The Right Tool at the Right Time

In November of 2009 my wife and I went on a trip to Africa to work at on orphanage. One of the things we did was build them some heavy-duty playground equipment. I brought all of the screws, nails, brackets, bolts, etc... you name it from the US over there. When we go there, I realized that they had tools, but everything were hand tools (screwdrivers, hand saws, etc...) NO POWER TOOLS. OK, I thought, at least I brought a hand drill that belonged to my grandpa, so it can't be that bad. Try using a flimsy African hand saw to cut through a 6"x4" treated wood post. It takes awhile.

Having the right tool makes life easy, when you know when and how to use it. More important than using the right tool at the right time is NOT using the wrong tool. It will simply lead you down a path of frustration to the point that you discredit the tool, even though it wasn't being used what it was meant for.


So, how does this effect you? One of the things I want to do is to make sure that you not only know the tools that Coldwell Banker Select offers, but also to show you when and how to use them. Each agent may use our tools a little different, but there are common instances as to when the tool is used and how it is used.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that there are agents in our company where 50% of their buyer side transactions come from HomeFacts leads? I looked at one and it wasn't that they said anything special or did something out of the ordinary, it was simply that they followed up on every lead they got. Pretty interesting huh?

Your Toolbox

Living on 13 acres affords me the opportunity to do lots of projects. In fact, I have my list of projects and my wife has hers (for me). Guess which one's get done first?

The basic steps I take before I start a project are to (1) Develop a plan, (2) Make sure I have the right tools, (3) Get my materials, (4) Lay it all out, and (5) Swing away. Now there are varying degrees of these steps depending on the project, but one of the things I ALWAYS know is the tools that I have in my toolbox.

In the real estate world, there are more tools available to you than you can shake a stick at. One of the things Coldwell Banker Select does is cut through all the "mess" of offers out there and provide the tools that either (1) make your life easier, (2) save you time and money, or (3) help you to grow your business. It's really that simple. There are a lot of tools that do not.

I've heard from many of you over the years about how our Select Living magazine, HomeFacts, CBTulsa, InTouch, HomeStaging, Internet Strategy, etc.... have helped make your life easier and helped you to make more money. Some of you aren't quite sure what all the tools we have are or if you know what they are, how they work. That's where I come in.

You will receive a weekly message from me with a Tool Time Tip of the Week. These messages will not only highlight a tool that we offer at Coldwell Banker Select, but also how to use that tool to help in your business. I hope these messages will educate and inspire you to be your best.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.