Creating Memorable Times and Having Fun Along the Way
For many years Byron and I were part of a “dinner club” with three other couples who were all foodies and fantastic cooks. We would rotate houses each month and everyone brought at least one dish to
contribute to the meal. One year we decided to do “Thanksgiving in June.” The menu was roast turkey, dressing with roasted hazelnuts, cherries, and sausage, yams with a crunchy pecan topping, green beans with a champagne vinaigrette dressing, and homemade pumpkin pie and triple chocolate chunk pecan pie. It was the best “Thanksgiving dinner” I’ve ever had.
There are several important points here. First, taking time to create a special event at other times of the year gives you something fun to look forward to as well as creating a great story to share with others.
Second, the evening was fun and easy and because each of us did one part of the meal. It wasn’t a huge amount of work for anyone. When we all pitch in to help, no matter what the project, it’s always easier. You don’t always have to do everything yourself.
Third, doing things with friends at holiday time can be difficult, so why not enjoy that holiday fun with them at a completely different time of year? At the end of that year, we did Cinco de Mayo in December.
If you’re not in the habit of creating fun time for yourself with your family and friends, why not start making a plan to do so right now? Maybe it’s time to have your own Thanksgiving in June.
The Headlines vs. What You Really Need
On May 12, 2026, Zillow decided to sue Compass and MRED, the Chicago based MLS that is the third largest in the country. Also just announced, Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway have joined forces to use a tool called “Cotalilty.” 
This will allow both companies to control their listing data and force many of the 450 remaining MLSs to use their standardized feed. The beauty of this system is that listings from these companies will look the same across all the MLSs nationally.
From my perspective, Zillow is in a fight for its existence since Compass and MRED cut off their listing feeds last Friday. What may be ahead is a national listing service that is broker controlled that has “private” listings available only to the brokers, not third-party vendors. I don’t believe the MLS is going away because there are DOJ issues galore about restraint of trade.
Bottom line in terms of your business? This is all noise. What matters is you and your relationship with your clients and the level of service you provide.
Be Careful What You Wish For
When my husband and I decided to build our “dream house,” we had to sell our existing home to come up with the down payment. Our current home at the time was nine years old and needed some major updating to fit the current market. At the same time, I was launching my first ever women’s leadership conference, plus commuting weekly to L.A. to deliver a series of 12 live training sessions to one of the major independents out there.
I was so busy and exhausted, I kept saying, “I wish I could have a break. I wish I didn’t have to handle the move. I wish I could delay starting the classes in L.A. at least another week. I’m so busy, I just need a break.”
There’s an old adage, be careful what you wish for, because that’s exactly what I got. I fell and broke my elbow. Not only could I not help with the move, I had to delay the training in Los Angeles by one week and was forced to take time off to recuperate—not the “break” that I had in mind.
Where you focus influences what you attract—be careful what you wish for, or as Byron always used to tell me, “Be definite with infinite.”
So, avoid saying you need a “break.” Instead, take some “well-deserved time off with my family and friends,” or just to “relax and unwind.”
Stop Feeling Stressed Out about Not Having Enough Time
Let’s face it—no one seems to have enough time. When you feel time pressure, your stress level increases. Increased stress leads to illness. If you want to eliminate the stress associated with feeling like you don’t have enough time,
here’s what to do.
Each time you catch yourself saying, “I don’t have enough time to,” say this instead: “I have enough time to accomplish all that I want to do.”
When you say this, close your eyes and see yourself falling asleep at the end of the day having accomplished everything you needed to do. Try this for the next week—you will be amazed at the results.
The Value of a Happy Customer
What is one of the best ways to have your marketing go viral? A happy customer who tells everyone they know about your services.
How do you get happy customers? Three great strategies include:
- Promise less than you know you can deliver and then deliver more than you promise.
- Respond promptly to their inquiries throughout the transaction. Even better, anticipate what they want and provide before they even ask.
- Go the extra mile—take their dog to doggie day care on moving day, remember their birthdays and anniversaries, and always remember to stay in touch after your transaction closes.