Most successful luxury real estate marketing professionals are so busy, that they don’t take the time to broaden their knowledge base beyond the subject of real estate. The source of this dilemma is a lack of what we refer to as "life support systems". We encourage our clients to delegate everything they possibly can to others. More specifically, we feel it is absolutely essential to delegate everything and anything that you do not absolutely love doing. Otherwise, you are sacrificing the life giving joy of enriching your life. One of the best ways to broaden your knowledge is escaping by reading a fun novel. It is a source of currency and a wonderful subject of conversation.

One of my favorite authors is Alexander McCall Smith. Born in Zimbabwe (which later went back to its old name of Rhodesia) he studied and lived near the Botswana Border, eventually moving to Scotland. He loves Southern Africa and taught law at the University of Botswana.

He came to notice in America with his The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. As his critics noted, “His descriptions leave one as if standing in the Botswanan landscape. This is art that conceals art. I haven’t read anything with such unalloyed pleasure for a long time.” I couldn’t have said it better.

From reading this series, I appreciated the African landscape, understood the vastness of the Kalahari Desert, and was inspired to drink a cup of red bush tea, which the main character in the book is constantly brewing.

By Alexandra Seigel, Partner - Napa Consultants, International

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