Yes, that Terry Watson. The fantastic speaker who can make any subject come alive was a feature of yesterday's Maryland Association of Realtor's conference in Ocean City. Thanks to my friend, Anne Hruby, I had a front-row seat for his class, "At Home With Diversity" in which he talked about different cultures and how important it is to know about them for any Realtor®. For instance, did you know that for most Asians, the number 4 relates to death? All my listings have prices that end in "944" (read here for why). (Once had an Asian seller who would not let me use "my" number so in that case we used "988."
Terry had so much good information for us, such as how underused www.Realtor.org is by most agents. Check the library, Field Guide and ProQuest, and you'll see that there are many magazines and newspapers available free for our use, including things like the Wall Street Journal that usually require a paid subscription. What a resource!
He also talked about having a content-rich website like Alice Held's Arizona Real Estate and Relocation Guide. Alice is a CyberStar®, and has a website that explains to buyers and sellers..what happens next in a transaciton and explains how to negotiate.
Terry also suggests that we include two to three books on negotiation in our reading every year. "In business as in life, it's not what you deserve, it's what you negotiate." He points out that you can take a $2,000 course or buy this book for less than $10 on Amazon! Terry has an extensive recommended reading list on his website that's worth taking a look. While you're at it, consider Rosetta Stone software to help you learn another language, another thing Terry recommends.
So where is the surprise in all this? Well about 10 minutes into the session Terry announced "Will Margaret Rome please stand up? This was in front of a packed conference room. When I stood up, he told the audience that it was my birthday.
He led the group of several hundred in singing "Happy Birthday" and then presented a gorgeous bouquet of magnificent flowers from my family and friends. My wonderful and thoughtful daughter Erica www.EricaRome.com had planned this surprise with the help of these special friends Anne Hruby, Gail Harris and Peg Silloway.
Thank you Lee, Erica, Chet, Kathy, Kim, Kyle,Sarah, Anne,Gail, Margie and Peg. And thank you, Terry Watson, for making my birthday very special!
Note: Terry got a well deserved, standing ovation for his presentation
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Margaret - Happy Birthday and what a surprise that must have been. I have to come back and check out the links. May all your birthday wishes come true.
that erica, she's so sneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaky.
also, the flowers should say "love, sarah" on them too. she helped, being that i don't know anything about flowers.
see you back in reality tomorrow. i think you got lipstick in the mail.
Happy Birthday Margaret!
What a wonderful surprise!
Margaret - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What a nice surprise from your friends and daughter. I can't think of a better way to spend the day than listening to Terry. He's AWESOME
Terry Watson is awesome and his message is always high energy
He is very dynamic., I have seen him before!
Happy Birthday, Margaret! Hope the rest of the day was as wonderful as your surprise. Terry taught REBAC's eBuyer class here a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. Didn't know about the library; I'll be spending a little online time there now.
Margaret, I was waiting for your recap and you did not disappoint. Terry is a sweetie for recognizing you. And Happy Birthday to you Margaret on that special day you just had!!
What a neat surprise, Margaret, and belated Happy Birthday. I saw Terry only once and wasd incredibly impressed - he is so dynamic and informative, and entertaining as well.
Jeff
Happy Birthday Margaret, and thank you for the great post and links. The recommended reading link is like a chocolate milkshake early in the morning... delicious!
Wasn't Terry wonderful. You were right, no matter what the subject, Terry has it. I suggest if anyone has an opportunity to hear Terry that you not miss it.
We had a grand time and great event it was.
Happy Birthday, Margaret and I wish you many more.
PS..thanks for sharing so much time and offering so much support to me and everyone. You're the BEST. There isn't anyone better in this business that I know. :-) Gail
I knew I liked you Margaret. Another Virgo (just like me). Sorry we didn't hook up at the convention. I did not get the opportunity to hear Terry Watson. That old real estate thing took me over yesterday. Best from the beach!
wow what a nice surprise.....Happy Birthday Margaret :)
Hi Margaret,
It was such a pleasure to be able to do something special for you. You are always willing to help others in any way you can. It is amazing how many lives you have touched in such a positive way. You have the respect, admiration and love of so many people and we each feel privileged to be a small part of your life.
Terry was thrilled to be a part of the plan and he did such a great presentation, which is no surprise! And, Terry can make any educational subject matter exciting and informative. Hey, everyone reading this who have not seen and heard Terry Watson give ANY presentation, put it on your list of "Have to's"!
Anne
Getting back from my own party a bit late. Terry was really entertaining while sharing some good information.
Petra, Sally,Mary,Sam,Chris,John,Gary and Jeff ....thank you all for your comments and good wishes.
Susie, Wonderful comment and you know I love chocolate.
Monica, Wish we could have connected at the beach.
Kathy, Thanks for the good wishes
Gail, So glad I "twisted" your arm, "making" you come to Terry's session, How long did you guys plan this wonderful surprise? Had a great time and loved spending time with you. Anybody recognize these these little tootsies?
Anne, It was so much fun driving with you and Margie 'down the ocean' and back. You always know just the right thing to say to make everyone feel so special...and I can say the same things about you "You are always willing to help others in any way you can. It is amazing how many lives you have touched in such a positive way. You have the respect, admiration and love of so many people and we each feel privileged to be a small part of your life.
Margaret- OMG that was YOU that we sang happy birthday too? I didnt catch the last name when he did that so I had no idea. Terry was awesome. This was my first time hearing him speak and he is outstanding to say the least. I understand from others there that he has his own 'following' and I can see why.
Martha, That was me and I wish we could have met. Was thinking about asking if there were any Active Rainers in the audience but didn't want to steal any of Terry's thunder. Try googling Terry to see how really big a following he has.
Margaret - What a thoughtful daughter you have!! I hope my daughter becomes thoughtful someday . .she is a 17 right now . . .enough said? LOL
Tami, Thanks for stopping by. Daughters are full of surprises. You will get through the teens and it goes by fast.
Hi Margaret, I was googling Terry Watson and this post came up. We were there and witnessed the event. That was a lovely thing for your daughter to do for you. And Terry was such a great way to get continuing ed credits, he was so entertaining we really enjoyed the session.
Hi Maggie, Glad you were there to hear Terry. Thanks for taking time to comment.