"
I'm a writer", I say. Looking them straight in the eye...Not batting a false eyelash.
Suddenly, the semi-bored face at the party focuses on me for a better look.
Really? That's INTERESTING!
It's like Moses had parted the waters and people take notice. If I had said I was a Realtor I would have gotten the blank stare off in the distance as they calculate how many 100's of people they know that is a Realtor.
Suddenly, at this party I am someone who may be" famous" Shhhh!...shut your mouth!
They lean closer now...hanging on my every word.
What do you write about?
"Real estate and Central Kentucky stories on events and interesting faces and places".
Wow! That's great. Where do you write these stories?
"In a blog and on Localism", I explain
It went on longer than this but you get the point. The shift from Realtor to writer was just a slip of the tongue. Spoken to some new person that had no idea who I might be at a Christmas party. I have to admit it even surprised me. Over the years I have re-invented myself over and over. All it required was to say it and it became real. In my mind I am a writer. The new coat feels GOOD!
OHhhh...I'll still be a Realtor. I have to pay my bills. What I know is that every thought creates and I am constantly revamping and improving me. Who I choose to be. Now a writer. It sounds good to me right now...
Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.
Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.
See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.
I have not said that I am a writer. Especially when I am taking picutures:-). I explain that I am a REALTOR that publishes to the Internet in an attempt to give "slice of life", a REal feeling of what its like to live here. Then I ask if I may have permission to include them in a photo. I hand them my card which also includes timeless photos of our area and ask if they would like for me to email them the photos. Then, to my amusement, I see a look of comprehension-like putting 2 and 2 together, several of my new Pier Pals then say, Oh, you're a journalist, and my other favorite--Ohhh, you're an artist. Don't ya love people?
I haven't put business on the books this way, but I have a good time, I know my community better, and the people I meet seem to enjoy the encounter. Then, of course the result is Localism photos or blogs which do help to establish us as neighborhood experts, and minimally as REALTORS that care about what's going on in the community.
I think I'll have to try it. Back when I was a photographer, I was at a party talking to a friend about shooting people in a local park. I had a ditz ask me what I did... seriously?
I told her I was a contract killer...
To take it a step further, you could register a domain name (even if you just "point it" to your AR blog) to show them where you are published. Put the domain name on a card to hand out. They will certainly check out your blog and might even like it enough to tell others about the famous writer they just met! :-)
Deborah - That's really fun to do it that way. I took my girlfriend with me to interview townsfolk in Midway. We called ourselves the "Blonde Roving Reporters".
Suzi - Yeah...isn't it fun to confuse them? I finally got tired of all the explaining. Realtor/Artist/Designer/Writer/Chanel's mommie/Blah. It was turning into a mess!!!!
Lane - Contract killer is a great one. I will have to remember that.
Nick - Hmmm...that's an excellent idea! Thanks!
Darleen - See how easy it is for you? You are already there!
Sally- I plan to keep stirring the pot and mixing it all up till it is perfect!
Carole - We both have come a long way in a short time. It just gets better and better! Have a wonderful holiday!
Julie - The hats keep on coming! I think we always reinvent ourselves. It's like haircolor!
Gary - It was really eyeopening to see how interested they became when I told them I was a writer.
Lizette, too funny! I wonder what has them glazing over when we say "Realtor"...that there are so many of us out there? Or so many B-A-D ones?
-Colleen
Hum, maybe I should take on that title for a while since I am trying to make a transition from a L.O. to a .....oops cannot let that one out yet. But will let you know when I can. LOL....
Love your blog post here, and I see nothing wrong with how your presenting yourself in your profession. Nothing at all wrong. Wishing you the best 2008 also, take care.
Sharon - It's fun to try on a new hat every now and then. I have worn many different ones. Change is good(for me).
Teri -That's very true. I was introduced by a friend at the same party as a Realtor. the first thing out of their mouth was how bad things were. Yuck! I'd rather say I was a writer!
Deborah - that was really a fun day as reporters. WE will have to do it again.
Colleen - I think both answers are right.
Gary- Hmmm...hybrid is a bit strange...but whatever! lol
Bob - I can't wait to see who you will be next! Change is good! 2008 is going to be your best year!
Norma - Wow! Thanks for the compliment! I really appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful 2008!
There is no doubt you can do anything you decide on. You definitely have the knack for writing. I will be in line at the first book signing! 08 will be great!
From what I've seen, you're not only a writer, but an artist who just happens to make a living selling real estate.
Good for you!
Connie - You sweet thang! I'd have you along on the tour! We'd have a great time hanging out together!
Erby, Now EVERYONE will know my creative secret! Shhhhhh! You have turned into quite a famous writer too!