With the New Year being a scant 32 days away, there soon will be talk of New's Year resolutions. It happens every year.
I have one that is part resolution request and part peeve elimination.
I think we can all do this, and I don't see why we have to wait another month. We can start now.
I'm talking about cleaning up the way we talk. Refuse to use words that scare, alarm, and unsettle our customers and potential customers (and even ourselves) - even if the media and the public are using them. Who knows, it may just catch on?
I recommend banning from our speech words like "crisis," "economic downturn," "tough times," "crunch," "recession," and similar words and expressions. The press loves to use them, and the recent political campaigns featured them.
I say enough. We're not going to see a real resurgence until we stop focusing on what has been and being more optimistic.
Sales are up in many markets. There is activity. Sellers are getting more realistic. It may not be as easy as it was a couple of years ago, but what's the fun in that anyway?
It's time for "Operation Positive-Speak." Join with me.
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Good points. I don't know what those words mean anyway. So I never use them. Happy New Year.
Kenneth,
I don't either since I don't use them. Now if we get more people who feel the same way. :)
Steve
Steve...
I have been thinking about my resolution (I always keep them) for this year and this one just might work! Thanks
Steve, you are so right. I know I have used those words without thinking of the ramifications. Hapy Holidays to you and yours!
Richard,
You are a very special person to be able to keep you New Year's resolutions - and you are influential as well. So adopting this will help more than you think. :)
Steve
Great post, Steve! Consider me onboard. I have felt this way for a long time that a good portion of this situation is media induced.
Edna,
They are such small words with huge overtones. Let's agree to eliminate them from our speech. Happy holidays to you. :)
Steve
Kris,
Thank you. Your participation is greatly appreciated. It's us versus them (media). :)
Steve
Great idea. It is all about attitude. and positive energy
You are absolutely right. I think the media will start to be more positive once the April 2009 numbers come out in late May or early June and they see that things are picking up again.
Anne,
OK. Thanks for the agreement and support. I feel a groundswell here. :)
Steve
I happily join operation positive speak! THanks for the reminders!!
Michael,
The election seemed to go the way many in the media wanted so the economy is the largest target for them to attack right now. I don't know that they'll ever be on-board with us. :)
Steve
Kristin,
Thank you. You're all signed up, now go out and spread the word. :)
Steve
Steve, It just makes too much sense. I'm on board for 2009. I've never been able to keep my lose 30 pound resolutions anyway.
Richard I.,
Thanks. You may not weigh any less, but you'll be happier and less stressed for it. :)
Steve
Steve ~ This post is short, but very insightful. When we continuously use and hear these words, they become embedded in our psyche! It is good to look at more positive words -- afterall there are some bright spots for everyone.
Steve - I'm with you. I just tell people what I've been doing lately - a recent closing, an accepted contract... - and they are pleasantly surprised. Keep it positive! :)
Steve, Great idea it is so easy to get caught up in the negativity in our world. I keep telling people if everyone would just turn off the TV we would all be better. The media is so focused on the negative that it has everyone running scared. Thanks for the great idea...I will put that at the top of my list.
Joan,
Thanks for your agreement and support. We can all do our little part and before long we will have made a huge impact. :)
Steve
Debi,
Just keep at it and let your actions speak for themselves. You'll make believers out of them. :)
Steve
Kathy,
Thank you. I don't think we can count on people turning off their TV or on the media relenting any, so we'll have to be the voice of reason. :)
Steve
I like it! I've really been working on this myself, consciously choosing more optimistic words to myself and to others.
Carol,
Glad to have you on-board. Just spread the word and remain optimistic. :)
Steve
That is a great New Years resolution, I think I will add it to my list. The more people refusing to sing that song of doom and gloom, the better. The accurate picture isn't nearly as gloomy.
Janna,
Thanks. Appreciate your interest and support. We will make a difference. :)
Steve
Hi Steve,
You can count me in for Operation Positive-Speak! I am also interested in turning off my TV...Enough with all the negative media! :)
Lourdes,
Consider yourself on-board. Extra credit for the TV. I often have mine off early. If there's no game on to watch there doesn't seem to be much else. :)
Steve
Great post - we have a list of words we never use. Got a few to add now to the list. We don't moan about problems. We offer solutions to problems. It does start with language. Often an issue or obstacle is introduced by an agent who speaks the language of "doom and gloom." I am all about setting realistic expectations in this market. However, if you are going to identify a problem, you need to offer a solution.
This is a wonderful resolution- one that I've been trying to spread and catch on through my office. It drives me nuts to hear people "dog" on our industry. Let's pick up the pieces and move on to better days ahead.
I don't want to sound like I am being overly optimistic to the point where I am being naive but I also want to be sure to include the REAL optimistic things going on in our market. I want to look for new solutions to fix the mess we are in.
NO MORE NEGATIVE SPEECH!! I think you're on to something, Steve! :)
Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer
The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle
Ryan,
Agree with you on all your points. How can someone who is down convince anyone that now is a good time to buy or sell? :)
Steve
Nicole,
Thank you. Now just continue to do your part to get the message out. :)
Steve
Personally, when I hear "crunch", I think Nestle. Agreed on the other terms. We can find better ways to still accurately convey the situation without the negative connotations.
John,
I like Nestle Crunch bars, too. There is so much out there that is contrived. The media wants us to feel bad so we'll listen to them more. :)
Steve
Hi Steve,
Operation-Positive Speak it is. From this point forward I and many others will be positive, talk positive, and think positive. Thanks for the boost
I love this post! I am so sick of this and that "plunging", "economic disaster", "why the US has gone broke", blah blah blah. Enough of it.