TURNING YOUR

Turning Your Profession into a Passion

The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion. After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement. By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own. Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project? Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone. There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

DANIEL MACIEL

At 17, Daniel Maciel worked in the construction industry with his father. “I was always interested in real estate and investing, so I decided to get my real estate license,” he recalls. That was 25 years ago, and he’s never looked back.

Daniel is now the broker/owner of Atlantic Realty based in Turlock, California. He oversees a team of agents who cover the Central Valley region. Daniel says he has been ranked top 10 in sales volume throughout his career in the Central Valley. He also reports his business is mostly repeat and referral clientele. “I believe clients refer and return because I work hard to make the transaction process as smooth as possible,” he observes. “It’s my passion to help people attain their American Dream of home ownership and to help Investors build their real estate portfolios.”

It’s no surprise that Daniel receives stellar reviews for his esteemed work ethic. One client recently wrote: ‘It was an honor to work with Daniel Maciel while purchasing our home! He made the entire process smooth, clear, and exciting for us. He is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to build a rapport with my family through the process. He is quick and responsive whenever a question arises. It is evident that he has a true passion for what he does. We will highly recommend him to all our friends and family.’

To stay in touch with his clients, Daniel sends out a bi-monthly magazine, annual calendars, and handwritten cards. “I also reach out with personal cards to clients who have just closed escrow. It’s my way of congratulating them and letting them know I am always available if they need me.”

Daniel markets his listings online using professional photography and video. “We promote on the MLS, real estate websites, local publications, radio, social media and direct marketing,” he says.

What Daniel loves most about his job is the opportunity to help people on a daily basis. “I really care about my clients” he says. “I’ve also forged some lasting relationships and have made some great friendships. Every time I can help a client achieve their real estate needs, it’s extremely fulfilling.”

Daniel enjoys volunteering his time to help the local charities and organizations. He is also actively involved in the Portuguese Community.

When not working or giving back his time. Daniel loves being with his family; his wife and three children. “We enjoy sports and traveling,” he explains. “We’re very active and I treasure that time together,” he says.

As for his future plans, Daniel hopes to expand his database as well as repeat and referral business. “Otherwise, I’m pretty happy with the way my business is running right now,” he observes. “Just as long as I can help others reach their real estate goals, I’m happy. Perhaps one day, one of my children will take over the business.”

To learn more about Daniel Maciel, email daniel@macielproperties.com, or visit www.danielmaciel.com, or call (209) 678-3159

NICK MONSON

Nick Monson entered the world of real estate at the young age of 23. He was inspired by a college professor who also worked as a REALTOR®, and upon graduating he decided to get his license. He’s been in the business for close to 14 years now and works as a solo agent at RE/MAX, serving clients throughout the South Metro area in Minnesota.

Having been in the business for a while Nick’s been able to amass a considerable network of repeat and referral clients. He credits his caring approach as the reason why clients keep coming back. “I believe that if you take care of people, and make sure you’re putting them in a good situation, everything else falls into place. I truly care about my clients and I think that passion comes through when I’m working with them, and that’s why referrals tend to follow,” he says.

The process of buying or selling a house can be quite daunting for many, which is why Nick finds it important to ease the pressure on his clients’ shoulders and make the experience more lighthearted. “I know this is a big purchase for people and I take it very seriously. But I also try to make this process light and fun so that it’s not so stressful for people. I try to keep everyone level-headed.”

The life of a real estate agent can be quite hectic, and not everyone can find the time to keep up with past clients. But Nick’s useful trick is to call them while he’s driving. “A lot of us spend a considerable amount of time in our cars. Why not take advantage of it,” he says. But when it comes to marketing, he believes there are no tricks, and that focusing on executing the essentials to a high standard is the way to go. “It might seem like a basic thing, but there are still listings out there with dark, low-resolution pictures, and ineffective property descriptions. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on marketing if you can optimize the fundamentals.” He also likes to use Facebook and Instagram to promote his listings. “It’s very cost effective and you can reach a large audience.”

For Nick, real estate is more than just a job, and he’s able to perform at such a high capacity because he truly loves what he does. “What I do doesn’t feel like work. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I get up excited to do it everyday. It’s not repetitive, there’s different people, different houses and new situations. I like meeting the clients and learning about what they want, and finding them the right house. It’s a very rewarding experience,” he says.

Outside of real estate Nick spends time volunteering for Feed My Starving Children. And as a dog lover and pet guardian of a yellow lab, he also fosters fourlegged friends from a local rescue. And when he has time off he enjoys ice fishing and vacationing at his lake house and spending quality time with his family. Together they love hosting friends for Vikings games on football Sunday. Going forward he would like to continue growing his business at a steady pace. “I like to grow every year, but I also want to stay hands-on. My goal is to balance my growth.”

To learn more about Nick Monson, email monsonhomes@gmail.com, visit www.Nickmonson.com, or call (952) 239–5664