As I watched the Miss Universe Pageant last weekend (hey, I was tired after showing property, attending a client's birthday bash-a pig roast-but that's another post, and walking four miles in an attempt to shape up for an August wedding I will attend), I immediately noticed Miss Venezuela. She possessed The It Factor (IF), The Stand Out Factor (SOF).

Sure, there is no denying they were a bevy of beauties. Each gorgeous in her own right, but only one would wear the crown. Being a runner-up in a beauty contest is about as much fun as being the first runner-up on a listing appointment.

So why did Miss Venezuela win? It's hard to put your finger on the elusive IF/SOF. I noticed "it" in the way she moved, her carriage radiated confidence. From swimsuit to evening grown she owned her time on the stage. She looked like a winner because she believed in herself.

After picking my winner from the top 10, I went to bed. I was not surprised to see Miss Venezuela's picture when I turned on my computer the following morning. Her answer to the question asked of her was a winner too.

Belief is half the battle.