April: RVP Bulletin

You know how some people have theme songs that play when they walk into a room in a movie? If I had to pick one soundtrack of my life it would probably be “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys, or at least that is what my 18-year-old daughter tells me (I wonder what she needs money for now…LOL).

This is my first bulletin as the Northwest RVP. How exciting! This position is one that I have wanted for a long time. To finally be here, and be able to give back to this organization that has done so much for me both professionally and personally, is truly humbling.

I have worn many hats in my nine years as a NARPM Member, from Chapter President to Regional Conference and Broker/Owner Chairperson to National Professional Development Chair and now Northwest RVP.

In all positions I have held, there has been one consistent theme and that has been the concept of giving back. I have always believed what you put out into the universe is what you get back. That is no different with NARPM^® or any professional organization to which you may belong.

Sure, you can just sit back and slap the sticker that shows you are a member on your door and you can call yourself a member. Really, if that is all you do, you are doing yourself a giant disservice.

If I would have done just that, I would not have had the opportunity to:
1. Learn how to grow my business from 200 doors to more than 500 without any real marketing.
2. Systemize processes so that if we were to take on anywhere from 1-100 doors in a short period of time we would not need to hire any new people.
3. Travel to chapters all over the country and have the opportunity to teach other professionals how not to make the mistakes I have made over the last 11 years. (I don’t call my classes How To’s. They are more like How NOT To’s.)
4. Meet so many people and make so many friends, that I can literally get stranded in any of these 50 United States and I would have someone to come to my rescue.

But to reap these rewards, I had to put in the work. Really, when we hear the word “work,” we think of toil, labor, or doing something that is not interesting. But the work I have done volunteering for NARPM^® has been some of the most enriching and fruitful work I have ever done.

I love helping people get the most benefits out of their membership, on a personal or on a chapter level, and that is where my time has been best spent. I am the person who walks around at convention asking if everyone is OK, do they need anything while there, making sure that newcomers are welcomed and feel comfortable, and just ensuring everyone is taken care of. I love it. It makes me feel amazing that I can share my passion about NARPM^® with newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, because at the end of the day,
we should never stop learning. There are things that we can learn daily from other members.

I tell my new members the same thing. Just joining is great; however, to truly benefit, you need to take part. It doesn’t mean that you must dive in head first. You can pick and choose what you like to do; and based on that, I guarantee you there is some part of NARPM^® that can use your excitement and your willingness to learn.

Are you all about new legislation and taking HUD and Fair Housing head on? Do you want to make changes that would benefit our clients and us? Then check out Governmental Affairs. Are you a secret educator? Do you love to talk in front of people? Are you interested in the way NARPM^® educates its members? Professional Development is the place for you.

Want to be part of what messages are conveyed? The magazine and the website are the ways we get information from one part of NARPM^® to another and Communications is always in need of volunteer members.

Are you like me, wanting to welcome new people? Are you anxious to bring more people to NARPM^® and make sure that they know about all the benefits? Membership needs people to help spread the word, so what are you waiting for?

These opportunities are not just at the national level. All local chapters should have these committees represented, no matter if there is just one person doing it. So you can start small, or go big, your choice. Like our illustrious National President Brian Birdy, MPM^® RMP^®, has underlined, this is the year to Get Involved. So here’s your chance.

To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Current editions of the award-winning Residential Resources magazine is sent eleven times a year to members. Join NARPM to receive all of the benefits of membership and receive current editions.

Residential Resources: April 2018 Issue | Volume 29 | Number 4