Local ATX Living!: September 2009

Austin City Limits Music Festival Rocks Austin! 

The fall season brings enjoy to many Austinites for a variety of reasons.  The students at the University of Texas and St. Edwards return for the start of a new school year.  College and NFL football is back.  The consecutive 100 degree days are drawing near an end.  All of these make living in Austin a magical place. However, my personal favorite has to be the Austin City Limits Music Festival. 

Don’t get me wrong – I love football.  Watching the Longhorns play on Saturdays quenches a thirst I lack during the spring and summer.  However, I do look forward to the first bye weekend during the Longhorns’ schedule.  It marks the annual return of the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  For three glorious days, patrons from across this wonderful earth embark to the friendly confines of Austin, TX.  We local citizens relish in our title of the “Live Music Capital of the World”, and welcome such travelers with open hearts. 

There is something uniquely special about the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Zilker Park, a tranquil openness centered in the heart of downtown Austin, comes alive the week before.  Stages erect; workers mill about like ants on a hill – creating in a matter of days a microcosm of musical bliss!  I am always amazing of how quickly the parks transforms into a lush music venue. 

Even as I write this post, I can feel the excitement building within.  There is a nervous anticipation amongst festival goers as the Austin City Limits Music Festival approaches.  The music is always top notch ranging from every genre imaginable.  What else I love is the many different walks of life you seen wandering through Zilker Park - waiting for their next favorite act to play.  Like most things in Austin, the festival is enjoyed by those of all ages.  It’s not just about the music either – arts vendors fill a large section of the grounds with unique and peculiar displays.  And let’s not forget about the food – Stubbs BBQ (enough said)!  In my mind, the festival is a metaphor of what kind of place Austin is and why we love it.      

As soon as it arrives, the festival is complete.  However, it will not be a sad passing.  Rather, it is 3 memorable days filled of experiences – great music with friends and strangers alike.  The best part of all… Austin City Limits Music Festival will be back again next year!  I hope to see you out there!!!

One of the first things anyone who gets into real estate learns is to leverage their sphere of influence.  It feeds any successful real estate practice.  Every professional speaker, book on tape, and webinar echo the same common theme:  people want to do business with those they know, like and trust.  They all say this because it’s the truth.  Simple logic really – making the single largest financial commitment of one’s life should involve a professional with the above mentioned qualities. 

Why then am I still reluctant to embrace my sphere of influence?  I’ve talked myself out of it time after time.  I don’t want to be “that guy” or “they’ll see right through me.”  Etc, etc, etc.  Don’t get me wrong – I’ve done a good amount of business with friends.  But the reality… it is not nearly as much as I’d like.  But I know what’s really happening here.  It’s “fear” of the sphere. 

What is most surprising is this fear is not based in rejection or what my peers may think of me.  The reality:  I have not worked hard enough to overcome my reluctance in approaching them.  Rather, I have made the decision for these individuals.  I’ve internalized this fear without giving them the opportunity to make their own conclusion.  And that is wrong.  

The lesson I am learning is that it’s not about me.  The only reason we do what we do is to help improve the lives of others.  I want to help my friends, family, and neighbors make the best decisions when it comes to their real estate needs (who wouldn’t!?!).  It’s my obligation.  Change is in the air… and I am excited!

As always, you thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

I have been comtemplating my "Rainmaker" status for a month or two.  We've had a drought in Austin, TX all summer and saying it's "bone dry" is an understatement.  Well, now it has been raining all day and I decided to get off the fence (taking my own advice... I've been telling it to buyers for months and months - time to do it myself!).  

What better way to kick off my ActiveRain blog than on a rainy day!?!  I'm looking forward to a long, meaningful existence in the "Rain" community.  I have already benefited from the contributions of other members.  I am ready to learn more and give as much as I can!  

The business of real estate, whatever your role or profession, is rewarding in more ways that I could have realized.  I "found my way" into the business as I neared graduating from college (a friend talked me into getting my license when I had a change of heart about law school).  I tell him I'm in his debt everytime I see him.  I've worked on difficult transactions early in my career.  The ones where people tell you... "it's a great learning experience" (they also make you want to crawl under a rock and hide!).  But the gratitude I receive from my clients is what has kept me in the business during these difficult times.  I look forward to what lies further down the line.

As Willie Nelson might say... the hardest part of writing a blog is the first entry.  Well, now that's over!