The World of Commercial Real Estate According to @BCCommercial: June 2010

My colleague, Andy Crawford just listed a fantastic small studio in the heart of the borough of Historic Kennett Square. If you are familiar with the exquisite art strolls that we have regularly, then you know all about the Brush and Palette. This was many a Saturday morning destination for me and my daughter as we would browse through town.

The wonderful thing about Kennett Square is its diversity. Not a mingling of ingredients such as chicken soup, but a spicy gazpacho, full of flavor and vigor. Our art emulates this. The Kennett Square/Chadds Ford area is well known for our unique and famous artist neighbors, such as Andrew Wyeth himself. First Friday Art Strolls are an absolutely wonderful way to shed the stress of the work week and take in the creativity and beauty while getting to know our community.

The first Friday of each month, the shops and galleries of Kennett Square stay open later so you can stroll the town and enjoy their friendly hospitality. Some have artisan demonstrations, special exhibits, local culinary specialties and great music. It celebrates the small-town experience, with a feel and spirit you can't get at a shopping mall.

The days remaing for First Friday Art Stroll 2010 are:

July 9
August 6: Murder Mystery
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 3

The Brush & Palette is your one stop destination for custom framing, original artwork, prints, jewelry, and many other unique art pieces. They welcome the experienced as well as the inexperienced to enjoy, create and personalize their art collection and framing experience.

This brings me to Andy's new listing: 123 E State Street, Suite B. This is the two-room plus lavatory commercial space adjacent to the Brush and Palette in the rear of the building. There is convenient on-site parking for 6 cars. The public parking garage is within walking distance, and there are fantastic luncheon spots nearby for off-site meetings and client entertaining. This studio would make a great professional office with reception area, artist studio or consultant/designer studio.

It is currently offered for lease and is available immediately. Secure your place within a thriving, creative and successful community. Call us today for information at 610.444.7770.

I wanted to take a moment to expand on my last blog post regarding goal-setting and motivation. Have you ever been on a diet? Did it work for you? Why or why not?

Most diets don't work because we automatically concentrate on "you can't have this" or "don't eat that" and those negative thoughts end up self-sabotaging our efforts. Unfortunately, we can also be guilty of this in our real estate businesses as well. You are what you THINK.

If I told you not to think of a purple elephant, what would be the first thing that came to your mind? Enough said.

We need to think about our success and what we want it to look like. Getting our mind wrapped up in those completed goals that we have set for ourselves and allowing them to deeply permeate our sub-conscious mind will be a great source of strength to achieve them. That's leverage.

Think about the number one passion in your life. It may be your spouse, your family, your faith, your hobby or even your favorite sports team. That passion drives you. It is always at the forefront, always at the top of the priority list. Why? Because it is a deep-seated drive tied to emotions and mindsets that can't easily be shaken.

If we impart some of our energy into taking time to doing a little "thought maintenance", clean out what doesn't belong and is just bogging us down and focus on positive, real results, we will become more successful. If you are going about your real estate business like people do "fad diets", you will crash and burn. The baggage that I speak of is the energy spent on things that don't work. Momentary enthusiasm is no substitute for motivated, organized and driven energy that lasts because it is part of WHO YOU ARE.

What motivates you to do what you do? Why Real Estate? Is it the money? Is it the flexible schedule? Is it the "working for myself" concept? Are you the person that thrives in an environment of working closely with new people everyday? Do you enjoy helping others?

We all wake up in the morning because we are motivated by something. For some,there are multiple elements. That is a GOOD thing. Single-mindedness can be self-destructive, particularly in the motivation category. With the ups and downs of the Real Estate Industry as a whole and especially the Commercial Real Estate Industry recently, we need to be balanced in our motivations. Those who are driven by solely financials are inevitably extremely frustrated in their career in tough times.

How do we avoid this? The first step is self-evaluation. What is my motivation? Do I need to make changes in my mindset and broaden my thinking? Karen Feltman of Skogman Realty had a fantastic blog post recently entitled "Are Part-Time Agents Killing Our Industry?" The issue was not a time-constraint, however a mindset, a motivation. There are plently of "Real Estate Dabblers". We all know who they are. They tend to lean on others and require a lot of "hand-holding" when the Big Deal finally comes through. Don't let those individuals affect your attitude. Your energy is YOURS...don't let anyone else take it away from you without good, positive reasons and avenues.

When one well is dry, we must have others to draw from. In order to be fulfilled in our careers, (which are a very significant portion of our lives), we must consider other positive dynamics that can continue to replenish that energy that propels us for success. Look at all the positive in what you do. What are your strengths? Are they shining to their fullest potential? What are your weaknesses? Make determined decisions to improve on the great person you already are.

Goal-Setting is a somewhat "lost art" in today's world. If I asked you today, "Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?" what would be your response? Thus, the importance of personal and professional goals. It is essential that you set TANGIBLE goals for yourself, both immediate and long-term. Please don't focus on financials alone. Include goals that will help you become more passionate about your business, more focused, effective and truly happy and fulfilled in your career.

We maintain our cars, our homes, our personal appearances and our bank accounts. However, we tend to neglect a very important aspect of our lives, our inner-self. Reflection, goal setting and re-focusing will be keys to success on both personal and professional levels.

Wishing you all the best for continuous success and happiness in your business!