S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

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I have been to many self-help and time-management seminars over the years. Some are useful and some less so. One concept that sticks out in my mind was told to us by a former upper- middle manager who stated that he had so much paperwork hit his desk that he was completely overwhelmed. He advocated a “one-touch” approach. He said to only touch each document once. Never stack letters and memos on the corner of your desk, then move them around many times and finally, months later, throw them away. This is a concept that I try to put into practice. By the way, it drives my wife crazy. I admit that I am one of those who clean up the kitchen while she cooks. Oh well, Tricia and I are still married after 33 years.

Speaking of touching, fellow S.E.C. Jeff Drinkard once told me that the reason he likes doing land deals is that every time he “touches” the land, it would increase in value. Get the zoning accomplished and the land will be worth more. Pull all utilities to the site and the deal gets more valuable. Platting, leases, plan approvals, improvements, renewal of leases: all add value to the deal.

This leads me to the real topic of this month’s article – what does it mean when we say “each time we touch” the Society of Exchange Counselors? Do we create value for the S.E.C. when we attend a meeting? What did that new guest think of your response to a question that might have seemed less than reasonable? If Leo Goseland asks you to be Meeting Manager of a meeting or if one of the Meeting Managers asks you to be his Co-Meeting Manager, what will you answer? Will you agree to sit in on a membership interview if Chris Dischinger asks?

Look about our meetings and note who is still working like a candidate. Who is that good looking guy that helps Jackie check the participants in on the Monday mornings that we meet? Oh, that is S.E.C. 2001 President Ted Blank. Is there any wonder why the guests all know Ted? What about Mark Johnson, 2003 president, volunteering to help Ed Berlinski every Monday morning at the Guest Breakfast? I wonder what kind of reception Ted and Mark get when they give a guest an offer on their presentation?

The S.E.C. is more about relationships than about just doing deals. The most frequently heard remarks about the Society all have to do with the fact that we are a family. It is the sharing of information without expectations of compensation. The assistance of someone in need is prevalent in the S.E.C. We have been described as the most unique group in the nation more than once, both by Members and guests. And our sponsors are amazed at what we do in those short three days every other month.

So how will each of us create value for the Society in 2007? Think about what your calling is and what will happen when you touch the S.E.C. this year.