Though every real estate<\/a> professional needs business acumen, sales skills, and market savvy to be successful, a well-rounded practitioner also shows deep humility, gratitude, and care for their fellow neighbors. While much of last week\u2019s REALTORS\u00ae Conference & Expo in Chicago was focused on ways to capture more clients and make more money, there were also inspirational sessions intended to tap into personal strength and a spirit of servitude. These motivational moments will help you remember what this business is really about: celebrating the lives that make up your community.<\/p>\n 5 Ways to Be a Better Neighbor<\/strong><\/p>\n REALTOR\u00ae Magazine\u2019s 2017 Good Neighbor Award winners may go further than most to make a brighter, happier future for their communities, but you don\u2019t have to be a philanthropic leader to emulate their generosity where you live. These five extraordinary REALTORS\u00ae imparted simple lessons anyone can use to improve the lives of people around them.<\/p>\n Phelps Opens Up About Goal-Setting, Mental Health<\/strong><\/p>\n In an interview with 2018 NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall during the General Session, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, talked about overcoming\u00a0his struggles with drugs and depression. So what can real estate professionals take from his experience? \u201cAt the end of the day, you\u2019re the only person who\u2019s holding you back,\u201d he said, adding that you must take responsibility for both the wins and losses in your business and life.<\/p>\n Buffini: \u2018Immigrant Edge\u2019 in Real Estate Pros\u2019 DNA<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone has someone in their ancestry who risked everything to leave their country of origin in search of greater possibilities, according to real estate coach Brian Buffini, and that strength of character is built into future generations. Here are seven traits that prove you have the same fortitude and desire for boundless success as those who came before you.<\/p>\n The Power of Women Homeowners<\/strong><\/p>\n As the number of female homeowners increases, they pave the path for future generations of women to continue\u00a0buying their own properties. Desiree Patno, founder and CEO of the National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses, highlighted the impact this will have on the housing<\/a> market\u2014and society\u2014going forward.<\/p>\n More Than a Subway Employee<\/strong><\/p>\n Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta recalls his journey from being an 18-year-old Subway employee to a service member earning the highest award available to members of the U.S. military. Here\u2019s what he had\u00a0to say about striving to be more than what you are today.<\/p>\n \u2014REALTOR\u00ae Magazine<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Realtors <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/realtormag.realtor.org\/sites\/realtormag.realtor.org\/files\/rmo_files\/images\/2017_oct\/GNs2017_Awards.jpg\")
From left, 2017 Good Neighbors Sal Dimiceli, Louise McLean, Howard Hanna, Kay Wilson-Bolton, and Bryson Garbett told their stories of extraordinary community service during a gala at the REALTORS\u00ae Conference & Expo on Saturday night.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n