I was inspired by a documentary on TV last night that showcased the life of Harlan Ellison, the writer of the original Star Trek series.  His openness is profound - expressed both in anger and wisdom - so I started a little research.  I found this quote:

"Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, Time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment."

This provoking quote (on Memorial Day, no less) began an expanding thought process about memories and how we impact those around us.

As I continued to find more quotes about memories, I found a great deal of wisdom  Here are some of the ones that I like:

Dr Suess: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Winnie the Pooh: "Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave."

I love finding quotes written in children's books.  Some of the best lessons are taught in them.  Unfortunately, we grow up and forget what someone once told us in an entertaining story.  That is one great reason to be a parent or grandparent - it gives us a second chance to learn those lessons.

Eleanor Roosevelt: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart"

William Shakespeare: "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow."

My goal for today is to continue to recall those who have made an impact on my life and to hold them up in memory of the things we have shared.  Some of those people are the real estate buyers and sellers in and around The Woodlands.  Others are family and close personal friends.  Still others are those who have crossed my path in the past and left particles of stardust in my heart...eventhough we are unlikely to be face-to-face again.

I hope that everyone that reads this post will take just a moment to remember those people that touched your life in some special way.  If you get the chance, let them know.  If they are an inactive client (aka: "past" buyer or seller of real estate), simply find the time to talk to them.  After all, as Harlan Ellison reminds us, time will carry this day away like the wind...make it count.

When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless.  John Gardner

Today, we honor those that gave the ultimate service to others.  Not only do we take time to recognize their sacrifice and offer encouragement to those families that live on without those that we love...but we also can take what they have offered us and apply it to our every day approach to daily life.

Countless famous people have told us of the virtues of service.  Albert Swchweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

We are in a profession that is often characterized by self-serving, greedy, pushy and inconsiderate people.  But we know that the truth is something quite different.  Although we can easily name those among us that fit the TV profile of selfishly rude, we can name a much larger number of real estate agents that work tirelessly for others...not only for the commission...but also to meet the needs of our clients...the real estate buyers and sellers.

An agent that used to work here in The Woodlands and she told me that often our work feels more like "mission work" because we often see people at their worst.  Let's face it, making a move is often extremely stressful.  If we can remain the "servant" to real estate sellers and buyers - while keeping our own boundaries and self-respect - our client lists will grow and multiply.

Thanks go to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.  To their loved ones we offer our support and acknowledgement.  And we thank you for your example that can be brought into our profession every single day.

One of the habits that I inherited from my father is the wisdom of keeping a garden.

Although my garden is tiny compared to average and super-teeny-weeny compared to the one kept by my parents, it still provides something for me that is hard to describe.

Sure, it is wonderful to taste the "fruit of my labor" with fresh tomatoes, basil and other culinary delights.  But there is more to the experience than can be tasted in the mouth when it is eaten.  (BTW: The pic on the right is actually the first little grape tomatoes formed in my garden on 4/18/09)  The weather around The Woodlands TX is warm really early in the year.

I actually can hear my father's voice when I am in the garden.  I hear all the lessons he taught about responsibility and his favorite saying, "a job worth doing is worth doing right."  I have taken some liberties in my life in defining what is "right" and it comes quite short of perfection.  Rest assured, I am confident that he understands this new definition of right and delights in my decision to be less than perfect.

According to many people, my standards are waaaay too tough.  But they did not know my father.  Compared to him, I am very loose with my ability to accept things with their faults.  My real estate clients know my commitment to doing things right.  Sometimes they actually tell me to relax and do less - or to give myself a little grace to be good enough.  Although they really want me to be available each time they need me, they always respect my commitment to self-renewal with days off and the time I take off simply to play.

Today, as I wait to hear the papers are drawn for my out-of-state buyers who are building a new home, I knew that I had time to spend in my garden.  I did not go to church.  Instead I had my own spiritual experience in my garden and feel greatly blessed by that time.

5th Annual Wine and Food Week 2009
The Woodlands, Texas
Tuesday May 26th - Sunday, May 31st

With more than 40 events scheduled throughout the week, there is truly "something for everyone".  This blog does not have enough space to cover all the events, so you are encouraged to visit www.WineandFoodWeek.com to learn more.

From seminars led by Wine Wizard, Lettie Teague to a Kidz R Cooking event in The Woodlands Mall on Saturday - you need to get your tickets ahead of time to assure the available of the particular fun event that is perfect for you and your friends/family.

The best place to learn about all that is happening is on the website.  However, if you need to contact someone, the number is (713) 557-5732.

You can profit from this book.  So don't waste any time!  This is a LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!

(I'll tell you about the limited aspect of this offer later in this post.)

Really, I know that sounds like a "come on".  You have been in this business.  You've seen all the scams and schemes being used to sell something to real estate agents.

If I can convince you that this offer is legitimate, would you be willing to spend $19.95 to learn from nine of your fellow agents?  These agents are sharing - no holds barred - what they have learned about technology and they want you to have the information.

What information you ask?

Reintroduce yourself to some of your Active Rain colleagues as I tell you what they have written for you.

I will briefly tell you about each expertly written chapter - just to give you a glimpse of how groundbreaking this book can be to you and your career. 

Have you ever seen another book where other agents took the time to share what they know so you can prosper?

You may already know you want the book.  If so, go to the order page here.  There is no reason to delay.

An uncommon treasure trove of information is what you will find here.  It is like having some of your favorite people sitting beside you and helping you undersand what needs to be done to take your business up to the next level.

Let me begin introducing each individual author from the upper left side and circle round the perimeter of the group and end with a little about my chapter.  (I'm in the center.)  You will find more information about each chapter in the blog of the individual author.

Missy Caulk - If you have been attempting to sort out the advantages of different marketing approaches on your website...sit down with Missy as she downloads a wealth of experience into her chapter, "Time vs Money (Organic Searches vs Pay per Click)".  This is not just a clever title or a quick teaser.  You will find a complete analysis of the pros and cons of the two approaches to being found on the internet - instead of being buried like a "needle in a haystack" on the world wide web.

Colleen Fischesser - If you were thinking that this book may be "too elementary my dear" - I want to assure you that you will learn a thing or two from Colleen.  This veteran agent and prolific blogger teaches you how to "Become the Master of Your Own Domain."  She compares template websites to a fully customized site.  She invites us to accompany her in her evolution in becoming a webmaster and gives us the truth about the challenges...even some of the mistakes she has made along the way.  Don't miss her 5 Essential Steps in building your own website.  Miss one step on this list and you will get more frustration than success.

Brian Block - He counts himself lucky to be the only man among eight brilliant women in this book.  His chapter helps us move "Towards 100% Online Lead Generation."  He explores specific strategies to move your business in the same direction as today's client - online!  In a time where 87% of the potential buyers spend months on the internet before contacting an agent, he gives us great timely tips that will hep us to take control over lead generation. Learn exactly how to gain the trust of these "agent-phobic" clients...make more profit...and have fun doing it.

Carol Smith - If you feel like giving up saying that you are too far behind to even try, you need to read Carol's chapter,  "Technology: Nemesis or Redeemer?".  She gives you a gentle nudge to break down the barriers that are holding you back and "take the plunge" into the internet.  With her advice, you will step with confidence into the world of our internet-enabled clients and truly profit from it.

Joeann Fossland - All these tech-tools can be wonderful!  But they can actually be an impediment to creating profit in your business if you cannot control the time you spend on using those tools.  Joeann, a renown and intuitive real estate coach, brings us face-to-face with the reality of time management.  This chapter alone will be worth the price of the book.  "How to Avoid Burn Out or Addiction" has 10 effective methods for lowering the risk of complete overload.

Sarah Reiter - You may understand the value of all these technological advances...but how do you get it all done???  The answer might be a REVA.  Sarah's chapter, "Virtual Assistants - The Future of Real Estate Support" lists 7 primary areas where a REVA can assist in your marketing.  She also gives us 6 reasons why a virtual assistant may be better than having an on-site assistant.  Perhaps the most valuable part of her chapter is where she gives specific, step-by-step instruction about how to hire a REVA. 

Natalie Langford - The old adage "List to Last" in real estate has a whole new meaning when you are expected to be everywhere and do everything for today's sellers.  They know that the buyers are on the internet and they want to be assured that their listing has a prominent place on the web too.  Her chapter, "Using Internet Tools to Serve the Seller" is a vital resource for you to use in meeting the expectations of sellers.  Use her checklists for the 8 essential areas for superior online marketing presence.  She offers one list of resources after another in this chapter to make it easy for you to see where you are and learn new ways to sell more homes with the internet.

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman - In an upbeat and positive way that can only be offered by this Active Rainer, Sally shares her personal journey into blogging.  Her chapter helps us to see "Through the Eyes of a Real Estate Industry Social Media Blogger."  Beginning in early 2007, she has been a consistent, reliable source of that "Aloha" spirit and has attracted hundreds of fans from around the world.  She invites us to use her 9 bottom-line points of advice...calling it "It all boils down to this."  You can't miss this charming, personal and interesting chapter.

Kathi Frank - That's me!  I readily admit at the very beginning of this book, "I am, without a doubt, the most technologically inept person involved in this book."  However, I am hyper-aware of the changing expectations of the internet-enabled client.  In my chapter, I try to help you "Speak the Language of Today's Internet-Enabled Client".  All the tools and techniques will fail you if you speak to the clients in the same way you have been taught in the past - with scripts and dialogues that sort and qualify prospects in a way that is aggessive and outdated.

Now - The LIMITED OFFER!!!

 The first printing of the books have been ordered and will soon be available in print.  You have the opportunity to get an advanced digital download of the entire 140 page book.  Right NOW! AT NO COST TO YOU!  This exclusive offer is only good until June 30, 2009. 

After that date, you will pay $12.95 for the digital book PLUS $19.95 for the printed book.

 You simply do not want to miss this amazing opportunity!  Technology is literally changing the future of our business.  Whether you are a novice, or a tech-expert in your own right, this book will help you take total control over your real estate business by exploring every facet of what needs to be done.

You know?  211 degrees is pretty darn hot!  But at 212, it is boiling and making steam!!!  Only one degree, but there is quite a difference.  While hot water is nice for taking a shower, boiling water has more potential.  You can use it to cook, or to run a steam engine.

I bet you are wondering why I am making this point.  The point is - one degree makes a huge difference...just one.  Take a look at your business right now.  Are you getting all the profit you want out of your business?  Do you have efficiencies in place that allow you to enjoy that profit?

No matter how good you are at technology - or how happy you are with your business - there is always room for that extra degree.  That one degree that takes your business from hot to steaming!!

There is absolutely no doubt that you will get one great idea from this book that will make you $$THOUSANDS$$.  You can get the book today in digital form.  In about 4-6 weeks, you will get the printed book.  All for the price of the printed book alone. 

Imagine what it will be like to have the book on your computer as a resource when you have a question.  With the click of your mouse, you can bring up the chapter that covers your question in an instant...NOW!  Then, soon you will be able to carry the book around with you - making notes in the margins and highlighting the passages that you plan to implement into your business.

Show your appreciation to your favorite blogger by ordering the book from their sales page below:

• Profit from Technology: By Real Estate Agents, For Real Estate Agents -- Buy this Collaborative Book! Brian Block
• Do YOU want to PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY????? Have we got a deal for you!!!! Joeann Fossland
• 9 Active Rainers Co-Author a book! Profit from Technology - A Guide for TODAY's RE Agent Natalie Langford
• PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY - A Book By ActiveRain Members  Sally Cheeseman
• Learn from Other Agents to "Profit From Technology"  Kathi Frank 
• Profit From Technology with A Little Help from YOUR Friends Missy Caulk

Why are you still reading this blog post???

Haven't you placed your order yet?

Right now - you can get both the digital download of the book - instantly!

And the printed book in about 4-6 weeks at the low price of $19.95.

Get busy!

If you spend any time looking at the MLS, you know that many agents can't spell - much less craft a complete sentence or an accurate description of property they have listed.

Sellers have every right to demand that a prospective agent submit writing samples.  After all, the listing agent is applying for the position of "Marketing Manager" for the seller.  Any marketing manager understands the importance of writing clear descriptions that call potential buyers to sit up and notice.

Since 87% of today's real estate buyers cruise the internet prior to contacting an agent (according to NAR's statistics), we can assume that the words we use have the power to attract those buyers to purchase.  The Mulitiple Listing Service is no longer a place for agents to describe their listings to their colleagues.  It is a much more powerful force in the dynamics of selling real estate.

In fact, as I think of the future buyers of property around The Woodlands area and the Greater Houston area - I visualize the pleasure they are getting while looking at property descriptions and actually creating a fantasy about how it would be to live in those homes they are viewing.

Since NAR also says that today's buyer looks on the net for 6 months before they are ready to purchase, I would suspect that they have been living in a fantasy written by creative writers for most of that time.  If your description of a sellers listing is "ho-hum", these "would-be buyers" are not spending any time looking at your listing.  By the time they are ready to call an agent, they have trained their eyes to only consider houses that are accurately and colorfully described. 

It takes some pretty good description to entice today's buyer.  If sellers really want to maximize their equity, they will demand writing samples from any agent they consider to represent them.

When I read Joe Pryor's tribute to his Mom, I was struck by the similarities of our experience.  Just before his Mother's passing, he came to Houston to see his Mom in the hosptal.  I live near The Woodlands, just north of Houston, and was in Oklahoma City at the time he visited here.

You see, my Mom passed on December 24, 2008 and her funeral was on the 27th - the day that Joe lost his Mom.  The serendipity was so remarkable, it prompted me to share something with my Active Rain family that is deeply personal and is a tribute to my own Mother.

 

God Grant Us Peace

 The time for transition is near.

Soon, Mom will pass through the veil to join Dad and so many other loved ones.

Her time of peace will be welcomed.  She will finally relax, let go and enjoy her spirit.

What are we to do to honor her life when she is no longer among us?

What would she want for us?  What will be her legacy in our lives?

Her legacy can be summed up in one four-letter word - LOVE!

 

From the time she was a young child, she slipped easily into the role of service.

She cared for her little sisters.  She cooked, cleaned and cared for all those around her.

She was cherished by her three older brothers.  She was admired by her wise father and mother.

As the oldest daughter, she was willing to take on responsibility early in her childhood.

With six children, the farm and the depression, her contribution was vital to the family survival.

 

She continued to express love through service for the rest of her life.

God blessed three children with her mother love.

Through many childhood illnesses, chronic health challenges and other struggles,

Her unwavering faith in God provided the strength to get through each day.

At no time did she stop loving with her whole heart.

 

She was a human-doing.

Doing everything she could to make the lives of others better.

She sewed wedding dresses, decorated cakes for anniversaries, organized Sunday School classes.

She provided food for funerals, covered dish suppers, family events, children and grandchildren.

Each activity was an active expression of her total love.

 

In her final months, she has slipped into inactivity.

As her body is starved for oxygen, she is unable to perform even the simplest activities.

Yet still, her love is active and touching the lives of those that surround her.

Her physical decline has provided opportunity to collect more people who benefit from her love.

The caregivers are blessed by her spirit, just like those who have known her for years.

 

So how do we honor the passing of a woman like this?

How can we live our lives in a way that honors the lessons she taught by example?

Actually, the question seems a little silly, because the answer is so obvious.

She would only want us to follow her lead by expressing love every day of our lives.

She wants us to know the joy she experienced in collecting loving relationships.

 

Each time we do something for someone else we will honor her contribution.

When we prepare a dish to share with others, we can remember her love of feeding others.

When we volunteer to be a greeter at church, work in a food bank, or visit a sick friend,

Her life and love will be like a pebble dropped into the water.

Let us find peace in our role of continuing the ‘ripples' of her love until eternity.

 

God grant us peace!

 

 

I just have a few minutes before I leave for an appointment, but I was reading a backlog of email when I came across this post in the Houston Business Journal: Economist: ‘Free-fall is over'  Since I always love good news and share it with my client base, I hopped over to the website to see what the article used to support the claim of economic recovery.  Both real estate buyers and sellers around The Woodlands love to hear some good news.

When I got to the last paragraph of the article where it predicted the price of oil (an important factor in Houston economics)...this is what it said: "Like the rest of the economy's prospects when the slow recovery begins in 2010, Gault doesn not expect energy prices to spike quickly as some recent reports have suggested. Oil prices will average $46 a barrel this year, he suggests, rising only to an average of $54 in 2010 and would not move past $75 until 2012."

Recalling a news report on NPR, I googled today's price of oil only to find that the price of oil climbed TODAY to $58 per barrel.  With this level of accuracy, can I apply for the job of "noted economist"???

ll see how they respond. Keep the feedback coming. If there is something in particular that interests you, let me know and I will either find an answer in my notes or see if I can get you an answer from all the wonderful techno-experts in my office here in The Woodlands.

Today - I am off to a seminar to learn more about social media from "expert" Chris Brogan.  I will drive a little over an hour to reach the hotel where he will be speaking.

It seems that so-called EXPERTS are showing up everywhere these days.  I'm not yet convinced of his expertise, but I will come back to this blog to share with you what I have learned. 

So - off I go to a paid seminar...hoping to learn something that will help me to connect to the buyers and sellers of real estate in The Woodlands and surrounding areas.  Each little morsel of information is valuable - to me and my clients.

Social Media is the new way to communicate with each other.  It is our newest opportunity to make connections that are meaningful and useful to our clients.

Personally, I am thrilled that this new media has given an avenue to speak directly to the people who hire us to do an important job for them.  By revealing ourselves in this way, we can no longer hide behind the latest script taught by the "old school" trainers. 

The pushy, manipulating salesperson no longer has a place in the world of social media.  If your interest is only a commission check, you won't last long in a place that is all about being yourself and socializing with others.