February 27, 2011

It's Time to Spring Into Action

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.

Is the season changing where you're at? Can you sense that winter is fading away and the warmer weather is bubbling up like a geyser, ready to burst forth?

How about your real estate market? Is it starting to make some noise? Has "cabin fever" hits it's boiling point? Will buyers be ready to take advantage of these low interest rates and tremendous opportunities on homes priced well below their peak prices?

Are you working hard each day to secure appointments with sellers who want to take advantage of the blossoming number of buyers ready to burst forth upon the neighborhood? Appointments with sellers are to listings what April showers are to May flowers. Put on your galoshes and start making calls.

Today ends February - traditionally one of winter's months. Tomorrow begins March and that signals spring. I hope you're not just getting started trying to generate business for 2011 today because any engine started today will need time to cough, sputter and idle for a while before hitting a steady cruising speed.

No, the salesperson who will pop through the last layers of winter's resistance this week will certainly be the one who planted their seed in the fall. Those who score new listings and ready buyers will be the ones who worked the ground and fertilized relationships throughout the winter. The first spring colors to grace the dreary landscape will be signals that a new season is here and a bouquet of success will be on the table for Easter.

Don't delay in breaking through the frosty ground. We all know that in the next few weeks, "For Sale" signs will be popping up in yards across town. What are you doing today to make sure your name is on them tomorrow?

Buyers will be coming out of their dens. Will you be there to help them find a new home for the summer.

Remember...the early bird will get the worm.

Set your alarm and get out there early.


"Today I went out. It smelled, it felt, it sensed spring. I had for the first time faith - not intellectual belief, but a sudden feeling of turning tide. Yes, there will be spring."
~ Ann Morrow Lindbergh

February 23, 2011

Check the Want Ads

If you're not doing what you want to do every day, check the want ads.

Seriously. Why continue to report for work each day just to cash a check?

I think I know it on most days...but I LOVE what I do.

I get the opportunity to build relationships every day. On most days I get to solve problems. I certainly create opportunities each day to have fun. If I do all three, that's a pretty damn good day.

Do you get excited to tell others what you do? Do you wake before your alarm clock buzzes because you are excited to "get to work"? Are you excited when someone asks you "what did you do today?"?

I had a great conversation tonight with a mentor of mine about what I have the opportunity to do each day. When you get a chance to say it out loud, it really makes you realize how cool it is to help other people "become better."

As you head in to your place of employment today, ask yourself this - "Am I going to do what I do best today?"

If not, maybe it's time to take a few weeks off or maybe it's time to check the want ads.

February 22, 2011

Repeat Business Happens When Repeat Service Does Too

13 months ago, I wrote this post about some great service that I received from the management and staff at Bar Louie in the Arena District of downtown Columbus.

That night I was with my daughter Riley to celebrate her 11th birthday with two of her best friends, Rachel and Lauren. We had a great time that night and became loyal clients of Bar Louie. We got to know Kelly Stein (the general manager) and Rich Folk (assistant general manager) and many of the awesome wait staff over the next year and there wasn't a Columbus Blue Jackets game that we attended when we first didn't visit Bar Louie beforehand for some pre-game food, drink and friendships.

For the last 13 months we have continued to enjoy our visits to Bar Louie. Kelly and Rich continue to make an effort to stop by our table to say hello and make sure all is well. The wait staff has changed but the service hasn't. Attentive, friendly and quick is a great asset for a restaurant food server...especially on a game night.

The service we got that first time made us consider going back the second time. The consistency of service is what continues to bring us back.

How's your service? How's your consistency?

It may be cliche in a service business like real estate ...or mortgage, title or any other type of buisness to consumer offering for that matter, but there's only "one chance to make a first impression." That's a great message to remember everytime you come in contact with a new customer or client. Who doesn't strive to create a 100% referral based business?

With that said, if you've done a good job, there should be another opportunity to get in front of that client in the futire. Depending on the business you're in, that cycle between purchases could be one week or one decade or somewhere in between.


Hopefully it comes through repeat and referral business. The question your client will ask themselves before they call or visit you again will be - "Can it be as good or better the next time as it was the last time?"

The Bar has Been Raised Again

Riley received tickets from her grandpa for tonight's game. It was her "birthday game" because I had to be out of town last month on the game closest to her 12th birthday. She once again invited her two friends, Rachel and Lauren, and we headed to Bar Louie before the Blue Jackets game versus the Nashville Predators.

We sat in the same spot and had great service from Shannon. The food was great, the atmostphere welcoming and both Kelly and Rich were working tonight so they each stopped by to say hello and wish Riley a "Happy Birthday."


As we awaited the check and we planning to head over to Nationwide Arena for the 7pm faceoff, the bar was raised. Out came the flaming desserts.

A trio of sweetness - Banana Creme Pudding (with Nilla wafers, thank you very much), a S'mores Sundae and a Carmel Brownie Deluxe - arrived compliments of the staff for Riley. They graciously brought three extra spoons so Rachel and Lauren and I felt like we had to help polish off the goodies.

It was awesome and it was unexpected...but then again, it wasn't unexpected. It's what we've come to expect the last 13 months.

Ask yourself these questions;

  • Is your service so good that people would be more surprised if they DIDN''T receive remarkable service?

  • Do you seek opportunities to "raise the bar" for your customers and clients?

  • Are you looking to create remarkable experiences for the people you serve, so they not only will return to you for help, but they will regularly refer others?

Imagine what would happen to your business if you did?


Until next time, keep building relationships, solving problems and having fun.

...Oh yeah - the Blue Jackets won 4-0

February 21, 2011

Will This Be for Pick Up or Delivery?

As usual, another one of Seth Godin's blog posts hit me square in the face. It seems that almost every time Seth writes something, he makes you stop and think. (and that's usually a good thing)

Sometimes he helps you dream. Sometimes he helps you question. Sometimes his posts spur you to take action. This is one of those times.

In his post titled
Date Certain, Seth talks about how businesses can establish some "good faith" by letting the customer know when they can expect the product the want or need.


What's Your Delivery Policy?


If there's is one simple mantra everyone in real estate should live by it should be "under promise and over deliver."

  • Are you setting the proper expectations with your Buyers at the intial Buyer Counseling Session?


  • Does your marketing presentation with Sellers establish an initial price position that will help create the proper "perception of value"? Will that price motivate a Buyer to make an acceptable offer?


  • Do you return calls, emails and texts promptly?

When Domino's started delivering pizza, they were different because they said "At your door in 30 minutes or it's free." They weren't afraid to take risks and stand out. It helped them build a pizza empire.

What can you come up with that will make people see you as more than a plain ol' cheese pizza? And can you get it to their "door" while it's still hot?


It's really a simple question.

If the client calls for service, do you deliver?


February 20, 2011

Are You Ready to Rock? Well...Start Pushing

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.

Nobody likes a struggle, whether it's a business challenge or a personal obstacle. But no one is immune to difficulties in life, so how you handle adversity is a true key to success.

I have been trying to get back into a habit of daily exercise, especially running. I completed The Columbus Marathon back in 2006 and have finished several half marathons as well. Then, a needed knee surgery for a torn meniscus in 2008 set me back for about 9 months.

I got back in to running on and off and then last May, I really tried to re-commit myself to this form of exercise. I challenged myself with an "Every Day in May" campaign where I ran every single day that month - compiling over 100 miles while running each of the 31 days. It was difficult to skip because I promoted my campaign on Facebook and Twitter each day so all of my friends and followers were there to hold me accountable.

I continued running throughout the year but never actually signed up to run in a planned event until the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Once the cold weather sets in here in Columbus, I am sort of like a bear going into hibernation. I know that not having that "big event" to look forward to really holds me back from committing to my efforts.

Now that spring is upon us, it's time to get to work on that mid-section that has returned with a vengeance. And so my focus and effort has been to get back into a habit of running, exercising and eating a bit more healthy diet, so I can hopefully shed some pounds and gain energy throughout the day.

As many of you know, one day does not a habit make.

#PushThatRock

It's easy to work out one day or maybe two in a row, but to maintain the efforts long enough to create a habit experts will usually agree, it takes around 21 days of consistent effort.

The other day as I was seeking to get motivated, I used a mythological reference in a tweet on Twitter to my buddy Mike Randall, a top producing agent and partner with the Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Properties brokerage in Florence, Alabama about Sisyphus. Sisyphus was a King who betrayed the Gods and was condemned to rolling a rock up a hill for eternity. Each time he would get the rock to the top of the hill, it would roll back down, making him begin his efforts anew.

Sometimes I feel that my exercise routine is like that of Sisyphus. I get on a roll then fall back, only to have to begin anew. So Mike and I have teamed up to create some personal accountability and each day when we have completed our exercise for the day, we tweet the hashtag #PushThatRock to each other with a description of what we accomplished. Usually Mike is done before me and he's on Central time.

Today I didn't want to #PushThatRock because it was cold, windy and there was a steady mixture of sleet and rain falling here in Central Ohio. But I know if I didn't get out there and run it wasn't going to get any easier tomorrow and I would literally have to start back at the bottom of that mountain. So I bundled up and hit the road. Not surprisingly to anyone reading this who runs, I ended up feeling great and enjoying a great run.

  • Are you ready to Push That Rock in Real Estate?
  • Have you dreaded making those daily business development calls today? #PushThatRock
  • Been a while since you have contacted all of your Sellers to discuss a price repositioning? #PushThatRock
  • Don't want to hold that Open House on a sunny Sunday afternoon? #PushThatRock
  • When was the last time you followed up with your clients from the last few years to see how they're doing and seek any referrals they may have? #PushThatRock
  • Have you completed your 2010 taxes yet? #PushThatRock

You all know that the longer you wait to make something happen, the heavier the rock will be and the steeper the hill will appear. It's no surprise that most Realtor's income follows their activity - up and down and up and down and up and down...just like Sisyphus's rock.

It's time for you to figure out what your "rock" is and where you need to be pushing it. There's no need to wait. It's almost March and we won't get these last two months back to start over.

I even invite you to join me and Mike with your burden. Each day when you have a challenge or obstacle ahead that you have identified as your rock for the day (or week, month or year), share an email, a tweet or a Facebook message with me and/or Mike and be sure to add in the hashtag #PushThatRock. (You can follow me on Twitter at @SeanCarp and Mike at @mikerandall72)

Who knows? Maybe we'll create a small group of people who will gain strength each day when they start pushing, knowing that they will have the power of group accountability helping them move that rock.

Just think...maybe we'll begin a movement, one rock at a time.

Are you ready to rock? Well, start pushing.




February 19, 2011

An Example of Using Teamwork to Reach Your Goal

As a former member of the marching band back in high school, I understand the importance for each member of the band to perform his or her moves correctly in order to make the "whole" band look good. If just one person makes a misstep or turns the wrong way at the wrong time, the entire presentation can be affected.

In real estate, we often work proudly as "independent contractors" but when you stop to think about it, we have many members of our team who can drastically impact how we look to the people watching.

Are you and your mortgage advisor in sync?

Can you count on your home inspector of choice to be "in tune" with your clients?

When you work in "rhythm" with the co-op agent on the other side of the deal, doesn't everyone enjoy a better transaction?

Can you depend on your title company or closing attorney to deliver that "big finish" that will leave the fans buzzing about your performance?

It's great to "walk to the beat of a different drummer" but when you're in a marching band, walking the same walk as your teammates will help you achieve your goals of looking and sounding like one.

The following video is a perfect example of a group following the systematic steps needed to reach their (field) goal. Click here if you don't see the video below


















February 16, 2011

11 Years of Lessons from Sean's Dad

"Children want to feel instinctively that their father is behind them as solid as a mountain, but, like a mountain, is something to look up to."
~ Dorothy Thompson

Today's Toolbox is not really about real estate...but it is. It's kind of a second eulogy to my Dad but it's also a lesson for all of us because, like the quote above, my father was a mountain of man. He died much too soon at the age of 61 eleven years ago today.


Many of you who are reading this have lost a parent. Perhaps some of you may have lost both parents. To those of you, I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you today and especially on the anniversary of their deaths.

To those of you who still have both parents alive and well, please take a moment today to reach out and tell them you love them. There should be no reason needed - just call them and say "I just wanted to tell you I love you." If they are close by, drive over, give them a hug and say the same thing - "I love you."

Trust me, you'll miss that chance when they're gone. Visiting them at the cemetery just isn't the same.

So what does my Dad, a long-time professor of Landscape Architecture at The Ohio State University, have to do with real estate? Well, let's look at the Eleven Lessons You Can Learn from Sean's Dad...

1. Be Demanding...But Respectful - My Dad was a tough teacher. I heard that from many of his former students at his funeral eleven years ago. Yet every one of those students shared with me and my two brothers that they are better landscape architects, professionals, parents, husbands and people because of his demanding nature and the accountability he challenged all of his students (and sons) with.

Do you demand consistent efforts and communication from your staff, associates, teammates or consumers you are lucky enough to work with? Have you earned the right to demand results?

2. Listen To and Engage Your Peers - I remember many days hanging out at Brown Hall on campus and marveling at the number of faculty, staff and students who paraded in and out of Dad's office to ask questions, share anecdotes or mastermind issues on the forefront of the profession of landscape architecture.

How open are you to listening to people you work with? Is it possible that "your way" might not be the "right way"? Can you stay open to new ideas, a challenge of your positions and an opportunity to just give people an audience?

3. Enjoy Seeing New Places and Learning New Things - My father was a master at this one. He had been to all fifty of the United States (many multiple times) and had travelled to numerous countries around the globe (many with his wife - my Mom) and usually brought home more than a few decks of slides for sharing later. He and Mom fell in love with the area of Montana around Glacier National Park (in nearby Kalispell, Montana) while he volunteered for the National Park Service during his summer breaks from OSU and they purchased a second home out there to enjoy during summers and Christmas breaks.

Mom still enjoys spending her summers in "God's Country" and my brothers and I and our families have all had the opportunities to savor the relaxing and breathtaking views and lifestyles of Northwest Montana. (If you haven't been to Montana, add it to your "bucket list")

Are you taking advantage of the opportunities you have to venture to new places...with new people...to learn new things? You should. Don't wait until you've got more time, or money, or desire. Do it now...and call a loved one to join you.

4. Learn What's New Before it's New - My Dad was one of the first to utilize a tool called Auto-CAD. It was a computer aided design tool for architecture and landscape architecture that is a common tool these days. He owned a Mac before people knew what a home computer was. If he was still alive, he would have been on Facebook and Twitter early - not to be "hip" or "cool" but he would have found some way to leverage the tool to add value to his industry and to share his learnings with other early adaptors.

How much time are you spending each day learning new things? Are you waiting for the needle to move before you get engaged? Are you pushing on the soft walls of your comfort zone each day? If you're comfortable with the status quo, you'll never be able to see what it's like to sail uncharted waters. Start challenging yourself and others. That's where the victories are earned.

5. Be Loyal - Dad served in the Ohio State University's Department of Landscape Architecture for 29 years. For 90% of my life, I saw my Dad go to his job with a passion and enthusiasm. He always went in each day hoping he could positively affect someone's life. If it was a student, great. If it was a fellow staff or faculty member, great. If it was a server at The Faculty Club on campus, great. If it was one of his sons, great. He just wanted everyone to become better.

Can your teammates count on you? Can your customers and clients depend on you to do what you said you would? Will you be willing to do what it takes to make your company or brokerage better? Are you willing to challenge the status quo and not be satisfied with "good enough"? Will you help to raise the bar in your industry?

6. Help Others Get What They Want - Most of you reading this blog post are in some sort of sales career. My Dad was never is sales but he sure was proud to be a teacher, which means he was in sales more than anyone can imagine. Everyday he was charged with selling his students on their beliefs, their ideas, their careers and their future. He would do whatever he could to help the people he touched succeed.

It seems cliche around the holidays to say "it's not about what you get but what you give," but do you really believe it? I'm pretty sure that you could show me a person who spent their life helping others and I am pretty sure I can show you a success.

Do you spend your time in real estate "building relationships, solving problems and having fun"? Then you're doing a great job of this one. Keep it up.

7. Fair & Equal Aren't the Same Thing - Treating students fairly was expected but some of his students got more care and attention because they earned it.

It's expected (I could even say required) that you treat your customers and clients fairly when it comes to service, negotiations and respect; however, it is not expected that you would treat all of your clients equally. Why would you offer the same services and benefits to a client who has done just one deal with you in your career versus a client who has bought or sold four houses with you over the last decade and referred you three clients? You shouldn't... and my guess is, you don't. That's okay?

People who support you deserve your support. Those who don't support now but may in the future have a fair chance to earn your support. Don't be in a hurry to treat everyone the same or else they will be.

8. Look for Opportunities to be a Leader - My Dad was very proud to be an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). He even was elected President of the organization, having the opportunity to lead his industry as they achieved amazing growth and success. He carried on the legacy of leaders before him and helped blaze a new trail for those who followed. He was also active at the local, state and international levels.

Are you dedicating time to your local office? Your company? Your industry at the local, state or national levels? Are you seeking roles in your local schools, your church or your community? Do you help coach your kids sports teams or volunteer at their youth events? Imagine the people you could positively impact by getting involved as a leader.

9. Be Willing to Share - I was always amazed at the number of industry people who would seek out Dad's advice, support or guidance. I'd answer the phone and there would be landscape architects, community leaders or local politicians on the line asking " is Jot Carpenter there?" He would speak to anyone and everyone if he felt like he had something to add to the conversation, concept or community.

Do you feel you'll gain more by sharing or do you try to keep all the successes and secrets to yourself? Please realize that no one will do it the way you do so don't be afraid to share. If you find something that works, share it with others. Help our industry "raise the bar" knowing that if everyone delivers "truly remarkable service", the value we bring to our buyer and seller clients will grow.

10. Get in the Office Early and Be Willing to Stay Late - Dad would usually be out the door by 7:30am and home by 6pm. He was a member of the Baby Boomer generation so if you have a parent who was a Boomer, he or she probably worked the same schedule. That's what they learned from their parents and they didn't question it. As a professor, he wanted to make himself available to his students morning, noon and night.

There aren't many top producers in the real estate industry that don't practice this as well. If you want to be successful, get up early. Get in front of your clients early and often. Schedule your day, prioritizing your time so the most profitable activities get done first. Stay until the work gets done each day. make things happen.

Then, like my Dad, get home to your family, relax with a big jug of wine and enjoy your evening. Rest up and get ready to do it all over again the next day.

11. Love What You Do - If there is one thing that anyone who knew my Dad will tell you - he loved what he did. Teaching was a passion. Dad was proud to be a Landscape Architect. Dad loved spending time with his wife of 37 years (my Mom, Claire), watching movies, enjoying good food and wine, attending symphony concerts or operas (listening with his eyes shut like most good husbands are known to do) and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed time with his sons and daughters-in-law and the short time he had meeting two of his eight grandchildren.

If you've read this far, my guess is that you love what you do too. There are over 1.2 million Realtors in the United States (licensed members of the National Association of Realtors) but we all know that not everyone of them is passionate about how they do their job and the way they treat their clients and represent our industry.

When you feel drained at the end of a long day because you gave it all you could, that is loving what you do.

When you can't sleep at night because your brain is starting to think about what you have on your agenda the following day, that is loving what you do.

When you want to build relationships, solve problems and have fun, that is loving what you do.

I hope you can learn something from these 11 lessons from my Dad. I know he'd be proud to know that he is still teaching people after all these years.

Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher


Thanks for continuing to be a teacher, a mentor, a leader and a friend after all these years.

Thanks for being a great husband, father and grandfather.

I want to let you know I am very proud to be your son.

Thanks for being my Dad. I miss you.

February 13, 2011

What Am I Going to Do 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.

Monday is Valentine's Day.

It's a day to celebrate being in love if you're lucky enough to be in it.

It's a day to celebrate with someone special, if you're lucky enough to have someone special.

It's a day for flowers.

It's a day for chocolate. (But then again, isn't every day?)

It's a day for dining out or cooking in. Will it be a steak or salmon? Pasta or prime rib?

It's a day for candy hearts with little messages on them. "You're Cute" or "Be Mine" or "Hug Me" or "Wanna Kiss?"

It could be a day for broken hearts?

It's a day to "bring sexy back" or perhaps a day for awkward first kisses.

It's day for first dates or fiftieth anniversaries.

It's a day to rent "Sleepless in Seattle" or "Pretty Woman."

It's a day for elementary school children to pass around cards to every other kid in their classroom, asking them to "Be My Valentine."

It's a day for L-O-V-E.

Need a REALITY CHECK?

It's also a Monday... so please, don't forget to focus on the important things you've got to get done before you go home early to chill the wine, turn on the Barry White and spread the rose petals on the floor.

One thing I know is that I love what I do. I try to be passionate about it and I hope it shows.

Thanks for being a loyal reader of The Realtor's Toolbox.

Now get out there and have a great week. Don't forget to build relationships, solve problems and have fun. Oh yeah...and tell somebody you love them.








February 10, 2011

Working the Numbers

I've been doing lots of work with numbers lately. My 6th grade daughter Riley has been studying hard for her math class and I've been helping her review for her quizzes and tests. Fractions, decimals, percentages and those dreaded "story problems."

It has me thinking about some of the numbers that might affect on your success.

Let's break down some of the numbers...

40 = The number of days behind us in 2011

325 = The numbers of days left in 2011

11% - The percentage of the year that is behind us

89% - The percentage of days left to make something happen

80/20 - Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto has been credited with observing that 80% of one's success comes from 20% of one's efforts. Are you focusing your time, effort, energy and money on the right 20%?

24 - The hours in a day. Stop wishing for more to suddenly appear because you "need" them. Instead, get better at managing and prioritizing your time.

20 - The average business days in a given month. What's your balance of "business development" activities each day compared to the "business support" activities that you're working on? How many people are you talking to on a daily basis to achieve your business goals? How many appointments did you have so far this week?

8 - Day a week? Sorry, not unless you're the Beatles. It's a great idea to take one day off each week to rest up and get revived so you can be your best.

7 - Second presentation. Are you comfortable with the most usable dialogue in real estate?

"Would you do me a favor?

"I'd like to give you a few of my business cards and if you meet someone who has any questions about real estate, would you ask them to give me a call?

"Thanks. I truly appreciate your time."

3 - Things to focus on each day - Building relationships, solving problems and having fun

2 - As in "2-Day" as in "today." What will you accomplish today to get you closer to your goal?

1 - The number of people responsible for your ultimate success for failure. That's Y-O-U!

Oh yeah...there's one more number.

110 - The percent effort you must be willing to give.

Are you?

Now take a minute to double check your answers before turning in your paper.

February 9, 2011

High School Reunion - Social Media Style

Great visual today from the folks at Flowtown

This might bring back some reminders of The Breakfast Club...

Class Of 2011: If Social Media Were a High School
Flowtown - Social Media Marketing Application

February 6, 2011

I Hope You'll Listen

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.

It's been a while since I'd watched my favorite movie from start to finish, so this weekend, I sat down and popped in The Shawshank Redemption. I'm sure that many of you have seen the movie and if you're like me, you've been channel surfing, clicked on the movie and ended up watching the rest, regardless of how far into the movie (or close to the end) it was when you landed on it.
Am I right?

I'm not going to give away any of the plot of the story for those of you who may not have seen the movie other than to say it is a prison movie that was adapted off of a Stephen King story. It is anything but a horror genre flick but then neither was another great movie by Stephen "King of Scary Books" King - Stand By Me.

One of the central stories in The Shawshank Redemption is the friendship that is forged between Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) and Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman). Each actor masterfully plays his role, making everyone watching wish they had a friend as smart as Andy and a friend as caring, loyal and helpful as Red.

More than anything, it's a story about determination and hope. Red starts the discussion about hope when he says,
"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane."

Now I often hear people say "hope is not a strategy" when it comes to success in real estate (or life) and I agree. Hope should never be your only strategy for success. A business plan with goals and a clear outline of specific actions you will take to achieve those goals is certainly a requirement but I think you'd agree with me that trying to live without hope is a pretty difficulty thing.



Hope can be a "dangerous thing," as Red says. And sure, hope should not be your sole strategy. But it was what Andy says to Red towards the end of the movie, as a means to encourage Red to fulfill his end of their promise made to each other inside the walls of Shawshank that just might apply to you and your business this week,this month and this year...


"Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies."



I'll let you decide what you will do this week. But you might want to listen to Red...


"Either get busy living...or get busy dying"


And until then, I hope you'll build relationships...solve problems... and have fun



Click here to see the theatre trailer for The Shawshank Redemption


February 4, 2011

Reach Out and Touch Someone?

I saw the visual below on Chris Brogan's blog earlier this week. (click here if you don't see it)

Amazing statistics that show you how quickly things are changing. What are you doing to keep up?

Cell Phone Usage
Via: Online IT Degree