President's Corner, Taffy Maurer
Monterey and the Winter Meeting Captured Our Hearts and Our Minds!
Our first State Meeting of the Year was held in scenic Monterey, and if you missed it, I wanted to share some of my key takeaways and “AHA” moments!
Now if you have not attended a California State Meeting, you have not enjoyed the overwhelming feeling of connection and fellowship that encompasses the attendees as they participate in nothing less than a shared experience . As a REALTOR who is used to the daily grind of competing for buyers and sellers this is at first, a surreal experience. How is this experience generated? It is a combination of carefully curated presenters, collaborative group work, empowering engagement, self-reflection and sharing.
This Winter Meeting featured a balance of leadership training, business building and training for the local network leadership teams.
Our National First Vice President, California’s own Cheryl Keller, presented on Live, Love, and Lead with Passion! Creating a Business You Love in Real Estate! In her presentation, Cheryl advised us to be intentional and show up with a contagious energy!
 As Women’s Council is a Leadership building organization, Cheryl emphasized our Personal Leadership Journeys including the very first part: Self Discovery and Personal Growth where we were encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand our strengths, values and aspirations. Then reflect on and learn from our past experiences.
Yet another PowHERful presenter, Kelly Resendez, author of Big Voices and an abundance mindset coach presented on Unshakeable Leadership Strategies!
Kelly opened by asking us to reflect on what is stealing our joy? She gave an example of people who share bad news like it’s important. Those people steal her joy. It is important to reflect on and identify these “energy suckers” and establish strong boundaries.
We REALTORS all set yearly goals, but Kelly shared that our goal should not necessarily be monetary, but how do we want to feel? Set a yearly goal and a vision of feeling secure financially and enjoying good health. That is a better goal as we all know people who are well off but live unhappy lives. In regard to goals, she reminded us: “We get what we focus on!”
Lastly Tristan Ahumada, author and CEO of Lab Coat agents spoke on Create a Million Dollar Life through Relationships, Online Leads, Technology and Social Media. Tristan provided many tips on connecting in a meaningful way with our sphere and maximizing that connection on social media with LCM: Like, Comment, Message.
Even more importantly, he strongly advised us to say yes to opportunities that align with our strengths. The more opportunities we say “yes” to the more opportunities present themselves. He warned us not to expect money from these opportunities, but as you say “yes” and “yes” again, know that the money will come later as BIG opportunities. This really resonated with me. As all of us who have been in Women’s Council longer than a few years and who said,” yes” when tapped for a leadership position, had other BIG opportunities presented to us (think… doors opening). We all know these came as a result of us saying “yes, yes, and yes” in Women’s Council.
No State Meeting would be complete without training for our Network Leaders on running the business of their networks and position specific training so that our leaders can fully engage and grow in the position for which they were elected. All the skills taught during these network trainings are transferable to our Real Estate Businesses. This is what makes our organization unique!
If you are developing FOMO about the next State Meeting, mark these dates in your calendar: April 26-28 in Sacramento at the Sheraton Grand. Registration should open within the next three weeks. Remember all members are welcome at our State Meetings, and we invite you to come and be a part of something BIGGER than yourselves!
|
|
|
|
From State President Elect, Donelle DuFault
Join Our Leadership Team - Your Opportunity Awaits!
Hey there! As we look forward to the 2025 State Election, we have an exciting announcement: the Women’s Council of REALTORS® California is looking for new leaders, and we want YOU to consider stepping up. We're on the hunt for passionate individuals to fill several key positions, including District Vice President, State Treasurer, State First Vice President, State President Elect, and State Liaison. If you've ever wanted to make a difference and help guide our direction, now's your chance!
How to apply:
- Deadline: Hurry, because the last day to send in your application is March 15, 2024, at midnight. No late submissions will be accepted!
- Application Process: Make sure to fill out, sign, and send in your application form. Don't forget to include the Consent to Serve and a letter showing you're in good standing with your association. You can find everything you need on our website, wcrca.org, under the “Leadership Identification and Development” tab. Applying for more than one spot? Please fill out a separate application for each role.
Positions Open:
- 10 District Vice Presidents
- 1 State Treasurer
- 1 State First Vice President
- 1 State President Elect
- 1 State Liaison
Important Dates:
- State Leadership Training Meeting: Scheduled for August 20-22, 2024.
- Leadership Road Show: Happening from September 9th-13th, 2024. Remember, attending these events is a must, so mark your calendars!
This is more than just a leadership role; it's a chance to come together with fellow REALTORS® to shape the future of California. Instead of interviews, you’ll have a unique opportunity to share a two-minute video to showcase your vision and passion. Elections will be held at the Spring Meeting, and you can start campaigning once you’ve been officially credentialed and given the green light by the Candidate Review Team Chair.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow, lead, and inspire. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
Let’s lead the way together!
If you have any questions, please reach out to the 2024 Candidate Review Team Chair, Sabrina Brown, at Sabrina@pinkkeyrealestate.com with the subject line “2025 Candidate Application.” Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the 2024 President-Elect. Application Forms are available here.
|
|
|
|
|
We thank CAR/WomanUP for their Diamond Strategic Partnership!
|
|
|
From the iPad of your State First Vice President, Sher Heard
This time of year is the time we as networks are looking at our rosters and realizing there will be members who drop off the ranks at the end of March if they don’t renew their membership NOW! It is crucial for our networks to maintain a strong, active membership base. Members are the whole reason we are here. While calling to remind members may seem at first thought to be a good idea, let’s think about that a little more.
How effective is it for that member to hear from you only when it is time to ask them to renew their membership? How would you feel if you got that call? A personalized email might work for some, but even that is a pretty lame attempt to engage them. As Matthew McConaughy asks David Strathairn in the movie -We Are Marshall -(I love to quote this) ”Don, I’m going to bet you didn’t ask your wife to marry you over the phone, and I’m pretty sure that she didn’t accept with a letter!” Does that sound about right?
How about some more innovative options? Some networks have found success by hosting exclusive, member-only events or online webinars and personally inviting members whose memberships are about to expire. These events can provide valuable networking, access to exclusive content or speakers and the chance to interact in a very personal way with network leaders and others. By creating a sense of exclusivity and offering additional perks for renewing, you will be creating a more positive experience for the member. Helping them to actually renew online at your event can also help ensure a more positive and convenient process. We all know how valuable our Women’s Council membership is to us. Let’s not be afraid to share this opportunity and benefits with our friends and colleagues, especially those who are already members.
|
|
|
|
The Treasurer's Chest: State Treasurer, Alma Porras
Let's Treasure Women in March!
As we step into March and honor Women's History Month, it's crucial to acknowledge the significance of women celebrating each other's achievements. Women's Council stands as a beacon of this ethos, dedicated to embracing, celebrating, and empowering women as they cultivate their leadership abilities.
Reflecting on the history of the Women's Council reminds us of the pioneering leaders in the real estate industry who paved the way for women's leadership.
This organization serves as a catalyst, empowering women to enhance their leadership skills and propel their careers forward, while also serving as a platform to celebrate their successes.
At the Women's Council, we pride ourselves on being a hub for creating leaders, exemplified by our motto, #LeaderMadeHere. These leaders not only excel in our industry but also play pivotal roles in shaping our local communities.
This month, let's take the opportunity to reach out to the women who have made a difference in our lives, as well as, to encourage and uplift those who are just embarking on their leadership journey.
I urge you to invite a fellow REALTOR® to attend your next Network event and encourage them to become a member!
Your personal involvement not only supports our mission but also contributes to the ongoing empowerment and support of women in all facets of life.
Together, let's continue to uplift and empower women, creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Don't forget to be part of WO3 on March 31st by supporting women-owned businesses!
|
|
|
|
|
We thank Raymond Eshaghian and Greenbox Loans for their Diamond Strategic Partnership. Watch the WO3 video here!
|
|
|
From Your State Liaison, Rosanna Garcia
THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDING STATE AND NATIONAL MEETINGS
Why should you attend our Women’s Council California State meetings?
As a Women’s Council member, one of the biggest benefits is that you are entitled to attend any of our meetings, State and National. These meetings are full of great education, networking and camaraderie.
The big picture comes to light when you attend a State and/or National meeting. It is where the rubber hits the road, and you get the full benefit of your membership. Our next State meeting will  be in my hometown Sacramento! The dates are April 27-28, and we will be having a Welcome Reception on Friday April 26th. I encourage you to attend and stay for the California Association of Realtor’s Legislative Day which will occur right after our meeting on May 1st. This is a chance to rally with your fellow Realtors from around the State and meet our legislators and hear from our Governor. It is important that as professionals we are involved and engaged in our government affairs. If you are not paying attention to what is going on in politics, you are not staying informed on how to advocate for your business and our client’s private property rights.
Our national meeting gives you an even bigger picture and you get to meet and network with your fellow members from across the country. After all our business is built on relationships, especially when it comes to referrals. What better way to build your business by building on your referral pipeline? I have enjoyed a robust referral business through my years of attending all these meetings and getting to know the members.
These meetings are an investment in your business and have tax benefits too! It’s a winning combination!
I look forward to seeing you in Sacramento and hopefully Washington D.C. May 7-9!
Wishing you health, happiness and success!
|
|
|
|
|
|
