tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36498053745824434882024-03-18T21:44:53.407-05:00Speaking For EffectBlaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-27121893709026353702021-04-25T16:45:00.002-05:002021-04-25T16:45:49.745-05:00An Unholy Trinity<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7wT832UZzd4bPqi_CSBf6wxCAE-0MEFKUO6UESZqfw8NpQ8nQ3yptJVQzJS4X_L_Syjaf495t7Ws-u6-SmbqZutg4oSo7EJ-GJDaG9iYiey8FfFV_JK0Yu4XvtRxpZWMlQ0pc9wLWB0/s2048/poison+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7wT832UZzd4bPqi_CSBf6wxCAE-0MEFKUO6UESZqfw8NpQ8nQ3yptJVQzJS4X_L_Syjaf495t7Ws-u6-SmbqZutg4oSo7EJ-GJDaG9iYiey8FfFV_JK0Yu4XvtRxpZWMlQ0pc9wLWB0/s320/poison+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My wife is
from the Gulf Shores. She has lived in both Mobile and New Orleans. I was once a
skinny man before I married this amazing cook. She was taught by her Granny
about the core ingredients that go into a good, homecooked, Cajun meal. Those
basic components are; onions, bell peppers and celery. Known as the “holy
trinity,” they are absolutely essential to Louisiana cuisine. Of course,
garlic, parsley and other seasonings may be added in, but it all starts with
this trio. It would be neglectful to not include these elements to a gumbo or
other family favorite.
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People
follow family recipes because they are tried and true. If you’re going for a
particular flavor, you have to know what to put in and what to keep out. But
what ingredients could be detrimental to a recipe? My wife is a bit of a gumbo
snob, so if the wrong thing is added, she will instantly notice it and lay the
bowl down. There are several items that could be added to taint the flavor,
thereby ruining an otherwise phenomenal meal. The same can be said about
business and our personal growth as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When it
comes to attaining happiness, wealth, independence or any other measure of success,
we need all the right ingredients but nothing that would sour the recipe. Yet,
that is exactly what happens to many of us in our attempts to achieve noble
goals. We know any worthwhile pursuit will take attributes like; courage,
integrity, decision-making and a dozen other skills. But three characteristics
of our belief system that will hold us back are what I call the “<i>UN-holy
trinity</i>”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A few things
that are often roadblocks to where we want to be in life are; guilt, worry and
perfection. Unfortunately, most of us suffer from at least one if not all of
them. We will discuss what these three have in common, but for now, let’s take
a closer look at each. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Guilt</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> is what we experience when we wish
we could go back in time and alter a relationship or an event. Well, there is
no time machine but that doesn’t stop us from dwelling on how we could have
done something different. Unique from disgust, or even shame, where we know we
are in the wrong, guilt robs of our joy and keeps us in a state of
psychological misery. If we inadvertently offend someone, the disgust of our
actions often turns to shame because we know we are at fault and have legitimate
feelings of regret. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But guilt is
imposed on us by others, even if subtly. It could be one person’s judgement of
us and how we should act or a societal norm that says we do not measure up and
are less than good. But who decides what is “good”? What is “less than” a
measure of? It’s all an arbitrary value. Yet, guilt is a favorite weapon for
those who wish to manipulate us into hurtful feelings either to compel us to
take an action other than what we would normally, or simply because the manipulator
is a sadistic individual. Whatever the reason, they know they’re powerless to
control us and have to resort to this unscrupulous tactic. Don’t fall for it! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another
bitter ingredient in our lives is that of <b>worry</b>. We have all suffered
from this at some point. And that’s a real shame because this one we subject on
ourselves. This is not concern or preparedness, it’s just a self-imposed hell! Worry
is simply putting ourselves into a state of panic. It saps us of energy as we
panic over the very worst that could happen. Worry also robs us of our
creativity to actually find a solution, because it is very hard be creative
when we are stressed out. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ci5DB7zWPls9_Co8yYLuVOYPNd9p37zxdnAlVaQ0pzbS5YXHuuqTly4BQTr_NRxlmAdCFXZ7SRNBqXm0l4bCz4t-jk0OLdj4_aBURd49zAIhlwmQAAVhK6rNoCUjnCaP6EzKu4xspM/s2048/shroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ci5DB7zWPls9_Co8yYLuVOYPNd9p37zxdnAlVaQ0pzbS5YXHuuqTly4BQTr_NRxlmAdCFXZ7SRNBqXm0l4bCz4t-jk0OLdj4_aBURd49zAIhlwmQAAVhK6rNoCUjnCaP6EzKu4xspM/s320/shroom.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is one
that I have struggled with for most my life. For me, I believe there is some
cosmic force <br />counting the amount of time, energy and emotion I spend in this
state. It’s as though I believe freaking out will make things better. No, no it
won’t. No amount of anxiety has ever paid the dues for a favorable outcome to
our problems. We simply dig ourselves into a hole and waste time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But I have
gotten a lot better over the years. I have been able to let go of the need for
fretting over things that may be out of my control anyway. Once you accept that
you are going to be out of control most of your life, it’s actually very
liberating. Taking an inventory of what we CAN affect and letting go of
everything else is a first step to real problem-solving.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The third
troublesome component is that of <b>perfection</b>. Even when we achieve
success in something, it’s just not enough. We many times feel compelled to go
beyond in order to get it “exact”. This belief is the definition of a
malcontent. This striving for ultimate preciseness may be self-imposed or from
an external stressors such as a boss or family member. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, done
really is better than perfect, because perfect doesn’t exist. Even the universe
created by God himself, has no straight lines. Yet no one is complaining when
they visit the Smokey Mountains or Yellowstone National Park. We take what is
there and create lasting memories for ourselves and our loved ones. If you’re
waiting for conditions to be just right to pursue your dreams, you will be
waiting quite a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I hate to
bring up the old baseball analogy, but it is a very good example. A .330
batting average is considered really good in the pros. Phenomenal, even! Yet,
that means they screw up and MISS the ball 67% of the time. Think about that,
where else can someone work and fail two-thirds of the time? If a waitress
messed up the order the majority of time, she would be fired. But Babe Ruth and
Ty Cobb are legends in MLB. It’s all a matter of perspective as to what success
looks like. Even if you do attain perfection in your own, someone else will
view it as less than complete. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, what do
these three ingredients have in common? Well, these toxins are destroyers of hope
and happiness, for one. Rarely in life will things ever be “just right.” They are
also time wasters that rob us of energy and productivity. We fixate on issues
that have little to no relevance on actually resolving issues. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps the
biggest revelation to me was that none of these are true emotions! Depending on
what psychologist you ask, there are only a handful of actual human emotions
and the unholy trinity is not among them. They are simply manufacture, man-made
if you will, mental states of angst. They are artificial and should have no
bearing on how we make decision and live our lives. Yet like hemlock or
nightshade, they exist though they have reason to ever go into a recipe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And just for
fun, try some of these authentic Cajun recipes; </span><a href="https://www.realcajunrecipes.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.realcajunrecipes.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></p>
<p> </p>Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-27537997151967726862021-02-13T11:51:00.008-06:002021-02-13T12:00:09.021-06:00Network Marketing; Flexibility and Choices<p>Network marketing is a distribution chain of independent sales representative. Sometimes referred to as consumer-direct marketing, direct sales or multi-level marketing (MLM). The term “affiliate marketing” is one originally referring to online cross-selling, yet
it is also applied as a new buzz term for network marketing. For those who wish to become an entrepreneur but don't know where to begin, an arrangement like this can be very attractive. Often, there is talk of making a lot of money in a short amount of time. Now, what's that old adage about if it seems too good? <br /></p><p>Some of these companies are good and some are just filled with MLM junkies who are on to the next “opportunity” when the previous one has fizzled out. Now, so much of it is done online and the internet has really changed the model of how companies like Amway, Shaklee, Avon, Nu Skin and Herbalife have to market themselves. Case in point, a lot of Herbalife distributors are now establishing brick and mortar smoothie shops. That’s not bad, but most in the “network” were originally sold on not having an overhead. A storefront, utilities and employees are overhead. <br /></p><p>It's PROBABLY not a cult, but you have to be aware of the lingo and rhetoric. You will hear things like, "down-line" which is the group of distributors you have recruited to your "organization" or "team". Obviously, the one who recruits you is your "up-line". They love slang and initials. Point value (PV) is sometimes used instead of referring to money, and every distribution level will be named after a gemstone or mythical creature. It's a way of keeping score without realizing how little money one may be actually making. <br /></p><p>Should you attend a meeting, the facilitator up front will be quick to tell you how much money he made. But if you ask someone on the back row who has been attending for a year or more, they will be as tight as a clam. You will also hear about how easy the "plan" is. Well it is easy, once you have put in the blood, sweat and tears. But who knows for how long that will take? <br /></p><p>Over my life, I have been a distributor for a handful of these. Personally, I believe the best ones are those which provide a service rather than a line of products. It's much more straight-forward. Professional services also tend to attract a better class of people. And that is KEY. You will be recruiting... a lot! No one ever became rich from simply being a distributor. You have to have a <b>big</b> down-line. </p><p>Is network marketing a pyramid? There are stipulations within Federal
law and possibly even State laws as to what constitutes a pyramid
scheme. These are based on what the product or service is and
organizational structure such as how many levels of commission there
are. If a distributor joins the company, he or she CANNOT be forced to
purchase products or use the service to join. This is a serious no-no as well as a sign
it's a scam. Though, they may charge a nominal administrative fee of
twenty or thirty bucks to set you up as a distributor. <br /></p><p>A big
factor as to legality, is whether there is even a product for sale or
not. I remember in the late eighties, there was something called the
"Airplane Game". People would pay to "play the game" but there was no
product. As individuals paid a thousand bucks or more to join, they
would move up from passenger the flight attendant to captain, based on
how many other passengers they sold "tickets" to. It was akin to a Ponzi
scheme. This was a clear pyramid and its originators actually went to
jail. <br /></p>I may sound a bit cynical of this "referral
marketing" because so many of them are unfortunately fly-by-night. But I
am actually not opposed to the marketing model. Not at all! In the
right setting and with the right service or product to offer and a good
leadership team, one can start a very nice business with little
investment. Of course, where there is little upfront money, there must
be a lot of effort applied to grow the business. But, that shouldn't intimidate a budding
entrepreneur! <p><u>Here are a few things to avoid;</u> </p><p> - Any company that has broadened its reach from the original core product. They have lost their focus, mostly due to competition or market boredom. But more crap to sell is nothing more than just more crap! Look for something that is unique or exclusive. <br /></p><p> - Companies that can restructure your commission rate without your consent. They will do this. </p><p> - Avoid organizations where the MAIN thing is recruitment. That’s not a business, it’s a networking association.You can find this out by visiting the "sales" meetings and timing how much the person at the front of the room talks about bringing people to next weeks meeting than the products themselves. <br /></p><p> - You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a vitamin or "supplements" company these days. They are cheap to make so they can have a huge markup. The quality of most of these are not any better than what anyone would buy off the shelf. Though, you will hear customer testimonials rave about the product simply because they never took vitamins before! I am guessing almost half of these companies are in the herb, oil or vitamins business. If supplements are the mainstay of the company, run! <br /></p><p> - Also run away from companies that are “breakaways” from other marketing groups and are replicating their predecessors. This happens many times because someone with a large down-line has figured out how cheap those vitamins are and wants a bigger piece of the pie. The problem is, all those people who were fickle enough to leave the original company, will be fickle and leave the new one as well. <br /></p><p> - If you hear "We're going international", it's because the product is saturated domestically. </p><p> - If it's less than two years old, it's untested and the leadership has yet to prove itself. If it's over ten years, you have MISSED the "ground floor" opportunity. <br /></p><p>But there are upsides as well. If you have never been exposed to sales or business in general, this is a wonderful environment to begin! This can be a place to encounter different marketing ideas and sales tactics. You will learn quick whether a prospective customer is interested in what you have to offer. Business is about controlling your resources and the most important one is time. You will learn to prioritize your efforts in a way that may not be required in a typical 9 to 5 job. </p><p>In fact, it is something that allows for flexibility. More and more people have "side hustles" these day. This can be a perfect weekend gig until the business takes off. Though, at some point, you may want it to be large enough for you to leave your steady employment. At least, that is the dream of owning your own business. But some speak of just having some extra pocket change or making the car payment each month. Again, it's flexibility. <br /></p><p>Even if you don't make your first million through network marketing, you will gain a lot of sales experience that may come in handy in other endeavors. Though, there is encouragement from your up-line and other distributors, you will learn to test your mettle by pushing yourself out of the comfort zone. THIS is what all entrepreneurs learn in order to be successful. <br /></p><p>Generally, the other people involved are very positive. A rookie business owner may be shown new, healthy ways of thinking through shared books like <i>Think and Grow Rich,</i> or <i>How to Win Friends and Influence People</i>. Sadly, not everyone was exposed to having dreams and aspirations or the art of being positive while growing up. For those raised in a negative or even abusive environment, this can be very cathartic and freeing. Friendships may be formed that will last long after the business. <br /></p><p>Millionaires have been made and operate ethically throughout the country. I've watched people do it with my own eyes. It is up to YOU to discover the right path (and group of people) to take you where you want to go. I have also seen dozens if not hundreds move on to do something greater, using the knowledge they gained from their networking venture. Like anything, you only get out of it what you put in. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160168.3709268513965469 -121.9378516 63.954400748603447 -51.6253516tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-29062932459059581032019-02-10T17:33:00.002-06:002019-02-10T17:56:24.514-06:00Building the Team<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Much
like a corporation is considered its own entity, teams will take on a life of
their own. This is a good thing when you have the right bunch of people and can
lead to better productivity. Micromanaging is counterproductive in the long run
and not a growing trend for leadership in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. The
conundrum is how to let go of control and signal to the staff it’s alright to
pick up the slack. In an organization where all plans and decisions are
centralized, that transformation will not take place overnight. This is where
the boss must be willing to let go of a certain amount of control and begin to
encourage employees to take more initiative. But, the proper relationship
between team and team leader needs to be in place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Workers
need to have a certain amount of trust before they are willing to take on
greater responsibilities. A common fear is someone might make a mistake (and
they will) and be blamed for a bad decision. People need to know it is alright
to occasionally go out on a limb because management will offer the safety net
below. This begins with a sense of belonging. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
team members know they are legitimately valued as a part of the organization,
they tend to take ownership. Ownership of the department, ownership of
decisions, and <u>themselves</u> ownership of their own mistakes. Empower
people and give them access to more resources and decisions. Allow them to
speak freely about concerns they may have about a specific task. This will not
only lead to better morale but less stress for management. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several
articles and business text books have been written of the extreme measures the
five-star hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will undergo to satisfy their guests. In
fact, each employee has a budget of up to $2000, per incident, to ensure guests
will come back again. If a valet or maid can fix an issue, they do so, even
without managerial approval. This level of trust in turn, spurs greater loyalty
from company employees. With the average patron paying a quarter-million
dollars over a lifetime, it’s a wise investment. </span></div>
Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-49813803903539927962019-01-08T15:28:00.000-06:002019-02-10T17:36:57.308-06:00May I Offer a Little Friendly Advice? There is an old saying: "Free advice is only worth what you paid for it". Well, hold on! Not everything that is free is completely worthless. Consider the air we breathe. Yes, there are times when advice can be good and beneficial to its receiver. There is another adage: "The best things in life are... FREE". Perhaps more than the actual advice, we should better scrutinize the source. WHO is the one imparting the sage wisdom? Are they actually a sage? In other words, is it someone who actually has experience in that field?<br />
<br />
When I was in business school, we had the occasional adjunct professor teach some of the upper class courses. An "adjunct" was someone who was not on regular staff, but still worked in the industry of which they were teaching. That being the case, they were usually night classes. I always had this feeling that the regular faculty didn't like adjuncts. Nonetheless, THEY are the ones from whom I learned the most. If I saw an instructors name in the course catalog I didn't recognize, I knew it was probably a business owner or CEO. It would be someone I could ask real-world questions and get a straight answer. An answer based on experience and not what was already written in the textbook. In other words, I valued their advice. <br />
<br />
In real estate, it is estimated over half of all agents nationally quit after the first year in the industry. One major reason for the high turnover is rookies feel they
are not adequately trained in the BUSINESS of real estate. Over a decade ago, I was a real estate trainer for one of the largest RE/Max franchises in the country. It was a job I enjoyed and held that position for about five years. The program I put in place for new agents was hugely successful as evidenced by the stint of their careers. The training was said to be so good that veteran agents of other companies would recommend their friends who wanted to get into real estate to come see me! The managing broker loved me. <br />
<br />
Given the acclaim from within as well as externally, you would think all the newbies would always hang on to every word I said in our training meetings, right? Nope! A new agent would knock on my office door and ask "Do you have a minute"? I always made the time. Once they asked a question or told me of a challenge they were having, I would tell them the best course of action or even offer a couple of suggestions. USUALLY, it was based on an experience I actually had throughout the course of my own career. I was puzzled the times they would not heed my words and go it their own way, sometimes re-inventing the wheel. <br />
<br />
On one particular incident, one of my agents asked if she could simply use the old house photos from an online listing that had expired with another company. Though I had never heard of such, I told her it was best she take her own listing photos and "start fresh". Simple enough, right? It may have been laziness on her part, but it certainly was not by accident she posted the old agents pictures online. Three days later the broker of the expired listing's company called my broker and words were exchanged. I believe the topic was intellectual property rights. Once my young agent caught wind of the conversation, she called the old agent and further exacerbated the situation. Feelings were hurt and there was now bad blood between the two firms, which in real estate is NOT good. Not good at all. All she had to do was take my advice... and her own damned photos. <br />
<br />
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What I realized was there are people who seek validation rather than unbiased advice. They have an idea and go to the expert. IF the expert agrees... YAY! But if the veteran dissents, they simply do what it is they really wanted to do all along. I use to be extremely annoyed by this, as I considered my time was wasted. Now I see it is part of being <b>human</b>. To varying degrees we all do this. We get it in our head what we want to do, but ask opinions of others to cover ourselves. This is why it is vitally important to suspend making final decisions on important issues until enough workable information is in. Granted, it's hard to separate our emotions from a logical decision. That's the human part I was talking about. Consider all the down on their luck gamblers in Las Vegas; a prime example of not separating ideas from emotion. <br />
<br />
Real estate is a tough career, but so is public speaking. I'm not even talking about being on stage. That is only 10% of it, the tip of the iceberg. As a public speaker and corporate trainer, I have about ten people a year ask me how to get started as a motivational speaker. I always stop what I am doing and take time to talk to them and answer any question they have. Why? Because a lot of successful speakers along the way stopped to talk to ME. They gave me advice and I took it. I always let novice speakers know the one most IMPORTANT bit of advice I can spare for someone just getting in the business; join Toastmasters International. Toastmasters is a public speaking club where one can learn the skills. The cost is only about $100 annually and generally, members are warm and welcoming. So, how many would-be Tony Robbins took me up on my advice? None! Not a single person I ran into again or called a month later actually joined Toastmasters. My guess is their dream is more attractive than the actual work of bringing it into reality. <br />
<br />
My advice to you: the next time you seek someone's opinion and their idea is contrary to what you initially thought, do further fact finding. However, they may be able to spare you some heartaches and stress. Has this person actually done what it is you want to do? If not, then WHY are you asking them? Find someone qualified with real-world experience. If something isn't as easy as you originally thought it was, you're probably on the right track. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://momentumseminars.com/">http://MomentumSeminars.com</a> <br />
<a href="mailto:MomentumSemianrs@gmail.com">MomentumSemianrs@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-90705603505706892492018-03-12T16:55:00.000-05:002019-02-10T17:37:52.989-06:00Professionalism Begins OnlineWe have all had bad days, but is that a license to blab to the world about how much you hate your job because we're just not "feeling it" that day? SPOILER ALERT; the crux of this article is that no one cares! Nonetheless, there will be teachers, CPAs, Realtors and even doctors who will spill their guts on the internet through social media. The individual may feel a little better after a purge, but his or her audience is aghast.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, I was with about a dozen veteran real estate agents who were mortified by some of the recent posts of fellow Realtors. Things that apart from just being in bad taste, could actually get the licensee in a lot of hot water. Of course, I immediately pulled out my smartphone to see who was doing what. Oh yes, you will get reactions, but will you get business? I will confess just when I think no one is reading my feed, I may
drop a quick comment about an elected official or some new government policy and inadvertently start a
firestorm controversy. Right there on MY page... YIKES! Well, if you are alright with that, than that's your
business decision to make. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Vf-HeIlrnaFCcaP12Eqy0H8qmwdaqqXU3gpyTWZbMOSkO-NNZa7o8M8V5teLLMQPjvoZrmsLNXkklbqkA0KCjKFU-EVgCkepaIR7CF05th4xLJJkQ1KEkrHq9vuhOqWmubzdIDlXP8/s1600/angry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Vf-HeIlrnaFCcaP12Eqy0H8qmwdaqqXU3gpyTWZbMOSkO-NNZa7o8M8V5teLLMQPjvoZrmsLNXkklbqkA0KCjKFU-EVgCkepaIR7CF05th4xLJJkQ1KEkrHq9vuhOqWmubzdIDlXP8/s320/angry.jpg" width="320" /></a>It really is a business decision. Most people with a professional license are independent contractors. That being said, they are small business owners. To which they are THEIR OWN boss and responsible for taking measures to avoid liability. If one agent tweets out their own resentment toward a fellow Realtor, the overall process or heaven forbid, their own client, repercussions are soon to follow because literally everyone on the planet can read it. As in the case of Realtors, the NAR Code of Ethics, Article 15 reads... <br />
<br />
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<i>"REALTORS® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading
statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or
their business practices." </i></div>
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The supporting standards go on to state the professional could be made to remove the post and, essentially, apologize. In the case of clients, they could sue over a careless post as it is a breach of agency. So why would someone want to air their dirty laundry online in the first place? <br />
<br />
Rachel Albertson, with <a href="http://www.inforulesm.com/" target="_blank">InfoRule Social Media</a>, a Murfreesboro based marketing firm states; "<i>You do not have to be friends with clients on social media. In fact, I do not recommend it.</i>" Apparently, Disney thinks that's a good idea as well. Their employees are NOT permitted to mention they work for Disney. To violate this policy could be grounds for termination. So, be mindful of how you intermingle your private life with business. <br />
<br />
Legal issues aside, remember what your mom told you about "conversation in mixed or polite
company"? Do not discuss sex, politics or religion. Mom was right! Yet,
here is where a lot of people miss it. To spare you the details here, <a href="https://mashable.com/2011/06/16/weinergate-social-media-job-loss/#fciIOUWHAaqm" target="_blank">MASHABLE</a> has compiled a list of people who were let go over social media posts. I am not suggesting we have no opinions or never share our ideas, that's not my place. Though I will offer a friendly reminder if you post something political, you stand the chance of alienating half of your audience.<br />
<br />
Professionalism begins online. In the 21st century, the
majority of consumers start looking for an insurance agent, mortgage
broker, Realtor or dentist through the internet. The search is actually a
funnel. The buyer asks a question of a search engine, follows the
answer to an industry publication, then a geographic company and then
YOU! They already have a vague idea of what a professional is suppose to
be before they ever click your name. When they ask a serious question,
they anticipate a serious, coherent answer. If what they find instead is
an agent posing with a sock monkey, they may not take that professional
as one who is serious or would be responsible with their money. In
short, the agent appears <b>UN</b>professional. Don't get me wrong, I
love sock monkeys as much as the next guy, but if there is no marketing
tie-in or a picture of a give away at a children's hospital, no one
would take me serious. They certainly would not trust me with their
biggest financial investment. Time to take down the cutesy avatar. <br />
<a href="mailto:Blaine@realtracs.com">Blaine@realtracs.com</a><br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-85723831893155509662017-11-27T23:13:00.001-06:002017-11-27T23:13:39.196-06:00"Prepare for the WORST, but..." Wait, how does the rest of that go? "Prepare for the worst, but HOPE for the best!" Why is it we tend to forget the last part of that maxim? Is it because we have heard it so few times? Perhaps it's too long? Maybe the concept itself is too complex. It may be the first part, the doom and gloom part, takes all our concentration. After all, can we really expect our minds to think in two completely different terms? Yet if we are looking under rocks to uncover potential booby traps, we never take the time to enjoy the proverbial flowers. <br />
<br />
First, understand that anxiety is actually there for good reason. It's a survival mechanism. We are constantly looking for an alternate ending, a way out, or at least a really good lie. We want to have options when it comes to saving our relationships, not getting mugged, being fired, or just talking our way out of a traffic ticket. Self preservation itself is not bad so long as it is not at the expense of others. However, we get stuck there. We are always watching out for the next big financial pitfall or social jackpot. Our minds take in billions of bits of information every day. The great majority of that data has no bearing on our lives whatsoever. Nonetheless, there is a lot to sift through. Perhaps there really are more things that could go wrong than right. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb-gYuBsOBLQkBi1k6lalXFqI0JhaDz0PRHZLsWZsGnsFjEB8EHQk6KLBxdTUx8ZsE6xzgerfoYn1HN5eyUSVRY0Ye-rvuQMAqgbrLNlQPVzyLVasRxV-9FhNZ5adiIeI5z2x6NPNx08/s1600/attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="900" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb-gYuBsOBLQkBi1k6lalXFqI0JhaDz0PRHZLsWZsGnsFjEB8EHQk6KLBxdTUx8ZsE6xzgerfoYn1HN5eyUSVRY0Ye-rvuQMAqgbrLNlQPVzyLVasRxV-9FhNZ5adiIeI5z2x6NPNx08/s320/attitude.jpg" width="320" /></a>Without a doubt, negative self-talk will manifest itself into a bad attitude, limiting beliefs and even a poor outlook on ourselves. Some of that talk is our own creation and some of it (some more than others) is something that has played each and every day since we were small children. So, why is this little inner PA system always playing? With exception to deep-seeded emotional issues, there are just two reasons; we are comfortable with what is <b>familiar</b>, and<b> silence</b> scares us. Yep, that's pretty much it. Trusting in the way things have always been done is far better than looking inward at ourselves. Have you ever known someone in a co-dependent relationship? Rationale would dictate they leave an abusive entanglement, but they remain due to a fear of the unknown or even possibly being alone. <br />
<br />
Perhaps we should BEGIN hoping for the best! Far more important than dwelling on unrealistic negatives is how to move forward searching for positive outcomes. This takes adjusting our own attitudes toward, well, everything. This is nothing that can be done a psychologist, minister, board-certified magician, your boss, your parents, your spouse or the HR lady. Sorry, not even I can help you with this one. It is something the individual must do for themselves. <br />
<br />
However, here are a few things that help you move in the right direction; <br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Get a better class of friends.</b></span></u> Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once
stated; "We are the average of the five people we spend the most time
with." We tell or children to not hang out with the wrong crowd. Yet do
we head our own advice? You are only obligated to see your extended family on
Thanksgiving, the other 364 days of the year are YOURS! Seriously, do
we seek those who can help elevate us or simply those who are
comfortable and familiar? Maybe we gravitate toward those who are
most like us, as we are now. Perhaps we are the ones who are co-dependent. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Again, with the diet and exercise?</u> </b></span>Yes and who knows, there might actually be something to it, too! There have been hundreds of studies on the emotional and psychological benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. That means more fish. Also, we must train ourselves to fill our lungs with more air so we can better get oxygen to our brain. The type of deep breathing we can only get from exercise. Good news here; ANY physical activity will get our heart rate up, so have fun with it. Unless you have a medical condition, there is no wrong exercise. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>"</b><u><b>Purple giraffe!</b></u><b>"</b> </span>Did you just envision a blue otter in your mind? No, because it was filled with the image of a two-tone lavender equine with a long neck. The human brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time with any great detail. Whatever is there, is there. If we tell ourselves to NOT think of something, it's still there. We can't allow ourselves to become frustrated when we imagine the worst, like getting fired, breaking up, arguing with our children or Bananarama on tour. Acknowledge those negative ideas for what they are; distortions of reality. Then, simply let them creep on through our mind until they find the exit. They will eventually leave, they always do unless we choose to hold onto them. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Give yourself a time out.</u> </b></span>Take some quiet time, you deserve it. Go somewhere completely devoid of people, phones, distractions, wi-fi or even background music. Have a conversation with yourself. As stated, we already talk to ourselves, so this should be easy. Have an honest talk with yourself about the type of person you are, what makes you happy, and where you want to be in life. Believe it or not, this is where I LOSE MOST OF YOU. As simple as it is, it's just too damned awkward. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Get enough sleep.</u> </b></span>A Columbia University study showed the rate of
those surveyed who had sleep <br />
deprivation and sought out professional help for psychiatric
disorders by about 8:1, versus those who were
well rested, yet sought help. Eight to one! How many of those eight would
never have had an issue had they just got an extra hour or two of sleep
each night? Those one-hour sessions lying on the psychologist's couch
would have been just as effective had a subject actually fallen asleep on
it! <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Live with passion!</u> </b></span>No doubt, some people aren't seeing the good simply because they just are not happy. Happiness really is a decision, not a state. Of course, we all have bad days, suffer regret and mourn loss. But that should be the exception to human existence. When I conduct career coaching with clients, I ask them what they are most passionate about. Sadly most simply do not know what would excite them to get out of bed in the morning. They only roll out of bed due to habit or a sense of what the consequences will be. Passion overcomes fear and if we are anticipating all the good that will come from the new day, our attitude will rise to meet the need. <br />
<br />
Sad to say, we will always have those little negative thoughts and anxiety. The trick is to outweigh them with positive expectation and constant reminders of how awesome we truly are. And that, takes purposeful intention. </div>
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Blaine Little <br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a> </span></div>
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Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-48796360411985599872017-09-30T16:30:00.000-05:002017-10-04T18:20:40.390-05:00Service at the Speed of the Human Race™<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlreRt-fquXoDeuJupFQPmvJt89AeMw_SbjvzzFhtc_utizseL1EM8LuN40B6TbLkiaInAqhClKUOzzK3kgxGeUlMmpc8UfZxdOaeC2actnfTW2hm7oR2dr7eUtIMp95JqY7X7iSmoJM/s1600/marathon-2346948_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlreRt-fquXoDeuJupFQPmvJt89AeMw_SbjvzzFhtc_utizseL1EM8LuN40B6TbLkiaInAqhClKUOzzK3kgxGeUlMmpc8UfZxdOaeC2actnfTW2hm7oR2dr7eUtIMp95JqY7X7iSmoJM/s320/marathon-2346948_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a>The information superhighway was never intended for people to take a leisurely stroll. The internet was created, and exists for the rapid gathering of data. Service itself is just a byproduct. Truly, when it gets to decision time, people want to SLOW DOWN a bit. But, how do you do that or even hit an "off ramp" if everything is moving so fast? <br />
<br />
The concept of "<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Service at the Speed of the Human Race™</span>",
simply means gathering all pertinent information for our clients as
quick as possible, explaining it to them in a way they understand, and
then allowing them some time to decide how to proceed. No teleporters
or magic wands, just good client service. In fact, this has always been
the model. But unfortunately, it's a point a lot of online platforms
completely miss. At some point in the decision making process we must
slow down, as bad information, out of sync priorities and
miscommunication can upset an otherwise smooth process. If we are the
professionals in our field, those who have knowledge and prior
experience, and it does fall to US to tap those brakes. Otherwise, our
client stand to make a huge mistake, especially as it applies to real
estate. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://human.firstcommunitymortgage.com/the-human-mortgage-approach/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Click here for FCM page" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="900" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMtZ2VWBPLCSO7Sk4RvjbZv3fnt7NgPtK-dEurFKbGqfnXP3ekAVPCvORd0O2PCmH1GdrtkkUEg5hNcL9p3kHfyFhrkLr38_Mj-pGQEvVfyJwVh8OArniWRROYUwuuufYcUTF-QSkBpM/s200/fcm-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
It is a concept First Community Mortgage refers to as "the human mortgage approach" of doing business. Though they have access to all the tools of an online-only bank, they
realize the greatest advantage is in their people. More important, their
people making face-to-face connections with clients. Mortgage seekers don't want to be forced in to the next step of the process because the site says it's prudent to do so. Nor are they willing to be denied by an algorithm. They want to look a professional in the eye and get some advice. People want options. Yes, at a point there is the need for a little bit of hand holding. That is a service
you cannot get from the internet. <br />
<br />
I recall several years ago, a large discount department store was
playing with the notion of expanding into real estate. They had kiosks
set up in a few of its stores as a pilot program to see how many more magazines,
cheap toys, shirts, flip-flops, and 2000 square foot homes they could
sell. This was at a time when there were not as many real estate
information outlets as there are now. The discount chain's concept was
to provide fast and convenient data while customers were shopping
otherwise. People did in fact look at home listings on the in-store
computers, but when it became decision time, elected to seek the advice of
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a Realtor®. </span>The project was abandoned. <br />
<br />
Recently, I worked with some clients to sell their home. Within the first 24 hours, we received four offers. Each was good. The clients selected potential buyer to work with and we were able to sell the property for about $10,000 MORE than we originally anticipated. All this happened without the use of such online services as Homelight, Zillow or Trulia. For the most part, the offers that came in were by word of mouth. As for the bump in price; I went "old school" and actually MEASURED the property thereby finding additional square footage that was not reflected on the tax record. Something that would not have been caught by a "Zestimate", but rather by little ol' me! <br />
<br />
In the 21st century, we want something and we want it now! However,
instant gratitude is for the most part, a fantasy. Gaining information
today is no problem at all, but is it the RIGHT information? More
important, is it the right information for that individual? The human mind can race at a sprint, but the heart still needs go the distance of a marathon. That is what is meant by <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Service at the Speed of the Human Race™. </span> <br />
<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Blaine
Little is a real estate instructor, business trainer and an agent with Reliant
Realty in Murfreesboro, TN </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/"><span style="color: #0070c0;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BlaineSpeak@gmail.com </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-73750987236309716272017-08-10T17:29:00.000-05:002017-11-07T23:37:04.804-06:00Are you LISTENING to me? Well, probably NOT! When I say the word; "communication", what comes to mind? Likely you think of someone speaking, either publicly or inter-personally. You might have even though of MASS communication which brings to mind TV and radio. Either of which involves someone talking. Have you ever stopped to think listening is part of that communication? In fact, it's exactly fifty per cent. It doesn't really matter what someone says if there is no one there to listen. Without the other participant in the communication process, the idea put forth might as well be an individual thought never leaving the senders mind. It's like that old adage, "if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it... who cut it down", or something like that. <br />
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As a public speaker, I am all too aware of the importance of constructing thoughts in such a way, it will be understood and hopefully, well received by my audience. Also important are vocal qualities and platform skills. However, I am completely at the mercy of my listeners as to whether they WANT to receive my message. When it comes to small groups or talking one-on-one, the same concept applies. The effectiveness of my idea or concept is only as good as someone who is willing to hear and accept it. Again, I am at their mercy. We have all had those conversations where we were not sure our partner was truly listening, or perhaps we even "zoned out" ourselves. Why in our culture, do we put such an emphasis on the one doing the talking as the one who is active, engaged or putting forth an effort when it comes to sharing ideas? We view the one making the noise as someone DOING something, but what about the receiver? Is that person not also supposed to be actively engaged in the conversation? <br />
<br />
Indeed, "active listening" is a skill, unfortunately, not one appreciated my most people today. Many will be polite and allow someone else to finish his or her thought, but the entire time they are deep in thought as to what they will say next. "Quiet time" is only long enough for someone to shut up. But when the shoe is on the other foot, can we be assured to receive better consideration? That's why I like to quiz my listeners with "what are YOUR thoughts on that"? In truth, we've all been caught off guard at one time or another. Here are a few pointers to help you listen more actively; <br />
<br />
<b>Rest -</b> your mind. Don't jump to a conclusion of what you <b><i>think</i></b> the other person is going say next and suspend judgement until they have completely finished their thought. <br />
<br />
<b>Resist - </b>the urge to interrupt with your own
thought or point of view. Instead, when you have a salient point write a
one-word note to prompt yourself to visit that idea later. We must also resist the urge to judge. Allow the talker to finish his or her statement. Scrutinize his or her thought only after that person has completely explained the idea. <br />
<br />
<b>Respond -</b> with short signs of attentiveness such as; "oh", uh-huh" and "I see". Short questions, such as, "What happened next?" will show your communication partner you are listening. Also, send visual cues that you are engaged in what the person is saying by nodding your head and uncrossing your arms. <br />
<br />
<b>Restate -</b> on occasion, in your own words to let the listener know you truly internalized the point they were making. Comments like "So, you're telling me your challenge with this project is..." assures both parties are on the same page. <br />
<br />
<b>Reiterate -</b> what you believe to be key points of what the speaker is saying. This could even be done in the form of a question and followed up with "tell me more about that". <br />
<br />
<b>Reflect -</b> on the entire message when the other is done talking. You may even want to apply what you heard to your own experiences or something that affects you. How could what you just learned HELP you? <br />
<br />
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<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-90068909605337472522017-03-15T10:39:00.000-05:002018-11-07T13:27:41.860-06:00There is no leadership without a sense of vision.<span style="font-size: small;">As a corporate trainer, I often open my seminars stating; "The single most important skill of a good leader is that of communication". A manger or executive with an industrial expertise may point to another attribute such as accounting or engineering. However, when it comes to the task of actually LEADING others on the team, one would be hard pressed to disagree with me. Otherwise, just ask anyone who had a great idea and could not bring it to fruition because others did not share in the vision. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOq8feqpxXFgW8WsAiWFz7X_9hljQHid8unNDE_PJWp0KJHEw5tlqvahcLRbNHukfaMock9NYQp6cGyu_MvdWLJTex7-WBlwwvEgvM2lHjRVxuV7Q5FnZvIATGnw-pCllYl8VU33CxFNw/s1600/iStock_000015900242XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOq8feqpxXFgW8WsAiWFz7X_9hljQHid8unNDE_PJWp0KJHEw5tlqvahcLRbNHukfaMock9NYQp6cGyu_MvdWLJTex7-WBlwwvEgvM2lHjRVxuV7Q5FnZvIATGnw-pCllYl8VU33CxFNw/s320/iStock_000015900242XSmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals who perhaps due to their technical skills, gained a position of influence and yet do not truly appreciate the need for them to be "visionary". He or she has the degree, certifications, experience and skill sets to accomplish the tasks at hand. Yet, business professionals many times fail to understand the moment they take on the responsibility of a staff, team, department or even a single intern, they automatically become a LEADER... like it or not. I say that because there are a lot of business people who detest the responsibility of dealing with others and seeing to it staff members contribute their individual portion to the team. The attractiveness of title, prestige and more money clouds the reality that there will be a huge shift in their personal responsibilities. It is no longer the emphasis on individually doing, but instead relating what needs to be done by the team and WHY. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Recently, I was presenting to the executive staff of a large energy company. The organization had recently undergone several growth spurts and weren't done. They understood the importance of creating a strategic plan relating the direction they were moving to their more than 1000 employees. Out of this, came the need to develop core values, as well as mission and vision statements. The company was undergoing such change they wanted to ensure all the workers were aware of the new direction they were going. Otherwise, employees would not see the need to be flexible in their understanding of what the individual job was. Where thee is confusion in the ranks, you have a loss in productivity, effectiveness and profitability. There could even be safety concerns for any entity that changes course and does not bring its members along. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Followers WANT to be led! </b>The good ones show up to work and fully expect to receive that day's marching orders or to be informed if the daily routine has been altered. Without a sense of direction, employees lose confidence in the organization, their leaders, even themselves and their abilities. To fill the void, they will many times create their own set of priorities, process policies and deadlines. However, these will all be different from one worker to the next and more than likely not be up to company standards. In time, the company will be swallowed up by inefficiency, lose their customer base, and eventually fold. The frustration an executive may feel is often one of the signs something is wrong and it may present itself too late. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As a business leader, it's not enough to be proficient in your position, you must also bring the team along for the ride. That means telling members of the team where the ride is going... and why. In short, creating a vision. Key concepts, such as a vision statement is not the only way to do that, but it's a really good start. It may also require additional training and frequent updates. By opening good lines of communication to allow for questions, ideas and feedback, a leader can be assured that the team understands his or her direction. But if that leader simply assumes everyone knows priorities and what to do without follow through, that professional stands a good chance of not being in the position for long. </span><br />
<br />
Blaine Little <br />
<a href="http://momentumseminars.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://MomentumSeminars.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a> </span><br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-5262970647378707282016-12-23T20:11:00.000-06:002016-12-23T21:30:16.527-06:00Holiday Listings<!--[if !mso]>
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Each year, about this time, Realtors across the country hear
those same three little words “…after the Holidays”. The real estate market
tends to go into an economic hibernation for a couple of months as activity
slows down. Our focus shifts from seeking listings and promoting sales
activities to turkey and hanging out with the family. We spend more time in the
car trying to GET to the mall, than we spend in the mall itself, and those
lights aren’t going to hang themselves. We plan our cross-country trips, buy
gifts for our loved ones, and make sure that we are stocked up on eggnog. Mmmm,
eggnog! </div>
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Years ago, I would send out a postcard to my farm area entitled
“8 Reasons to List during the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intent was not only to promote myself and
the services I could provide, but also to create a shift in the mind of the
seller who had already decided to put off listing until the New Year. I would
also send the little card to my current listings who I knew might expire during
this period. I will share a few of those ideas with you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-imr4xiSFelIBGnMtAs29fYMaAokGHB6uyZAwmyddhR_4pVdQgfcU-0NddHu05x7wQjjwI9jG6dNJ29kXD2jEQj3vvAjnLW5TxpNR_2zozWgDnjT9k0iYKhRBFLp9KfFcmWa9ahufBEU/s1600/4329002-For-Sale-sign-sold-on-snow-ground-Stock-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-imr4xiSFelIBGnMtAs29fYMaAokGHB6uyZAwmyddhR_4pVdQgfcU-0NddHu05x7wQjjwI9jG6dNJ29kXD2jEQj3vvAjnLW5TxpNR_2zozWgDnjT9k0iYKhRBFLp9KfFcmWa9ahufBEU/s320/4329002-For-Sale-sign-sold-on-snow-ground-Stock-Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Holidays”. <br />
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<br /></div>
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First, the listed home is already looking pretty! No need to
“tidy up” before company comes over or make the place look festive, or bake
wonderful smelling cookies in the oven to make it all seem like home. It
already does. The owners did you staging for you! As professional marketers,
our intent is to allow the would-be buyers see themselves living there. What
better family time to make them think of than the Holidays?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
also no need to cut the grass just before a showing appointment. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another good consideration is the Holiday schedule itself.
Many times, manufacturing plants and other businesses will completely shut down
for a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means those
“by confirmed appointment” sellers are now much more flexible, and easier to reach
by phone. Most offices in the Middle Tennessee area have some sort of appointment
system that a client could simply <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">block
out</b> important family days and sub-Holidays like New Years Eve. Buyers are
in the same boat, so there is not a need to wait until the weekend to set
appointments. </div>
<br />
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In my first few years in the business, I made myself available
to anyone and everyone who want to buy or sell. Without fail, I always picked
up new clients at this time because everyone else had their phones turned off.
Consistently, I heard stories of how people must have called a dozen agents,
but no one picked up or returned their call. Well, I did, and I got new clients
out of it, too. Many of them were people relocating to the area in a few weeks
or months, and had this time to look for properties. I always did business! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, there are a lot of points to consider during the
Holiday season, but your mental default should not be that of “Nobody wants to
buy or sell during the Holidays”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
working smart and being available, you just might be able to put a nice little
bow on the end of your business year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeaks@gmail.com"><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BlaineSpeaks@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>
<br />
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Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-86186433957492930482016-11-09T12:55:00.002-06:002016-11-09T19:18:11.161-06:00Are You Aimlessly Wandering as a Manager? You Should! In management, you have not only the position of leadership but all the responsibilities that come with that appointment. Even though one may be "the boss' or at least a functionary of the boss, there are still duties to perform and decisions to make. That means reports, analysis, deadlines and directives. Most of those duties and decisions cannot be passed off to members of the team or crew because... well they're not the boss, you are!<br />
<br />
This means countless hours poring over facts and figures, writing memos, attending meetings and working late in a tiny little cubbyhole you call your office. More than likely, your business school professors never told you about that part of this glamorous job. Nonetheless, it falls to your sense of duty to get comfortable behind your desk and scratch your head while reading a memo from the Accounting Department which states, "this doesn't add up". In order to get things done, you simply cannot afford to spend that much time in the bullpen or on the shop floor, right? Wrong... WAY wrong! <br />
<br />
If there is one thing to learn from Machiavelli's <i>The Prince</i>, besides when it is politically advantageous to not be cruel, it is that of being present. No prince can rule from a foreign land. It doesn't matter what systems are in place, things will naturally break down if people don't hear from, and most importantly SEE their leader. You physically have to present yourself to your team to say "I'm here". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur-YU-XvTaNRPaUVEAQagjXm3slpkgY2qbZnDisfL7myR71lpLCCZhQvLePoL26qD-FhpCqJEbHrBBZyVJTmoW4ZFPbybG39rBRwPIJq1dLvCdK1FSXwbFZjSMWuJw9tvfx9e6oSF6DU/s1600/Walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur-YU-XvTaNRPaUVEAQagjXm3slpkgY2qbZnDisfL7myR71lpLCCZhQvLePoL26qD-FhpCqJEbHrBBZyVJTmoW4ZFPbybG39rBRwPIJq1dLvCdK1FSXwbFZjSMWuJw9tvfx9e6oSF6DU/s320/Walking.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yes, "when the cat's away, the mice will play", but maybe not for the reasons you think. There are those in every workplace who will do as little as possible while they are in it. However, there are those who sincerely want to put in an honest day's work as well. Without a certain amount of oversight, work will slow down and those loyal to the company will lose focus and feel downright abandoned by management. People look to a leader to ensure they are on the right track and that their efforts won't be a waste of time. They need instruction, guidance and even the occasional inspiration. Believe it or not, that doesn't come from reviewing reports. Those concepts must be communicated and a proactive leader must not wait until an employee knocks on the office door. We all know, by that time it is often a much larger problem that could have been quashed days ago, if only we knew about it then. <br />
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Occasionally getting up and walking around for no particular reason is actually a very effective management tool. Years ago, Tom Peters wrote about this activity and called it Management By Wandering Around (MBWA). Though, we have seen this practiced throughout history where great leaders such as Abraham Lincoln would "pop in" and make their presence known. The intent is simply to see what's going on. In the course of doing so, you will identify issues that need your attention as well as come in contact with those who can fix overlooked problems; your employees. <br />
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To be clear, I'm not talking about micro-managing, skulking behind the office planter or crawling on all fours from cubicle to cubicle. The point is to be noticed. Members of a team often see only their specific function and simply may not recognize a problem for what it is. Not only is this a good point to delegate someone to eliminate an issue before it grows fangs, it is also an opportunity to interact with the rest of the crew. They fully expect there to be guidance from one who is more experienced, but will grow to resent your absence. Without your presence, they will start making their own productivity decisions that may not be in line with that of the company. <br />
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From a point of morale, people want to know the leader is there. They want their work to be validated and the workers to be appreciated for their effort. It is important we praise their actions and give correction where needed. We also need to connect with people on a human level. Asking such questions as "how was your weekend?", "did your son do well at the track meet?" and "do you have pictures of your sister's wedding?" is not a waste of time. This seemingly idle chit-chat leads to respect and trust. These are two things that must flow in either direction if a team is to be successful. <br />
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Notice, Peter labels this as "wandering". There is no set time, course or agenda for this movement. It's simply walking around your department to see what's there. This could be in the morning or afternoon, or both. Carrying a pen and small notepad probably isn't a bad idea either. During your leisurely stroll, take the time to interact with the people who make you look good by asking them if there is anything they need from you. Initially, your employees will be down right puzzled by your daily jaunts, but after a week or two, they will be use to it and view them as normal behavior. In fact, they will anticipate your arrival and many times have questions or concerns for you to address. Many of these issues would never have come to your attention had you not made yourself available to your team. <br />
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Blaine Little <br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a> </span><br />
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<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-46626032069838724212016-09-02T17:13:00.004-05:002018-03-15T17:07:17.223-05:00Positively Speaking (and Thinking)! <!--[if !mso]>
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One
of the things I love most about the people I surround myself with, is that an
overwhelming majority of them are so positive-minded! Of course, that's by design. There are certainly enough negative people on the planet, I just choose to avoid them. In this world,
especially in an election year, you hear so many things about who did what to
someone else, or who is at fault because they didn’t do what someone else
thought they should do. Blah, blah, blah… As individuals, we have to protect
our own six inches between our ears. One way of doing that is by taking a positive approach to life! When I read or hear statistics of how the average person is generally down on themselves or otherwise unhappy, I'm shocked. Some of this bilk comes from the carelessness of others, and yet some is of our own making. Many people go through life waiting for someone to come along and make them feel better about themselves. But who are THEY affecting? <br />
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A Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) doesn't exist in a vacuum. You have to build it. No one is going to give it to you hand wrapped and on a silver platter. Not your boss, nor your colleagues. Not your spouse nor your best friend… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">YOU!</b> So, how does one create a positive environment? By taking
initiative instead of saying “that’s not my job”. By helping others you see
are struggling with a task at work. By being an example of leadership,
though you may have no title. By doing something of interest to YOU, though others may frown on it. The world needs more positive people. Some times, it seems we are in short supply them. No one is going to put a smile on your face for you. No one is going to tell you (in a loving way) to change your attitude. No State will grant you a license on being a positive person. That is a decision you will have to make. Though, someone
just might benefit from seeing or hearing from you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In a sea of negativity, YOU might just be that beacon of hope! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.momentumseminars.com/">www.MomentumSeminars.com </a><br /><br />
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Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-89147136232836162762016-08-16T15:44:00.003-05:002023-03-03T22:45:55.258-06:00If you were an animal living in a jungle, would your HR Director ask you stupid questions?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi656hyphenhyphenrj7JSRwN5zwmjdolBksXlHq4BD9AE9iVnYyt0Qutz9VEBaVGowyZQv7BGGNVKGGLsCFdg9itYANTtFnmAU8pQsVcTCPvLLllmeD-u9li2e21tA2Hy82XtgaSYFuda7BNG2lKFLE/s1600/cowardly-lion.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi656hyphenhyphenrj7JSRwN5zwmjdolBksXlHq4BD9AE9iVnYyt0Qutz9VEBaVGowyZQv7BGGNVKGGLsCFdg9itYANTtFnmAU8pQsVcTCPvLLllmeD-u9li2e21tA2Hy82XtgaSYFuda7BNG2lKFLE/s320/cowardly-lion.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="text" style="font-family: arial;">A couple of years ago, I read an article in Entrepreneur Magazine about "wacky" interview questions. I was
concerned this article was written to provide questions for JOB
INTERVIEWS. In it, the reporter states she is conveying some of the off-hand questions one might receive in an interview. You know the one's; "if you were an animal in the jungle what animal would you be. The appropriate response is a lion. No stipulation as to whether this was before or after the Wizard handed you the Badge of Courage. It's nothing new, these questions have been around for decades, but it just strikes me as unprofessional. <br /><br />Recently, a
friend of mine who had been out of work for several months while his
wife was very ill, and a daughter about to be wed, for which he was to pay, was contacted by a company several states away for a new position.
They flew him in, put him in a hotel, and gave him a per diem for food.
At the interview, he was asked "if you were a fish, what kind of fish
would it be"? Really? After all the expense and frustration, this is the type of
questioning they come up with? <br /><br />Several years ago, my wife went
to an interview where she was asked "what's your favorite color", and of course, the "jungle" question? She
thought the interviewer a moron, but some how, got the job anyway. As it turned out,
the entire company was run by morons, and she had to ultimately seek employment
elsewhere, which did work out in the end. It was a colossal waste of time, money, and even emotion. Why put people
through such turmoil?</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span class="text" style="font-family: arial;">The article states, this is a way to
uncover critical thinking skills. If someone asked me "what color crayon
I was" the only critical thinking I would contemplate would be whether
the interviewer got the idiot gene from one parent or both. Why not pose
a typical scenario, and just ask them how they would handle it. Uncover programs they
implemented at their old job. This is called the behavioral interview technique. It's also been around for decades and is more certainly a better indicator of employee skills. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span class="text" style="font-family: arial;">However, in the words of George Carlin, "What if... there were no such things as hypothetical question"? I am convinced many interviewer and staffers in HR simply don't know what to ask. A large part of that could stem from the fact that department heads and Personnel aren't talking to each other in terms of what qualities to look for in a potential employee. Ask an interviewee what their goals would be in a new job. How might they make a particular process more efficient? Those
would be professional questions and a good use of time. If all else fails; "What was the dumbest question you were ever asked at a
job interview"? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text">Read the entire Entrepreneur Magazine article here; </span><span class="text"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230931"><span class="text">https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230931</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com" target="_blank">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a></span> </span></span><br />
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<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-1517862674276662372016-07-15T10:43:00.000-05:002016-07-15T10:48:23.784-05:00Too Much Clutter Can Kill Your Real Estate Deal! <span style="font-size: large;">Too Much Clutter Can Kill Your Real Estate Deal!</span> by Blaine Little <br />
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One of the first things a good Realtor will tell his or her seller clients is to "de-clutter". This is not necessarily saying the house is a mess or dirty, but does imply it's time to put away all those personal chotchkies and souvenirs collected through the years. The intent is to allow potential buyers feel as though the home could already be theirs. But what happens when all those little nick-knacks are the focal point of the house instead of the kitchen appliances? <br />
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Some years ago, I had a listing appointment for a lady who was moving back to her home town. I was to meet her one afternoon, and before leaving the office, I did a quick check of everything I might need; camera, flip book presentation, forms, and of course, my "lucky" pen. On the drive over, I rehearsed in my mind, responses to the three or four common objections I might hear during a listing appointment. I also considered common issues with the house, such as pet odor or a bright decor. However, nothing quite prepared me for what I was about to see.<br />
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After ringing the doorbell, the lady greeted me warmly and invited me inside. From the front living room door, I got an eyeful! The walls were a neutral tone of light gray, the carpet was beige, and the beanie babies were, well, <b>MANY</b>. On the far wall she had a wooden rack full of them. There were about 20 little plush toys across each shelf and about a dozen shelves down. She had two such racks, and several "Ty toys" out on tables, so you do the math. She had hundreds of these things! Just tiny little teddy bears and other assorted critters all in every color imaginable. <br />
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Something occurred that doesn't happen to me often: I was speechless. In our short time together and on the phone, this lady was so polite and seemed like a very sweet person. So, how was I going to break it to her that she really needed to take them down? As luck would have it, when she noticed me eying the wall, she proceeded to tell me a story that seemed to be attached to each one. Where she was when she bought them or how a friend who knew she collected gave one to her or what a special one meant to her. I just saw hundreds of pieces of felt. <br />
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When buyers enter a house, they imagine what that property could like like in a few weeks. They consider lighting, mentally place their existing furniture in each room, and quickly scan for any repair items. In short, they assess how that house will suit their needs. However, if there are tiny, multi-colored items all over the place, this is a huge distraction. The human eyes can only take in and analyze so much. Even though a listed property may be clean and tidy, it just appears CLUTTERED. <br />
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As real estate professionals, we must tread lightly here. What may seem like an obsession or just plain weird to some of us may be very important and significant to our clients. For a house to appear as a potential "home" to a buyer, it needs to be shown in its best light. That means clean and showing a lot of surface area. Showing open areas on a wall, floor, ceiling or table make the property appear lager than it is. The simple reason is only a few objects can occupy the minds of buyers before they become frustrated and simply decide to move on. This is exactly why we notoriously ask sellers to remove everything from a refrigerator's surface. For those of us who have children, that's a tough one. <br />
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I once had sellers where the husband collected about a dozen collegiate baseball caps and displayed them very proudly on shelves in the den. Though this were not hundreds of items, it was still clutter. At this point, I delivered my famous line; "You need to pack anyway, because you will be moving soon." Believe it or not, that usually works! <br />
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In the interest of full disclosure, in my home office I have a closet that is filed with magic effects and illusions I have collected over the years. Each was selected to fill a specific magic "need" aside from raising the ire of my wife. That probably seems <b>weird</b> to most potential buyers, but then again, my home isn't currently for sale. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com" target="_blank">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a></span> </span></span><br />
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<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-9593461604432385102016-06-14T09:07:00.000-05:002016-06-14T09:07:41.173-05:00You Have Control Issues and Your Employer Knows it! We all have control issues, and your work's office building confirms it. That's right, a lot of those "I'm in charge" buttons are just for show! But when it comes to overall satisfaction on the job, your employer has a trick or two up their sleeves.<br />
<br />
If you arrive at the job site and need to cross the street between parking and work, that button for the street crossing sign may very well be inert. Though, it's not the case in all areas, New York City did admit years ago that when they upgraded the pedestrian crosswalk signs to timed circuitry, they left the old buttons on the sign poles. The reason; it made people think the light would change for them sooner and discourage jay walking. <br />
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You then head inside the building and enter the elevator a little late because you had to wait on a fake street sign. After selecting your floor, you reach for the "door close" button. You know, the one with the two arrows facing each other. Again, you've been duped. Though elevator manufacturers insist the buttons do work, they generally don't engage without a fireman's key. So why install a push button at all? To help alleviate the frustration of waiting a whole 2.3 seconds. In short, it allows you to feel in control of the situation. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd3wxzAVtEIsed6Oy-cduFXsXl8WA8-6jib7_i2QXiVDTEyx2SB8m5PA8g1ja5yq7cpFlx3CXWdJnvh2NnwRz0chJp24u-Qnm-8uJdGpH2ifjyb3QGOZPNEYsXEtnxW8OcSe5MYhMgvo/s1600/thermostat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd3wxzAVtEIsed6Oy-cduFXsXl8WA8-6jib7_i2QXiVDTEyx2SB8m5PA8g1ja5yq7cpFlx3CXWdJnvh2NnwRz0chJp24u-Qnm-8uJdGpH2ifjyb3QGOZPNEYsXEtnxW8OcSe5MYhMgvo/s320/thermostat.jpg" width="320" /></a>But the manipulation does not stop there! When you finally arrive at your desk, a crossing light and 2.3 seconds late, you may feel the need to adjust the temperature controls to create just the right working environment. It's estimated that over half of the free standing thermostats in larger office buildings are completely FAKE! Why the elaborate sham? If you are cold, more than likely someone down the hall is hot and vice versa. However, your company doesn't want to have to reconcile physical comfort concerns of an entire company based on whose cubicle is nearest a large window and gets the sun. To put a lock box box around a functioning unit would only elicit more complaints. The actual degree setting is generally the exact same for a particular season, but the phony dials create a placebo effect that will allow you to get back to work. <br />
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Almost a hundred years ago, research was conducted at a factory in Cicero, Illinois. The study was to see if affecting the variables such as light, temperature, humidity and even music in the work environment would increase productivity. All of these adjustments had a nominal effect on overall output. The biggest factor in the study was not the adjustments, but the fact that they were conducted at all. Workers assumed that their employer was making the changes to please the employees, and therefore... cared. Known as the Hawthorne Effect, this was a groundbreaking study indeed. That simply the attitude of employers toward their workers would in and of itself increase productivity.<br />
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Going through life pushing buttons and making tiny adjustments to EVERYTHING adds stress to our lives, robs us of our joy, and blinds us to the opportunities to see the world in a different way; as it truly is. We cannot choose with whom our children fall in love, if we will be in an accident on the way home or whether we will even have a job next week. My advice; slow down, draw a deep breath, take a placebo (tick tacks work pretty well) and understand you are not in control of most things in your life, especially on the job. Admitting as much is half the battle. Relinquishing the need for control allows you to shake off stress, clear your mind, and do what your company really wants; get back to work. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a> </span><br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-81726508599086839492016-05-11T13:02:00.000-05:002016-05-11T13:02:11.125-05:00This Real Estate Market is Going to the Dogs!<h3>
This Real Estate Market is Going to the Dogs! by Blaine Little </h3>
Real estate is going to the dogs, cats, hamsters, goldfish and maybe even the occasional iguana. Perhaps more than ever, American homes have included the extra family member with four legs. Yes, many consider these fury mooches as actual members of the family. They both keep us company when everyone else is gone and awake when we want to sleep. But where would we be without our little fur balls that so desperately depend on us? But therein lies the rub, we as their masters, must tend to them.<br />
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Carl Sandburg so precisely quipped "Comb a dog, wash a dog... STILL a dog". Yes, but whether that dog is unkempt and dirty, it is still the responsibility of the owner. Too many times, home sellers think the Realtor will tend to the needs of animals during a showing. They erroneously believe the Listing Agent has some sort of a system for pets. In many cases, we're doing well to have systems for people! Increasingly, brokerages are adding considerations for animals in their listing agreements or even on separate disclaimers.<br />
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Years ago, I was showing a property on the edge of town. When I called to schedule the appointment the day before, the secretary on the other end of the phone seemed to immediately recognize the address. "Be mindful of the cat" she stated. "It has never been outside of the house". What an odd thing to tell a showing agent, I thought. What an odd situation, period. I asked for confirmation of my understanding of this listing's dynamic. "The cat has never been outside, you say?" "Yes, that's correct" she replied. What kind of cat has NEVER been outside before? No worries. My experience has been that most cats run and hide under the bed of a back room, and that is what I assumed would happen the next day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iKRj8lGR5eSiIVbptoHtARTI9x5KAuiU_tf8D_eEq5niX1Fev5rV9RD07d8affuXEqbr1oE79gV6ksS7gl8iRvpAjSDEbriLipwRSU2LvA8Pe18ho_JyQGLJ1vlbpyfpmFo1c0UPEx8/s1600/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iKRj8lGR5eSiIVbptoHtARTI9x5KAuiU_tf8D_eEq5niX1Fev5rV9RD07d8affuXEqbr1oE79gV6ksS7gl8iRvpAjSDEbriLipwRSU2LvA8Pe18ho_JyQGLJ1vlbpyfpmFo1c0UPEx8/s320/cat.jpg" width="320" /></a>When we arrived at the property, I was to have my expectations shattered. With a clipboard in one hand and the Realtor key card in the other, I slowly opened the door, hoping the creak of the hinges would be enough to scare fluffy away. Not this cat! She saw an opportunity, and she wasn't going to let it get away. I saw the vacuum cleaners archenemy headed straight for me with a determined look in her eyes. I went to slide my foot in the crack of the door, but to no avail. When it comes down to a nimble cat or an overweight grown man with three of four limbs occupied, the cat is going to win that agility course every time. It hopped my foot and quickly headed behind the front bushes.<br />
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Try as I might, I could not reach the purring princess which now had a taste of freedom. Undeterred, I went to the kitchen and opened a can of tuna to try to coax her out. Even my buyers got into the act! They would take turns tapping the tuna can with a fork and leaning into the thick bushes chanting "here, kitty, kitty". After about a half hour, the cat finally bolted from behind the foliage and zipped behind the house next door. At that point, I did the only thing a responsible Realtor could do... we loaded up the car and headed to the next appointment. <br />
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Later that evening, I received a phone call. To my surprise it was the Listing Agent of the first house I showed that day. He was livid. Though, as mad as he was, he assured me he was not using the choice words his seller had used with him. "The cat (that had never been outside, mind you) got out!" My mind began to think, well the worst possible scenario. Will there be crying children? Will I have to make a visit to PetSmart or the animal shelter the next day? "So uh, what happened to the cat?" I asked the other agent. "Well, the owners caught her and brought her inside. She was sitting on the front porch eating a can of tuna." Though I felt for the dilemma my fellow Realtor was in, I failed to see the problem. All's well that ends well I thought. He continued; "Now that the cat has been out, she will want to leave again, and the sellers don't want that." Good for the cat, I thought to myself!<br />
<br />
This is just one of many stories that drive the lesson home that the owners are ultimately responsible for their own pets. In fact, they are responsible for the house itself and everything in it as well. In an attempt to secure a listing, some real estate professionals may shy away from uncomfortable conversations and simply assure the sellers that everything will be alright with the livestock. What we really need to do is ask what safeguards the <b>clients</b> can provide during an appointment, and note that on the showing form.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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animal better than the homeowners.</span> Our due diligence is in marketing the dwelling so our clients can achieve their financial and real estate goals. When it comes to babysitting pets, we must not allow sellers to put that monkey (dog or cat) on our backs. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-61587195278554182152016-04-17T14:32:00.001-05:002016-05-10T22:12:53.893-05:00The Little Red Squiggly Lines of Imperfection So many people want to keep a perfect track record. As though THAT
was more important than actually doing the job itself. I have stated several
times to friends and family; "<b><i>perfection is a myth</i></b>". This concept of never being willing to make a
mistake is sadly permeating our society. It's not just with the young
people, either. Those changing career fields, also seem to have a certain
aversion to failure. Granted, there's nothing wrong with wanting to do a job
well. That's admirable, though it shouldn't stifle our ability to perform at
all. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSUBtNmymmLk0FZxqr1ApR6fCRolmZN8nzbCfWR-tlU-pNT6KYg7xMxPnb8X4f9BVwrbA3JjNZp-s25Z9VzlWHyDdaDHn7nOejrgJTmI2bbkbQapPQHUY8qKbEEiEX66-_HFawQn8lTw/s1600/Mistake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSUBtNmymmLk0FZxqr1ApR6fCRolmZN8nzbCfWR-tlU-pNT6KYg7xMxPnb8X4f9BVwrbA3JjNZp-s25Z9VzlWHyDdaDHn7nOejrgJTmI2bbkbQapPQHUY8qKbEEiEX66-_HFawQn8lTw/s320/Mistake2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Those who wish to over analyze a situation will always be surpassed by those
willing to "stumble forward". I recall something a friend of
mine told me he heard from a former Chief Justice in one of his law classes;
"The 'A' students will go on to teach, the 'C' students will do well for
themselves, but the 'B' students will make all the money". That just always
stuck with me. But isn't it contrary to conventional wisdom? Shouldn't it be
the heads of the class who make the money? After all, they had the best
notes! Of course, you know the answer, life doesn't hand you <u>notes</u>. What
life does hand us, is a series of lessons if we are willing to learn them.
<br />
<br />
We can think of countless success stories of famous people who were
preceded by a long string of failures. Many times, these people overcame rough upbringings, family members who refuse to encourage their vision, lack of education, or economic
hardships only to go on and invent the spinning spaghetti fork, or latest nose hair trimmer.
When these people experienced setbacks, did they ask their college for a
reimbursement on their tuition or simply try another way based on what didn't
work previously? As Alvin Toffler stated; <i>“The illiterate of the
21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot
learn, unlearn, and relearn. ”</i> That in mind, why do we seem so averse
to learning what life has to teach us?<br />
<br />
Many in business have drawn the erroneous conclusion that making mistakes is somehow bad. Is it? Most days, people make mistakes and never even know it. If ignorance is truly bliss, then perfection equals... well, ignorance. To a greater point, we are perhaps most afraid of looking bad to our peers or feeling as though we fell short of the skills of our competitors. But are the abilities of our colleagues and competition that much superior to ours? Or, did they come into their own by just not caring as much about OUR opinions of them? In other words, are they free from the additional stress of what others think, so they just go ahead and "mess up"? It was Thomas Edison who said; <i>"I haven't failed, I just found 10,000 ways that won't work"</i>. We all know what kind of a loser he was! <br />
<br />
Still, the sense of everything in our lives being flawless, is to what many in America aspire. At what point in our lives do we come to learn that everything must be an elusive 100%? Was it our family, grade school, college or career that led us to form such a <b>judgement</b>? That's right, I just spelt "judgment" with two "E"s. Though the little, red, squiggly line tells me I 'goofed', I'm just fine with it. After all, it doesn't change what you perceived me to write, nor the point. My advice; don't be afraid to live your life with little, red, squiggly lines!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeak@gmail.com">BlaineSpeak@gmail.com</a> </span><br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-85129766179029880902016-03-22T11:11:00.000-05:002018-05-31T22:34:07.098-05:00Well, If You ASK Me...<br />
We Realtors® are by and large gregarious, fun-loving types of people
who take pride in our work, and love to see our clients smile. We want to
always place those smiles on their faces because it is instant
reinforcement we are on the right track and our people love us. Oh, how FUN
real estate is! But if our powers of observation lead us to a potential
pitfall, or if we have to break bad news, we tend to get a little shy in our
approach to speaking with our people. <br />
<br />
If our buyers want to move on a property we suspect is already listed under
market, or if our sellers wish to reduce the list price, we are all too happy
to offer our opinion. Yet, timidity sometimes sets in when we discuss a purchase
price, or whether to accept a counter-offer. After all, that's an
administrative minefield, and we don't want to look bad if our advice backfires.
However, whole deals will go south if we do not offer our advice. Our clients
will become confused, frustrated and leaderless. In short, we fail when we do nothing. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e1-lPwEu3e_j9at1ey5bR4dXYuBz5Xkz_B2cA0mvX7dMZbUcftBJF3iwJLl0O8dD6-sXIRWd-Yo_kAmnqMImGoJjPpUhzVsRi5kQij19CRmHqbo3xMcvQezvYRWCaHdvRDcC49nqjc0/s1600/Advice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e1-lPwEu3e_j9at1ey5bR4dXYuBz5Xkz_B2cA0mvX7dMZbUcftBJF3iwJLl0O8dD6-sXIRWd-Yo_kAmnqMImGoJjPpUhzVsRi5kQij19CRmHqbo3xMcvQezvYRWCaHdvRDcC49nqjc0/s320/Advice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Why should we ever wait for our clients to ASK us anything as it relates to
the real estate process? It seems amazing when an offer comes in and
the professional simply throws the paperwork on the table, and asks "So,
what do you think"? That's not offering advice, that's being a currier. Our clients hire an industry expert, and deserve better. In fact, if they don't get the service they think is owed them, they will go elsewhere. <br />
<br />
Of course, the people we represent are under no obligation to actually take our advice, but it is comforting for them to know our idea is an option. Years ago, I was showing a home in rural Rutherford County. The property was almost a century old, the floor slanted, there were cracks in the drywall, and through an attic window, it appeared to be hewn timbers between every other rafter. I actually said "PLEASE, do not buy this property!" I was fearful from a safety standpoint. I told them we could continue to look for homes elsewhere. But the dwelling reminded the lady of the old homestead growing up, and the man insisted he was handy enough to make such repairs himself. They bought the house against my objection. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, our clients hold all the decision-making cards. Much to my relief, when I visited them a month later, almost all the repairs had been made. So, do I feel ridiculous for voicing my concern? Absolutely not! In fact, before moving forward on the purchase, they did take time to more deeply reflect upon what it would really take to make all the repairs once they took possession. So, I did my job.<br />
<br />
As Abraham Lincoln stated "A lawyers time and advice is his stock in trade". Whether we advise to; accept, reject, or counter; go high, go low, or go home, our clients expect a certain amount of guidance beyond where the GPS tells us to turn for the next appointment. We need not always wait for them to stare at us in stone silence before we open our mouths. They are already waiting for us. <br />
<br />
<br />
More Blog Posts, click <a href="https://momentumseminars.wordpress.com/blog/">HERE</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1684762902"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.momentumseminars.com/">www.MomentumSeminars.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-65501400476339507762016-02-17T09:20:00.001-06:002016-02-28T21:25:57.687-06:00A Picture Sells a Thousand Homes<br />
The old adage, "A picture says a thousand words", is true, but
what words is it saying. Just how many of those words follow the
exclamation "Oh, ..."? Do we present ourselves as industry
professionals, or simply scare small children? As sales professionals, we
want to put our best foot forward, but what of the rest of us? Most people
are hardly interested in our feet. Well, OK, there's a few of those.<br />
<br />
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Within the real estate industry, the licensee will typically put a picture
of themselves on the front of their business card. When I first became a
Realtor, I asked my Broker if it was some sort of State requirement, as I was
not use to the practice in my previous business trades. I was told; "No,
it's just something everyone does". The Broker then informed me I should go to
one of the most expensive photo studios in town, as that will make a
difference when I hand out my miniature billboards. I'm too cheap to follow
that advice, but I did take the former. Not wanting to rock the boat, or go
against the crowd, or be perceived as a free-thinker, I promptly made the
decision to put my face on my first running of cards over fifteen years
ago. <br />
<br />
In fact, I used the same photo for each and every order of new cards. For
years, it was my lead to meeting new and prospective
clients. Eventually, the idea rooted itself in my brain as
a professional business concept, not just an industry cliché. It helps people connect a name with a face, and
(hopefully) shows me as someone who were friendly. However, when
it got to where people would take my card, look at it, look at me, look back
down at the card, look back up at me, hold the card next to my face, look at the card... Well, you get the point;
it was time for me to update my photo! <br />
<br />
I was finally going to have to let the file on my computer simply entitled
"ME!", go. Letting go of "ME!" would not be easy, I would
also have to come to grips with the idea of getting older. Though, I am a bit
taken back by how many of my colleagues also had a hard time letting go. Sorry
to say, but I too sometimes make a double-take when handed another professional's
card. It's human nature to stick with what we know, especially in business. We brand ourselves, and spend a lot of money and effort promoting that brand. However, every great marketing campaign needs to move on top the next phase. It's not defeat, it's just progression. Here are a few ideas that may spark some innovation with developing that NEW look;<br />
<br />
First, don't forget to smile! Even if you are a bit insecure about your smile (pssst... a lot of us are), you will drum up a lot more business with a "cheesy" smile than a scowl. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGdJuNBq6dh-WL1GlVVErOBAEQNgqGjIQFoaoSzyljnrwsT9zX2IiQJKTt0ofiV-XuLW-_z4xNwiLGOsUKL4IhhxfE3M1Pl-1DTTCFjYQZw49x8oY81N-mAGNPimXB_ESl02NgV8jUE/s1600/bad-salesperson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGdJuNBq6dh-WL1GlVVErOBAEQNgqGjIQFoaoSzyljnrwsT9zX2IiQJKTt0ofiV-XuLW-_z4xNwiLGOsUKL4IhhxfE3M1Pl-1DTTCFjYQZw49x8oY81N-mAGNPimXB_ESl02NgV8jUE/s320/bad-salesperson.jpg" width="320" /></a>Use a professional. By the way, not everyone with a studio or expensive camera is a professional. Ask a colleague with a nice business card who is good to use. <br />
<br />
What do the stars do? They use straight-on headshots. Several years ago, it was a common practice to show some sort of action oriented photo. There would be poses, such as an agent on the phone, in a meeting, or perhaps just sitting at their desk. Personally, I have never been a fan of these, as they look too contrived. They may work better on the website than a business card. If the headshot is good enough for Hollywood, it should work for us. <br />
<br />
You need not be a fashion plate, but that 80's "Cosby" sweater will not showcase the new you! If you really are only going to sell land and farms, you can get away with a bolo, and flannel. Otherwise, wear a jacket or tie. Hawaiian shirts; if your name is Tom Selleck, then by all means. <br />
<br />
Finally, don't overthink it. If you try to come off looking a certain way, the way you intend may be misperceived and backfire on you. The background is less important than people wanting to get to know you. Please don't get a "glamour shot". Are you an aspiring model or a sales professional? My experience; people actually do want to see the real you. It makes you that much more approachable and likeable. It might not be a boost to the ego, but you just might sells more houses. Some times, letting go of the old "ME!" is a good thing. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/">http://SpeakingForEffect.com</a> <br />
<complete id="goog_1122308264"><a href="mailto:BlaineSpeaks@gmail.com" target="_blank">BlaineSpeaks@gmail.com</a></complete><br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-80398462935532096962016-02-07T16:57:00.001-06:002021-03-30T15:51:02.622-05:00The "Open" Open House People in sales are taught early on to build a big list of possible leads. After all, there is no customer or client who was not at first a prospect. So, we want to identify those people as soon as possible. Not everyone we encounter will be realistic, creditworthy, or even seriously looking for what we have to offer. Why waste their time, why waste ours? We collect names, numbers, email addresses, zodiacal signs, whatever it takes to pour all those prospects into the "funnel" so one true customer will shake out of the bottom. <br />
<br />
For those of us in real estate, the open house is the ideal place to begin that sifting process. If there is a house for sale, what better way to get potential buyers interested in the property than to simply invite them inside. We greet them at the front porch before they even knock on the door, put the biggest smile on our faces possible, and bring them in so we can all get to know each other a little better. We shake hands to introduce ourselves, and never let go of their hand until they give us their name. Then, we attempt to find out where they currently live, and ask if they need to move in a hurry. We study their attire, and glance at their car to assess financial ability. Once we finally leave the foyer, we are sure to give them the "grand tour", so when we point to a toilet, they will know they are in the bathroom. All along, we probe for even more information on them, their family, and lifestyle. If this model fits your approach to an open house; congratulations, you're a stalker!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijRSAZ-KMlJ4vx65EPNjf3PYvoFYhCAwurwtpI9Hpx8YjMmsh1bBxV5546V9G95vn9GVfiYWOazJh2BseFUA-cZmvuKkJGJJpT4BpfIc3jGt-ylmhMDXezT_y6ASz3-6x1zCBpblGlgY/s1600/keyhole.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijRSAZ-KMlJ4vx65EPNjf3PYvoFYhCAwurwtpI9Hpx8YjMmsh1bBxV5546V9G95vn9GVfiYWOazJh2BseFUA-cZmvuKkJGJJpT4BpfIc3jGt-ylmhMDXezT_y6ASz3-6x1zCBpblGlgY/s320/keyhole.jpg" width="320" /></a>Stalkers love to gather information, and keep current records. However, a good stalker will reveal just enough information themselves to keep their new victim under their thumb. The really adept ones will take control of the situation, so no one can get away without being on the hook for something. Perhaps the name of a friend or family member they could stalk as well. Oh, our timeshare counterparts love this one! But, is this an effective approach, or are we just wasting our energy on someone who we teach to resent us? <br />
<br />
My decade-and-a-half experience in real estate, and hundreds of open houses within that time, have led me to some pointers to help create a more efficient open house experience which is a lot less energy draining than most. In the process, the sales professional will come across a lot less... creepy. <br />
<br />
<b>DO </b>leave the front door open in the Spring and Summer months. After all it is an "open" house. This is more inviting, and suggests prospective buyers eventually get to leave. <br />
<b></b><br />
<b>DON'T </b>be ready to ponce on them in a moments notice. In fact, let them find YOU. A sheepish "hello?" from you down the hall signals they are not going to be placed on the defensive. <br />
<br />
<b>DO</b> introduce yourself as an industry professional. Hand them your business card, and let them know you are there to answer any questions they may have. If you are not the listing agent for that property, EXPLAIN to them you would work for the buyer, and could even show them several other properties. <br />
<br />
<b>DON'T</b> lead them through the house. They know a bedroom when they encounter one. Once introductions are made, tell them you are available to them, and WALK AWAY. They will be perplexed, confused and befuddled that you don't want to know their blood type. They will then seek you out for details. <br />
<br />
<b>DO</b> ask broad, open-ended questions "What are YOU looking for in a home", versus "What do you like about THIS home"? This will let them know you are on their side, and help create a dialogue. <br />
<br />
<b>DON'T</b> hand them the open house flyer until they <u>leave</u>. You want them to ask you the questions about square footage, acreage, schools, etc. The intent here really is not to "control" the situation, simply to show the lookers you don't bite, and are happy to help them however you can. This also sparks conversation, which could lead to a professional relationship once trust is established. At this point, give them ALL of the public information the MLS will allow. <br />
<br />
Some additional ideas to solicit contact information;<br />
- Ask them to fill out a very brief survey about the house. Include a heading for all their pertinent info.<br />
- Offer a prize drawing to be conducted at your office once a month, or for the week if you pool with other Realtors. The information they give here tends to be more accurate since they want to be notified should they win. <br />
- Actually schedule an appointment in your office, where you will take time to better understand their buying needs.<br />
<br />
By allowing the prospect to take the lead, you assure them that you are NOT a stalker. They will also feel positive and empowered by the process. Along the way, they should feel better about you if not our industry as a whole. No, not every prospect will convert to a client, but you will have saved yourself a lot disappointment not wondering if you could have been more in control of the situation.<br />
<br />
Having said all this, you do need a few tricks up your sleeve for safely sake. Your Broker should know where you are, and there should be a red flag code word, should you feel compelled to call a friend, or into the office. Unfortunately, Realtor safety concerns are paramount in today's world, but that is another discussion. In the meantime, consult your Broker's office policies concerning open house safety. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://momentumseminars.com/">http://MomentumSeminars.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-85612965215560257652016-01-05T20:33:00.000-06:002018-05-31T22:33:29.416-05:00Analysis Paralysis!I have taught Realtors and sales forces for almost a decade now. From brand-new rookies to career agents, I know one thing that will never change... change itself! Change will constantly come at us, and no matter how much we think we know, we don't. There is always the need for additional knowledge and training. Information and experience are vital to the decisions we make on a daily basis. With the knowledge we have, and the benefit of past lessons learned, we can better assess the risk involved with any endeavor that may require an investment of our time, money, or emotions. That being said, we will seldom have an unqualified answer to the question: "Should I stay, or should I go"? <br />
<br />
Several years ago, I was training a new twenty-something agent on my sales force when I was with a local RE/Max franchise. One of the first skills I taught this group of "newbies" was how to find prospective clients. This particular agent was attentive, thoughtful, and took copious notes in my Tuesday morning sales meetings. Jeff was what most sales trainers dream of; a clean slate devoid of bad sales habits, someone who was "coachable". Indeed, he asked a lot of questions every Tuesday morning, and most every other day as well. He asked a lot of good questions, but mostly just <b>A LOT</b> of questions. Initially I didn't mind. After all, that was part of my job. Although, after a month or more of this, and no clients to show for it, it finally dawned on me where his head was. His lack of confidence in being able to overcome every possible objection, stopped him in his tracks. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEWo223rlfR4oXgUVRNcYm8JqnsySnEWT4xsVilACzTBhHJE70DAwapevXKDfuXFeiZOrMfEYYntZDaTAulpZrV3nXyI9cP9ttzqfN1XFL-Y_jTOQiPD8VF_iFis1CpsdICc3mj-c8Vs/s1600/analysis_paralysis.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEWo223rlfR4oXgUVRNcYm8JqnsySnEWT4xsVilACzTBhHJE70DAwapevXKDfuXFeiZOrMfEYYntZDaTAulpZrV3nXyI9cP9ttzqfN1XFL-Y_jTOQiPD8VF_iFis1CpsdICc3mj-c8Vs/s320/analysis_paralysis.png" width="320" /></a></div>
One Tuesday morning, after the rest of the team of new agents cleared out of the training room, I said to him; "Jeff, you do realize you will never have all the answers to every challenge that may arise beforehand, don't you? In other words, you cannot possibly absorb everything from a textbook, or class in an attempt to eliminate a problem before it reveals itself to you". Jeff looked to the side, back at me, then widened his eyes. This was his moment of Zen. Though I do not consider myself his "guru", a light had clicked on for him. A switch that for many of us never gets flipped. It's the realization that in order to pursue success, we must first be willing to fail. <br />
<br />
So many people want to keep a perfect track record. As though THAT was more important than actually doing the job itself. I have stated several times; "<i><b>perfection is overrated</b></i>". More on that in a later post. But, this concept of never being willing to make a mistake is sadly permeating our society. It's not just with the young people, either. Those changing career fields, also seem to have a certain aversion to failure. Granted, there's nothing wrong with wanting to do a job well. That's admirable, though it shouldn't stifle our ability to perform at all. In the words of Marcus Lemonis, "Have no fear and be willing to fail." Most challenges have more than one solution, but none of them will be completely perfect anyway. <br />
<br />
Fortunately, it is NOT the job of a Realtor to <b>know</b> everything. It is the job of the Realtor, or sales professional to understand our client's goals, then find the information that will be pertinent to our clients making an informed decision. Yes, we are compensated for helping others to avoid (or at least properly assess) the risks involved. That's why we exist! We are the professionals. But, we didn't become that by never making mistakes or by just asking a bunch of questions. So stop worrying about not knowing everything, and get to work. Your clients need you!<br />
<br />
<br />
More Blog Posts, click <a href="https://momentumseminars.wordpress.com/blog/">HERE</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://momentumseminars.com/" target="_blank">www.MomentumSeminars.com </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-27647289137915913612015-12-22T13:23:00.000-06:002016-12-23T22:24:12.670-06:00The End is Near!<br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->What does the end of 2016 mean? It’s
time to start thinking about our ambitions for 2017. <i>(Pssst, it's just a number).</i> According to a recent
article in Forbes Magazine, only 8% of Americans actually achieve
their New Year’s resolutions each year. Yikes! Statistically speaking (92% to be
exact) I will NOT achieve my 2017 goals. Now what? Well what is a "goal"
any way? It's a dream we write down on a piece of paper to make us feel like we
have accomplished something, or that we're at least on our way. In short,
we get a certain short-term satisfaction for having done something
positive that day. We believe we are beginning to take charge of our lives! Sadly, reviewing our
little wish lists, is not taking action. And what were we doing the REST of the year, anyway? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLspf8GrcfoxfgWUT5KsmhmfUlWimFnH4iCJSAxYPLyrdfITqK8lSWBzYJ8oadWcBXXDwemnHbw4gMtNeu0yLtcAiqJQ44K1ExAchnN_bskUimtsgPs_TtA5KuwqP90RBxVVAowuK3Pqo/s1600/the_end_is_near_by_tatehemlock-d50sns4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLspf8GrcfoxfgWUT5KsmhmfUlWimFnH4iCJSAxYPLyrdfITqK8lSWBzYJ8oadWcBXXDwemnHbw4gMtNeu0yLtcAiqJQ44K1ExAchnN_bskUimtsgPs_TtA5KuwqP90RBxVVAowuK3Pqo/s320/the_end_is_near_by_tatehemlock-d50sns4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Of course, you could scrap those goals all together, and
simply BECOME the person you want to be, irrespective of the number on the calendar. That's right, simply take on the
disciplines and behaviors of the top sales rep in your company, act as if you
were already regional manager, or earned that coveted industry designation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can incorporate the aspects of a positive
personality TODAY, and that will get us to where we want to be a whole lot
faster than a "wish list" on a slip of paper. In order for us to redesign our lives, it's going
to take... wait for it... <b>CHANGE</b>. Perhaps we avoid change not
only out of complacency, but more the fact that to change today is to
admit we were <u>wrong</u> yesterday. It’s a vicious cycle, but we can break it
by becoming, rather than planning. That’s something we can do that any time of
the year! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://speakingforeffect.webstarts.com/" href="http://speakingforeffect.com/">http://SpeakingForEffect.com/</a>Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-60306908264152957592015-12-13T13:16:00.000-06:002015-12-16T22:22:03.906-06:00Slience Is GoldenThe Holidays are here, and some of us will spend more time with our extended families than we spent in the first eleven months. Hey, it’s family, what could go wrong, right? Well, you all know the answer to that! Nonetheless, this is the time of glad tidings, and good cheer. So, why not give them the gift that may ultimately reward us in the long run; silence. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpfGB8c-sC_g3v_Evo_Bszwwl9RCc4kQjdOhQ-pIeNPtN8JXBIHSRMnr4C0WeKHyAcW8Faw-WXwOUAA-M9cRy3WXsHjnZVnVWhwnWyzzhgu8RfV6hAfvrSVgPTp3-c2CZEVRUhoH2zuU/s1600/Holidays-Stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpfGB8c-sC_g3v_Evo_Bszwwl9RCc4kQjdOhQ-pIeNPtN8JXBIHSRMnr4C0WeKHyAcW8Faw-WXwOUAA-M9cRy3WXsHjnZVnVWhwnWyzzhgu8RfV6hAfvrSVgPTp3-c2CZEVRUhoH2zuU/s320/Holidays-Stress.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you are in management, education, or sales, you are taught to talk, and talk a lot. Talk every chance you get. But, when grandpa start describing his latest stomach ailment in graphic detail, or when little sis goes on nonstop about her fifth boyfriend this year, it may be time to pause, and spend some time on the OTHER half of communication; listening. You don’t have to have a degree in psychology to know there may be a greater reason for our loved ones to “dump” all their problems on us. <br />
<br />
Perhaps they think WE are the only ones who will actually listen to them. Think about that, just remaining quiet, could be very important to those we care about. This is not to say the project should be attempted without a good stiff eggnog, but it is an exercise in your own level of compassion. By remaining quiet, and hearing them out, we remove ourselves as active participants in their latest challenge, dilemma, or scheme. When we are just <strong>with</strong> them in a nonjudgmental way, we allow them to vent, and remove what they have been carrying around with them all year long. Don't attack them, defend them, or try to "fix" the problem. Instead, just hold your tongue. They may finally move off the point of their own issues, and ask about you! Nonetheless, they will be convinced, it was one of the best “conversations” they ever had with you. So this year, give the gift that is worth its weight in gold, just be quiet, and LISTEN. <br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://speakingforeffect.webstarts.com/" href="http://speakingforeffect.com/">http://SpeakingForEffect.com/</a>Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-30922785634714941202015-11-05T15:38:00.004-06:002016-02-13T21:01:44.703-06:00Still Waiting on Your "Moment of Zen"? <div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">About a week ago, I had the fortune of meeting Rudy Ruettiger. You know, of "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy..." fame. Though given his small stature, he was still able to do what everyone said he could not do on the Notre Dame football field; COMPETE. I remember watching this inspirational movie with a room full of my Fraternity Brothers back in the mid 90's. His life, and the movie are truly motivational. Sean Astin's portrayal of a doggedly determined young man reminded all of us to simply never give up on our dreams. Though none of my Brother's would ever admit to it, I knew for certain several were almost in tears. I however, maintained my composure... well, at least in the A-frame where we were all assembled. </span></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws-WJbXAmJh0rWCXKJRsP0BxHFs5gWtRmiQXrprLiTxh_tC7c3Obzvqimh5odOHqxt7UBgkP490QrlIzzBFWnaFVdAKrmXmw5Q_SoRp-VCoSKAV9roiNQKpGfMTUCJwpPIkOi2qE81GY/s1600/ZenDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws-WJbXAmJh0rWCXKJRsP0BxHFs5gWtRmiQXrprLiTxh_tC7c3Obzvqimh5odOHqxt7UBgkP490QrlIzzBFWnaFVdAKrmXmw5Q_SoRp-VCoSKAV9roiNQKpGfMTUCJwpPIkOi2qE81GY/s320/ZenDog.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">When I heard Rudy was coming to town, I knew I needed to see the man and hear him speak live. For years, I had heard he was a powerful keynote speaker, who was very motivational. Not only did I want to pick up some pointers on public speaking, but I confess I also wanted to feel "inspired". Inspired to do what, you ask? Well, I wasn't exactly sure, but if I did a back flip, or just ran around the gym floor like a chicken with my head cut off, THEN I would know I got my 20 bucks worth! So many times, people find themselves waiting for someone to give them a reaction. ANY reaction. All too often, these people go down a negative path thinking this other person will eventually bring them happiness. Okay, fine, we all need those little jolts to our system every now and then, but why wait on someone else to do that for us? </span></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">A "moment of Zen", is when a Taoist does something to preoccupy their mind, while waiting for truth to reveal itself. Stuff like contemplating one's naval. All I ever found was lint. Or perhaps to ponder the paradoxical question "what is the sound of one hand clapping?" Here's the answer; it's exactly half as loud as two hands clapping. But do we really need an outside influence, or to put our brains on hold to have an epiphany? Wait, let me think on that for a while.... NO! The answer is "no", we do not need to put our brains on hold! </span></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">During Mr. Ruettiger's speech, the one thing he said that really stuck out in my mind the most was; <em><strong>"Dreams come to you when you're inspired".</strong></em> I had to ponder that for awhile. What did he MEAN by that? Was he speaking a higher wisdom, than my little mind could not translate? Was this a carefully crafted syntax that only a few people in the room, who attended a secret meeting before, would be able to understand? Was this a "code" of some sort? No, I believe what he meant was if your life is mundane, or you do not feel inspired to do something great... seek out your inspiration. In the immortal words of another equally motivational movie (City Slickers), "Go find your smile". </span></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">You don't need a "guru" to tell you how to be your best. Just LOOK at all the people around you who have already overcome great adversities... or in your own life. Then ask "how can I bottle that"? How can I keep my goal ever present and in the forefront of my mind? For some, those questions may be more basic; "what makes me happy", or "what makes me feel good about myself"? These are really good questions with which many so-called successful people still struggle. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVVJ76A2uGkMtyLij0TBIcSRsoTH0AHq_-uDDFAJIhH87lfaWWBn5lWyo7H7wNvebSKEG1RDc9ZGmmNflVx3HBs3W5h56_1zJCGmvcZ4btnOfegs3aQgNAM8taKYbRsEncbtqZI8iwzg/s1600/Rudy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVVJ76A2uGkMtyLij0TBIcSRsoTH0AHq_-uDDFAJIhH87lfaWWBn5lWyo7H7wNvebSKEG1RDc9ZGmmNflVx3HBs3W5h56_1zJCGmvcZ4btnOfegs3aQgNAM8taKYbRsEncbtqZI8iwzg/s320/Rudy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">So, let's review. I attended an event with a motivational speaker, only to have that speaker tell me I didn't need him to be motivated. Essentially, I could be my own source of inspiration to help me realize my dreams. Now, THIS was my moment of Zen! My "ah-hah" moment! The epiphany for which I was looking... and I could have just stayed at home. </span></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p">
<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0">So, would I ever pay to go hear Rudy speak again? Well, yeah, probably. But not because I need some new pearl of wisdom that would unlock the secret of life-long bliss, I just need a gentle reminder from time to time to make sure I am on the right track. Also, it was nice to know that Rudy himself was so... nice. After the event, he took time to shake hands with everyone who wanted to see him. As a long line of people told him one after another what his story meant to them, I would occasionally see him come almost to tears. To which neither I nor my Fraternity Brothers would ever allow. But maybe Rudy really is the bigger man after all. "Thank you", Rudy! NOT for inspiring me, as much as reminding me I can motivate myself. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6op8p-0-0" data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0"><span data-reactid=".9j.1:6.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6op8p.0:$6op8p-0-0.0"></span></span> <a href="http://www.speakingforeffect.com/">www.SpeakingForEffect.com</a></div>
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Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649805374582443488.post-82969945923365743912015-09-19T21:50:00.000-05:002018-11-06T18:10:29.696-06:00So, Just ASK, already! Do not underestimate the power of asking for that which you desire. In business, it is generally expected that after the "pitch", comes the "ask". It must be in that order, too. Why would a buyer or potential client do business with someone else, without knowing all the facts first? As Realtors, we rehearse our presentation and practice eliminating objections, but we give little consideration to actually getting the ink on paper. Too often, business people sit back after we have shown all the graphs, answered all the questions, and simply STARE at the prospect. The prospect finds this really creepy, by the way. Without asking for the order, the default answer is always "No". Even worse than not actually asking for the contract, we may give the feckless "so, what do you think"? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqenCm9wGI7exvsCA3njFDGnvSHj6D7ymYff_RDBXoLR0vfOGfHRLOjvJTRH_jjQkI7t976wuE35cH3a1Ijfkw1UXQXz8jhGd_S1a5SMp_yPhIR-GzByZnv1tme3SrPnNHoK8UqmToJCQ/s1600/keep-calm-and-just-ask-117.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqenCm9wGI7exvsCA3njFDGnvSHj6D7ymYff_RDBXoLR0vfOGfHRLOjvJTRH_jjQkI7t976wuE35cH3a1Ijfkw1UXQXz8jhGd_S1a5SMp_yPhIR-GzByZnv1tme3SrPnNHoK8UqmToJCQ/s320/keep-calm-and-just-ask-117.png" width="274" /></a></div>
Asking also plays a big role in charities, recreation, and civic organizations as well. Years ago, I was curious as to why there wasn't more participation in the annual Chili cook-off in my real estate office. The Managing Broker of the company told me, "Some times, people just want to be asked". That really struck me as odd. This was something we did every year in the Fall, and everyone always partook and had fun. So, it's not like people didn't know to enter the contest, especially since it was posted, mentioned in a meeting, and followed up in email. After all, if an opportunity was available, or a position open, such as "Snack Chairman" for the high school volleyball team, wouldn't people just raise their own hand, and say; "yes, I would relish the opportunity to be the Snack Chair this year". I followed her guidance, and sure enough, we were able to double the participants, and everyone enjoyed the party. <br />
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Some time later, that same real estate broker needed to fill an Office Manager position at the firm. She must have had over a dozen applicants. She selected three or four potential hires for an interview. After the process, she confided in me, her decision came down to the one interviewee who actually ASKED for the job. I was under the assumption being grilled for twenty minutes on what animal you would be if you lived in a forest, WAS asking for the job. Apparently, not. The lady stated how much she really needed the job, and actually vocalized the words; "Will you hire me?". Turned out, she was a really good fit for the office, and she never for a second indicated she took the position for granted. <br />
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Seeking a favor puts us at a disadvantaged position. When negotiating, we want to come from a position of power and strength, but in asking, we admit the ball is in the other person's court. Many times, the ball IS NOT in our own court, and coming to that realization puts a knot in our stomach. Nonetheless, formally requesting the business is where the rubber meets the road. Even being denied your request is certainly a better position to come from than; making your presentation, dodging objections and being grilled for half an hour, only to toss out "So, what do you think" in the end. My advice; swallow your pride, and just ask!<br />
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<a href="http://speakingforeffect.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://speakingforeffect.com/</span></a><br />
<br />Blaine67http://www.blogger.com/profile/02717920755835568824noreply@blogger.com0Murfreesboro, TN, USA35.8456213 -86.39026999999998735.6397238 -86.712993499999982 36.0515188 -86.067546499999992