Brian Copeland

By Brian Copeland

NAR Leadership Summit 2010 is underway this week in Chicago, Ill., and YPN is out in full force.  I have experienced no clearer message over the past few months than this…NAR is serious about training, raising and nurturing the future.  In a greater culture that sometimes dwells in the past and present, it’s overwhelming to know that I’m part of an organization that looks beyond; and, last night, the importance of that point was brought home strongly in a simple situation.

YPN REALTORS(R) easily covered one-third of section 302 at Wrigley Field Aug. 3.

On Tuesday night, a large group of YPNers descended on Wrigley Field to enjoy a Cubs game.  We dominated an entire section; so, needless to say, we were hard to miss.  With this type of group and energetic personalities from California to Florida, from Wisconsin to North Carolina, you’re bound to cause a scene.

YPN Manager Rob Reuter had an interesting experience he shared with me in the stands.  The group immediately behind us was obviously enjoying our unity, laughter and spirit.  They asked Rob what type of organization we were with.  When Rob told him we were all REALTORS(R), they were visibly and pleasantly shocked.  While the reaction is not earth shattering, it speaks volumes to the importance of positive visibility.  

Tiffany Curry and Courtney Johnson Rose at YPN Night out at Wrigley Field.

As YPNers, it’s important now more than ever to show our unity through our diversity for everyone to see.

1.    Take your activities out of your real estate realm together. Reaching out of the REALTOR(R) community together continues confidence in our profession to the public.

2.    Surround yourself with veteran and young professionals in learning situations. The more we share, the stronger community we become.

3.    Step out of your comfort zone. It’s officially not a secret, now.  I don’t like baseball.  (Before you jump my case, and call me un-American, remember, I love apple pie and mom…oh, and Koki doesn’t like baseball either.)  Had I not got over myself long enough, I would have missed one of the best memories of my life.  Few things in life offer moments like REALTOR(R) Tiffany Curry from Houston coming in with a big smile on her face reporting she had won her board position at the Houston Association of REALTORS(R) or seeing the excitement of new found friends with Bryan Hill from Newport Beach, California.

Brian Copeland is a real estate practitioner in Nashville, Tenn. You can follow Brian on Twitter: @NashvilleBrian