As a Realtor® or any other independent contractor, it falls to us to make a lot of the decisions an employer might make for us in other industries. But more important than the concepts of product knowledge, overcoming objections and overall expertise, our own safety must be paramount. But who do we turn to for advice?
Seeking the advice of others who are truly in the know is a wise move. But ultimately, your own safety is a responsibility of ours. No one, including your broker, will look out for best interest more so than you.
So we must invest time in workshops and YouTube videos that convey worst case scenarios to gain as much knowledge as we can. Martial arts are good skills to have, but not all instructors ready to sell you a little white suit are adept in true survival skills. Like the piano teacher who has little kids only playing Mary Had A Little Lamb half a year into instruction, longer programs mean more money for the school.
Mixed Martial Arts, Krav Maga and certain types of Kung Fu can be beneficial when it comes to defending yourself in a hand-to-hand assault. But even that training is limited. It was Bruce Lee himself, the world’s most legendary fighter who stated, “You cannot outrun a bullet”. There may be a time when a little more help is needed.
The Second Amendment of the U. S. Constitution reads, in part, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. It has always struck me that the second is the only amendment to us the phrase, shall NOT be infringed. I believe it is because the signatories of the document understood Natural Law.
Natural Law is the idea all people are guaranteed certain rights simply by virtue of being human. It is the philosophy as children of God we are born with a few god-like characteristics. Free will being one, for instance. It’s what the framers of the constitution called “inalienable”.
Another right is that of self-preservation. That is to say, anyone has a right to take whatever actions necessary to prevent themselves from being maimed, raped or murdered. Furthermore, they do not need the permission of the government or anyone else to protect themselves. This is why the Second Amendment is so profound, though it does not GRANT the right, but simply pledges to guarantee it.
Within the real estate industry, open houses have become easy targets for those who would do harm. We hear the stories of agents who were assaulted or even kidnapped and simply hope that never happens to us or a colleague. But is hope itself a plan? Every firm should have its own safety policy in place to include open houses, but never limit the scope of how one protects themselves.
If you ever see me at an open house, I will undoubtedly be packing. You will never see it, but I will have a pistol on me. If for some reason I cannot be armed, I do not do the open house. It’s just that simple.
That’s a policy I have had for years, though I realize this approach may not be for everyone, and that’s alright. I have heard some say, “I just don’t know whether I could shoot another person”. If that’s the case, you should probably NOT provide a tool to someone who would do you harm. But what if that apprehension is more of a fear of the unknown?
Doesn’t it make sense to equip yourself with more information on how you could protect yourself? For those who have never held a firearm, I recommend taking a class at your local gun range. They have certified instructors who will walk you through the process of safely handling and firing a weapon. Many offer group classes and will lend you a pistol with which to practice.
If after all that, you decide being armed is not in your best interest, you can at least say you tried to better understand all aspects of self-protection. And I will respect that. I just hope you respect those who have decided to safely carry. After all, that could very well save lives.
Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training & Coaching, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. Learn more at www.MomentumSeminars.com