Two questions for you...
#1 - How often do you hear business professionals blast the media for the gloom-and-doom newsand criticize how the media is killing markets, such as real estate, auto, and stocks?
#2 - How often did you hear these same professionals give media praise and all the credit for helping fuel the prior boom in business?
I have long suggested that everyone, business professionals and consumers, should remember that the news headlines and even many stories are not really about the news story... it is about using news as a medium to attract attention. There is a difference. A big difference.
I also suggest that if you blame the media and economy as the reason your business deals are failing, does that mean the media and economy are the main reason you had prior success? What about your skills and experience as a business professional? Do they only work in "the good times?" Do you adapt, learn, adjust? Or just complain that the bad times are not your fault and act powerless?
Does the economy and public perception effect consumer behavior? Absolutely! But they do not control all business.
There are deals and sales being made every day. The economy has slowed... not stopped. The smart business people adapt, adjust and expect the economic cycles. They are painful at times but completely normal.
You and I cannot change basic economics and the normal cycles. But we can work professionally within these cycles.
I contend that professionals should be professionals in any economy. But not everyone embraces this. I considered this last Fall when I wrote Scare Clients Away! Whine About the Market (and show you are Not the Professional You Claim to Be)! I still believe this to be very true.
For those that are upset at the media, I submit that the media is doing what they have always done... they use headlines and bits of news to attract attention. Most media is not about the news, it is about the attention. And if you often complain about it, it shows the media is doing their job... you paid attention.
What is interesting is that the same approach by the media was actively used by professionals as "proof" during the boom for customers to buy and spend. Not many complaints about the media then, were there?
If you want to complain about the media now, keep this in mind... The media didn't change. You did.
Tell me I'm wrong.
Glenn, forget the media; although, I've been hearing/reading more positive news...we write the news--the positive news....!
Hi Glenn, As agents it is our job to inform our clients about what is happening in the real estate market. You might enjoy our recent blog post: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1037363/Good-News-Homes-are-Selling
I have read a few positive articles lately so maybe they ran out of negative things to say. =) You are right though, the negative agents aren't helping themselves or anyone else. Our broker takes every opportunity to cheer us on and keep us positive as well as providing things for us to do if we are not as busy as we have been in the past. Thanks for sharing! Everyone needs a kickstart sometimes.
Amanda, yes... we let the media be what it is and we are what we are. The smart consumers and businesses will find ways to make deals in any economy and undertand media plays its own role. Thanks! G
William, thanks for the link... yes, houses are selling. And have always been selling in many markets. And in all markets they will sell again. The cycles adjust when allowed to do so. Thanks! G
Jenn, you are right, the negative agents are not helping anyone, not even themselves. I theorize that these are the agents that need someone or something to blame. What they don't realize is it sounds like (to others) "The market changed and I don't know how to still do my job." But many of these folks are being purged for the industry (as they should be) and it is, in the long run, one of the weird benefits of a down cycle... the strong and professional survive with less clutter to confuse the clients. Thanks! G
The media is largely for the 'sheople' of the world. Stay positive, do a good business, and treat others with respect and honesty, and we'll probably do just fine.
We each have to work within the framework we have created. The media generalizes while we have to deal in specifics. That makes the news only a guide of what has happened but not our reality. There is a reality out there and the media is only one part of it.
Glenn: Thanks for the post! You are right. Last year was a tough one. I know my positive attitude got me through. Take care.
I recently posted about blame versus accountability. Demanding accountability and seeking the root cause of our (personal, business and government) failures allows us to put in place corrective action to become better people and create better business models.
Blame accomplishes nothing positive and feeds destructive behavior. The general public feeds off the negative and news media feed that addiction.
Thought provoking post. Thank you
Glen I agreee to a point, especially the whinning point, but as a professional I need to give good advice. If someone asks my opinion about prices going up anytime soon Im telling them NO I dont think they will.
There is a fineline between being positive and being a pollyannaish cheerleader, they are just as bad as the whinner.
Paul, positive, practical and realistic make for a healthy and professional world! Thanks for visiting! G
Mark, you make a great point as well.... about to go read your post on accountability. Thanks! G
Hi Scott, I agree 100%. The bogus cheerleading is awful too. "Professional" should reflect an experienced opinion and valid advice... not spin or false hope. Great point! G