As Thanksgiving approaches, I inevitably begin to focus more and more on one concept: FOOD. I know I can’t be the only one who spends the Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving (and let’s face it, most of Thursday) in drooling agony, visions of drumsticks and slices of pie dancing through my head. So forgive this post’s extended metaphor, wherein I try to put off my hunger pangs by describing how RMLS™ is like a classic Thanksgiving dinner.

The turkey = The relationship between RMLS™ and subscribers. Much like the turkey is the end-all, be-all of Thanksgiving dinner (sorry, vegetarians and vegans), the relationships we build with our subscribers make up the centerpiece of RMLS™, which in turn help our subscribers connect their clients with their dream properties. We couldn’t be more thankful for all of our subscribers, and we’re sure your clients would agree.

The stuffing = Subscribers who serve. Stuffing provides volume and flavor to the turkey, just like RMLS™ is greatly helped by the generous REALTOR® subscribers who donate their time and efforts to our Board of Directors, Service Advisory Committee, Technology Committee, Forms Committee, Rules & Regulations Committee, and any other task forces as needed.

Mashed potatoes = Your suggestions and feedback. In my opinion, no Thanksgiving dinner goes down easily without mashed potatoes and similarly, your feedback helps greatly improve RMLS™. Your suggestions and comments reflect the wide variety of our subscriber base, the same way everyone has a different concept of the perfect mashed potatoes, whether they’re smooth, chunky, garlic or smothered in gravy. Our Subscriber Satisfaction Survey (ends Wednesday, November 24!) provides us with some of the best insights into what you are thinking, and we love your honesty in helping make our service even better. We also love getting suggestions through RMLSweb (just click on “Questions/Comments” under the “Toolkit” toolbar) and we always take these comments into consideration when deciding on future improvements.

Gravy = Connecting with RMLS™. I like to pour gravy over my whole plate, tying all the dishes together; similarly, your various ways of connecting with us help us to bridge the gap between RMLS™ and its subscribers. Through comments on this blog, Twitter or our Facebook page, and interactions via email and phone calls to the Help Desk, we love having a two-way conversation with our subscribers!

Cranberry sauce = Your patience. Although I have never, ever liked cranberry sauce, it would not be Thanksgiving dinner without a can-shaped, red blob in the middle of the table. Similarly, your consistent patience with us as we strive to make improvements, respond to your questions and requests, and the (hopefully rare) occasions where something just happens to go wrong are greatly appreciated.

Apple pie = Events! Much like a spectacular dessert at the end of a delicious meal, we love interacting personally with subscribers at various events such as our free classes or our RMLS™ Trade Fair (exhibitor registration now open!). We look forward to seeing many more of you in the coming new year!

Loose metaphors aside, everyone here at RMLS™ is extremely thankful for all of our subscribers and the passion, excitement, and varying perspectives you all provide. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may your dinner tables be filled with delicious food and joyful company.