Real Estate Inspiration from Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope

By Lynn Minnick

A few years ago, after binge-watching 30 Rock on Netflix, I reflected upon the lessons Tina Fey taught me that applied to my real estate career. Today, it’s Amy Poehler’s turn, through her unforgettable Parks and Recreation character, Leslie Knope.

Leslie helps to inspire my business in several ways:

Attitude. She has that over-the-top, I-can-do-anything-I-set-my-mind-to, optimistic attitude. She really believes in what she’s doing. Her approach to her work and her life is so positive and enthusiastic. I think that’s a huge plus in real estate.

Which leads me to confidence.  It’s part of her attitude. We all need this in real estate. We need to believe in ourselves and believe in the work we’re doing and how important it is for our clients.

Having a “Go-To Team.”  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It’s important to put together a team of players that helps make your business run smoothly, successfully and efficiently. I don’t operate as a team, but I have co-workers I can turn to—my work family—made from mortgage lenders and attorneys to inspectors, contractors and short-sale specialists who always make time for my clients and their questions. I surround myself with people who will help make the real estate transaction process easier for buyers and sellers and I know I’m part of their go-to team as well. The relationships are mutually beneficial.

Focus. Leslie sets goals and pursues them relentlessly and with a plan (often explained with exacting detail in a binder). Don’t we all need to be focused on our goals in order to achieve them? I set business goals every week without fail and get tremendous satisfaction in crossing those things off my list!

Leslie is organized. (Again, this brings us back to the binders.) As agents living in a multi-tasking world, we have to be organized. I can’t imagine being successful in this business without organization and systems in place that work for us.

Reverence for the law. Leslie plays by the rules and so do we. Her character always does the right thing. Never once for a moment assume that we are above the law. Live by the Code of Ethics every day.

Giving back. Leslie has dedicated her life to public service as a way to improve the city she loves and the lives of others. In my opinion, as agents, we should always remember to give back, to volunteer, and to participate in events that enrich our communities.

Parks and Recreation may have come to an end, but the lessons I’ve taken from Amy Poehler’s character will stay with me.

LYNN MINNICK is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. She also is the author of the popular blog, www.mygreenlifeandrealestate.com. Tweet to her @LynnMinnick.