Larry 's Blog

Business Coaching

2008-04-17T08:24:51Z

Coaching can help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives. Coaching is designed to collaborate with clients in an inspiring and creative process that inspires them to get the most out of their personal and professional potential. Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has. They look to draw out solutions and ideas from the client because they deem that their client's are already creative and resourceful and the intent to be self-generating so as the client may learn new behaviors and methods so that a coach will no longer be needed.

The coach usually meets with the client once or twice a month, typically by phone or in person. These meetings generally take an average between a half hour to over an hour. Coaching engagements typically last a minimum of three months and shouldn't exceed after a year. During this time, the client is able to see the plans put into place, the accountability of the actions taken each week, and receive professional guidance and feedback.

Making sure that there is a right fit with you and your coach is crucial. Take the time to interview several before you decide. For all this to work, the foundation is a trusting relationship with a coach that has mutual respect and proper qualifications.

Good Luck!

Blogging…. Wow!

2008-04-08T10:09:54Z

This has become the mainstream online voice for millions. Once used as personal diaries, where people would keep a running account of their private lives, the web log now has various types of genres and subjects, as well as a mixture of writers and diarists. It's a great avenue for non-professional writers to illustrate their thoughts, outlooks and personalities.

Technology's fast growing pace has changed the nature of blogs as well, as there are now video, photo and mobile blogs!

Now we've all heard and seen that the content truly will make or break a blog.

Coming up with interesting subjects, improving writing skills and generating attention-grabbing titles can be overwhelming. Here are a couple ideas that may help improve your site and to make blogging seem more fun and less like work.

First, you need to make time for it. Set some time aside and think about new ideas and topics.

Also, have brainstorming meetings. Whether you are by yourself or have helpful colleagues... just jot down every view, idea, and opinion. You may not use some them when you look back, but the point is to start those creative juices flowing.

Which leads me to my next point.... keeping a journal or notebook. You know that some ideas just hit you at random times throughout the day. Most post ideas come directly out of an experience that you're having or a conversation you were in. There are never any silly ideas, so write what you feel, what you know, what you see.

What's more, don't post anything you aren't happy with. Either give it more time so you can work on it, or just simply file it away.

Blogs are generally all about portraying and conserving information about our lives. It's a form of expression. Make it your own!

So sit, have fun and start blogging!

Do it Yourself – Basic Home Tool Kit

2008-03-17T04:41:45Z

Tools are the kind of things you never really know you're missing until you need them. Or when duct tape just isn't doing the job!

All homeowners and apartment tenants need a basic household tool kit. Do-it-yourself television shows have given many average Joes the confidence to try their hand at home repairs, whether it's fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a loose hinge on the front door.

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs. Keeping your most essential tools in one container keeps everything organized and together, so you don't have to search high and low for items when you need them. You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It's important to have the right tools for the job. For example, using a wrong size screwdriver can damage the head of the screw.

Here are basic tools that are useful for basic home care:

Toolbox

Safety glasses

Hammer

Tape measure

Needle-nose pliers

Screwdrivers (mixed set)

Utility knife

Wire cutter/stripper

Pencils

Crescent wrench

Glues

Levels

An assortment of nails, screws, wire, molly bolts, wall anchors and fasteners

Vise-grips

As you begin to do more complicated tasks, you will find that you will need to add on.

When you go to the store, make sure you handle the tools you're considering. The secret to a great tool kit? Selection. However, quality can be just as important in choosing a tool. The right tool for you should feel good in your hand. If it feels awkward or too heavy, keep searching; otherwise, you won't use it, and that's money wasted.

One mistake consumers make is that they start a project not really knowing what they need to complete it. Many people make multiple trips to the hardware store, each time buying a part or tool only to discover it's not the right item. If you're a beginner, try talking to someone more experienced at home repair or do-it-yourself projects.

So, roll up your sleeves and tool it yourself!

Believe!!!!!!!!

2008-03-11T08:23:21Z

If we were talking about stock purchasing and the stock market no one would even be questioning a buyer's stock market they would be out scarfing up all of the Microsoft or Boeing that we did back in about 2003'. They would understand that purchasing low to sell high and make a profit would be the right thing after all it's about the investment.

Now let's look at the real estate market. Since when does it make sense to buy high hoping to sell higher. Your home is an investment so you want to buy low and sell, (when you are ready) high! The current market that we are in may be the last one we will see for the next 20 years some experts say. Low interest rates and a great supply of inventory means a great buyers market one that you should be taking advantage of. This is a great market for first-time buyer, move up buyers and investors. There are few parts of this country where you are going to get a great deal on a home! With the help of a professional, you should be able research great mortgage programs and get out and see some great homes!

One thing remains constant---real estate sales go up over time. Don't pause and wait for this ship to sail away!

Income & Housing

2008-03-05T11:00:33Z

Just because you earn a low to moderate income doesn't mean you can't live in a home of your own. You don't have to be subjected to just renting an apartment where you're not earning any equity; and you don't necessarily have to live in a low-priced manufactured housing or mobile home.

Many lenders offer what is a Fannie Mae loan where the income requirements are more stress-free.

If you have decent credit, but earn less than the median income for your area, it's still possible to get a mortgage to finance a home.

Because this loan was specifically designed for people with a low to moderate income, it is ideal for people such as families who are just starting out, college graduates who may only be earning an entry-level wages, and people in a lower-earnings bracket and have little money for a down payment and closing costs.

The biggest benefit to this kind of mortgage is that it's cheaper than other mortgages. You don't have to have a large down payment. Some lenders even allow 100 percent financing. You don't have to pay as much private mortgage insurance (PMI) as other high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages. Closing costs are usually cheaper. Interest rates are a little better than some 100 percent LTV loans.

The American dream of owning a home isn't just for the wealthy or even the more fortunate. Look for a highly regarded lender that offers loans to lower-income families and that can help you through the entire home buying process. You work hard and just because you don't bring in a lot of money doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to have that home-owning dream.