The GG in her semi-infinite wisdom has given her blessing to suspend Parliament until until January 26th at a time when Canada is entering it's deepest economic crisis in decades. This morning the Prime Minister went cap in hand to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean pleading for a stay of extinction. In all fairness, P.M. Harper put the Governor General between a rock and a hard place.
Harper's plan now is to mount a massive campaign to win the hearts and minds of Canadians that it's his government rather than the Liberal/NDP coalition (with BQ support) that should govern Canada. In actual fact the coalition is not in a financial position to counter the onslaught of the wealthy Tories...and there is some indication there may be a few cracks in the Liberal ranks for usurping power.
All of this couldn't come at a worse time as the stock market takes wild fluctuations and key industries that need cash injections teeter on the edge of oblivion. Tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars are put at risk every day Parliament is not seated.
It strikes me that both sides are playing a dangerous game. At a time when political unity should be the order of the day, the two camps have retreated to their respective bunkers. The action plan on both sides is to call each other names and encourage Canadians to rally to their side. Each claims to be acting in the best interest of Canadians....but to this observer they appear more like children acting in their own selfish interests....while the good of the nation is placed on the back burner.
A great many agents are wondering if it's a good idea or not to hire a coach. I would say the answer is "yes," if you choose the right coach. Many real estate coaches are outstanding. They're highly professional, forward thinking and can give you great individual pointers to help your business. On the other hand some coaches are still living in the dark ages. It helps if you can get a referral, or know who you're dealing with. You'll want to select a coach with an outstanding reputation. Ask for referrences.
Once you have selected a coach, you'll likely be asked a number of questions about your business. It's important to be open and honest to achieve the best results. Many real estate agents lie through their teeth when asked "How's business?" They'll say business has never been better, while at the same time dining on hot dogs and wondering how they'll meet their next mortgage payment. When seeking help, there's no place for false egos...
If business is bad, your coach will need all the gory details so he can turn bad business into good.
Once your coach lays out a plan and provides you with information, the next step is up to you. Too many real estate people believe they are experts in self promotion and business creation. A little like arm chair quarter backs who know the plays better than the professionals.
Listen to your coach and follow your coach's advice to the letter. Don't second guess.....or think for a second you have a better way of doing things.
A good coach will assess your needs on an individual basis and taylor a program explicitly for you. Once you've followed your coach's advice, don't expect miracles to happen overnight. It rarely happens that way. Give your new program time to work and consult with your coach as often as he/she recommends to fine tune your approach.
If there are coaches reading this blog I'd invite you to leave your own comments on how those in the real estate industry can best work with you to achieve maximum results. The aim in this is to help Realtors(R) bring their marketing into the 21st century and compete in a difficult market.
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We've been asked what our final date is to guarantee Christmas delivery of TailGateTags. Well, the date is December 12th. At TailgateTags we haven't yet set an exact date for closing over the Christmas holidays, but if past years are an example it will be from about December 23rd to January 1st. We'll have a better idea of exact dates as we move closer to the time.
It's been a wonderful year around here. Everyone is pleased with the way 2008 went and we're optimistic about 2009.
TailGatetags is the real estate marketing wing of PrimeLinx.com which has about 12,000 affiliates and sub-affiliates worldwide marketing our auto nameplates under many different brand names. We've been around for more than a decade serving the business community. The more you know about us.....the better.
Right now we're busy filling orders which are shipped all over the globe to waiting customers. Each TailGatetag is made by hand to customer text specifications. It's gratifying to receive positive feedback and to know our product is being used by business people worldwide.
We offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Giving TailGateTags is your perfect solution for all your friends and associates this year. Each nameplate can say anything you wish up to 22 letters. When you buy 10 TailGateTags, you'll receive the 11 nameplate free.....with no hassle free delivery right to your door.
You may order securely online, or by phone at 1-888-847-9212. I'll take your order personally.
Email has become part of our everyday lives. It's fast, free and immediate, but email has its disadvantages as well. We all get a daily overdose of spam mail. It's a major headache to a lot of us. Every morning I go through the ritual task of deleting spam email from my inbox. Fortunately is very recognizable and can be cleared quickly without opening.
The amount of spam we receive makes it more important to make your subject line message clear and concise. Allow the email recipient to know what the email is about in as few words as possible and that it is legitimate. For example:
Incorrect: Open House
Correct: 1234 Oak St. Open House
Adding something specific and recognizable will alert the reader that the email is genuine. When including a photo attachment be sure you reduce the photo size. I can't tell you how many times I've received an ultra large photo which is impossible to view, takes forever to upload and eats valuable space in my computer system. Before sending your photo look to see the file size. Keep your file under 100KB.
Answer your email personally. An auto responder is ok if you are out of town, but otherwise send a personal message which includes the recipient's name. When writing an email message make it short, to the point and friendly. Remember you're writing to one person....so make it personal and personable.
READ YOUR EMAIL BEFORE SENDING IT OUT..... Make sure your email makes sense and is clearly understood. Be spcific! Eliminate short forms, smilies and silly attachments. You are business person....avoid: LOL, :-),etc..
Answer your email on time. A personal reply should be sent at your earliest opportunity. Always include your full contact information in your email. Include your telephone number, office address website address and email address. Create a permanent personal signature.
Email has it's place, but nothing beats personal contact. Your aim should be to invite a telephone conversation or set up a face to face meeting. Each email should in some way invite a call to action, even if it's "If I can be of further assistance please don't hesitate to contact me."
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It's heartbreaking when a sale you've worked on so hard fails to go through. Some agents go weeks without a sale and build up great expectations of finally closing a deal. Everything is so close you can taste it....then at the last minute some unforeseen circumstance pulls the rug out from under and the deal collapses.
It not only hurts your pocket book, but also your self esteem. You needed that sale so badly. It may be some comfort knowing there isn't anyone who hasn't felt the same frustration. Thomas Edison made 10,000 tests to create electricity before succeeding.
Here are some ideas that may help you put the event behind you and move on with new determination.
- Don't build up great expectations in your mind. Failed expectations can damage the soul. To put a different twist on a Yogi Berra phrase... It ain't a deal until it's a completed deal.
- Learn from what happened and be aware that events outside your control can re-shape conclusions.
- Put the past behind you and move on. It's like falling off a horse. Your best action is to get right back on and try again.
- Don't rehash memories of the failed sale over in your mind. Have confidence in yourself and prepare for your next customer.
- Be aware of the pitfalls and mitigate them where possible.
Over the years I've had many failures and disappointments. It's part of life. With each let down we learn something about ourselves and our character. Little by little we strengthen our resolve and toughen ourselves to realities beyond our control.
I doubt anyone who has achieved great things has not tasted the bitterness of failure. It's something that touches all of us. Everyone struggles....but those who achieve the greatest rewards are also those who find the courage to press ahead despite set backs.
You have chosen a wonderful career in which you can take great pride. The market is a tough one. Perhaps this is a test of your character to persevere in the face of adversity. That winning spirit is alive in all of us. You will eventually succeed if you just stick with it.
The difference between winners and losers is, winners never give up...even when they lose.
Thanks. Sincerely, David
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Thanks Tony & Darcy for your well wishes for a good afternoon. As mentioned in my last blog I took a few hours off this afternoon to go for a walk and drive along the river to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. Many of us who lead busy lives can appreciate that a break in the middle of the week is sometimes necessary to recharge the batteries and put things in perspective.
It's a busy time of year for us at TailGateTags.....and a busy time for many in the real estate industry as well, so these few hours of escape can be very precious.
I know it's not always easy to get away and spend a few hours by yourself, or in the company of friends in mid-afternoon, but when you do find the time....and the weather is right....a few hours of "away time" can work wonders.
Anyone in business knows the stress "being there" can bring. However, as we serve others we also have an obligation to serve ourselves.
My view is..... when it comes to my family and business..... They come first!! When it comes to time spent in quiet contemplation, or self indulgence.... I (YOU) come first. We all need time for self enjoyment. A few hours spent in the sunshine with your own thoughts is well worth your while when the opportunity presents its self. It's the stuff that puts LIFE back into LIVING..
Be good to yourself......so you can better serve others.
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It's a Glorious day in Detroit. Plenty of sunshine....no snow on the ground...and for the most part the grass is still a vivid green. I rarely take a day off in the middle of the week...but today will be an exception. Occasionally we all need a day just to ourselves to get out and breathe some fresh air.
My immediate plan is to go for a good two mile walk....stop in at a little cafe along the way for coffee and then get my old car out for a spin. This time of year it's generally kept covered up in the garage.....but today it's getting a little exercise as well.
The point of this blog is......if it's a beautiful day.....and you can afford the time.....take a sanity break. We all need this from time to time. It's a little luxury we allow ourselves occasionally to break the routine. Perhaps call a friend to join you, or just spend the afternoon by yourself going through a museum, going for a walk or doing what-ever you choose.
There's more to life than just work.. Some things we just do for ourselves. Why??? Because we're worth it.
Have a great day everyone...
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I received an interesting reply from Patricia Aulson to one my blogs about advertising over-kill. Her reply has provided a good topic.
Variety in blogging is the spice of life. As bloggers we naturally have some message, or scrap of information we wish to impart to our readers. Our writings take many forms. Some messages are slice of life topics we wish to share, helpful information which we can pass along to others, advertising information which we believe will benefit all.... or any number of topics we as bloggers believe we believe will be of interest.
Blogging is like writing a letter to a friend. If you have something to say......say it. Those who choose not to read your blog will pass it by in favor of other blogs.
Often it's a matter of finding new ways to say the same thing. As an example: I write over and over again about creating a written business plan, getting out of the office to form personal relationships, ways to save money on personal expenses and an entire range of other topics. I also write over and over about the benefits of TailGateTags and how they'll make a great holiday gift. I try very hard to make sure all information I write is accurate and relevant.
Information on many topics is presented over and over again because many readers are seeing it for the first time.....also because if you want something remembered and acted upon it requires a constant reminder. The secret is to say the same thing in a different way....perhaps creating a new slant to your message so that it strikes a personal chord with each new reading.
ActiveRain readers write to me asking for advice and information about promotion and marketing which is provided free of charge. It's up to each individual whether they choose to use the advice given or not. This is what information sharing is all about.
Our message about giving TailGateTags for a holiday gift is also getting through. Orders are coming in.. Sure TailGateTags is a business, but it's one that has helped many thousands of people increase their personal recognition and sales. There is no more thoughtful gift than one that's personal and keeps on giving for years.
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This Holiday Season give your agents, customers and associates something that will keep on giving every day for years. Give them their own personalized auto nameplates from TailGateTags.
Your gift is certain to win favor and applause. TailGateTags are unique, personal and very classy. We guarantee quality and satisfaction 100%.
Order as many as you like. When you order 10 TailgateTags nameplates the 11th nameplate is always free...along with free delivery.
TailgateTags are extremely affordable.
SAY ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE UP TO 22 LETTERS PER NAMEPLATE.
David W. Langford
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