Well, that went by pretty quickly, huh? Can you believe the year is over?
As we sit here on the precipice of a new year, there's a lot to be excited about. I'm sure you have things that will be happening in your business life as well as your personal life that will make 2011 an incredible year. Some of those events, experiences and encounters will lead to incredible opportunities for you. Your financial and spiritual outlooks may be changed in the new year and your health will certainly demand your attention.
Do me a favor and slow down for a second. Think back to your childhood. Did your Mom or Dad ever tell you not to get out one toy until you put away the one you were playing with first? Are you a good book starter but a horrible book "finisher"? Did you join a gym but rarely ever show up?
It's time to "finish what you started"?
Every New Years Eve I get up early and read my favorite book. It's titled "QBQ - The Question Behind the Question." It's a simple book with a simple message written by John Miller. The subtitle of the book is "What to really ask yourself; Practicing personal accountability in business and in life," and it always presents something new each year I read it.
The author doesn't add in new material. I am just at a different point in my life than I was at this time last year. I have new obstacles and challenges facing me and I have had 365 days of learning opportunities in my life.
It's kind of like watching your favorite movie for the umpteenth time. How many times do you catch yourself saying things like "I love this part" or "Ooh, I forgot about this scene"?
Have you taken time to review your goals that you set for 2010? Can you even find your written business plan? Did you do one?
Are you proud of what you have helped to create under the roof over your head? Your Family? Your Furnishings? Your Memories?
Will you look at your checkbook registry or review your on-line bank statement and see how your finances balance out?
Did you visit some places this year that made you appreciate what you have at home?
Can you look back and say you are a better person because of some of the people you had a chance to meet?
Have you built relationships, solved problems and had fun?
As you answered those questions, you either smiled with pride knowing you earned a good grade or perhaps you frowned a bit with some genuine honesty, knowing that you fell short in a few areas. Consider those feelings your "Old Year's Disillusions."
Either way, there's nothing you can do to go back and change what has happened.
The last few grains of sand will fall into the bottom of the hourglass tonight and it will be time to turn the glass over and start again. The clock is ticking down to 0:00 so get ready to shake hands with the invisible opponent at midfield, shake hands, head to the locker room and shower up. You've got until tomorrow to change into fresh clothes, lace up the shoes and start all over.
Ashes to Ashes...
Before the big ball drops tonight in Times Square, I challenge you to take some personal accountability for your 2010. Ask yourself "what can I do to learn from this year?" Write down on a sheet of paper any negatives from the year that are bumping around in your head, making you second guess yourself or causing you pain or embarrassment. After finishing the list - whether it is one item or three pages long - look it over, read it and then take a deep breath.
Then crumple it up and toss it into the fireplace, BBQ pit or trash can. It's done. Gone. It's behind you.
You have now finished what you started.
Enjoy your New Year's Eve festivities then get some sleep. On Monday, you've got to get back to work and get ready to do it all over again.
Getting presents on your birthday or on Christmas Day is always fun and exciting but getting presents unexpectedly is sometimes even better.
Today my 9-year-old son, Ryan, gave me a hand made gift that he forgot to give to me a few days ago. I think this is the best one I got this year.
Front
Back
It's days like these when I'm really proud to be a Dad.
I am always glad that I can be considered a "helping hand" to anyone and, as this note goes to show, you don't always have to look far to find people you can build relationships with, solve problems with and have fun with.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
The big Christmas holiday is now behind us. It seems that the day builds up for weeks (months if you're under 10-years-old) with shopping, baking, wrapping, traveling and then after a frenzy of wrapping paper, lots and lots of eating, smiles and hugs with family members and a few Alka Seltzers before laying down our heads, it's all over.
Take down the tree, put away the stockings and throw away the cookies you just can't find any more room for in your belly. New Year's Eve is will be here quickly and then...it's on to 2011.
This next week between Christmas and New Year's Day we're kind of like ships in a harbor, just waiting for our next excursion. Our anchors are down and we're resting up. Some of us might be scraping some barnacles from our hull, adding some fuel to the tank or filling up the galley with needed items for our journey.
"It's our philosophical set of the sail that determines the course of our lives. To change our current direction, we have to change our philosophy, not our circumstance." ~ Jim Rohn
What's going to be changing in your philosophy next year? What will you do different? What will you stop doing?
Are there things you'll continue to spend time, effort or money on because they worked well for you this year?
Who will you spend more time with because you feed off their energy, enthusiasm and emotion? Who should you try to avoid so they don't add toxic vibes to your thoughts?
Leave me a comment and tell me something you're going to try, or change or stop doing in 2011.
And then rest up this week because starting next week, it's "Anchors Up!"
When you take control of your sails in 2011, you will take control of your sales in 2011.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so that means that the new year will be here soon. There's not much that can be done to change your results for 2010, although a few of you may still be praying for some pending deals to stay together and make it to the closing table, huh?
In homage to A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore (or Henry Livingston, Jr. if you believe Wikipedia's version), here's my version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas - a recap of the year in real estate and some friendly Toolbox suggestions for a successful 2011. Please enjoy the video below.
If you are reading this post in your email, there's a good chance you don't see any video. It's alright. You can either click on the title of the blog above or click here to watch it on YouTube.
I hope you enjoy the video but even more importantly, I hope you enjoy your holidays with family, friends and loved ones. May your friends become clients and your clients become friends.
I appreciate the continued support of the blog as well as my personal efforts to impact individuals in both their business and personal lives. I love what I do and I will continue to "teach with passion and enthusiasm, instilling confidence and excitement in my students."
Until my next post, keep building relationships, solving problems and having fun.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
As we begin our final descent into the Christmas holiday weekend, some of us have some last minute gift shopping to accomplish. It would do everyone well to remember these words from Earl Nightingale:
"If we can augment our gift giving by giving more of ourselves to those we love, all the time and in various ways, we will have a good chance of helping them and ourselves live happier, better lives."
You have a lot to offer. It could be a wrapped gift that will satisfy a material need for someone but remember that you have other things you could offer that will have a much longer, lasting impact.
Spend an hour over lunch with the newest agent in your office. Tell them of your biggest mistakes as well as of your most successful business building techniques.
Volunteer your time for someone less fortunate. Collect food or coats or donate your time at the local food bank or soup kitchen.
Donate some money to an charitable organization in memory of a loved one.
Deliver a hand written note to your manager, broker or company trainer for helping provide you with encouragement and support all year long.
Over your holiday break, spend a full day "unplugged" from technology - Don't check email, voice mail, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Read more books. The knowledge you gain is immeasurable. Even giving the book itself to someone when you're done make for a great gift. It's especially rewarding to read to a child.
Call your Mom and Dad or visit them at the cemetery if they are no longer alive.
And keep your eyes open for opportunities to build relationships, solve problems and have fun.
"Don't judge a book by it's cover" was as standard cliche we all probably heard a few times as children. The same concept can be said about people too. In the real estate industry you never can tell who the good clients are just by looking at them and you should never modify your level of service based on appearances.
Visitors to an open house might pull up in a beat up old car and some Realtors would peek out the window and sigh, thinking "these people can't afford this house." Be careful and remind yourself that perhaps those people just don't like to drive their Mercedes or Rolls Royce on the weekends.
"The last time I went there it was horrible"
Have you ever been asked by a friend about a restaurant and you quickly encourage them to try something else, recalling a bad experience or untasty meal that you had at that location in the past? Did you ever stop to consider that the ownership might have changed or maybe there's a new chef on staff or perhaps you were just having a bad day when you visited in the past?
As you move into the new year, challenge yourself to rely on the wisdom of others who have experience and knowledge of things but at the same time, always seek out new information (updated almost daily) before making a decision or recommendation because there might be more than meets the eye (or your faded memory).
Urban Living Comes to Cincinnati
I had the opportunity to tour the new Gateway Quarter project in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio yesterday with several leaders from our Coldwell Banker West Shell team. Our hosts were the team from our newest branch, the CBWS Metro Link Office.
The Gateway Quarter is a mix of newly constructed and renovated condominiums located on and around 12th and Vine in downtown Cincinnati. Nearly 100 new lofts are available priced from the $90's to $400's with features that are simply unavailable at these prices elsewhere in downtown Cincinnati.
After being welcomed by branch manager Bill Heckman to the main Gateway Quarter Welcome Center at 1326 Vine Street, we learned of the overall development project. According to the development's website. "The Over-the-Rhine Comprehensive Plan, local community stakeholders and the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) created a set of planning principles that will guide the development of the Gateway QUARTER and surrounding community into a safe, attractive and productive neighborhood for residents and visitors alike." Click here to read more of the overall principles and plans for the amazing undertaking. The Welcome Center has a few large scale maps showing the enormity of the project as well as a tremendous staff of associates to assist any visitors or interested future residents.
We enjoyed a tour of several of the buildings and units inside each. The unique architecture creates incredible visual appeal and the interior updates and craftsmanship coupled with some fabulous decorating is very welcoming. One thing you won't find in the Gateway Quarter is any "status quo" cookie cutter housing.
While being guided around by Assistant Manager Kathy Fergus, Sales Representative Holly Redmond and Becky Mannix, the team's Marketing Manager, we learned of the history of the area and began to envision what incredible opportunities this revival of a once-blighted neighborhood will do for the city of Cincinnati and those who choose to become a part of it.
Long-time Cincinnati residents and Realtors serving in the Tri-State area need to find some time to make it down to see this incredible makeover that is happening in the Gateway Quarter. The pleasant mixture of urban living lofts, neighborhood shops and restaurants and the soon-to-be renovated Washington Square Park will really amaze you and help you look at this area in an entirely new light. We ended our tour over some cold seasonal brews at The Lackman, one of the really neat pubs that dot the landscape of Gateway Quarter. As we watched the happy hour crowd filter in there was no one specific stereotype of clientele. There were Gen Xer's sitting amongst Boomers, there were men and women and there were residents and visitors. It was a really cool way to end my day and get a totally neat view of what urban living could be all about.
As I said at the beginning of this post, don't judge a book by it's cover. The Gateway Quarter area isn't your grandfather's Over the Rhine. It's fresh, it's hip and it's going to be a really cool place to be for living, entertainment, shopping and dining in downtown Cincinnati.
I encourage you to visit their website at http://www.gatewayquarter.com/ or better yet, stop down to 1326 Vine Street and say hello to Holly, Stacy, Kathy or Becky. I know they'd be happy to meet you and your clients and show you what urban living could be all about. Whether you or your clients have any interest in living downtown or not, you'll at least know more about what's behind that "new and improved" book cover.
Here are some photos of some of the various units in the Gateway Quarter development area.
The main map at the Welcome Center, 1326 Vine Street
Valuted "loft living" with hardwood floors and unique architectural charm
Roof-top decks, balconies, fireplaces, exposed brick and ducts,stainless steel appliances, great city views and more...
Home builders and sub contractors are in the housing business. Carpenters and drywallers and some types of electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians are in the housing business. Painters and landscapers are in the housing business.
If you are a Realtor, that means you help people buy and sell real estate. That means you're really in the relationship business.
Worry less about what the housing forecast might say and start worrying more about who you are going to build a relationship with today.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
What's the Forecast?
Do you watch the local news to hear the weather forecast? Has your local meteorologist earned trust and credibility through his or her accuracy in predicting the upcoming weather?
Do you pay attention to the local or national economists when they try to describe what will be happening in the real estate market in the near future?
One thing seems certain, whether it's Dudley Doppler at the local NBC affiliate or Lawrence Yun with the National Association of Realtors, neither has to be right all the time to keep their jobs. It's almost like Major League Baseball players who just have to hit the ball 3 out of 10 times at bat throughout their careers to have a realistic chance at a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The USPS and You
Being a successful Realtor is much more like being a successful postal carrier. You must deliver in rain or shine, through snow or sleet or wind or heat waves. Your clients expect it from you and your families are counting on you.
Will you be able to deliver? Are you prepared to do what it takes to succeed? I know that "success" is out there to be achieved. In the words of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, "you can get it if you really want it."
"Persecution you must bear Win or lose you've got to get your share Got your mind set on a dream You can get it, though harder them seem now"
Will there be obstacles? Of course. Will you make mistakes? Hopefully, because that's how you learn. Will it be easy? Not likely, or else there would be a lot less people leaving the industry and a lot more jumping in.
Finding Buyers and Sellers in the current market might be harder than before but remember, they'll be harder for everyone to find. Those who don't get discouraged and keep looking every day will have better results than those who sit back and wait for the same Buyers and Sellers to find them.
"Rome was not built in a day Opposition will come your way But the hotter the battle you see It's the sweeter the victory"
If it looks like rain, grab an umbrella.
If there's a snow storm coming, bundle up and get ready to shovel.
Warm weather and plenty of sunshine headed your way? Kick on the flip flops, apply the sunblock and turn up the reggae.
There's business out there. Trust me or trust Jimmy Cliff. You can get it if you really want it!
Enjoy the video below of Jimmy Cliff. May it keep you warm wherever you may be watching it. If you can't see the video, click on the title above or click here
I hope you enjoy a week of building relationships...solving problems...and having fun.
Maybe you're the kind of person who looks forward to this time of year because you love to pull all the holiday decorations out and start making your home (or office) look festive. - I prefer to sit back and admire the excitement and skill my wife and daughter have when it comes to holiday decorating
Perhaps you'll have the ladder up hanging lights on the roof of the house to make Clark Griswold proud. - Not my house as I am afraid of heights. Just once in the spring and once it the winter to pull the leaves out of the gutters and that's enough for me.
Is your Christmas tree going to be freshly cut down as part of a holiday family tradition? - We unbox ours and pop it up in minutes.
We're just a few weeks away from the big holiday that bring out so much excitement for millions, especially children. How will you be decorating?
It's also that perfect time of year to look at the shelves in your office and the piles of stuff on your desk. Much like those crazy neighbors who leave their lights up until Easter, are there some things sitting on your shelves right now from that kick off meeting in January? How about the three-ring binder from your last company retreat. You know the one back in 2007
Not many people like to de-clutter their workspace for fear that they will end up throwing something away that is important and that's just probably not the case. Unless it's a valid commission check or a photo of your wedding, it can probably be found on Google...even if you did throw something away prematurely
Start getting ready for the new year by cleaning out this year. For many, we'd like to throw away much of this past year's memories alone so why not start with the paperwork and clutter that sits in your work areas?
Try to use the old "touch it once" rule for everything you touch; Do something with it, delegate it to someone else (and put it in their workspace, not yours) or delete it. Don't do what most people do and just move the crap from one pile to a newer, neater pile on the other side of the office or on a different shelf. You've got a "junk drawer" at home. Why do you need one in your office too?
Just think, if you can make enough room, you just might have some space for a new Christmas tree in your office
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
How Are You Going to Answer?
Every day we all have a small voice inside our heads. It greets us when we wake up. It's there when we arrive at the office. It's there when we make calls to customers or knock on doors of those scary For Sale by Owners. You probably hear it every time you head out to a listing appointment or it's time to present an offer.
My guess is you also hear the voice in your personal life. It could be as you push to run that extra mile on your daily jog or making that difficult call to a loved one when you have some important information to share. You hear it when you balance your check book.
The voice is asking you the same challenging question almost every time. "Can you do it?"
The voice doesn't say "you can't do it" or "you're going to fail." Those would be statements and this voice isn't capable of making statements. It's only capable of asking questions. You see, the voice doesn't know anything. The voice doesn't have any power.
The power is yours. Your answer is that power.
How will you answer when that voice talks to you tomorrow?
My Friend David has Belief
David is a great friend of mine. I've know David since our elementary school days. He comes from a very successful family and I have had the pleasure of knowing them for all these years.
David went to Notre Dame and then attended Ohio State where he earned is law degree. He now has a very successful career, a beautiful wife and two great children. He also has a tremendous outlook on life. David is a loyal Notre Dame alum and fan of all things Fighting Irish. He was there when the school won their last National Championship in football and will probably be in the stands when they win their next. David believes in Notre Dame Football.
I received this video below from David. As you can imagine before clicking on it, it has to do with Notre Dame football. It also has to do with that little voice in your head.
You don't need a pep rally to get ready for the success that awaits you. You don't need Raghib "Rocket" Ismail. You just need to know what to say to that voice.
I know you have belief that this will be a great week for you to build relationships.
I know you have belief that this will be a great week for you to solve problems.
I know you have belief that this will be a great week for you to have fun!
And obviously, you know about this blog - The Realtor's Toolbox - for real estate tools, tips and tricks to build a successful real estate business. Thanks for being a loyal reader and sharing the posts you like with others.
Reading blogs is one thing but it can kind of be like listening to the radio, especially your favorite local morning show. You get to know the voice at the other end but it's kind of hard to put a face with that voice. Have you ever been surprised to learn what a deejay or talk show host looks like in person?
I saw a great blog post today from the folks over at FlowTown. FlowTown "is a social media marketing platform that helps businesses transform email contacts into engaged customers." What they really are to me is a really cool blog that shares some incredible visual images and information.
Their post today was titled "The Evolution of The Blogger" and it really taught me more about the "blogging tree" as it were. Here's the visual they used. You might be able to left click (once) on the visual to see it in larger details or you can click here to see it on the FlowTown blog site.
Thanks for the great visual FlowTown. Pictures sure are worth a thousand words...and a fresh blog post.
Monday Morning Matchis a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
How do you define "Happiness"?
If you had to write a definition for that word, what words would you use? You could be very dictionary-like in your definition and use words like "a state of tranquility free from anxiety and emotional disturbance" or perhaps "a feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, please or joy."
What if you had to describe what happiness means to you? No clinical definition, just a sentence or word story? What would you say? What makes you smile just thinking about how you would describe happiness to someone?
Is it....
Warm chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven?
Reading a good book on a rainy Saturday morning?
Having the first tee time on a warm summer day?
Someone else picking up the tab at happy hour?
A phone call from a co-op agent saying they've accepted your contract...as written?
A quiet lake and a full cooler of bait?
Walking hand in hand with someone special down a moonlit beach?
Hearing your children giggle?
Yeah - those are all good definitions of happiness in my mind.
What about for you? What images come to mind? What emotions are stirred thinking about what makes you happy?
Here's your challenge. Write down ten things that you think of when you think of happiness. (I invite you to add a few in the comments section below.)
Now, instead of just thinking about what creates happiness for you in your mind, go out this week and make it happen with your actions.
Have a great week building relationships, solving problems and having fun.
Wouldn't that be a horrible thing for one of your clients or customers to hear? We work so hard to get clients in today's fast paced world, why would we want to send them away?
Can the people you want to find you actually find you?
Are you sure that if someone came across a profile of you on-line somewhere you would actually be at the end of the "Contact Me" link or phone number suggested
I was just spending some time today on LinkedIn and was looking through my contact list. I was absolutely amazed at the number of Realtors who I am "linked in" with who don't even have their correct brokerage listed! Many people who are in a non-sales position also had their incorrect companies listed. I wonder if they even remember creating a LinkedIn profile? The sad thing is I bet this is true for some people on sites like Twitter and Facebook too.
"The Phone Books Are Here!!!"
Back in the old days (a.k.a. The 90's) you just needed to make sure your name showed up correctly in one place - the phone book. Remember how happy Navin R. Johnson was when he saw his name in the phone book in the classic movie, The Jerk ?
Well today you'll need more than the phone book...and this thermos. (if you don't laugh at that reference, order The Jerk on Netflix)
Have you checked your "on-line" profiles recently? It might be a great time of the year to log in to any site you think people (i.e. potential clients) might find you and update your contact information and personal profile.
You could add in a recent photo and you should also update your family info, office locations, mobile contacts and social media links. In real estate, we never know where our next good lead will come from so let's do what we can to insure it does,'t get sent to the competition by default.
Not only might you be missing good opportunities with clients, you could also be violating state license law when it comes to clearly representing your brokerage and role.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and check your social media profiles. While you're there, make sure we're connected. I'd love to stay in touch with you...assuming your contact information is correct.
Another Thanksgiving has passed us by and there's just 5 weeks left in the year. Before we worry about what we can do over the next month and a week, let's look back at one of my favorite blog posts from two years ago which still rings true today.
Maybe some of you will be reading this while you're in line waiting to pay for your early morning haul. Others will have avoided the hustle and bustle and stayed at home on your butts (and laptops).
Either way, shop hard and get ready for the holiday season.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside of each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
A Season for Thanks
Last year at this time of year, I wrote a blog post about my personal "thanks" and recognized some of the influential people in my life who helped me get to where I am today. You can find the first of the three-part post here.
This year, I turn the attention to you, my reader. Or should I say I challenge you to read this post to yourself and take it personally?
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~ John F. Kennedy
What are you thankful for? It's been a challenging year for those of us involved in real estate but there have certainly been some wonderful opportunities. Have you taken advantage of them? Will you make more opportunities in the new year and overcome the obstacles in front of you?
Have you been lucky enough to make some mistakes in 2010 that you'll learn from and be better in 2011? Just think - some people never make any mistakes but that is not because they are perfect, it's because they never do anything. Be sure to be thankful for the learning experiences that life has provided.
Have you been lucky enough to assist some families with their real estate needs in 2010? Perhaps you helped some buyers find a new home or maybe you assisted some Sellers and helped them get on to their next chapter in life? Have you thanked them for their trust in you and also thanked them for the opportunity to help solve their problems?
Maybe you're a manager or broker? Have you been lucky enough to challenge, encourage or inspire any of your associates, staff members or peers? Be sure to give thanks for them allowing you to be a part of their careers.
You probably sat in a class, workshop or training event where the speaker, instructor or teacher made you see or hear things differently. Maybe something confusing became clear? Did your hearing advance to listening which became understanding inspiring you into action that will eventually lead to mastery? Be sure to thank that person (or those people) for giving you the key to opening your mind. Be sure not to close that open mind in the coming year.
Is there a group of friends and family who have stood beside you and behind you throughout 2010? Have you felt their hands helping you? Sometimes that hand has been pushing you squarely in the back and other times it's just been touching you on the shoulders, providing simple guidance to keep you on your path to your goals. They want nothing more for you than to see you achieve the levels of success you aspire to and deserve.
We can get occupied spending so much of our time looking over one fence, wishing we had the things others possess, yet never realize that the neighbor on the other side of the yard may be looking at us and admiring what it is that we have. As Sheryl Crow sings, "It's not having what you want. It's wanting what you've got."
Please take a moment this week to be thankful for all the things you have.
Thank you for being a loyal reader of The Realtor's Toolbox. I hope you've been able to build relationships, solve problems and have fun so far in 2010 and will continue the journey in 2011.
Knowing the audience you are speaking to is important. So is understanding where the people you're looking for might be hiding.
I'm not much of a fisherman but I hear it's usually easier to catch fish if you use bait. What are you using to get more clients on your line?
Famous bank robber Willie Sutton, when asked why he robs banks replied, "That's where the money is."
Here's a neat chart of information that shows the demographics for some of today's top social media sites. It might be valuable information for you to better serve your customers and clients.
I love looking for opportunities to make other people feel good. I love it when it happens to me as well, especially when it is completely out of the blue. I know how powerful a positive statement or show of support can be.
I subscribe to lots of e-newsletters and blogs and follow numerous people on Twitter and Facebook that are sharing good words of wisdom, neat ideas or things that might help me now or later. One of those weekly e-newsletters I look forward to receiving is Tuesday Tactics from a guy named Scott Levitt. Scott is the President of Oakley Sign & Graphics, Inc. and also the founder of FreeHelpForRealEstateAgents.com, a free website to help you improve your marketing skills and generate more leads.
I don't know Scott, but from reading his newsletters for the last few months, we think alike when it comes to taking care of the customer and having fun while doing it.
Scott recently released a free e-Book called The Prosperity Habit. I would highly encourage the readers of The Realtor's Toolbox blog to download this short "manifesto of sorts" here. Print it out and read it at your next open house or after you put your kids to bed. I believe the writing is big enough it could even be read while on the treadmill. Just please don't read it in the car.
The "goal of “The Prosperity Habit” system is to get you in the habit of externalizing positive energy so that it benefits others (and in turn benefit you, too!). While it does rely on reminders, inspirational scripts, templates, and tactical advice, the end goal is to train you to do these things effortlessly."
The Prosperity Habit is broken down into 5 simple sections:
Be observant
Be honest
Be natural
Be mindful of your intentions
Be professional
What have you got to lose? Download this simple message today and start finding ways to develop your own "prosperity habit." I can assure you it just might help you find more ways to...
Build relationships...solve problems...and have fun.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside of each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
Here's your challenge this week. Will you be focusing on delivering great service or creating a memorable experience?
There's a big difference. Usually the former is expected while the latter, because it's more rare, is talked about longer.
Think about it. You could receive "great service" from your waitress while out to eat but if the valet drove your car over the curb, the hostess didn't seat you for thirty five minutes after saying it would be a ten-minute wait, the restaurant was so noisy you had to yell to hear your dining partners, the food was horrible and they declined your credit card, are you really telling people about the great service?
On the other hand, think of the last "memorable experience" you had that involved you spending either time, money or personal effort? Whether it was an inexpensive visit to a ice cream parlor, a walk through a neighborhood park or a vacation to a 4-star resort, everything from start to finish would need bring a smile to your face just thinking about it. Only then would it be worth talking about.
What can you focus on this week to create memorable experiences for your clients and customers?
Did you reset your clocks? Did you wake up a bit earlier than usual today because you couldn't adjust your internal time clock like you can your Timex or microwave? Are you excited for an earlier sunrise or maybe depressed about it getting dark earlier?
The time change is what it is. We all need to get over the change and adjust to the new time. The video below a humorous view on the topic from comedian Paul F. Tompkins...
So now that Daylight Savings is here, what will you do next?
Things still need to get done at work; Calls need to be made. Appointments need to be set and attended. Contracts will be written, negotiated and signed. Deals will be closed.
Things still need to get done at home; Physical exercise. Spending time with loved ones. Balancing the checkbook. Cleaning the gutters and raking the lawn.
Sure, your clock may have changed.
Your goals shouldn't have.
And now you've got an extra hour to work with. What are you waiting for?
get out there and start building relationships...solving problems...and having fun.
Monday Morning Matchis a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside of each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
Change Your Thinking
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service and where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day-nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate to describe such wonderful things outside the window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’
Thanks to Peter J. Sobeck, a Senior Vice President in charge of Business Development with NRT LLC. for sharing this story with us at a recent leadership workshop. I'm not sure who the credit for the story should be attributed to but the message is clear. Choose your view today before it's chosen for you.
Good luck building relationships...solving problems and having fun. Have a great week
When was the last time you ran 26.2 miles? How about 13.1?
Completing a marathon or a half marathon is an incredible achievement no matter what your age, race, sex or physical condition. It takes dedication, focus and a tremendous amount of effort to complete all of the necessary training runs, eat a healthy diet, sacrifice much of your extra time each week and overcome fear as you cross the threshold of the starting line on race day. That not even mentioning the potential pain you may encounter between then and the finish line.
Hey Realtors...
When was the last time you finished a successful year in real estate? How about you rookies looking to finsih your first year (or partial year)?
Completing a successful year as a Realtor is an incredible achievement no matter what your age, race, sex or physical condition or tenure in the business. It takes dedication, focus and a tremendous amount of effort to complete all of the necessary training and development, eat a healthy diet of phone calls, open houses and talking to strangers, sacrifice much of your extra time each week and overcome the fear and pain as you cross the threshold of your office each day of the week.
Been There, Done That
Back in 2005 I ran my first 5K. That led to a 5 Mile Turkey Trot, a few more Jingle Bell Runs and then I ran my first 1/2 Marathon in Cincinnati in May 2006. I made the dedicated effort to complete the Columbus Marathon in October 2006. I ran a few more 1/2 marathons over the next few years up until a knee surgery put me on running's "injured reserve list" for about eighteen months.
I've been back out there lately, running shorter distances, and am excited to get signed up to run some races. Maybe I'll get out on Thanksgiving Day and compete in the Turkey Trot?
Last Sunday, October 17th, I volunteered with several co-workers from Coldwell Banker King Thompson to work at Water Station J at the 12 mile mark of the Columbus Marathon. We had to arrive early - 6:15am (see the pre-dawn photo to the left)- to begin setting up and filling over 15,000 cups with water and Gatorade. My 11-year-old daughter Riley also joined me for the second year in a row.
As both races pass through Station J (full marathoners and half marathoners) we had to be prepared to provide water and support to the 15,000 entrants into this years races. It was clear that the liquid refreshments were very important for people's physical needs after running for 12 miles but it also was evident that the verbal support and cheers by the volunteers and fans lining the streets of Columbus were just as vital to many of the runners seeking a physical accomplishment that many had never attempted before (or will again).
As the runners thundered past the tables filled with water and Gatorade, the volunteers held out cups for them to "grab & go" and offered words of encouragement (see video below). Having completed both races before, I felt I had some personal knowledge of some of the runners mental states at this point in the race.
The full marathoners still had more than half their race to complete. 14 more miles seems like a long distance but in a matter of minutes, they would be more than half way done. In just a matter of hours, everything they worked so hard for all summer long would be in the past and they'd be so proud of their determination to finish all 26.2miles.
"Keep it up. Just one more mile and then you have the 'easy' half"
The half marathoners were just 1.1 miles from the finish. For many it is the longest distance they have ever run at one time. I felt encouragement to these runners was even more necessary.
"Keep your arms and legs moving"
"One mile to go. Finish up strong"
"This is why you got up early all summer and pushed yourself. Don't walk now"
"Make all the training before today pay off. Push hard this last mile"
"Run hard now, you can walk tomorrow"
Sure, the encouragement and support was easy for me to say. I was standing in comfortable shoes and wasn't sweating or chaffing. I was enjoying a hot chocolate and donut and didn't have cramps and aches to look forward to later that afternoon. But they needed to hear it.
Can you imagine training all summer to complete your first marathon or half marathon and you give up and start walking with 1 mile to go? Sometimes the negative voice in your head can be pretty convincing and having some other voice push you along just might be what is needed to keep the arms and legs moving for the next stretch of roadway.
Hey Realtors - Finish Up Strong
So how does this relate to the real estate business? We're coming up to our finish line of the 2010 race. For long time Realtors, it's another full marathon that we're about to complete. Will we allow ourselves to ease up and "walk" the last 1/6 of the race or will we grab some Gatorade and dig deep to find that "extra boost" needed to cross the finish line with momentum?
For those who have joined the real estate race sometime in 2010 - the "rookies" - you've got two more months to finish your fist half marathon. Will you keep those arms and legs moving and remember all those long hours away from the family when you were sitting in those boring pre-licensing classes. I know you never figured yourself to be a mediocre agent just walking acorss the finsih line, did you? Remember those early days trying to start up your business in Sunday afternoon open houses or late evening showings with Buyers? Don't slow down now.
To anyone reading this, you've got ten weeks left in the 2010 race. Keep those arms and legs moving, stay hydrated and focus on the finish line.
And remember...next year's race begins as soon as this one finsihes. Get ready enjoy the accomplisgments of this years run but then get ready to tighten your shoelaces and start running all over again.
That's your daily campaign slogan, isn't it? Each and every day we're running for the office of "trusted advisor" to our Buyers and Sellers who entrust us to make the best decisions and policies to help them get what they want.
Do You Run a Clean Campaign?
I don't know about you but I am ready for the mid-term elections to get here and be done. The yard signs, billboard and negative "smear" commercials drive me crazy. Last night I was so bombarded with one commercial attack after the other that I posted this as my Facebook status update:
"Hey Politicians planning to run for office in the next major election - Here's an offer for you. Run a campaign where you only talk about YOUR strengths and YOUR platform. Maybe one ad a night, don't call me for surveys, don't knock on my door, don't ask me for money. Just be a more worthy candidate than you opponent and you'll probably get my vote. You might even create a wave of support that enjoys your fresh approach to campaigning. Imagine what might happen if you had an audience who supported you instead of purposefully worked against you."
"I'm Sean Carpenter and I approve this message"
I had numerous people "like" my comment and it created a long chain of comments in agreement with my sentiments.
Why would someone "elect" you as their Realtor?
Is your track record impressive with many satisfied constituents?
Do you reach out to a large audience spreading a positive message?
Do you do the things you say you will do?
Do you have the three C's that lead to Trust? Confidence, Competence and Consistency?
Can you tangibly demonstrate how your strengths will benefit a voter?
Do you effectively rally your party supporters (i.e. "past clients") to campaign for you?
I don't think you need to run out and print campaign buttons with catchy slogans or start kissing neighborhood babies at your next Open House. I just think you need to try hard to be the "Candidate of Choice" for the audience you are hoping to serve.
One of my favorite books about outstanding service and making your customers enjoy a great experience is The Fred Factorby Mark Sanborn. The subtitle of this book is "How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary."
Have you read it?
It's worth going out to Amazon.com or your local bookstore or library and checking it out. It's a quick fun read and has many tangible concepts that will be useful to you in whatever field you're in but certainly those of us in a "people business" like sales.
Have you ever experienced a "Fred" in real life?
I have experienced a "Fred" many times and they always seem to jump off the page like a character in one of those children's pop-up books. As someone who makes a great effort to be a "Fred" myself, I get excited when I run into a "Fred" in the real world. It's even more amazing when they actually are named "Fred."
I returned to Columbus late Tuesday evening from a few days away with some good friends. It was a great 48 hours of "building relationships, solving problems and having fun." When I travel, I park my car at the Thrifty Car Park just outside of Port Columbus International Airport. I've been a Thrifty Perks member there for a few years and they do a great job.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this "valet" service, you swing through the Thrifty parking lot and pick up a driver on your way out of town. They ride with you to the airport and then take your car back to Thrifty while you're away on vacation or business. Upon your return, you catch a shuttle from the terminal and they drive you to your waiting car back at the lot.
It's usually a pretty benign drive from the airport to the Thrifty lot. You grab your luggage, trod out to the shuttle pick up lot and maybe send a quick text home to let your loved ones know you're on your way. The driver arrives, tosses your luggage onto the rack and you head out to get your car.
The Fred Factor in Real Life
Something different happened the last two times I've been picked up and it was all Fred's fault. The shuttle driver's name was Fred Rohe. He pulled in to the waiting areas and opened the doors with a big smile and said "Welcome Home, folks!" He hustled down the steps and grabbed the waiting passengers luggage and ushered us on board. After confirming we had all called in our claim ticket to insure that our cars would be waiting for us upon arrival, he did something different then all the other "average shuttle drivers." He offered all his passengers a choice of candy.
Really not a huge offer by any means...but when was the last time a shuttle driver offered you even a smile let alone of choice of free, sweet, chocolaty goodness?
As we quickly pulled away from the terminal, he asked us how our trips were, filled us in on the days weather here in Columbus and provided us all with a quick forecast for what to expect with the next day's weather. I even joked with Fred that it's amazing he has time to drive a shuttle after a full day on the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He was really excited to share his positive mental attitude with others.
Thanks Fred for making the short 5 minute drive to my car memorable. Plus, I got a minty fresh blast from my two mini York Peppermint Patties that gave me a much needed jolt of energy for my ride home to see the family.
May you all have a great week encountering many "Freds"...or just decide to be a "Fred" yourself.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside of each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
Do you stand out? Are you unique? When God created you, did they "break the mold"?
Or...
Is what you do, done the way you do it, also done by others? When you look up 'status quo' in the dictionary could there be a picture of you? Will your next creative idea be your first?
There are over 1 million members of the National Association of Realtors in the United States. Those people can rightfully call themselves REALTORS®. It's been estimated that close to another 500,000+ people have a real estate license (but just are not members of NAR). And who's to say how many of the 300+ million people living in America have held a real estate license at some point in their life?
So is it any wonder that the general public might not see any difference from one practitioner to the next if we don't go out of our way to show how we're different?
No Joke, Learn from the Oak
“The strongest oak tree of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rain and scorching sun.”
- Napoleon Hill
I challenge you to discover ways this week that you can be different from your fellow Realtor. I'm not talking about changing the color of your yard sign (there may be state licensing issues) but what can you do to deliver your services in a way that will make those you interact with say "Wow! That was different...and I really liked it. I liked it enough to talk about it and tell others."?
Have you stopped by that recently expired listing or the new FSBO in your neighborhood to introduce yourself or did you do what the majority of agents did - nothing?
Do you deliver a pre-listing packet with homework to each and every potential Seller client you meet with?
Do you hand deliver thank you gifts to your clients after a successful closing to show them your appreciation or do you just quickly cash the commission check and move on to the next client?
How do you handle personal referrals? Are they accepted as part of the job or do you show those people who trust you enough to refer family, friends and co-workers your gratitude with a hand written thank you note?
Are you spending your Sundays hiding from the opportunities that might be out there or do you hold open houses and maximize your opportunities for traffic by inviting neighbors, past clients, and co-op agents?
This week, try to be more like the oak tree and get out where the winds blow, the rain falls and the sunshine scorches.
That's where the growth will happen.
Get out there and build relationships, solve problems and have fun.
Monday Morning Match is a short post - maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea - intended to spark some motivation inside of each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning
“Those who abandon their dreams will discourage yours”
Sure, lots of people think they know better. Many of the 300+ million people in the United States have had a real estate license in the past or know someone who has. That doesn't mean they know what your goals and plans are. You know why you decided to get into a career in real estate (or stick with a career in real estate) so stay focused on what needs to get done to achieve your goals.
Just because someone went to a great college or took some high priced training course doesn't mean they can tell you how to live your life.
Someone attending church on a weekly basis doesn't necessarily have a better chance of success than someone who doesn't believe in a higher power.
“Those who abandon their dreams will discourage yours”
Author John Maxwell says there are two types of people in life, Lifters and Leaners. Lifters are always picking people up, staying positive and supporting people while the Leaners are always holding people back, pulling them down or impeding their progress.
Watch the video clip below from The Pursuit of Happyness. Stuggling San Francisco saleman Chris Gardner, played by actor Will Smith, starts the scene as a "Leaner" and then transitions into a "Lifter."
I hope this week, you will avoid the Leaners and look for the Lifters.
I hope this week you will be the Lifter someone needs.
Days like today don't come around very often. In fact, they only come around once in a lifetime. It's October 10th, 2010. That's 10/10/10. What a great reason to come up with a list of...
Ten Things to Boost Your Business
#10. Take ten minutes to print a one-line report of your current data base of contacts. Review it from top to bottom. Eliminate any duplicate entries you may have, highlight any contacts who are incomplete and purge those names and "contacts" that you have no idea who they even are.
#9. Put ten of the incomplete data base entries on your daily to-do list and begin to acquire the missing data. Spouses names, kids names, email addresses, etc. can all be found out by a simple phone call. Repeat this until you have completely updated your data base. Done correctly, this is almost guaranteed to add leads to your business.
#8. Take ten minutes to practice the following script; "Hi (insert name of contact), it's Sean Carpenter with Coldwell Banker. I hope you're doing well. The reason for my call is I have been putting together some great information about our current real estate market and I want to get it out to the people I know. In order to do that, I've been taking some time to update my Relationship Roster and I noticed that I am missing some information from you. Do you have a minute for me?"
#7. Dial numbers on your list for ten minutes. All you need is one good contact a day who adds some information to your current data base. If you want, you could make calls for longer than ten minutes but baby steps seem to work well for most people.
#6. Take ten minutes to send a hand written thank you note to each person you speak with in person, whether they provide you with any new information or not. That personal touch will come back to you in time, trust me.
#5. Research your market statistics over the last ten months. What has happened in your local markets since January 1st, 2010? Can you create a chart, graph or general report on prices, inventory levels and pending home sales?
#4. Identify the ten top selling areas in your local MLS based on # of sales or average days on the market. These are great areas to be knowledgeable and focused on as they are turning over business and doing so quickly. If you know someone who lives in one of those areas, don't you think they'd want to know this information? If you're selecting an area to hold an open house, these might be great places to start.
#3. Schedule tenOpen Houses between now and January 1, 2011. Buyers who are out looking in the 4th quarter are usually more "buyer" than they are "looker." Because there are only 11 more weekends left in the year, that means you'll probably need to double up on certain Sundays (hold shorter opens houses; 12:30 - 2pm and then maybe 3-4:30?) or choose a day that isn't a "traditional open house day" in your market. That's okay. Why not hold an open house on Thursday afternoon or Tuesday evening? Consumers today are looking for different, not status quo.
#2. Touch ten people a day on social networks like Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. It won't take you a lot of time but it will continue to help you build relationships, solve problems and have fun.
#1. Take ten seconds each day when you wake up to say these words to yourself, "It's going to be a great day because I choose to make it great!"
Standing in a long line at the grocery check out when a cashier shouts, "I can help you in lane six"
