'Down Market' Means it's Time to Market!

With the current real estate market crunch many people have pulled back on their marketing spend. Successful businesses however are Increasing their marketing – here’s why:

• Less Competition: The downturn in the economy and marketplace tends to ‘clean up’ the industry, reducing the overall number of service providers and thereby increasing your potential ‘odds’ of gaining business

• Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: As a general rule, only those providing a solid service and/or product will be able to ‘ride out’ the slow-down. Part-time players, ‘Johnny-come-lately’ types, and non-committed businesses will typically flock to other industries…or pull way back on their exposure and marketing…allowing the professionals to ‘shine’ through even more brightly.

• Marketing and Branding Increase: The reductions listed above result in a corresponding reduction in marketing and advertising hitting your core customer. This means that your marketing voice has an increased potential to be heard by your target audience.

• Lower Marketing Costs: The decrease in business marketing hits the segment of marketing service providers fairly hard – for example, as advertising inventories increase, you’ll find that the cost/M more affordable, and many other systems are offering significant discounts and special promotional pricing to bring in (your) marketing business. Basically, it’s a buyer’s market for marketing.

Remember, people haven’t stopped buying, selling, and investing – it’s just a slow down in a cyclical marketplace, a repeating trend which you can make it through. The best strategy to adopt is to determine if you are going to continue through the down turn, and from there recommit to your marketing and capture market share so that when the market turns upward – you are already there and well-positioned for long term success and profitability.

Find your niche, determine your plan and level of commitment to growing your business, cut unnecessary costs, track ROI for all spends, and grow your market share dramatically in this economic downturn.

-Tim Mancuso || www.TimMancuso.com

 

Tim Mancuso is a Trusted Advisor and Consultant focused primarily on the Real Estate Industry. Mr. Mancuso is currently looking for opportunities, contract and full-time engagements while continuing his training and speaking within the Real Estate community. Mr. Mancuso was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service and has over 20 years experience as a Technologist, Trainer, Coach, Recruiter and Speaker.

'Where Market Knowledge, Solid Technology Implementation, and Great Service meet - you will undoubtedly find Success.'        - T. Mancuso

Hello Friends, it's been a bumpy Dec./Jan. in the industry here in Denver, for sure.

What once was LandAmerica, became Lawyers Title Co. and then was acquired by Fidelity - in itself not a bad thing at all, as Fidelity is a top shelf Company that knows how to run Title Operations.

The challenge began just days after the acquisition; Dec. 24th the order came down to reduce the employee force by as much as 30% (here in the Denver Metro market area - I can't speak for the rest of the country on this).

That left a LOT of wonderful and talented people out of work for the Christmas and New Year Holidays - and beyond.

Unfortunately that also concluded my time with the organization. I will sincerely miss my comrades over at LandAmerica / Lawyers Title / Commonwealth Title and sincerely apologize to our clients for any inconveniences to their business caused by this merger/acquisition.

Well, - That's That!!

So, to explain why I haven't been blogging, I've been regrouping, thinking, and prayerfully considering that all important question: 'What Next?'

More to come, I'll keep you all posted as we move forward together through this year of change and challenge - here's to a FABULOUS 2009 Everyone, All Around!

Best to You,

Tim Mancuso

Ph: 303-828-7968

Tim Mancuso is looking for opportunities, contract and full-time engagements while continuing his training and speaking within the Real Estate community. Mr. Mancuso was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service and 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

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!

What do YOU do to stay Motivated?

-Tim Mancuso, Trusted Adviser & Consultant

We Remember!

Veterans' Day * November 11, 2008

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!)

-Tim Mancuso