day one

1981.  My first day at my first real job. I had just gotten my MBA.  I was starting work in Gillette’s Personal Care Division.  I flew from Boston to New York and met my boss on a yacht.  It was the launch of Mink Difference Hairspray and the event was a glamorous one, as was my boss, and still friend, Gail.

Most first days aren’t quite as memorable.  I’ve had many jobs, and therefore many first days.  If I have a staff, I spend time with each person individually to learn what they do, their perception of what’s working and what isn’t.  In jobs where I’ve had no staff, I’ve usually been hired to do a project, and there, too, the parameters of the assignment are pretty clear.

But today’s day one is less defined.

I go into the office (love saying those words) and am assigned a desk.  The three women around me are friendly and helpful.  My computer is a PC. It’s been a long time since I’ve used one.  I feel clumsy and slow. I wish all PC’s could be replaced with Mac’s.

I am an independent contractor.  I have to develop my own business.  It will initially come from friends, family and colleagues.  I hope to find a niche and market to that niche.  I have some ideas.  Just need to figure out how to implement them.

Here are three interesting facts I’ve recently learned:

• Everyone has access to exactly the same real estate inventory.
• The seller pays the commission; the buyer pays nothing.
• Because I am working for Coldwell Banker Bellmarc, even if you are looking for a home in another state, I can refer you to a broker there (who doesn’t have to be with Coldwell Banker) and receive a referral fee.

I guess what I’m saying is this:  Please consider me for any of your real estate needs.  Or refer me to your friends or family if they are looking to buy or sell.  I even do rentals but there, the renter pays the commission, so a renter should look on their own first.  At least that’s the advice I’d give my son.

Okay.  I’m done with my little sales pitch.  I promise, this blog is not going to turn into a description of properties I’m selling.  Though I do hope you remember me and what I do when you or your friends or your kids are looking to buy, sell or rent apartments. 

Enough said.  Gotta start preparing for day two.