2016 has been a big year for the Elite Agent Magazine team. Our chief editor, Samantha McLean, shares her key takeaways and experiences from the ride.
Every year in November, Oprah Winfrey writes a list of her favourite things, the ‘O list’ in Oprah Magazine. It’s the list of awesome things that she would like to get for Christmas that reflect the simple pleasures in life. On her list this year, I am loving the organic herb growing kits (although they would probably stand no chance in my house), the Bluetooth key finder and the Furry Friend’s gift bucket, even though I don’t have a dog, I wish I did every time I see a pic of someones cute dog on Facebook. (Kerry Holding and Luke McAuliffe I’m looking at both of you!)
I’m not Oprah, nor would I ever compare myself to her, but I am inspired by her. And so I give you the ‘S list’ – a list of my favourite things/moments from the rollercoaster ride that has been 2016.
Favourite quote
“Play the long game”– Tom Panos.
We say this in our office all the time now. What are you doing right now? Does it reflect the short game or the long game? If it’s the short game save time now and just switch lanes.
Favourite quick tip – from Sophie Lyon during Transform PM. A way to create a ‘wow’ moment for three bucks. When a prospective investor calls in to enquire about managing their property, casually ask them what sort of coffee they drink as the office is researching coffee habits of the community. Then when you visit them for the listing presentation take them their favourite coffee.
Favourite people – everyone involved in both rounds of Transform and our ‘Every Agent’ digital series; the coaches, the participants and sponsors. For the participants, I hope that what they have learned sets them up well for 2017 and beyond. And, a big thanks to the coaches for being there for everyone and sharing valuable knowledge.
While on the subject of favourite people I can’t leave out the EA team, and also my husband and my daughter who are the best and will always be my ‘why’.
Lightbulb moment – from Josh Phegan when he talked about potential and capacity during [sales] Transform earlier in the year. One of the takeaways for the Transform teams was about hiring a PA, but at that moment we also realised our business had more potential but not enough capacity. Cue office move and a couple of new team members.
Surprising moment – winning Business Magazine of the Year against the big publishers. Still pinching myself. Enough said. Fear conquered (almost) – getting up on stage at AREC for a short moment and ARPM for a much longer moment. I see why some folks enjoy speaking now, I loved sharing some of the things I’ve learned, but it’s pretty scary the first time.
Crazy cool moment – when Charles Tarbey picked up my acoustic guitar and started playing in the last stage of the Transform PM Amazing Race. He plays crazy good blues. He asked me to play him a song, and I managed to crank out a bad version of Brown Eyed Girl. Embarrassing, but still, I can now say I have jammed with the CEO of C21.
Glam moment – at the Eview 10th birthday bash and awards. It doesn’t get more fun than wondering who is ‘behind the mask’. And all the best to Eview for the next ten years, with such an amazing culture it’s easy to see why the group is growing so fast.
Favourite interview – hard to pick this one. Tom Panos, absolutely. Peter Knight from the UK – an incredible thought leader. Josh Altman – star factor so yes, include him. But the interview that really made me smile was with Craig, Darren and Ben, the associate ‘dream team’. Coincidentally we met Darren and Ben at the Josh Altman event; they were winners of our competition to meet the Altmans. If these impressive young men represent the future of the industry, it’s a good thing.
Funny moment – when Jet Xavier said in [sales] Transform that if it’s the telephone that scares them, they needed to chain themselves to it and call people until they were no longer scared. And then, he offered to chain himself to them as well. We all thought he was joking…but then the looks on the faces of the super six were confused when they realised he was serious.
WOW Moment – putting the VR goggles on at REA and walking the plank between two skyscrapers, which was so real it was scary. Thank goodness for Luke at REA who was kind enough to hold my hand to get across. It made me see why VR is going to be such a big part of our real estate lives in the future.
… and well… now let’s just say the ‘S list’ could probably fill a whole magazine – if I were to keep going, but I will hold it there – for now.
Once again, we thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I hope you all get some good time out over Christmas to spend with your loved ones, and that you have an absolutely brilliant 2017.
View our wrap-up video for 2016 here.
