requirements I don’t see diminishing any time soon.

As a motivated moms, we’re asking ourselves the following question: How do we advance our careers while maintaining our commitment to family?

With each opportunity that opens up to us, with each glass ceiling that is shattered, the question becomes more challenging to answer. And it’s one that I shall explore in the coming months.

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When Times are Tough, Surround Yourself with Beautiful Things

Over the past couple of months, radio and TV interviewers have asked me questions along two lines:

1. How do you succeed in the real estate business?
2. How do you keep your head above water during difficult times?

In my blog, I’ve addressed and will continue to address question one.

Today, I’ll share my thoughts on the second question.

Keeping your head above water during difficult times is simple. Not easy. But simple. You’ve got to commit an immense amount of time to organization.

First, maintain a tight calendar that guides you. At the same, your schedule must be flexible enough to accommodate the unexpected. The unplanned will arise, and the more organized you are, the better prepared you’ll be to address urgent matters. Second, keep your desk neat and your files in order.

Ready for the real challenge? Staying organized and enjoying yourself. This is particularly difficult during the holidays.

You’re hosting and attending parties, buying gifts, and spending time with family and friends. Add to that full-time work. It’s no wonder why so many of us take a deep breath at Thanksgiving and exhale after New Years. As a result, once the holidays are over you may feel like you need a vacation.

Always Remember to Take Care of Yourself

One way that I find relief during the winter frenzy is to surround myself with beautiful things.

I recall when I returned from the hospital after surgery a couple of months ago. My doctor insisted on bed rest.

Anyone who knows me can verify the fact that sitting still is the ultimate punishment for me. I’m always on the go. It’s part of being a mom, wife, and professional.

Multi-tasking is a skill that’s created enormous success in my life. The downside is that it’s habit-forming, which makes it nearly impossible for me to turn off the switch.

During my time at home, when the doctor said that I had to relax, I made sure that my environment helped me to do so. I surrounded myself with flowers that friends and family brought me. I indulged in Edelweiss chocolates that a girlfriend sent me, and I looked at the artwork on the walls.

What Brings Your Comfort?

Flowers, candy, and artwork bring a smile to my face. Invest in what makes you happy. And it doesn’t have to be expensive.

It’s easy to forget how important it is to treat yourself during this season of giving to others. But it’s so very important to do. After all, the holidays should be fun for everyone, including you.

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Myra & Saeed at the annual Nourmand & Associates office holiday party.

Holiday Office Party 2008
Originally uploaded by myranourmand

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Holiday Office Party 2008

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Myra & Joyce Azria

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Myra & Saeed

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Don Greene waits in omelette bar line.

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Branden Willams waits in omelette bar line.

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Libby and Norm Shapiro

Holiday Office Party 2008
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Holiday Party 2008

Yesterday, we hosted our annual holiday party at the Beverly Hills office. Prior to the celebration, I had a radio interview. The holidays are a test of one's time management skills, and I provided listeners tips on how to stay organized and keep their heads above water.

At the office, agents, brokers, friends, and family spent their lunchtimes with us. We dedicated three spaces for food. In one room there were desserts and assorted pastries. In the kitchen space we had fruit platters, drinks, and bagels.

It's December in Los Angeles, so we had to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Outside, in the patio, we had an omelet bar. Guests could select from a wide range of fillings and create their own concoctions.

I had an opportunity to catch up and chat with my colleagues. But it was quickly back to work. Tough economic times have created very challenging circumstances in the real estate business. This has been particularly true over the past two months. I spent most of the afternoon in conference calls, speaking with business managers, and working with my clients.

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Borders Book Signing 2008

IMG_1724
Originally uploaded by myranourmand

Addressing an audience at Borders, Century City.

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Borders Book Signing 2008

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Originally uploaded by myranourmand

More photos from my book signing at Borders, Century City.

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Magazine Interview

This afternoon, Scott Seckel, Editorial Director of Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine interviewed me.
He asked me how to represent buyers during these difficult times in real estate. My answer was that you use methods that transcend market conditions.

Limit the Homes You Plan to See

I see beginners make this mistake all the time. They're eager to show their clients as many homes as possible in a day. After seeing 7 homes, the buyer is confused. She doesn't recall the details of each listing and why she prefers one over the other.

Another mistake that novices make is that they'll stick to a timetable at the expense of possibly closing a sale. A buyer will show interest in a home. He'll stand in the middle of the room and imagine what the space would look like furnished with his belongings. He'll sit on the sofa and think about what it would feel like to return to this place after a long day at work.

Rather than allow the buyer to enjoy the moment, his agent will interrupt his reverie and say something like, "Are you ready to see the next listing?" And whisk the client off.

Listen, Watch and Understand

You've got to watch your clients and realize when they are taking interest in a home. Then allow them to spend whatever amount of time they need. Don't ruin the moment because you want to adhere to the schedule of listings. This could end the chances of closing a deal.

When you limit the number of homes clients see, they can recall the details of specific listings. Don't forget to listen to your clients as they walk through a home. What are their comments? What questions do they ask? Next, observe their actions. Are they smiling? Do they look relaxed? Or are they uncomfortable?

Use your observations to determine what homes will best match their personalities.

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