Marey Hoeppner- Kalamazoo, MI- Virutal Assist Expert

Active Rain Delivers In Time Of Need: Chris Fisher Lends a Helping Handing

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:57:54 -0700

Where do I begin? Well for those of you here in the rain that don't know, Chris Fisher and I have become very good friends since the moment we started talking here in the rain. We also are working together, well have been for awhile, but just recently joined forces and went into business together. We have been talking alot about getting together and meeting each other in person, since we talk every single day. It finally happened, I got to meet my wonderful friend from California because she came out to help me!

I have been having problems, in alot of pain all the time and it was decided that a hysterectomy would help. So when this was decided Chris tells me she wants to come out here to help me for week when it was done. My surgery was on March 30th and they were able to it the better way so less healing time. Chris was coming in on the 7th of April, that whole night I could not sleep, was excited and nervous at the same time. My boys were the same way, excited to finally meet Chris. David left to go get her at 1am and I just sat here waiting for them to get back, couldn't sleep at all. When I saw him pull in, I walked out onto our porch and when she got to me and we hugged hello, it seemed so unreal that she was really here! I think we both kept saying we couldn't believe she was really here.

It was fun to be able to sit next to each other and work and talk rather than working and talking online all day like we were used too. Now I am used to talking to her with her right here next to me and I do miss it. We had a blast while she was here, although, there was a few days I was very ill, sick to my stomach and what not and Chris was a big help, occupying the kids, helping clean up and cooking too.

This is my middle son Josh with Chris. He had to go everywhere Chris went, it was very cute. He just loved having her here, he is the one that kept asking me, "Mom when is Chris coming?", "Mom just 3 more days and she will be here!" He hung out with her all day, sat out by her in the livingroom, just talking to her about anything and everything. He was even trying to get her to move here. Kept telling her, hey Chris there is a house for sale down the street you can buy that and move there. He really misses her being here now as he has said a few times already and cannot wait to see her again. Because he just "loves Chris" as he says.

To the left is Chris with my youngest son Chris, who demanded to just be called his nickname while she was here, which is CJ. I did forget a few times and when I said Chris, Chris looked but CJ ignored it or would say it's CJ mom. I have told her before that she had a CJ at home, her nephew that I got to see on the webcam reminded me so much of my son. I don't think she really believed it until she was here and saw for herself. She just got a kick out of his goofy, funny attitude and the silly faces he likes to make. He does know how to make someone smile as you can see in the picture he is smiling but has to be different than anyone else. He is such a character, but she loved it!

Of course then you have my boys' friend Kevin on the left of Chris, who is my adopted son as he adopted me as his mom, then my son Davey is on the right of Chris. The boys have been talking to Kevin about Chris on the phone all week and he knew she was a good friend of mine so he just HAD to come stay the night to meet her. Davey enjoyed hanging with her and drew a picture to show her how he would like his website to look, since she told him she would make him one.

I have to say all three of my boys loved being with Chris, she listened to music with them and watch funny videos, showing them the things she liked. They just had a blast walking around the house singing stuff Chris had them listen too, saying phrases of things and just cracking up laughing the whole time doing it. They all miss her now and want her to come back, but next time they want her to bring Rhiannon, her daughter with her. They got to talk to her on the phone and online which they enjoyed.

Okay, now I can tell you, Chris got me watching Absolutely Fabulous, a British comedy, so now with that said, my boys have been calling us the Ab Fab Crew. Her first night here, we sat here talking and laughing, had a few glasses of wine and ended up putting the show on to watch, it was great. Although when we got the wine, we didnt think about a corkscrew, realized this when we were ready to open it. We got one and were trying to open the bottle of wine, the cork wouldnt come out, so David came in was trying to get it out and then he decided to just push the cork into the bottle. Can we say wine shower? Wine splashed all over him, the counter, the cupboards, it was hilarious. We also have another Ab Fab lover, that is my sister in law kelly. Who is in pic with me and Chris below.

But even though I am recovering from surgery, I had a wonderful time visiting with Chris and being able to work side by side with her during her stay. I was very comfortable with her here and felt like she has always been here. I wanted to say thank you to a few people because without them, I wouldnt have met Chris and wouldn't have been able to have such a great friend and business partner. So the first ones I think I need to thank, is the Founders of Active Rain, having Active Rain made it possible for us to meet, so Thank you. The next person I really need to thank is Bonnie Westbrook, she sent Chris my way when she needed assistance with some work. We started talking and just hit it off, so thank you Bonnie.

Chris, I want to thank you again for coming out here to help out, in my time of need. It was very thoughtful of you to take time to fly out here and help with everything. I appreciate everything you have done for me and honored to have a friend like you. I want to dedicate the poem below to you.

Helping Hand

As we journey down the road so mysterious,
on occasion, storm clouds cover our sun,
blinding us with terrifying darkness;
leaving us, needing someone to lean on,
A helping hand to guide us, to be our eyes,
giving us faith in our time of need,
supporting us and offering advice;
giving us the comfort we all need,
The day I met you,
God was watching over me,
He knew I needed someone like you;
who would always be there for me,
Through happiness, through sorrow,
Through difficult times, through special times,
Your loving and caring ways will always show;
Never letting me fall behind,
You my friend, I would like to tell you,
thank you for being who you are, I love you.

Marey Hoeppner
Virtual Assistance & Website Management Team
StagersLIST Websites

Wordless Wednesday - Just Hanging Out With The Dog!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:05:59 -0700

New Group- StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:03:40 -0700

First off, I guess I should announce that Chris Fisher and I have joined forces completely as StagersLIST Websites, from doing virtual assistant work to building and maintaining websites. We have been talking about it for sometime and finally decided to take the step and go for it! I enjoy working with Chris, she is smart, creative and fun to be around. Things will be changing on my profile, my header and such as well, so keep a look out for that.

Chris and I, have also talked about doing something else as well and we have started that too. Just taking a little time to get it all set up!

You are probably wondering what other thing could we have possibly started. Hmmmm. We have been thinking we would like to help others learn how to do things and write How To's and Tutorials. We have started up our own group called "StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers" In this group will be post tutorials and How to's, give great ideas and tips, to help our fellow rainers!

If you would like to join our group click here - StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers

If there is something you would like us to write a tutorial on, just leave us a comment on oneof our blogs or on the welcome blog in the group and we will put it on our agenda. As always if you need any assistance or help, just remember we are here to help you! Below are some of the buttons, logos, headers and websites we have made.

Marey Hoeppner
Virtual Assistance & Website Management Team
StagersLIST Websites

Let us assist you with what we love to do, so you can spend more time doing what you love to do.

Welcome To StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:08:26 -0700

Hello everyone and welcome to StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers!

Chris Fisher and myself have been talking about posting some How To's and Tutorials to help other rainers with things they might want to or need to learn. So after awhile of talking we decided that the best thing to do, would be to start up a group for just that purpose. So we will start posting on a weekly basis with things we think might help all our fellow rainer friends. We also will do our best to write about things that you suggest. So please feel free to contact us or comment on this blog with suggestions you might have.

Only How To's and Tutorials will be allowed in this group.
No other posts will be allowed and anyone posting anything else will be asked to remove it from the group.

We hope this group will help assist you with learning how to do the things you would like to learn. Happy learning!

REMEMBER! If there is something you would like to learn, just leave us a comment and we will put it in our agenda!

Chris Fisher
Marey Hoeppner
Virtual Assistance & Website Management Team
Stagerslist Websites

Nolo Press features author Kym Hough of StagersLIST for Staging Chapter!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:04:23 -0800

My friend Chris Fisher, wrote this blog about Kym Hough, another great person I know and get to work with, with Chris of course. I am very happy and excited for Kym and I know this book will be beneficial to everyone in the real estate business. Way to Kym, excited for you! Wooho!

Do not forget all you Florida Realtors and Stagers, StagersLIST is doing an expo on March 17th, in Winter Park, Florida! For more information click on the link in Chris' blog or contact Chris!

Great blog about Kym, Chris.

Via Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com):

Nolo Press recruited Kym Hough of StagersLIST to write the staging section of their new book, Selling Your Home in a Tough Market: 10 Strategies that Work. The book is scheduled for release 5/15/09 and we will soon be offering pre-orders.

Nolo Press also interviewed Kym Hough to talk about the importance of home staging in today's market. Click here to listen. (It's 13 minutes, may take a few to load).

I listened to it this morning and it is quite good. I think it would be helpful when selling your Realtors and homeowners on the importance of staging, so please feel free to use it if you think it's good for your marketing. There's a really good segment toward the end that you could use as tips for sellers that really gets the point across about what not to do and why they should invest in staging.

If you are in Florida or can manage a vacation, Kym will be talking about Running a Thriving Staging Business in a Down Economy. As many of you know, the east and west coasts have been first & hardest hit by the housing crisis. In spite of this, Kym's Staged-to-Sell.com staging and design business continues to thrive. Kym will share some of her key marketing strategies and talk about multiple streams of income.

The StagersLIST Expo in Orlando, Florida will also include Christine Rae, author of Home Staging For Dummies will be talking about Trends in Your Market and Terrylynn Fisher, 30+ year Realtor (who always stages her listings) talks about the Realtor/Stager relationship and how to get Realtors to recognize you as part of their team.

If you would like more information about the expo, which is March 17, 2009 in Winter Park, Florida (minutes from Orlando), Click here. You can register at the bottom of the page.

Congratulations Kym! Can't wait to read the book, this is very exciting news. Great interview too.

Home Grown Marketing, Inc. Joins Active Rain!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:51:38 -0800

I know alot of people here in the rain, know who Brande Bradford is. However, she has started her coaching business as most know from her previous blogs and is using a new name for her business Home Grown Marketing, and I thought I would reblog her first post on her new name to help get the word out.

Brande, way to go on moving forward! I know you will be a success because your main motivation is helping others become successful. You rock!

Via Brande Bradford (Home Grown Marketing, Inc.):

It has been a VERY long time coming, but they have finally made it to one of the top Social Media networks for Real Estate Professionals, Active Rain.

Home Grown Marketing, Inc. is no stranger to Active Rain. Brande Bradford, the owner has been an active member for over a year and understands the power that comes with blogging. Unfortunately, the past few months she has spent most of her time listing and selling the fool out of Real Estate and preparing Home Grown Marketing, Inc. for its introduction to the "real" world.

What is Home Grown Marketing, Inc. ? It is a company that started back in 2003 helping business owners market their businesses through the internet, direct mail and several other avenues of marketing. HGMI, has helped many people in various industries, such as Health Insurance, Multi-Level Marketing, and Real Estate take their business and kick it up a few notches. Now, they are solely focusing on the Real Estate industry as a whole, because that is simply where their passion is.

HGMI offers coaching packages as well as stand alone services. They are all personalized to each and every client. Anyone who deals with Real Estate can benefit from what HGMI offers. They can assist anyone from stagers, inspectors, loan officers and of course real estate agents!

One thing they don't have...A BIG price tag! Brande knows what it is like to be broke and struggling! She also knows what it is like to be successful. It doesn't have to cost a fortunate to make subtle changes to your business. HGMI doesn't have big fancy cars that they need to pay for. They don't have a big fancy house that needs to be paid for. So, why charge outrageous prices? After all, aren't our clients trying to make more money? Coaching is about YOU. It's about helping you benefit from your strong points, and tweak your weakness to balance one another. So, what does Brande get out of this? Yes, some additional income, but for those who really know her, they can tell you that its the thrill of making a difference for someone else. As a client of Brande's you will get to see a side of her that is compassionate and always willing to help when she can.

Brande has created a private group for those who are serious about marketing to share obstacles, successes, and freely ask questions. We are big believers that what is said between us and our clients, stay between us and our clients. This group will be operated under the same rules. It's a safe place to come for help. We will share ideas among the members and support one another through 2009! You can join the group at...Check Your Ego At The Door . This is a private group.

HGMI hopes that you will subscribe to their blog and together we can all learn a lot!

Be sure and check out their website at Home Grown Marketing, Inc. You will find more information about the services they offer. You can also sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter.

Copyright 2008: Home Grown Marketing, Inc., All Rights Reserved. *Home Grown Marketing, Inc. Joins Active Rain!!*

Hi guys! A little help if you don't mind...

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:26:47 -0800

I have no doubt in my mind that Chris will do great during her discussion on websites at the expo workshops. I say this because we work together everyday doing website design and she is just wonderful. No one could top what she does. However I did figure I would re-blog this in hopes of it reaching others that have not seen it. Feel free to share your ideas or questions with her.

Via Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com):

With the 2009 StagersLIST Expo Series, Chris is finally "hopping on the bus". Why? Because I get to do a day 2 workshop about websites, blogging and internet marketing. So here is where the help comes in... What do you want to learn about? Where should I focus that would best assist home stagers and realtors in their businesses?

How can I be entertaining for an hour and a half? Oh, nevermind, I can handle that one (I hope).

I just want to know what information would be of value to YOU and people you know. Ideas? I'm really excited, but would be even MORE excited if I knew I was able to bring you information that you WANT for your business' online presence. Thanks for any suggestions! Of course, the workshops are a little more casual and all questions will be answered, so that's all good. I'd just like a general idea so I have my "talk" at the beginning ready before I start taking questions from the workshop participants.

Thanks in advance!

Look out Los Angeles - StagersLIST Expo arrives February, 2009

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:17:05 -0800

Okay even though this is one that I am not going too, I had to reblog it because well I am just excited about StagersLIST and all the expos coming up!

Even though it doesn't look like the one you linked to Chris, it is still a great blog and gets the word out!

Via Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com):

Little frustrated because this blog was supposed to look like this. Active Rain Changes!!!

When:
Expo Day 1
9:00-5:00
Workshop Day 2
9:30-4:15

Where:
Brook Furniture Distribution Center
18860 East San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

Investment:
Day 1 Expo
$65 for non-RESA Members
$55 for RESA Members
Day 2 Workshops
$29.95 Each
Discount for multiple workshops

Save when you sign up for the Expo and Workshops Together!

StagersLIST Expo 2009
Los Angeles
February 9 & 10

Join us at the Nation's Premier Stager Event. Gain staging business expertise and techniques to move your business forward. Enjoy one or two days of education, networking and access to some of the top stagers in our industry.

Dynamic Industry Speakers
Education on a variety of Staging Topics
Workshops to strengthen your business

Learn from industry insiders who know how to create a competitive business model that works in your market.

Click here to register or learn more

Expo Includes:
Running a Profitable Staging Business
Demystifying the Realtor and Stager Relationship
Staging Trends and Marketing
Register today at www.StagersLISTExpo.com

For more information contact:
Local Coordinator
Connie Tebyani - 805-553-9952 or Email Connie
Venue Sponsor
Brook Furniture Rental - Stacy Bisel - 818-388-1120 or Email Stacy
National Coordinators
Kym Hough - 925-212-1833 or Email Kym
Terrylynn Fisher - 925-876-0966 or Email Terrylynn

Merry Christmas Chris Fisher -- My Go to Gal with a Heart a Mile Wide!!!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:30:43 -0800

Gayle wrote this blog about Chris Fisher, who is a friend and business associate of mine. We work together with StagersLIST.com, doing websites and of course a few other things. Not to mention we talk all day long through messenger while we work.

I couldn't help myself, I had to re-blog this because Gayle really said it all about Chris. She is a special gem of a person, wonderful mother to Rhiannon, great friend to everyone and goes above and beyond to help. You rock Chris, love ya chick!

Via The Best Spot Realty/Waterfront Real Estate/Ooltewah Real E:

Chris, Chris, Chris. http://activerain.com/blogs/chrisfisher What an absolute gem of a friend and Active Rain memeber. The first best thing about Chris is that she has a genuine love of animals and takes care of any type and number of strays that pass her way. She also has a beautiful daughter named Rhiannon who she sets such a loving and responsible model for. Chris is a sensitive rock of the community--any community she happens to be part of.

I met Chris on AR quite a while back. She is one of the ones that I connected with and that stayed loyal through all of my ups and downs. Chris IS a rock. She also happens to be an extremely talented and creative web designer. www.Lakespot.com (not finished, but, a good start) She has been enormously generous with me and intuitive about what I want on my sites. Excellent work. If you need web design work done, she's the one to call.

More than anything, I look forward to just hearing from Chris, reading her posts and knowing that I can count her among my friends. Chris is so sensitive and giving. She has voluntarily "fixed" my internet mistakes without loooking for anything in return and everytime I hear from her she is helping out with someone or some other living thing. Chris is a doll.

You are missing out on so much if you don't take the time to get to know her! Merry Christmas Chris and may we all have a great New Year together!

A Christmas Dedication To A Star!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:44:12 -0800

Let me ask you...

Have you ever had a friend who was always there, no matter what, through thick and thin? A friend that is always there, always around. If you need a hug, a helping hand, some words of advice, encouragement or wisdom, a shoulder to lean on or cry on, who you can talk to about anything, that is more than a friend, but a part of your family?

I am lucky because I can answer this. I have Brande Bradford, and for that I am blessed. She has been there when I have needed her, even when I didnt think I did need her, I did. She has done a lot for me over the years, sometimes saying "Thank You" just doesnt seem fulfilling enough to me and so this is a Christmas Dedication to say "Thank You" from me to her.

Brande and I ment 9 years ago online when we started working together, I lived in Michigan and her in Kansas. We hit it off rather quickly, talked on the phone daily about business, kids, our likes, dislikes and over time we grew closer and closer. We hadn't met in person as of yet, but there were several times she went above and beyond to help me. As with anyone things get tough sometimes, just like today, alot of people are feeling the same tough times, but then, I was up in the middle of the night, worried and not knowing what to do, when my phone rings. It was brande calling to see if I was okay and we talked for awhile which of course made me feel grateful that I have a friend like her. There are more of those times over the years than I could ever count.

I could not wait to meet her in person and we talked about it a lot, that some day we would. It had been two years, since we met and we were best friends, when it finally happened. I will never forget that day. I introduced her to her husband Chris who lives in Georgia and my husband David had been transferred down to the Georgia office for his company. That was a crazy time, we rented a house that we had not seen yet, as we trusted this guy, we drive 14 hours after loading a Uhaul truck, get to this house to see that its porch is about 25 feet off the ground, now with 3 little babies, I don't think so. I ended up calling Brande who helped me find a storage unit around the area, so we could store our things until we found a house. What a mess, but Brande again was there for me and helped with whatever she could.

I got to meet Chris a few weeks before when we moved down to Georgia. It was actually the next day and we had not slept in over 30 hours, so we definitely was not at our best! Brande came down a few weeks later to see Chris and of course we made plans to meet. I remember sitting on a bench outside at the restaurant (there was a wait) waiting for Chris and Brande to arrive. I was nervous and excited all at once, thinking what should I say, what should I do then I realized, I will be who I always am and say what I normally say to her. When they pulled up, walking across the parking lot she was smiling and so was I. Honestly though my first thought when I did see her walking through the parking lot with Chris, ( I don't think I have ever told her this) I wanted to hug her and thank her in person for everything she has done and for being who she is. It was a very happy time though and I don't know how many times I had to take a second to stop myself from getting teary eyed.

Brande finally moved down to Georgia as well and after that, we would get our families together for dinner on the weekends, meet for lunch, sometimes dinner. But even then, I knew that her doors were always open for me if I ever needed and there were times that I did. Her doors are still open, it's just a lot longer of a drive now! There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I wish I was there still.

I lived on the North side of Atlanta and she lived on the south side of Atlanta, and anyone who knows Atlanta, Georgia, knows that traffic can be herendous driving from one end to the other. There was a time my husband fell and his ankle was very swollen, I took him in and then my blood pressure dropped so low that I passed out. My kids were in school and of course they would not let me leave the hospital until it came back up and my husband could not drive. I called her and she drove up too pick up the boys for me.

She has always been there for me in so many ways and has helped me in so many ways over the years, including financially at times. Over the past few months she has really been here, I have had some personal matters recently that I can honestly say have been hard for me and as always she has shined, stepping above and beyond to do whatever she could to help. So there are a few things I would like to say.

Brande,

Whenever I have been sad or scared,
You were there helping to keep my heart repaired,
Whenever I have been excited or happy,
You were there right along side me,
Always showing just how much you cared.

Over time you have been my guiding light,
always helping to keep things right,
Over time you have been my shining star,
always helping to heal every scar,
A special treasure in my life

So to you I just want to say,
That I am grateful every single day,
To have someone as special as you
Who is my best friend and my sister too,
Thank you for all the love and car you always display.

Brande is very good at what she does and has taught me a lot about marketing over the years. She is a wonderful real estate agent that really cares for her clients and now with her spreading her wings and coaching others to help them achieve success, I know she will help them soar as she has helped me soar over the years. Brande I know you will be a great success being a coach, because you care about others achievements and success before your own!

Marey Hoeppner
Virtual Assist Expert
Let me assist you with what I love to do, so you can spend more time doing what you love to do.

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Twitter with me! http://twitter.com/virtualexpert

SEO Sessions Updates and SEO Webinar Coming Soon To A Monitor Near You!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:15:58 -0800

This is a great post by Katerina, one of the clients that I do work for. I thought I would re-blog it because these sessions are great. She has not only been a client but also a teacher as she has taken the time to show me a few things. There is so much to know and so much everyone can learn about SEO. Anyone who takes this webinar will definitely benefit.

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

If you are just joining us for the SEO sessions please read the posts listed below to be on the same page as the rest of the 'class'. In case you missed any SEO posts so far they are listed here. If you would like to read more on the subject of SEO just go to my tags and click on 'SEO' and also 'linking strategies'. There are also some helpful blogging posts listed in my tag,'active rain community support'- there is information and tutorials for newbies as well as veterans on Active Rain and in Internet marketing.

Session I- Back To The Basics

Session II- Planning Is The Key

Session III- Are You Feeding Your Spiders?

Session IV-How To Please The Search Engines and Gain Recognition in The SERPS.

Session V-You Have One Chance To Make A First 'Click Me' Impression.

We will be taking a break from the SEO course over the holidays and will be back with more SEO classes at the beginning of the new year. Don't take a break from reading our blog though because I am writing a couple of tutorials for you and a few posts on using Twitter.This will give you a chance to catch up on your homework assignments in the SEO posts.

I will be hosting and teaching the SEO webinar titled:

To The Top- Become The Captain of Your Own SEO Ship. In this webinar series you will learn how to fly under the radar past your competition to the top of Google SERPS.

I am working on the time and the details now. I will be having some special guests on the webinar that have command of their keywords and SERPS by using my SEO strategies.

This course will be the geeky stuff put into language you can understand and presented in a way that you can relate whether you are a beginner or have been doing Internet marketing for a while.

Please note that there is a cost to the webinar and it will most likely be a nine week course.

If you are interested please email me at CoachKaterina(at sign)gmail.com with your email address and permission to add you to my mailing list for classes, webinars, teleconferences and more.

Cutest Mother's Day Gift!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:39:18 -0700

I was sitting here in my office Saturday doing some work, trying to get most of it done so I could enjoy my evening with my family, when my youngest who is 9 yr old came in and sat down. I looked at him and smiled, he smiled back at me, but I knew he was sitting there for a reason (his hands were behind his back). I kept working on things and just said "What's up?" He replied with, "Oh nothing just seeing what you were doing."

I said "Oh okay, just working on a few things." He didn't say anything, so I looked over at him again and he brang his hands from behind his back and said "Mom I know it's not Mother's Day til tomorrow but I couldn't wait any longer and really want you to open it." It was square and wrapped in blue paper that was decorated with hearts and little zig zag designs he had made. I smiled and took the present and began opening it. It was a frame and in the frame was a poem he had wrote for me. As I am opening it the rest of the way, he told me how hard he worked on it cause he wanted it to be perfect. As I read it to myself, I got a little teary eyed because I knew what he meant by each thing he said.

Dear mom,

I love you very much. You're

very nice to me, Josh and Davey.

Mother thank you for playing with me

when I am bored. Mother you have

a outstanding career at home. You're a nice

mom to take you're time to make a

quilt me a blanket. You're a caring

person to me, you come to my needs and

you keep me healthy. You care about

all people of the world. I care for you

very much. I think you look outstanding

in stripes. You are very beautiful. Love C.J.

Now I have to tell you, he has loved me being at home working, because I have more time to do things with them, he is excited about the blanket I am making him, which is a star wars rebel pattern that I am cross stitching on an afghan I am crocheting. He was with me when I bought those 2 shirts that are blue and white striped and red and white striped he just liked the vivid colors. I have the frame hung up in my office, near my desk which made him very proud as well.

I have always told my boys, that handmade things are the best presents a mom could ever have, as they are made from the heart. A lot of thought and love go into making those things and last forever.

(Humor)16 Signs Your Having A Bad Day!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:16:03 -0800

16 Signs That You Are Having A Bad Day

Just remember we all have these days, sometimes we have them to often, but we get to look back and laugh after its all said and done.

First you had trouble getting out of bed

You had a stiff neck

You washed your hair and couldn't do a thing with it

You felt like you had a hangover and you weren't even drinking last night

Your new diet really doesn't seem to be working out

You pulled a muscle when you tried to exercise

Your new hat looked better on you at the store

You keep losing things

You feel like you're always in the wrong place at the wrong time

The boss chewed you out at work

You got caught in the rain at lunchtime

Then the lunch you had didn't seem to agree with you

You feel trapped

Uninvited guests showed up at dinnertime

On top of that you think you're coming down with the flu

And finally, you're alone in the house at night when you think you hear a noise in the basement

Have a Purrfect Day!

Listings Sell Themselves!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:50:52 -0800

NOT! It is imperative to market your listings, we all know this, however; it is very imperative to market them online as well.

The reason I say this is, according to the 2003 NAR (National Association of Realtors) survey of homebuyers and sellers, 93% of homebuyers turn to the internet when looking for homes. They also state in another article of theirs that 84% of homebuyers say photos and detailed property information are the two most important features when looking online for homes. So do I dare ask you why it is imperative to market your listings online?

How can you market them online effectively?

I am glad you asked and I would like to tell you how to do just that! Marketing your listings online takes persistence, hard work and a drive to be consistent. Do your research, surf the internet and check out places to see if they will be beneficial to you. Some places will be more than others.

Get all your information together about the listing, all the photos, start by putting it on your website, make your flyers (don't forget to details in this to attract those clients), build your virtual tours and be prepared to start the marketing!

Post your flyer to as many suitable websites you can, remember this, they don't have to be "Pay To" websites. If you utilize the free websites right they can be, if not more successful for you, not to mention cheaper. Post your URL to your site and/or the virtual tour where ever you can. Need to give that listing, well all your listings all the Exposure you can! The more it is seen the more chance you have of finding that special buyer!

I am sure most of you all have websites that have lead generation on them and a database they all go in. When you get a new listing, blast it out to everyone in your database. If you have a price change on a property do the same thing, blast it out to them all. This shows them that your keeping up, keeping the potential buyers updated and letting them know that you haven't forgotten them as well ( that is important).

Now once a week, go back through the websites you posted at and update the information or ad, to keep your listings at the top. Keep in mind that not all websites allow for you to do this so you will need to keep track of which ones do and which ones don't.

Stay consistent, stay focused, and keep your drive going!

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"
Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Rainers..Wacky Friday, Funnies

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:50:10 -0800

Medical Help

“Everybody I meet is so irritating!,” a tense, nervous patient complained to her doctor.

After analyzing the situation, he prescribed a tranquilizer and told her to come back in a month and let him know how she was feeling.

“Have you noticed any change in your mental attitude?” he asked on her next visit.

“None at all!” she replied. “I feel just the same as I did, but I’ve noticed that other people are acting a lot better.”

Good lawyers

Nathan is talking to his lawyer. “Here’s the deal, Frank. If you’re absolutely sure I’ll win the case against my partner, I’ll give you the business.”

“Okay,” replies Frank, “but before I can give you my opinion, I obviously need to know all of the facts.”

So Nathan goes into great detail about his failed partnership and ends up saying, “So now that you’ve heard everything, do you think I can sue my partner and get my money back?”

“Well,” replies Frank, “from everything you just told me, it’s clear to me that you will definitely win. It’s rare to have such an open and shut case.”

When Nathan hears this, he turns as white as a sheet! “What’s the matter Nathan?” asks Frank, highly concerned.

A shaken Nathan replies, “I’ve just told you my partner’s side of the case!”

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Rainers, Crazy Thursday Funnies!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:14:08 -0800

Efficiency Expert

The efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution, "You don't want to try these techniques at home".

"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.

"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained. "She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, Hon, why don't you try carrying several things at once to save work and time?"

"Did it save much time?" the guy asked.

"Actually yes, it use to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast, now I do it in seven!"

Hearing Woes

Three retirees, each with their fair share of hearing troubles, were playing golf down in Arkansas. One remarked, "Windy, isn't it?"

"No," the second man replied, "it is Thursday."

The third man chimed in, "So am I. It is hot out here, let's have a beer!"

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Why Outsource Your business

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:05:24 -0800

Let me start by saying, I don't like to stretch things out. I like to get my point made very quickly. Why? Simple. You know and I know that something that takes to long to read can make us lose interest fairly quickly. Then I have wasted time writing it, you have lost time trying to read it all and the point doesn't get made. So let's continue with the outsourcing, shall we.

Usually people hear the word "outsource" and think its dealing with big things like manufacturers, call centers, companies of this nature. "Outsource" really means hiring someone from outside your own company to do something more efficiently and/or more cheaply than someone in your actual office can do.

That is the "outsource" I am talking about and you probably should consider. Even if your a one person office, maybe especially if your a one person office. If your feeling overwhelmed/stressed because of EVERYTHING you have to do, if your unable to hire an assistant in office-giving them space for a desk, equipment they need, pay them by the hour (no matter if there is work to not), then you need to outsource to a Virtual Assistant.

By hiring a Virtual Assistant, it leaves them doing all your administrative work, whatever the tasks maybe, so you can build your business and be out there taking that extra special time for your clients, your family and for YOURSELF!

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Rainers, What's up, Wednesday!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:31:02 -0800

Granny's Pie!

Granny Adams made such beautiful pies! One day I asked her, "How do you get such beautiful pies with crimps around the edge spaced so evenly?"

"Well, it's a family secret," she said, "But if you promise not to tell anyone, I'll let you in on it."

"Okay," I said, "Tell me!"

"Well, first, I roll out the dough, making sure it is flat and even. Then I cut out the bottom layer and carefully put it in the pie plate and make sure it is pressed firmly against the side of the plate. Then I pour in the filling, making sure it's not too full. Next, I cut out the top crust layer and carefully put it over the filling"

"Finally, I take out my teeth and just run them around the edge of the pie crust. They absolutely make the nicest, most even impressions you ever did see!"

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Flying At The Zoo

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:49:43 -0800

4-D Theatre

Grab on to your seats as the action starts with the World War II bombing!

With the help of animation and live actors you will be right in the action!

One of the things that my boys love here in Kalamazoo, is the Air Zoo. It has such a wonderful collection of the aircraft ever built. Including F-18's, F-14's, Defender, Chief, Warhawk, Boeing 727, Learjet and many more. They also have a cool full throttle stimulator that the kids can get in, just like the training they use. Indoor amusement park rides, such as; the Montgolfier balloon ride that helps kids learn about man's first flight. Being in the cockpit of the Flying Circus biplane, commanding the joystick, soaring around racing pythons!

They call this "The Black Lady!" It is the Lockheed SR-71 and it can fly more than three times the speed of sound at high altitudes.

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

A Thoughtful Tribute

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:35:46 -0800

I had to take time today to do this for a special person that I think everyone would agree that she is nothing more than a saint. Always thinking of others, giving to others, doing what she can-going that extra mile and putting everyone else first, before herself. Although she has no idea that I am doing this, but she will shortly!

I wanted to take a moment to thank Brande Bradford for being such a wonderful person and I am honored to know her and work with her. She does a lot for her family, friends and her community. She is very dedicated to everyone she knows and is always taking the time to recognize everyone else's accomplishments and hard work. Truly a great individual, who deserves so much more.

I think it is time that she receives a little of that back! So Brande, thank you for being who you are and helping those in need. Just to give some of you an idea of the things Brande does, below is a few links to some of her blogs. I hope you enjoy them.

A-Little-Help-During

Community Youth Benefit A Winner!

We Trunked, They Treated!

Holiday Balance- Reflecting,Transforming and Giving From The Heart!

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"

Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert
Virtually Serving You Anywhere...

Are You A Friend?

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:41:51 -0800

Friend In Me

I want to let you know,
I will always be there for you.
Through happiness and sorrow,
through skies of gray and blue.

When there is a dark storm,
saddening your loving heart.
I will be the sun, bright and warm,
to make the storm part.

I will be the truth for you,
when lies are all you hear.
I will be strong for you,
when your weak and full of tears.

I will be your angel from above,
when you need help and guidance.
I will surround you with love,
and give you reassurance.

No matter where you are my friend,
no matter, what it is you need.
I will be there without end,
because you have a friend in me.

By Marey Hoeppner

All to often we forget what a friend means to us, sometimes we forget to let them know what they mean to us, sometimes we figure they already know and don't need to be told. Remind yourself to stop once in awhile and tell your friends what they mean to you!

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!"Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert
Virtually Serving You Anywhere...

Humor...Fun Riddles...

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:26:21 -0800

Okay, let's see if you all can figure out the riddles below.

I will post my answers in a few days, so have fun guessing!

1. You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die,'til you call me again. What am I?

2. There is a man standing over a body in a coffin, and another man walks in and asks, "Who's in the coffin?" The first man replies, "Brothers and sisters, I have none, but this man's father is my fathers son." Whos in the coffin?

3. There are two guards. One tells the truth and one always lies. There are also two doors. One leads to Heaven and the other leasd to the devil's playground. One guard is in front of each door. You can only ask the guards: ONE question and you have to ask the same question to both guards. What you are trying to find out is which door leads to heaven. What would you ask?

4. Two boxers are in a boxing match (regular boxing, not kick boxing). The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds but ends after 6 rounds, after one boxer knocks out the other boxer. Yet, no man threw a punch. How is this possible?

5. A farmer had seventeen sheep adn all but nine died, how many did he have left?

6. A man builds a house with all four sides facing south. A bear walks past the house. What color is the bear?

7. A skin I have, more eyes than one. I can be very nice when I am done. What am I?

8. Can a man legally marry his widows sister in the state of California?

9. He has married many women in his time, but as never been married. Who is he?

10. How many of each animal did Moses take on the ark?

11. How much dirt is in a hole 4 feet deep and 2 feet wide?

12. I know a word of three letters, add two and a fewer there will be.

13. No sooner spoken than broken. What is it?

14. Some months have 31 days and some have 30 days. How many have 28 days?

Alright, I have to admit, some of these were a little easy but some stumped me completely. lol So have fun guessing them, put your answers in the comments if you would like this will be fun!

"Success never happens in a straight line. There is always going to be twists and turns, ups and downs. Just remember that conquering those will make you successful!" Marey Hoeppner -Virtual Assist Expert

Wait! Don't Clear Out That Database!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:53:35 -0800

Okay, I know your going to have to clean it out at some point, however; all to often I have seen or heard of others just deleting, removing, erasing potential clients. Don't! Not yet anyway.

I know that is the easy way out, the quick and simple thing to do. Just think about this......alright, so the e-mail address is undeliverable. That doesn't mean they are no longer interested, now does it? Let me ask you... What if they moved or changed emails for some reason and just simply didn't remember to update their information? This happens a lot! What if they are still interested? They could be. What if they are still looking but not sure and need some guidance, or they felt overwhelmed and was to afraid to ask? This happens a lot as well. You won't know the answers to these if you toss them away!

Time is valuable, this I know. Although what I am going to tell you is time consuming but worth it. Most e-mails come with a name, phone number and/or address. Do some major Follow up! Call them just to touch base, feel them out a little bit see if they are still interested or actively looking. Update their information including their email address. You can also send out a quick mailing if they have a address but no phone number. Throw your line out there one last time to put that little bug back in their head so if they are still interested they will contact you but if they aren't, well.....when they are ready I am sure they will think about you when the time is right.

This is just another example of how I can help you as your personal VA!

Ready To Go Full Time!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:48:14 -0800

That's right! After being home these past 7 weeks with my son who was laid up from a broken leg, I have decided to go full time as a Virtual Assistant. As we have moved this past week, I now have my office all set up and ready to go!

Let me give you all an update on my son, he is down to a walking cast as of this past Thursday and on crutches. Took him a few days to get the hang of it and as the days go by he is improving. About 5 more weeks possibly only 4 and he will be out of a cast completely! I am happy he is doing much better and not in a lot of pain, just a little achy.

Now, as I have made this move to work my business full time, this has given me more time to be able to offer more of my services and time. I am up for grabs, so if anyone is in need of any assistant, please don't hesitate to give me a call or e-mail me. I am here to help.

Hey All You AR.. Bloggers!

Marey Hoeppner..... Your Success Is Our Goal! — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:39:47 -0800

Let's blog, blog, blog, blog!

Lets face it, no matter how anyone looks at it or tries to avoid it, they can't! Blogging has become the most explosive outbreak on the internet in the information world. It's shaking up every single business from here to the other side of the world. That is a lot of businesses to stir up!

Why? Simple. Blogs represent POWER! Because now, instead of trying to get our writings approved by the mass media for newspapers, television, magazines, we can publish it ourselves right here on the net for free! Just like bad scams or scandals, ideas can go around just as fast. Potential customers are looking more on the internet for deals, bargains, or partners to team up with more than you could imagine. Competitors are exploring and searching through others blogs to harvest new ideas, and drop little notes placing ads for themselves and that is okay. Means ours will get seen more too!

Blogging is not a big money maker, not yet anyway, but a passion to communicate. As we blog, comment and link to one anothers blogs we are creating conversations, friendships and business associates.

To me, AR is like sitting at one huge cafe! We all are sitting at our tables, with our computers, connecting to with one another. Sharing our laughs, thoughts, fears, success, failures and we help each other through them all! So cheers to everyone, and happy blogging!

Marey Hoeppner- Kalamazoo, MI- Virutal Assist Expert

Active Rain Delivers In Time Of Need: Chris Fisher Lends a Helping Handing

Wordless Wednesday - Just Hanging Out With The Dog!

New Group- StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers

Welcome To StagersLIST Strategy and Marketing Time Savers

Nolo Press features author Kym Hough of StagersLIST for Staging Chapter!

Home Grown Marketing, Inc. Joins Active Rain!

Hi guys! A little help if you don't mind...

Look out Los Angeles - StagersLIST Expo arrives February, 2009

Merry Christmas Chris Fisher -- My Go to Gal with a Heart a Mile Wide!!!

A Christmas Dedication To A Star!

SEO Sessions *Updates* and SEO Webinar Coming Soon To A Monitor Near You!

Cutest Mother's Day Gift!

(Humor)16 Signs Your Having A Bad Day!

Listings Sell Themselves!

Rainers..Wacky Friday, Funnies

Rainers, Crazy Thursday Funnies!

Why Outsource Your business

Rainers, What's up, Wednesday!

Flying At The Zoo

A Thoughtful Tribute

Are You A Friend?

Humor...Fun Riddles...

Wait! Don't Clear Out That Database!

Ready To Go Full Time!

Hey All You AR.. Bloggers!

SEO Sessions Updates and SEO Webinar Coming Soon To A Monitor Near You!