It amazes me in real estate how much we are "counted" on for the other things to make things happen. As a client and professional team up in a trusting relationship, clients want to know about other services like cleaning people, pool service, inspectors, Home Warranty, etc.
You have in essence become their
WING MAN.
In Air Force or Navy flying terms those are the ones that cover you, that have your back when flying in a tight formation. This is a very comforting feeling, that we are in this together, and is the essence of team. When you find these people in life, make note of them.
In my life I have found many a Wing Man. Some even here on this forum that I know I can trust. In my more close proximity, some may be family like brother or sister, spouse, parent, colleague from a past job or the rarest of the rare, a true friend. You may have heard that Nigerian proverb related to true friends:
Hold on to a true friend with both hands.
Depending on how old you are, and the levels of adversity you have aleady experienced in your life, it is very eye opening when times get tough and the false, smiling friends fade away. But like shining jewels the true friends are still there with you at your side. I have seen this many times, and sometimes I am amazed which ones are like the glue for you, ALWAYS THERE, no matter what.
Now look out that cockpit window. So who is your Wing Man (or Woman)? Have they come through for you time and time again? Who are you a Wing Man for? Hopefully you are contributing to someone's formation as well and keeping them flying strong and high. These people are pretty special in your life, remember that! Know who they are.
I have found it amazing that a "wing man" will appear when you need one the most. You may not have even known them before but they will be there to help.
I have so many wingmen and I hope I am a wingman to a few myself. My daughters (my team) are always my wingmen as well as many colleagues and friends. I am so greatful for everyone.
Gary, you are absolutely right. Wing persons are few and far between and you need to hold on with both hands when you find one. Lucky Lang has been my wing man here in Active Rain. When I approached him about helping me with the group, Listings by Address while I had surgery he was most receptive and has done a remarkable job. I am his CA girl and he is my Iowa Man.
I feel very lucky that I am blessed with many wing men and women and only hope that they in return feel the same about me.
And thanks for having my back today. You will always remain professional...I have no doubt.
Carol: Wow, a real life "flying" Wing Man in your son. Gotta love it, when you find these people in your life. You just know, for whatever reason, you are truly blessed.
Gary...I learned a while back to assemble a team around me...My business took off when I found out how to be a part of others pro team...When we become the "Go To" person for others as a part of their team, ur volume of great deals will multiply....all without excesive advertising and wasted marketing...just show up and give 100% to those referrals that will be piling up
A good Mortgage Consultant is a great Wing Man. I have sat open houses wtih female agents and helped the male agents pick up the hot chicks. I am kidding
Colleen: Wing People is fine. I knew you were a high flyer and always flew with a squadron around you : ) Those little stars popping up come out of nowhere don't they?
For me, without question, it's my daughter. She's worked in my office since she was a kid, she's always been there for me. Anytime, almost any where. I hope I do the same in return for her and her family.
I love the idea that someones watching my back and I'm watching theres.......I haven't always had that in my life.......but when i have its been precious.........and I love the song- I love country - unfortunately no one around me does - so usually my best opportunity to listen to it is in your utube! Congrats on the post Gary.
I love the analogy Gary. My assistant, Betty is my wingman. She has been with me for 11 years, a life time for assistants. She is always available to help, keeps my contracts safe and printed, always knows where something is and is a true servant at heart.
It is so important to have good friends and a team of professionals who work in harmony. I have been fortunate to find several great team members in Tallahassee that have been instrumental in helping many a sale go smoothly.
I have been blessed with lots of friends who check in on me, make me laugh, listen to me cry and I hope I have been a wing-man for them in all of these things. Great post!
3 times in my life, once as a small child (alone), the 2nd giving birth for the first time (alone except for the dr), and about 9 years ago in SA (alone &, for the first time ever, losing my grip on life), I encountered 2 winged-beings, I will call angels. 'take the wings of the morning'... What another wonderful post, Gary. (I now know that I can use both hands to hold on to each one, but mostly, my hands reach out to give thanks for their presence.
Gary: I am proud to say I belong to an office full of wing men. And I am proud to be there for my fellow agents when they need a hand. Cooperation is a wonderful thing.
Very good post Gary, it makes you realize who you have on your side. I wouldn't be where I am today without my "wingmen & women". They are a true blessing
One thing that helps me was something told to me a while back by someone. He told me to, "Do something nice for someone once a week, and don't tell anyone about it." This was hard at first because I wanted the recognition, but as I kept practicing it I had a great sense of "good"...karma always comes back :)
Todd: I love those random acts of kindness and not telling anyone about it. I do think you build up a big bank account of Karma points for your effort.
Peter: Thanks. We all help each other out. I find I learn so much from others even from comments they provide on blogs you write.
Gary, nice job and feature! Many times over my life I have had circumstances where I have definitely found out who my real friends are...it can be painful but just like everything, it's about quality not quantity. I find AR can be my wingman/wingwomen...even total strangers sometimes!
Diane: I always say people are total strangers until you get to know them. Then you build a relationship from that point on. Your friends in life or as Mara Hawks calls them (angels), can come from just about anywhere.
I work with my husband, and probably according to your post, I am his "wing man". But I love to champion anyone in need. "I'm your huckleberry" suits my way of thinking.
Gary, you said it, having a wing man or even being someones eles's is something special. I love that picture you have looking out of the cockpit, and the video was great. Wasn't that great in the video when the guys truck broke down he gave it a big ole kick. Man I'v been there as well. 8)
My wife is my Wing Woman. I could not have done anything substantive in my life without her, nor would I want to. Excellent analogy and well written Gary!
Chris and Rhonda: I'm glad you are your husband's Wing Man. Many husbands can't do anything, at least the right way, without the support of their loving wife.
Rob: A broken down truck in the middle of nowhere. Who you gonna call? A Wing Man of course! : )
Andrew: Thanks. A good spouse is who we think of first as a Wing Man or Woman.
Yep, I have them! A small group of professionals with different areas of expertise that I rely on to "get the job done".
Thank heavens for them too! They get remembered by me at the holidays. I will also send them thank you notes for coming through for me / my client, and I will also refer them glowingly to others.
It is amazing how sometimes we forget how many actual people we rely on in order to get our job done. I remember back in a new agent training class - the instructor asked us how many people are involved in a real estate transaction. After all of our input, we decided that there could be upwards of 40 additional people that we needed to rely on!
That brings up a good point. It would be nice to have a referral system on this site for "Wingmen." I can think of at least three people per need (mortgages, inspections, etc.) that I always recommend to people.
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Your former clients can refer you business and become your wingmen & wingwomen. :)
All the best!