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real living: It's never too late to tell you about trends, is it? - 04/09/09 07:34 AM
Ok, here's a funny story. My friend Stefan Swanepoel is THE real estate trends guy. He publishes a well-researched, well-read Trends Report each year and the industry folks who are smart, read it. I realize it's April, and first quarter is over, BUT I am finally reading the report! In my defense, for some unknown reason, it took two months to arrive from California to my mailbox in Ohio. (Yes, even reports don't want to visit Ohio if they're from Laguna Nigel.) But enough excuses. I learned a lot, and here are the trends that resonated with me:1. Real estate is … (4 comments)
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real living: It's Never Too Late for a Fresh Start - 11/14/08 03:13 PM
Maybe your business needs to be re-energized, or you need to refocus your vision for the company of your dreams. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that can guide you through the process. But first, you have to know what you want and where you're going. Create a vision statement!
A vision statement, or road map for your brand, is basically a game plan. In one or two sentences, you can define your goals in a way that everybody understands and embraces. Determine a few words that embody what your business is about. I call them essence words, and they can … (0 comments)
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real living: Communicate with Style - 11/07/08 03:28 PM
If you're tired of sending traditional e-mail messages, consider a more interesting way of conveying your communications. From branded cows to Big Boy restaurant signs, the Web site RedKid.net provides an array of fun images that can be customized with your own words. Here are some examples of how you can get your point across...
Try it for yourself at RedKid.net.
… (7 comments)
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real living: How Colors Can Help Determine Your Personality - 10/27/08 11:58 AM
I recently stumbled across a great personality test from the company, Neenah Paper. This isn't your typical personality test. In fact, there are no multiple choice questions involved. This test helps you gauge your personality through the use of colors. Try it for yourself and post which color corresponds with your personality!
Which of these three colors do you prefer? Yellow, Blue or Red?
If you prefer yellow, this is a more accurate description of your personality:"Finding common ground is the game you play best. You calm troubled situations and bridge differences. Your awareness of others' perspectives and points of … (11 comments)
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real living: Spouse and Business Partner: The Keys to Success - 10/23/08 12:49 PM
Allow your strengths to shine, set boundaries and find a balance that works for you and your family. This is my best advice for those brave souls that choose to share the same work setting with their spouse.
I have been working with my husband, Harley Rouda Jr., at Real Living for the past 12 years and it has been an increasingly rewarding experience. Harley and I complement each other with our strengths, but we don't always agree. We make it work by defining our roles. Determine from the get-go who has the final say on decisions and who's responsible for … (2 comments)
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real living: Beat My Score! - 10/14/08 09:23 AM
Take the following quiz that tests your knowledge on eco-preservation. Post a comment with your score.
1. Which of the following light bulbs is the most energy efficient?
A. Compact Flourescent B. Incandescent C. Halogen
2. How long does it take carbon dioxide to disperse in the atmosphere?
50 years 75 years 100 years 150 years 3. Which of the following items lasts in the environment the longest?
Glass Plastic Leather Disposable Diapers 4. What percent of global energy comes from non-renewable resources?
26% 45% 65% 92% 5. How many miles will the average American drive in their lifetime?
45,078 miles 298,207 miles 452,662 … (5 comments)
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real living: Online Video as a Marketing Tool - 10/07/08 08:50 AM
Do you watch YouTube? What about streaming video from television Web sites like NBC or MTV? If you're like many Americans, online video has become a convenient way to watch breaking news, access sports events or catch up on your favorite prime-time television shows. In fact, "Business Week" recently ran an article that states, "In the first 12 days of the Beijing Olympics, users of NBC's Web site had watched more than 56 million video streams-- more than the combined total for the previous two Olympiads-Torino, Italy, in 2006; and Athens, Greece, in 2004."
Have you implemented online video into your … (2 comments)
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real living: Customers Know You're Faking It - 09/22/08 09:56 AM
Let's face it. You know a fake when you see one - a fake designer purse, an artificial flower, a false friend. You know when a company isn't what it seems. They may get you the first time, but you won't be back. It's crucial that you never fake it because your customers will find out. Be true to yourself, and understand enough about your customers to convey your true worth to them at every transaction point.
Consumers are a lot smarter than we think. Duane E. Knapp of, The Brand Mindset: How Companies like Starbucks, Whirlpool, and Hallmark Became Genuine … (0 comments)
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real living: The Power of the Purse in Real Estate - 09/03/08 10:29 AM
Real Living has been marketing to women for 7 years now! In fact, Real Living was the first women-focused brand in real estate. Why market to women?
Women make or influence 91% of all home buying decisions. Women guide 94% of all home-furnishing purchases. Two-thirds of real estate agents are women. 78% of engaged women say that while they already have furniture, they'll replace most or all of it when they marry. This being said, I presented at the national Marketing to Women (M2W) conference in May about the tremendous purchasing power women hold in this country, but more specifically in … (0 comments)
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real living: Is a Culture Vulture Bringing Down Your Team? - 08/26/08 11:17 AM
You've probably met this person at one time or another. They're the employee that isn't on board. The one causing friction among your staff and bringing down team morale. I have a name for people who sabotage businesses -- culture vultures! And my best advice is to get rid of this person as soon as you can. If that's not possible, then pay close attention to what's going on, and trust your instincts. In other words, your perceptions of this person are probably right. In the meantime, take comfort in the fact that culture vultures usually destroy themselves. Truth prevails, but … (7 comments)
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real living: The Almighty Power of Networking - 08/22/08 02:26 PM
Networking is not just important, it's absolutely necessary. In whatever stage of the game you're at - whether you own a company or you're working for someone else - networking with other individuals is essential because you never know who can help you move up or help you move on.
Here are my suggestions:
•· Get over being intimidated. Leaving your comfort zone is never easy, but you can practice at home by role-playing what you'll say when you meet people. Get your elevator pitch down.
•· Go with a friend. If you know someone who's really involved in a group or organization, … (0 comments)
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real living: Greetings from Austin! - 08/08/08 02:00 PM
This Saturday, August 9, I will be presenting at the Balance Expo for Women in Austin, Texas. I would love for those that live in the Austin area to come enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, informational speakers and networking. I will take stage at 2:15 p.m. with a presentation about "Putting the Real You in Your Business." For more information, check out the Balance Expo for Women Web site. I hope to see you there!
… (3 comments)
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real living: Building Your Team - 08/07/08 11:01 AM
How can you build a successful, cohesive team? Team building isn't always cut and dry, so here are some suggestions to help you bring the right employees into your culture.
Try to achieve a balance of personalities. Know that it's important to hire individuals with varying personalities as long as your employees are true, real and reliable
When interviewing a prospective employee, communicate the culture of your business. As a result, the candidate can decide whether or not they see themselves as a fit. Make sure you also put a word about your culture in the job description. During the interview, … (5 comments)
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real living: What is a Snark? - 07/31/08 10:02 AM
Many of us have been snarked-and didn't know it at the time. Oblivious to the fact that negative influencers are out to snatch our power, we may be innocent victims of snarkdom at many times in our lives. How about you? Has a snark attempted to crush your dreams?
From the worst types-ego snarks, sexist snarks and user or con-artist snarks-to just plain annoying types-people-pleasing/social-climbing snarks, complainer snarks and bubble-bursting snarks-they are everywhere. In your office, at the store and even in your family.
If you have snarks in your life, you may need to focus on silencing them. How … (8 comments)
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real living: Keeping it Real – Balancing Your Schedule - 07/28/08 08:56 AM
Are you keeping it real? We often hear this phrase, but what does it actually mean? Here's how the dictionary defines real:
Real (r ‘l) adj., being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verifiable existence.
We all know those superstars at work and other organizations who seem to take on inordinate amounts of work without breaking a sweat. Is this you? If it is, remember that balance isn't about having it all; it's about having what you want. It's about integrating work and family with your personal goals. If you jam-pack your schedule with activities 24/7, be careful not … (0 comments)
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real living: What Does Your Office Say About Your Brand? - 06/11/08 08:22 AM
Let's take great brand No. 1. The atmosphere can be best described as clean, simple, high-tech and contemporary. With computers, media players, gadgets, and helpful sales associates, this brand has created a tech-friendly atmosphere where consumers can ask questions, play around with devices and get on-the-spot service.
Another company with a great environmental brand is brand No 2. Walking in the store, your senses are overtaken with live piano music, trendy displays and an assortment of high-end brands. They have also done a great job creating a store that carries the most progressive fashions while maintaining traditional service. This balance helps … (1 comments)
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real living: You Want Me to Create a What? - 06/04/08 03:05 PM
Whether you like baseball, ballroom dancing, pushing the envelope or flying under the radar, your innermost traits should be exhibited in your own personal brand. This being said, I challenge those of you who haven't used a glue stick since 1st grade to create a brand board that displays your personality and passions.
What's a brand board? It's a poster board that you transform into a montage of pictures and images that accurately represent your personality. Are you calm and green; fresh and blue; or vibrant and red? My board is predominantly red and full of things that make me … (1 comments)
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real living: Vacation Anyone? Check out this American Airlines Promotion! - 05/30/08 02:48 PM
I've always been a big fan of the beach, but living in Columbus, Ohio, makes it tough to enjoy a regular dose of sand and water. Everyone needs a vacation once in a while.
Consider this limited time promotion with American Airlines. If you purchase my new book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs before June 6, our partner, American Airlines will give you 10% off any flight domestic or international flight. To access this promotion, click here. If you aren't sure where to travel, here are some of the "2007 World's Best Cities" according to Travel + Leisure:
… (3 comments)
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Kaira Sturdivant Rouda
Malibu,
CA
More about me…
Real Living
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I'm blogging about the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in real estate and about how important it is to put the real you in your business, for a genuine, sustained competitive advantage. Visit www.RealYouIncorporated.com for more!
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