By Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
Linda McMorrow's motto has always been "Get up, dress up and show up!"
As the incoming president of The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, it's fitting that the theme of her installation follow suit.
NEFAR'S installation of its 2014 officers and presentation of its 2013 awards will be 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Jacksonville Marriott.
The event will reflect a high-fashion runway theme where attendees will be asked to wear black-and-white attire.
NEFAR communications director, Melanie Green, handles arrangements for the installation every year. She discusses with each incoming president their thoughts on their year as president and what is important to them.
From that, she creates the concept and implements all aspects of the event with room colors and accents to bring the whole concept together.
The room will be decorated in black and white with pops of red.
McMorrow's twin sister, Selby Kaiser, is a past president of NEFAR and her installation theme was similar to the one planned for January
Kaiser will also be the installing officer for the event.
The theme of "Get up, dress up and show up" is a reminder to all agents the importance of working your business.
"'Get up' refers to constancy," said McMorrow, who is with The Legends of Real Estate and who will succeed Carol Zingone of the Prudential Network Realty.
"Don't get sidelined or discouraged by market fluctuations or things that cause disruptions to your business," she said. "Simply get up every day and go to work."
'Dress up,' she adds, means literally what is says. She said Realtors are professionals and should look the part.
"You never know where you might meet or be observed by your next customer," said McMorrow. "It could be in the grocery store, at the veterinarian's office or at a restaurant."
She said maintaining a polished, professional appearance instills confidence in consumers to hire you as their Realtor.
The third component, 'Show up,' is about involvement.
McMorrow said it is important to be involved in as much industry-related activity as you can by getting involved in NEFAR and other real estate groups, taking active part in real estate events, networking with your real estate peers.
"I have found that simply showing up on a regular basis increases your visibility and inspires other's confidence in your abilities, which results in gaining friends, establishing a good network and gaining referrals, among other benefits," she said.
McMorrow believes success is the result of work patterns that you implement and stick with whether the market is going through ups or downs and not based on the latest sales program or trend or on the hottest new technology products.
She said those things can enhance a Realtor's productivity but are also always in flux.
"The basics – those things which are the foundations of long term success – are get up, dress up, show up," she said.
McMorrow said her installation will probably a little emotional. Taking the reins of a 5,000-plus member association is challenging, but she said she looks forward to everything the year holds.
In addition to McMorrow, others to be installed include Sally Suslak of Traditions Realty, the president-elect; Terrell Newberry of Benchmark Brokers, treasurer; and Marc Jernigan of Watson Realty, secretary.
Also taking the oath of office will be the new NEFAR directors, the representative to the National Association of Realtors, and Multiple Listing Service directors.