Okay, so I was looking around for the 'Top Gifts' for 2008, like I do every year.
- It's quite fun to see what 'everyone' thinks is best and what we end up with here at home, etc. (Gives you a good idea how much TV the kids are watching, too!)
So here's the challenge, this year it looks as if the retailers have figured out that they can leverage this info as a sales and marketing ploy - a full 95% of the articles I found are posted by the retailers themselves! - Needless to say, they do not agree on what's 'Tops' on our lists this year.
So I put it to you all - Techies, Old-Schoolers, Kids, Parents, and the rest of us - What is YOUR Top 5 gift list this year?
Thanks for sharing and have a Very Merry Christmas Indeed!!
In Service,
Tim Mancuso - District Manager
Ph: 303-596-9838
Tim Mancuso is serving as District Manager for Lawyers Title Insurance Corp., and was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service. Mr. Mancuso has over 20 years experience as a Technologist, Trainer, Coach, Recruiter and Speaker Tim Mancuso - Industry Expert and Global Director of Sales
'Where Market Knowledge, Solid Technology Implementation, and Great Service meet - you will undoubtedly find Success.' - T. Mancuso
This week some of our Nation's largest commercial real estate players approached the Administration (Congress, the Treasury Dept., and others) to ask for help in the form of bailout money due to the current economic picture.
Key to this is whether or not 'Joe and Mary' taxpayer approve - after all, we are the ones that will inevitably be paying this bill, not Congress.
Estimates were given that over the next 36 months and estimated $530 B (that's BILLION) in commercial mortgages will be due for refinancing. 2009 estimates are at $160 Billion.
The challenge lies in the collapse of the credit markets, which could potentially cause owners to go into foreclosure or even bankruptcy if they are unable to secure the new loans (refinance).
I don't think we've seen the end of industry execs heading to Washington with their hats in their hands, perhaps it's only begun.
My youngest made a good point in all of this, asking if 'this happened before or just now' -- we told him this was quite different than any other time in our Nation's history.
He said "Well, he did say we'd get a change..."
Out of the mouths of babes, eh?!
Merry Christmas 'rainers all!
In Service,
Tim Mancuso - District Manager
Ph: 303-596-9838
Tim Mancuso is serving as District Manager for Lawyers Title Insurance Corp., and was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service. Mr. Mancuso has over 20 years experience as a Technologist, Trainer, Coach, Recruiter and Speaker Tim Mancuso - Industry Expert and Global Director of Sales
'Where Market Knowledge, Solid Technology Implementation, and Great Service meet - you will undoubtedly find Success.' - T. Mancuso
The Federal bank, credit union, and thrift regulatory agencies yesterday posted their new Identity Theft information and it is available for you to review and share with your clients and sphere.
If you haven't yet known someone affected by this, the odds are that you will by the end of 2009. Each day, consumer identity theft grows at an alarming pace.
A few key excerpts from the recent release: (note: you can download the brochure in .pdf format via the link below)
You can fight identity theft - Here’s how:
• Never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords over the phone or the Internet, if you did not initiate the contact.
• Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you think is fraudulent. In addition
to stealing your personal information, the link may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.
• Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
• If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, go to the company’s Website by typing in the site address or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of using a link provided by the e-mail.
• If you fall victim to identity theft, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
• Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/ edu/microsites/idtheft/, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
To learn more about keeping your money safe, visit the http://www.mymoney.gov/scams.
shtml Website.
To download the new brochure click on the link below. Download the Brochure Here This is a great piece to share with your clients, incorporate into a direct mail campaign or website / newsletter update, and just share with as many people as you know.
The 'bad guys' are getting smarter and smarter about finding ways to 'steal' this information from YOU - make sure you take steps to protect yourself, the return on that little investment of time and prudence is excellent!
In Service,
Tim Mancuso - District Manager
Ph: 303-596-9838
Tim Mancuso is serving as District Manager for Lawyers Title Insurance Corp., and was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service. Mr. Mancuso has over 20 years experience as a Technologist, Trainer, Coach, Recruiter and Speaker
Tim Mancuso - Industry Expert and Global Director of Sales
'Where Market Knowledge, Solid Technology Implementation, and Great Service meet - you will undoubtedly find Success.' - T. Mancuso
Today we have made the change from LandAmerica to Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation. This is due to many factors (none of which I am qualified to discuss here - friends and associates can contact me for updates directly) and by no means represents a change in my business or employment / companies.
I appreciate the calls and emails, and wanted to leverage this forum to clarify that we are continuing forward with our Super Service and that I am here to assist you with your Training, Coaching, Mentorship, Technology, Marketing and Title needs as always.
Thank you again for your questions and concerns - Happy Friday!
Tim Mancuso
Direct/Cell: (303) 596-9838 Connect on LinkedIn
District Manager
Lawyers Title Insurance Corp.
6501 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 100
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
tmancuso@landam.com | http://www.landam.com
Fax: 866-596-5226
I just got word that the FBI released their 'Most Wanted' widget update.
This is available for nearly EVERY site and social network out there (go figure, it's the FBI for goodness sake!)
Included are code sniplets and auto placements for:
* Facebook
* MySpace
* MyYahoo
*AOL
*Email
*Standard Embedding
* and lots lots more..
Note: I didn't see Active Rain listed in there, nor did I see any AR folks listed in the widget...
:-)
I think it is very cool that we can add USEFUL widgets like this to our site(s) and in doing so help to keep our country/world SAFER by raising the awareness of criminals and terrorists who may be in our midst!! (Check out the terrorist code/widget that they list on the site, too!)
Here's an example of the standard 'embed' code. (note: the 'embed' code isn't working in the AR blog posting... I'll update when I find one that does - TM)
You can get your own code by using the 'share' function or visit the FBI site directly: www.FBI.gov/widgets.htm
Have a SAFE and WONDERFUL Christmas and Holiday Season Friends!!
-Tim Mancuso
I was recently asked the question: "What do you do every day to stay motivated?"
First and foremost, the 'why' must be established. That is the critical Goal Setting component. Ask the question: "Whatever it is you (we) do, what is our primary reason for doing it?" (Helping others, making a difference, earning a living, paying it forward, climbing the corporate ladder, etc.)
Next, every individual needs to find what motivates them and work an effective strategy tailored to their specific style, inner language of success, etc.
For example, one person may be motivated by pleasure e.g. the prospect of achieving great success, high commission checks, etc. Another may be motivated by pain: The loss of income, the limitation of their personal time, etc.
Once you get through the Pain/Pleasure component, you need to address the individual human needs that motivate: Words of Affirmation may be primary to one while plain cold hard cash might be 'it' for another.
From there, it's a simple (not Easy!) process:
* Create affirmations that align with your goals. Typically 4 or 5 powerful statements is all that it takes
* WRITE IT DOWN! Now that your Goal and Affirmation are aligned, you MUST Write them down!
* Post and Focus: Written Goal(s) and Affirmations should be posted in plain view and also carried with you for daily/hourly review. ( I know of Top Professionals that review these dozens of times daily, embedding them into their subconscious)
* Sharing and Accountability: Tell an associate you TRUST what you are doing. Share your Goals/Affirmations with them (ActiveRain is a great place to find someone in your network for this!) and ask them to be an accountability partner for you.
Just as when you are driving and speaking on your mobile phone you are likely to miss your turn and delay your arrival at your Destination - not focusing on your Goals / Affirmations continuously can have the same effect on your results - and your overall Motivation.
So, to the original question:
* Know who you are
* Know why you are 'here' (i.d. doing what you are doing)
* Focus on the Goal / Target (Keep your eyes on the prize)
Do this daily, hourly, - every minute if you have to and you'll find your success increasing steadily, whether you are in your 'dream job' or just filling in the gaps on the way to your desired position / situation.
Hope this helps, I'd like to hear more from the group here. Great ideas abound!
Veterans' Day is a day to HONOR our HEROES who put their lives on the line to protect our Nation.
Please join me in Thanking a Veteran during this day of remembrance and tribute.
It's the right thing to do, and not enough of us do this as often as we should.
To all who have served this greatest of Nations - I sincerely Thank YOU for your commitment and sacrifice - on behalf of myself and my family.
-Tim Mancuso
If I knew how to place a 'poll' into this post, I would do so.
However, so far it's been a bit too hairy and I've resolved to get the question out there 'old school'.
Blackberry vs. Palm vs. iPhone - Which do you choose, and why?
Post your choice and your reason below as a comment, and let's see who the winner is.
FYI: rumor has it that the money is on Blackberry for this one. I personally was in another meeting just this week when that familiar 'default' Blackberry 'ring' was going and no less than 4 people reached for their curves (Blackberry curves, that is... ).
Personally, I haven't yet invested in the iPhone, my work phone is a Blackberry, and my personal favorite was always the Palm - although I haven't used nor seen one around for quite a while, and the last model I did check out (Centro) had such limited memory it was essentially pointless as a business / contact managing PDA device in the real world.
I look forward to hearing from the experts! (You!)
I've seen many posts regarding the points, rankings, and placement opportunities here on Active Rain over the years.
Today the question came up about just what the ROI is for 'moving up the list' and gaining points and ground in your local market (city, county, state, etc.).
I'd like to hear from active AR folks out there as to what their tangible and intangible results have been from their blogging, commenting, etc. and the subsequent 'rise' in the points/results that ensued.
For example, if you aren't a 'Featured' member in your market (city, county, state, etc.) - and there is only room for (2) two profiles/people there - who are likely to have a couple JILLION points anyway - what is the benefit points-wise other than the fun of the hunt/chase/etc.?
Thanks for your input - let's all share a few ideas and RESULTS here - there must be something I've missed that I can pass along to this client as advice.
-Tim Mancuso
<PS: Jessica: 'beep-beep' move over here I come...
I just wanted to take a minute to remember all the agents that have 'left the business'.
Add to that all of the mortgage lenders, title reps, inspectors, appraisers, - you name it - that are no longer able to offer us their excellent services and assistance.
It's bittersweet to still be here working productively in the Real Estate - there are many many talented business people that simply can not afford to offer their services given this economy.
I know far too many people that have gone back to previous industries just to support their families, replace income lost by a laid-off spouse or family member, or have simply pulled way back in order to weather the current economic 'storms'.
It may sound odd, but I'm quite serious when I say that I miss my friends and associates from years back. Going through my rolodex (I know, I know, old-school...) and stacks of cards I see the faces and the brands of some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to work with.
In Michigan for example, I personally estimate that as many as 2 out of 5 people in this industry (in my contact / referral lists) are no longer in the business.
That's a MASSIVE shift!
So here is to everyone - us, and them - let's remember that we are truly blessed to be working, and doubly blessed to be working in Real Estate serving the needs, goals, and dreams of our fellow countrymen (and women) every day.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Tim Mancuso (Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation)
;)
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