David's Blog

David's crazy look into the future.... Scarey stuff..

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:29:35 -0600

I've been peering into my Crystal ball again about the economy. This blog is being written to clear things in my own mind as much as to relay opinion.

The health care debate rages on....but there will be some sort of compromise solution which will make nobody happy in the vey near future. Once that hurdle is out of the way Obama will likely turn his attention to solving the unemployment situation. It's something he must get a handle on before mid-term elections next November or lose a lot of Democratic seats to the Republicans.

The unemployment rate is now at a little more than 10%, not counting those who have given up looking for work. Some analysts predict it may top out at 13%.

I believe increased productivity by industry will have an effect on the number of layed-off employees being recalled. The permanent downsizing of many manufacturing industries such as GM will also impact the need for re-hiring workers.

Store owners are eagerly looking forward to the Christmas shopping season hoping to see a turn around in their fortunes. However, the American public is not in a buying mood. They're banking cash and paying down debt.

This is good news....and it's bad news. It's good news that Americans are being more financially responsible, but bad news that personal financial responsibility (not spending) is dampening the engine of private enterprise.....which is needed to get the economy moving again. Look for a lot of store closings early in the New Year, putting more people out of work.

I'm expecting a tax hike for the rich will go into effect sometime next year, but tax increases for the rich won't reduce the deficit alone. I believe "Joe average" will also see an increases in taxes shortly after that. Federal, state and city governments will likely cut services and jobs as they try to stay afloat. Look for school closings, fee increases and more user pay services.

As the dollar declines in value, foreign debt holders (like China) may pressure the FED to raise interest rates. When that happens the dollar will likely rise in value which will dampen exports, make imports less expensive and lead to inflation.

As interest rates rise this will have an impact on home sales and the real estate crisis in many parts of the country could remain in place for years to come. Commercial real estate will likely take a big hit.

The US economy may have grown by 3%, but I don't see this as sustainable as the increase was propped up by government make work programs, Once the incentives are gone, we'll see another dip in the economy.

I predict that just about the time a degree of stability is returning to the land (and the world) oil prices will take a great jump and the price of oil will continue to rise fuelled by increased demand in places like China, India and Brazil.

In years to come I believe China will take over as the world's economic superpower, although incomes there will lag far behind those in the US for decades.

Trillions of dollars in US debt will weigh heavily on the backs of your children and their children. The baby boom generation is headed for retirement within the next decade and are living longer lives than ever before. Baby boomers make up the largest age demographic in America. They will no longer be in the work force. Their spending will be less, their tax payments will be less and their demands on the health care system, pensions etc. etc. will need to be underwritten by "Generation X" of which there are far fewer than baby boomers. It will be a case of the few supporting the many, while paying off a huge debt load at the same time. US manufacturing ans services will face greater competition from emerging nations. The imbalance in working age Americans may lead to more immigration of younger age people.

And the beat goes on....and on...and on.

But.......then again, what do I know!!? :-)

Thanks. Sincerely, David

A new friend with every sale...

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:06:50 -0600

We're always promoting TailgateTags. The promotion never ends. By now everybody knows what they are...but most of my blog readers figure..... "AW!!!! WHO NEEDS 'EM!! MY BUSINESS ISN'T THAT GREAT, BUT I'LL BE DARNED IF I'LL PLACE A NAMEPLATE ON THE BACK OF MY BEAUTIFUL CAR!!!!"

Some time ago I received an email from someone who said much the same thing to me. I wrote back to him with a nice thank you note and wished him well. A few months later he wrote to me again saying he wished he had ordered TailGateTags. His beautiful car has just been repossessed.

TailGateTags may be a simple product.....BUT, THEY DO WHAT WE PROMISE.

Our customers are Real Estate people just like you. They're our most ardent promoters.

Realtor Holly Alturk told us.... "I use TailGateTags on the back of my BMW which looks A LOT more professional than a magnetic sign. It is a great marketing tool especially when I am at a stop light so the person behind me looks at the back of my car and sees my information. Even if I don't get a call right away my name is remembered. Thank you David."

Realtor Haley Hwang wrote.. "I love my TailGateTags. They're subtle and tasteful, yet clearly advertise my name and my Web site. I would recommend them to all of my fellow agents, and I have!"

Realtor Charlotte Howard.. "I've used your auto plates for about 3 months and have noticed an increase in business growth. It's well worth the small investment. If people don't invest in your TailgateTags they are certainly missing out on business growth at an unbeatable rate. Thanks so much for the professional look and improved business. I will be ordering more of these for my other vehicles."

We've received dozens of emails just like this. Our customer satisfaction rate is virtually 100% and our service is superb.

Isn't it time you started getting the benefit of Tailgatetags?

Click on the blue. www.TailGateTags.com Order securely online.

TailGateTags are Tax Deductible. Save your receipt.

Kathy Toth is pleased as punch with her TailGateTags. She sent us this photo.

IF IT'S BROKEN, FIX IT WITH A SIMPLE SOLUTION !!!

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:19:28 -0600

A few minutes ago I wrote a blog about finding simple solutions to complex problems. Example: saving lives in highway accidents.. Answer: Seat Belts. Getting a fresh grease stain out of a good shit sleeve. Answer: Cheese Whiz. Stopping chimney cinders from setting the house next door on fire. Answer: A screen or baffle over the chimney top.

These are all simple low tech, low cost methods of resolving serious problems. Uncomplicated, low tech, inexpensive solutions are right in front of you if you only do a little thinking and research.

Branding your name and driving business to you door every day can be accomplished without complicated high tech solutions. TailGateTags are a perfect example of non-invasive marketing.

Where on the planet can you get your name, or website URL, or company name, or business telephone number seen by thousands of people every day for years for only $39.95? TailGateTags always look classy. Many of our customers say they look like they were installed right at the factory. They show your good taste, unlike bulky magnetic signs.

Here's what Realtor Charlotte Howard had to say about her TailGateTags.

"I've used your auto plates for about 3 months and have noticed an increase in business growth. It's well worth the small investment. If people don't invest in your TailgateTags they are certainly missing out on business growth at an unbeatable rate. Thanks so much for the professional look and improved business. I will be ordering more of these for my other vehicles."

Did you know that TailgateTags are TAX DEDUCTIBLE? KEEP YOUR EMAILED RECEIPT AND SUBMIT IT AT TAX TIME.

Here's the website... Click on the blue. www.TailGateTags.com Order securely online.

Your TGT's will be shipped to your door.

SIMPLE ANSWERS TO DIFFICULT PROBLEMS..

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:48:21 -0600

It amazes me why people sometimes search for complicated answers to problems. There is a simple answer to just about every problem if we only use our noodles.

Here are a few examples to major problems that were overcome with simple solutions.

How to save lives and reduce injuries in auto accidents! An extremely major problem some years ago. How to resolve it???? A common, ordinary SEAT BELT!! How simple is that. It's cut road accident deaths and injury dramatically.

Problem: Flying cinders from a wood burning fireplace chimney setting neighboring buildings on fire. The answer!! A screen or baffle over the chimney top.

Problem: Traffic calming. The answer speed bumps or winding roadway.

These are only a very few of the simple solutions to major concerns. They're ultra low cost, uncomplicated, definitely low tech ideas which work.

Most difficult problems have simple solutions.

The other day I accidentally got some grease on the sleeve of a favorite shirt. Not knowing how to remove it I checked the internet. Someone suggested slathering Cheese Whiz generously over the fresh stain and tossing it into the washer....then letting the shirt air dry, rather than putting it into the dryer. It took two washings, but the stain is gone. The shirt has been saved. AMAZING!!

Easy answers to difficult questions are out there if you only think simple...and do a little research. There is no problem that you're encountering that hasn't been encountered by someone else at one time or another. The internet is a good place to search for answers.

THINK SIMPLE..

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

Active Rain blogs here and gone... Too big a turn over.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:24:38 -0600

To this humble scribe it appears as though we bloggers are a victim of Active Rain's success.

Anyone who's written a blog lately will know that it will last only a matter of a few short minutes on the main blog page, before disappearing into the nether regions of blogdom..

A blog is barely posted before it's #4 on the list of blogs.....and not long after that it's gone forever into pages hidden from immediate sight.

I'm not blaming ActiveRain for their success.....and I'm not blaming other bloggers....In fact I'm not casting any blame at all to anyone. What I am doing is stating an obvious fact that blogs which require serious though and take some considerable time to write are here......and then gone in a flash. The result is reduced readership....which is a key purpose of blog writing.

In actual fact I write blogs on other websites besides Active Rain. These sites are not nearly as busy, but the number of readers to my blog is substantially higher because of slower blog turn over.

Has anyone else noticed what I've noticed about Active Rain? If so, let me hear from you.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

BUSINESS GOES TO THOSE WHO ASK FOR IT AND ARE VISIBLE.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:41:58 -0600

There are many tools for real estate marketing... a website, business cards, a lawn sign with your name on it, but nothing gives you the kind of marketing and branding exposure the way TailGateTags does. I mean NOTHING.. And TailgateTags are tax deductible, which is kinda nice when tax time rolls around.

Where on the planet can you get your name, or website URL, or company name, or business telephone number seen by up to thousands of people every day for years for only $39.95?

TailGateTags always look classy . Many of our customers say they look like they were installed right at the factory. They show your good taste, unlike bulky magnetic signs.

Here's what Mike Purcell of www.High-ImpactTraining.com had to say about his TailGateTags.

"I ordered my first TailGateTag about a year ago and I love it! I get comments on it constantly, and it is awesome to know that, as I travel all over the U.S., there are thousands of folks seeing my weblink information every day. This is great advertising at an unbelievable price!"

The hardest task we have is getting Realtors to order their first TailGateTags. Once they order they can't say enough about how well TailGateTags perform for them. Initial orders are usually followed by more orders for the entire team.

I remember buying my mom her first microwave oven back in the '70's.. She neither wanted a microwave, nor understood how it would be of benefit. My mom was a stubborn woman....but within a week she couldn't operate her kitchen without the aid of this new appliance. She loved it!!! It's like that with TailGateTags.

Realtors have no idea how good TailGateTags are until they actually start using them. Suddenly even the most adrent skeptics are sending us testimonials as Mike Purcell did. Mike has ordered again and again. Why??? Because they bring him business.

Now..... If we can only get you over the first hurdle to try TailGateTags I'm sure I'll be hearing positive things from you as well. Here's the website...

Click on the blue. www.TailGateTags.com Order securely online.

Your TGT's will be shipped to your door.

YOUR FOOTPRINTS FOLLOW YOU WHERE-EVER YOU GO.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:43:26 -0600

What does leaving a footprint mean? I suppose it means different things to different people. The most obvious is the muddy trail of boot tracks across a newly washed kitchen floor. Or an imprint in soft ground left behind by hikers along a wooded path. There are other kinds of footprints as well.

The one I'd like to address is the footprint you leave behind when a sale is completed....or a long career is at an end. In this case a footprint is the stamp you have left on your work, satisfaction in your accomplishments and the indelible mark you've ingrained on others. We all want success and to be held in high regard by our peers. We all want to leave some memorable legacy behind that defines who we are and what we've accomplished.

Here's a clue on how to achieve a well textured, positive footprint. Think of your successful upcoming home showing or career retirement as though it's already happened.

Think as though you have achieved all of your life's dreams and everything you ever wanted has come to pass. Place yourself in that mental state and remain locked into that position.....then work backwards step by step formulating your plans to make that vision come true.

The concept is not a new one. It's tried and it's true.

Instead of working your life out in a forward direction, start from a successful culmination and apply the steps in reverse order that took you there. It's a little like retracing your steps to find a lost set of keys.

Get into the habit of writing ideas down. When you write something down, it not only stays in your mind longer....it's always there to refer to. This creates a permanent blueprint for your journey from where you want to be.....to where you are now.

For good or bad, we all leave footprints behind us. The kind of image we leave behind is largely up to us. It has little to do with luck and everything to do with focus.

Dreams can and do come true when we orchestrate our lives with care. Knowing what we want out of life and how we wish to be perceived by others is much easier to achieve when an end vision is clear in our minds.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

Leaving a footprint on our lives...

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:40:04 -0600

There are other kinds of footprints as well. The one I'd like to address is the footprint you leave behind when a sale is completed....or a long career is at an end. In this case a footprint is the stamp you have left on your work, satisfaction in your accomplishments and the indelible mark you've ingrained on others.

We all want success and to be held in high regard by our peers. We all want to leave some memorable legacy behind that defines who we are and what we've accomplished.

Here's a clue on how to achieve a well textured, positive footprint. Think of your successful upcoming home showing or career retirement as though it's already happened. Think as though you have achieved all of your life's dreams and everything you ever wanted has come to pass. Place yourself in that mental state and remain locked into that position.....then work backwards step by step formulating your plans to make that vision come true.

The concept is not a new one. Instead of working your life out in a forward direction, start from a successful culmination and apply the steps in reverse order that took you there. It's a little like retracing your steps to find a lost set of keys.

For good or bad, we all leave footprints behind us. The kind of image we leave behind is largely up to us. It has little to do with luck and everything to do with focus.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

My mind's made up... Don't confuse me with facts and logic!

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:17:12 -0600

Where on the planet can you get your name, or website URL, or company name, or business telephone number seen by up to thousands of people every day for years for only $39.95? TailGateTags always look classy. Many of our customers say they look like they were installed right at the factory. They show your good taste, unlike bulky magnetic signs.

Here's what Mike Purcell of www.High-ImpactTraining.com had to say about his TailGateTags.

Now..... If we can only get you over the first hurdle to try TailGateTags I'm sure I'll be hearing positive things from you as well.

Here's the website... Click on the blue. www.TailGateTags.com Order securely online.

Your TGT's will be shipped to your door.

Real estate marketing tools

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:52:27 -0600

There are many tools for real estate marketing... a website, business cards, a lawn sign with your name on it, but nothing gives you the kind of marketing and branding exposure the way TailGateTags does. I mean NOTHING.. And TailgateTags are tax deductible, which is kinda nice when tax time rolls around.

Where on the planet can you get your name, or website URL, or company name, or business telephone number seen by up to thousands of people every day for years for only $39.95?

TailGateTags always look classy. Many of our customers say they look like they were installed right at the factory. They show your good taste, unlike bulky magnetic signs.

Here's what Mike Purcell of www.High-ImpactTraining.com had to say about his TailGateTags.

The hardest task we have at TailGateTags is getting Realtors to order their first TailGateTags. Once they order they can't say enough about how well TailGateTags perform for them. Initial orders are usually followed by more orders for the entire team.

It's like that with TailGateTags. Realtors have no idea how good TailGateTags are until they actually start using them. Suddenly the lights go on and they send us testimonials like Mike Purcell did. Mike has ordered again and again. Why??? Because they bring him business.

Now..... If we can only get you over the first hurdle to try TailGateTags I'm sure I'll be hearing positive things from you as well.

Here's the website... Click on the blue. www.TailGateTags.com

Order securely online. Your TGT's will be shipped to your door.

Website promotion 101...

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:29:25 -0600

Statistics show that 85% of home buyers make the internet their first stop. Clearly, your website is the most important tool in your arsenal. But do you know how many visitors are actually going to your website? Probably a lot LESS than you imagine.

Putting a free counter on your website will let you know where you stand. Do you have a counter on your website???? Do you even have a remote clue how many visit your site every week?

Chances are you don't.

Counters are available free on the internet. Search for "Free Hit Counter" in Google. Know where you stand.

Getting a search engine placement in the top 20 is tough....if not almost impossible these days. It's the top 20 that most buyers check first.

You may have a website....but if nobody visits it how valuable is it?

Here's how to get your website noticed. TailGateTags.!

Put them on your car and forget about them. More people will see your website URL on a 20 minute drive to the supermarket than a week of searching through Google or Yahoo. The more people who see your URL the more website visitors you'll have. The more website visitors you have, the more opportunity for sales.

It's pretty simple math.

Or.... Put a couple of TailGateTags on your car that say something like:

- Ask Me About Real Estate

- Call 555-234-4321 (business phone number)

What this does is take your message every second you're driving directly to the people.

TailGateTags are not a tacky magnetic sign that you slap on the side of your pride and joy car, but a tasteful custom made name plate in chrome or gold finish that's acceptable even at weddings and funerals.

Those who own them, swear by them and are seeing results.

Here's the website. Have a look. www.TailGateTags.com

Order securely online.

Sell Real Estate while you just drive..

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:29:12 -0600

How is that possible??? How can anyone sell Real Estate while driving? Well, it is being done. I can give you a long list of agents just like you who have sold a home while on their way to the supermarket....or the golf course. One agent I know earned over $50,000 in extra commissions selling homes while driving as she does every day. Those extra dollars would never have come her way without TailGateTags. Just ask Debbie how she likes her TailGatetags. You'll learn why she's smiling.

Your message on the back of your car can do wonders for your bottom line.

Here's why this is so effective. The motorist behind you in traffic sees your message, your car and you all at the same time. They form an instant evaluation in their minds based upon the information they have available. If they like what they see, the info on your car will tell them how to make contact with you.

TailGateTags makes introductions everyday between agents and buyers. We'd like to do it for you.

TailGateTags are extremely tasteful in appearance, which only adds to your image. If they're in the market to buy or sell......the odds are in your favor they'll contact you.. You may never know that TailGateTags were the introduction behind their call....but that's OK by us, as long as the sale comes to you.

Isn't it about time to take your message where the people are? At $39.95 per TailGateTag home buyers will never pass you by again without knowing you're there to help.

Here's the website: www.TailGateTags.com Just click to view.

You may order securely online.

Only in Swansea...

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:42:34 -0600

23 year old Matthew Maynard is on the run from the cops in Swansea, Wales. He's wanted for a house burglary. Swansea doesn't get that many break ins and so Maynard became front page news in the local newspaper, complete with wanted photo and all.

Maynard happened to spot his mug shot on the front page of the paper and was outraged by the way it looked....so he did what any self respecting burglar might do....he sent them a better photo of himself standing in front of a police van.

Everyone agreed the photo was much clearer and more accurately depicted what he looks like than the one provided by police.

The South Wales Evening Post obligingly printed the new photo on the front page and police thanked Maynard for helping them in their appeal, saying: "Everyone in Swansea will know what he looks like now."

SUCH A CIVILIZED WAY OF TRACKING DOWN CRIMINALS.....DON'T YOU THINK. I doubt this would ever happen in Detroit.....but then again routine home burglaries almost never make the newspapers here.

Just goes to prove........advertising does pay.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

Mickey Mouse... A walk on the dark side?

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:57:21 -0600

Those of you who read my blogs regularly are frequently reminded of the need for change. You'll recall all those tips about changing I gave you, which were instantly forgotten. You'll recall me discussing shuffling the same five cards and expecting a different hand..

Here's something that should help in sending a wake up call about the need for radical change and fresh thinking.

For 81 years Disney's Mickey Mouse has been a national icon of a happy-go-lucky little mouse that that brings a cheerful smile to the faces of youngsters everywhere. Well..... all that's about to change. Disney is about to give Mickey a major overhaul to reveal a darker more sinister side of the cute and cuddly rodent.

Here are before and after photos of the pint sized varmant with an explanation of why mickey is changing faces to meet the new paradygm of today.

Disney's Mickey Mouse had apparently become more of a corporate symbol than an actual character....hence the 180 degree pivot. The change is also designed to position Mickey more in line with today's youth market. If you've seen the wild video games your kids are manipulating these days you'll know what's in demand at the video games stores. Disney wants to cash in on what's in vogue today....and cute and cuddly in the video game world is not part of it.

From what I've read Mickey will have a new way of walking and a new way of talking.

This is late 2009... The world has moved on from the quieter, gentler America we knew only 4 years ago..

Disney is a business..... It's a big business.... If the income motivated execs Disney see the need to change the way they market their main character, can you at long last see a need for the way you market yourself?

The world is changing while most real estate agents are remaining stagnant.....and they wonder why they're not achieving results.

Becoming sinister like Mickey is not what I'm suggesting.....but what I am suggesting is to scrap any pre-conceived notions you may have about selling and create new marketing methods for yourself. Re-invent the way you do business.

This means taking a chance on new ideas that are well thought out.

If you're not meeting your bottom line, go back over my old blogs on marketing and start changing the way you do business.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

(The new Mickey Mouse video comes out next year.)

"SURPRISE!!!!!! YOUR FIRED!!! JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:10:22 -0600

IT'S TRAGIC BEYOND WORDS....BUT A WAY OF LIFE THESE DAYS.

The latest jobless statistics are bad....and they're going to get a lot worse. If the official estimate is over 10% UNEMPLOYMENT....you can probably at least double that for an accurate picture. Everyone knows someone who's on the skids.

Don't think for a moment that you're immune. The unemployment and financial pain is not over yet.

Everyone has...or should have a game plan for success....but how many have a game plan should worse come to worst. Each year there are hundreds of thousands of bankruptcies, job losses and people chucked onto the street.. This leadS to family break-up, depression and a general feeling of "WHAT DO I DO NOW??"

BAD THINGS DO HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE!

Very few of us ever plan for failure. What happens if you lose your job, your home or any other deep and important loss? What happens if you become ill or injued in an accident and can't work?

Often we're caught by surprise. These days events happen quickly. What happens when the company you're working for suddenly announces bankruptcy, or transfer out of your city, or unexpected layoffs?

Believe me...it's happening more and more these days....and the result is devastation for entire families. Just as you plan for success, you should also prepare to fail with a sound written back-up plan. The best hedge against job loss is demonstrating your value to the company every day....but even great employees often find themselves out of work.

Preparation for failure requires some real mind work. What are your options? What can you do to mitigate circumstances? Where will the money come from to pay bills and put food on the table? Now is as good a time as any to start thinking of these things with a good solid action plan.

Here are a few suggestions.

- Start socking a little money away every week in an emergency fund which you do not touch for any reason.

- Always keep your fridge, freezer and pantry well stocked with food. Store food that has a long shelf life.

- Investigate a home business that will bring you a moderate income while you search for full time gainful employment.

- Keep your resume up to date.

- Make connections now with people who may be able to help in case of job loss. Look for ongoing opportunities that fit, or closely resemble your skills set.

- Discuss failure with your family and have an "all for one/one for all" meeting of the minds in case worse comes to worst.

- READ, READ, READ..... Find out what others are doing in similar situations and have your new interim career ready to go in a moment's notice.

- Raise the subject and brainstorm with others who may also have similar concerns.

The old adage "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst" was never more true than it is today. What is your back-up plan in case of failure? Prepare today...none of us knows what's just around the corner.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.tailgatetags.com

HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN IN CASE OF JOB LOSS.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:24:56 -0600

Everyone has...or should have a game plan for success....but how many have a game plan should worse come to worst.

Each year there are hundreds of thousands of bankruptcies. These lead to family break-up, depression and a general feeling of "WHAT DO I DO NOW??"

Very few of us ever plan for failure. What happens if you lose your job, your home or any other deep and important loss? Often we're caught by surprise. These days events happen quickly. What happens when the company you're working for suddenly announces bankruptcy, or transfer out of your city, or unexpected layoffs?

Believe me...it's happening more and more these days....and the result is devistation for entire families.

Just as you plan for success, you should also prepare to fail with a sound written back-up plan.

The best hedge against job loss is demonstrating your value to the company every day....but even great employees often find themselves out of work.

Preparation for failure requires some real mind work. What are your options? What can you do to mitigate circumstances? Where will the money come from to pay bills and put food on the table?

Now is as good a time as any to start thinking of these things with a good solid action plan.

Here are a few suggestions.

- Start socking a little money away every week in an emergency fund which you do not touch for any reason.

- Always keep your fridge, freezer and pantry well stocked with food. Store food that has a long shelf life.

- Investigate a home business that will bring you a moderate income while you search for full time gainful employment.

- Keep your resume up to date.

- Make connections now with people who may be able to help in case of job loss. Look for ongoing opportunities that fit, or closely resemble your skills set.

- Discuss failure with your family and have an "all for one/one for all" meeting of the minds in case worse comes to worse.

- READ, READ, READ..... Find out what others are doing in similar situations and have your new interim career ready to go in a moment's notice.

- Raise the subject and brainstorm with others who may also have similar concerns.

The old adage "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst" was never more true than it is today.

What is your back-up plan in case of failure? Prepare today...none of us knows what's just around the corner.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

Be sure to subscribe to my blog.

E-M-O-T-I-O-N-S

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:37:33 -0600

EMOTIONS play an enormous part in buying habits. I would estimate that 90% of customers use emotion as their main motivation to purchase...or not to purchase. It's like that in real estate....and it's like that in marketing just about anything.

We can explain in infinate detail how good a home, property or product is, but if we don't capture "emotion," no amount of information will induce a customer to buy.

Price is not always the determining factor in making sales.

Have you ever noticed the long lines of people who camp out all night in front of computer stores to get their hands on the latest version of some new high tech and OVER-PRICED gizmo. Or all night campers outside a box office to pay hundreds of dollars for a sports...or music concert ticket. Or have you ever been to an auction sale where bidders get carried away on acquiring an item.

The reason for this behavior can be spelled out in one word... E-M-O-T-I-O-N!! Right...or wrong has very little to do with anyone's personal buying experience. What's key is what they want...at the time they want it. If they have their hearts set on chocolate ice cream, no amount of inducement will persuade them to accept vanilla EVEN AT A LOWER PRICE.

When you discover the secret of understanding emotions, you will have discovered the secret to sales success. Meeting the individual emotional demands of customers can sometimes be challenging. It's a matter of seeing the world through their eyes.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

(Share and subscribe to this blog.)

Hold onto your hat.. It ain't over yet by a long shot.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:02:39 -0600

Just when you thought you couldn't stand any more happiness.....along comes David to tear it all down. I apologize in advance for this blog....but it has to be said.

I'm a little disappointed..... Not so much at government, (they're doing what they believe best to mitigate a bad situation) but at the mandarins of greed and stupidity that put us into this economic mess....not only here at home, but in all of the developed world. I'm also dismayed at average non-thinking consumers who are now paying the price for living too high on the hog and naively believing the gravy train would never end.

The result is an ever widening gap between rich and poor. The ultra-rich get richer...the medium rich do a little belt tightening and the middle class and poor have seen their world turned inside out.

Contrary to what the economic poo-bahs tell us the recession is not over....or close to being over. When economic stimulus funds run out we'll again see another drop in the stock market...and more people will be tossed out of work. The unemployment rate stands at 9.7% (not counting those who have given up searching for jobs) and will top 10% in the not too distant future.

"Median income fell last year from $52,163 to $50,303, wiping out a decade's worth of gains to hit the lowest level since 1997."

The lower dollar value may make US exports a better buy, but will harm US international credibility, boost the price of oil imports and reduce foreign investments in US treasury debt etc. etc.. Health Care is the number one cash gobbler, that must be addressed quickly, but no one can agree on a workable plan.....and then there are all those trillions of dollars of debt that must be serviced.

The world demand for oil will increase 50% by 2025 and the price will skyrocket as "peak oil" has pretty much already been reached.

Average citizens will continue to save rather than spend, which is both good and bad. They will reduce their overall personal debt load, but businesses will suffer as consumers pay debt rather than spend. Jobs will be lost as a result.

Large inventories will keep real estate prices low (in many areas) and uncertainty will continue to impact sales.

Tax increases will certainly come at some point within the next year or two, despite what government tells us. Foreign creditor pressure may force the Fed to boost its interest rate. Free money to the banks can't go on forever.

I can't personally see a glimmer of light on the horizon for at least another 3 -5 years.....and even then we'll not return to the glory days of mid-'05. Some say we'll never pay off all those trillions of debt.

Meanwhile, life in China & India is getting better all the time. In the next 25 years or so China will become the world's economic leader. This year the Chinese economy to grow a whopping 8.9% in the third quarter, up from 7.9% in the second quarter....and Chinese consumers spent more than 11% more than they did last year.

We live in interesting times.....and still many Realtors carry on business as if it were 2005. When will they ever learn?

That's the way I see it....and I'm stickin' to it.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

READ THIS BLOG NOW, BEFORE IT'S GONE FOREVER.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:49 -0600

TWO THOUGHTS I'D LIKE TO GET ACROSS.. THE SECOND IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE FIRST.

I've been stuck indoors the past couple of days working like mad on a new marketing campaign aimed at website developers. It's taken a lot of time, thought and energy...but it's all coming together nicely. Last night as I was just drifting off an idea popped to mind and so I headed off to the kitchen for a late night bowl of corn flakes and glass of orange juice to write it down so it would not be lost today.

Ideas are like that. They can happen at the most unlikely times. Like most businesses TailgateTags operates on ideas and fresh thinking. We always work from the end result backwards to achieve the greatest success for our customers......and we try to put ourselves in the customers' shoes and work from their point of view.

EMOTIONS play an enormous part in sales. I would estimate that 90% of customers use emotion as their main motivation to purchase...or not to purchase. It's like that in real estate....and it's like that in marketing TailGateTags. We can explain in infinate detail how good our product is and the benefits it delivers, but if we don't capture "emotion," no amount of information will induce a customer to order. Price is not always the determining factor in making sales. We could market our TailGateTags at $59.95 ea. just as easily at $39.95 ea.. Those who want them would happily pay the higher price. (Not to worry. We're not planning to raise prices.)

Have you ever noticed the long lines of people who camp out all night in front of computer stores to get their hands on the latest version of some new high tech and OVER-PRICED gizmo. Or all night campers outside a box office to pay hundreds of dollars for a sports...or music concert ticket.

The reason for this behavior can be spelled out in one word... E-M-O-T-I-O-N!!

Right...or wrong has very little to do with anyone's personal buying experience. What's key is what they want...at the time they want it. If they have their hearts set on chocolate ice cream, no amount of inducement will persuade them to accept vanilla EVEN AT A LOWER PRICE.

When you discover the secret of understanding emotions, you will have discovered the secret to sales success.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

(Share this blog.)

Why do people buy what they buy? A GOOD BLOG TO READ AND REMEMBER.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:59:57 -0600

Ideas are like that. They can happen at the most unlikely times.

Like most businesses TailgateTags operates on ideas and fresh thinking. We always work from the end result backwards to achieve the greatest success for our customers......and we try to put ourselves in the customers' shoes and work from their point of view.

EMOTIONS play an enormous part in sales. I would estimate that 90% of customers use emotion as their main motivation to purchase...or not to purchase.

It's like that in real estate....and it's like that in marketing TailGateTags. We can explain in infinate detail how good our product is and the benefits it delivers, but if we don't capture "emotion," no amount of information will induce a customer to order.

Price is not always the determining factor in making sales. We could market our TailGateTags at $59.95 ea. just as easily at $39.95 ea.. Those who want them would happily pay the higher price. (Not to worry. We're not planning to raise prices.)

The reason for this behavior can be spelled out in one word... E-M-O-T-I-O-N!!

Right...or wrong has very little to do with anyone's personal buying experience. What's key is what they want...at the time they want it. If they have their hearts set on chocolate ice cream, no amount of inducement will persuade them to accept vanilla EVEN AT A LOWER PRICE.

When you discover the secret of understanding emotions, you will have discovered the secret to sales success.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

(Share this blog.)

Time for a new driving test??

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:17:29 -0600

Here's a task you need to perform for yourself. No need to worry, there's no heavy lifting involved and very little eye strain is required.

The day is nearly done and you'll be on your way home soon.. Have a look in your rear view mirror occasionally to see how often there's a car directly behind you. Also, take notice of how many cars pass you.

You know that each car carries 1 to 4 people. Well my friend, that how many people will see your message and contacty information while you just drive. They'll see it every second you're behind the wheel and pedestrians will see it when your parked.

I'm talking about TailGateTags. Yep...you've heard of them and you've read the glowing testimonials of those who use them....but so far you haven't ordered yours.

Is it possible a lot of Realtors know something you don't know??

If you're serious about business.....If you want more recognition...more sales...more of everything, it's time to get TailGateTags on your side. They work!!

Let me repeat that so there's no misunderstanding....TailGateTags WORK!

The most difficult task is convincing people to use them..... The initial reaction is.. "NOPE!!! NOT FOR ME!!!" But then one day they decide to give TailGateTags a try and suddenly the lights come on and the response it "THIS IS THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!"

It's something we can't quite figure out. Did you know that more Swedish website developers buy our nameplates than American Real Estate agents.....and yet it's real estate agents that TailGateTags were developed for. And it's real estate agents who derive the most benefit. Very strange indeed.

Here's the website.

www.tailgatetags.com

Go ahead.....be a devil. Have a look and order today.

A Sad Reality.... Nobody's seeing your website in large enough numbers to matter.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:44:52 -0600

Everyone knows at least 85% of home buyers make the internet their first stop when searching for real estate. If you didn't know it..... You know it now. It's true. Practically everyone has internet access these days and your website is probably the single most important asset you have in your arsenal for sales.

Here are my suggestions... Make sure your website is your own....and not an extension of your company's website. This means getting your own personal domain registration and unique URL.

Now...Lets get into the nuts and bolts of why BRANDING is key to your success. This is one of those cases where I'll ask you to believe everything I suggest on BLIND FAITH ALONE. I won't mislead you.

Your personal name is a BRAND. Mary Smith....John Doe.....and Your Name are all brand names. Treat them as such. Elvis is a brand name. Madonna is a brand name. Ronald McDonald is a BRAND name. You get the idea.

When the home buying public thinks of real estate....they should think of your name as a synonym for real estate. That's the idea of branding. As as an example, when you think of any celebrity's name you automatically associate that name with what they do. You need to become a celebrity in your own community known for what you do. That's where branding comes into play. Are you with me so far??

Most home buyers access local real estate websites by using a search engine. Nearly all enter the city name and the words "Real Estate." Example: "Denver Real Estate" This brings up an entire list of real estate agencies and real estate search directories. The chances are more than good your website will not be among the top 20. If you're not in the top 20, it's unlikely searchers will find you.

However, if you type your first and last name into the search engine along with the words "Real Estate".... BAM!!! THERE YOU ARE, RIGHT ON TOP. Give it a try.

Here's where this is leading. Your name is a brand. Make your name known within your city as a commonly recognized synonym for real estate and you'll receive more website visitors and more business because of it.

This is only one reason why BRANDING is so vital for success. There are many others.

Here's where I ask you follow through on blind faith again. Nothing, but nothing, but nothing anywhere BRANDS your name like TailGateTags. Depending on your city size and amount driven, your name, website URL and contact info is seen by thousands of individual people every day for years.... That's because there's always a car right behind, or beside you in traffic.

Subscribe to my blog and follow this series. I'll have more info you'll need to know in following blogs.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.TailGateTags.com

How to sell more real estate in one easy lesson.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:50:29 -0600

Here are my suggestions... Make sure your website is your own....and not an extension of your company's website. This means getting your own personal domain registration and unique URL.

Now...Lets get into the nuts and bolts of why BRANDING is key to your success. This is one of those cases where I'll ask you to believe everything I suggest on BLIND FAITH ALONE. I won't mislead you.

When the home buying public thinks of real estate....they should think of your name as a synonym for real estate. That's the idea of branding. As as an example, when you think of any celebrity's name you automatically associate that name with what they do. You need to become a celebrity in your own community known for what you do. That's where branding comes into play.

Are you with me so far??

Most home buyers access local real estate websites by using a search engine. Nearly all enter the city name and the words "Real Estate." Example: "Denver Real Estate"

This brings up an entire list of real estate agencies and real estate search directories. The chances are more than good your website will not be among the top 20. If you're not in the top 20, it's unlikely searchers will find you.

However, if you type your first and last name into the search engine along with the words "Real Estate".... BAM!!! THERE YOU ARE, RIGHT ON TOP. Give it a try.

This is only one reason why BRANDING is so vital for success. There are many others.

Subscribe to my blog and follow this series. I'll have more info you'll need to know in following blogs.

Thanks. Sincerely, David

www.TailGateTags.com

Your Best Friend Won't Tell You... But I will!!!

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:22:07 -0600

It's said that 80% of sales are made by 20% of agents. These days it's likely that 80% of sales are made by 10% of agents. Would anyone disagree?

And yet........those 90% who are not fully reaching their goals still haven't learned the basic fundamentals of how to be successful in business. Further, they see nothing wrong with the way they're operating now and adamantly refuse to change.

In short....they think they know better, even though every signal tells them they're not living up to expectations. Regular readers of my blogs have been given a clear blueprint for success, however most either don't believe or lack the ambition to put change in place.

The info given to readers of my blogs is tried and true......and recommended by every business expert in America........but still they refuse to change. How does one say "S-T-U-P-I-D" without hurting feelings.

I doubt there is one real estate agent or mortgage broker in 10 with a comprehensive written business plan.

I doubt there is one in 500 real estate agents or mortgage brokers with a well thought out written "vision" for themselves and their future.

Of course not.....they don't believe it's necessary. Believe me... It is necessary.

Hands up....... How many actually sat down quietly last night with pen and paper and planned out their day for today?

How many actually read something yesterday that will help improve their business today?

I suggested niche marketing......as do a great many real estate mentors and experts. How many took the time to investigate a viable niche market of their own?

What did you do yesterday to actually BRAND your name into the public's mind? Does everybody in town know your name and associate it directly with real estate?

Have you joined any new clubs lately or been out in the public where you're seen and are meeting large groups of people?

Have you built partnerships or formed relationships with fellow Realtors?

Are you working to create friendships with movers and shakers in your city?

Do you write regular real estate columns in every community newspaper in town?

Is your name known by the media as a real estate or mortgage contact source?

Have you associated your name with a famous person in your community, well known charity, cause or event?

If the answer to all these, or any one of these questions is NO.....then it's no wonder you're not meeting your objectives.

It's not a case of doing one of these suggestions....It's a case of doing ALL of these suggestions and a whole lot more!!

Selling real estate....or anything requires drive, focus and ambition. It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. START TODAY!!

READ, LEARN, INNOVATE, CHANGE AND ADAPT.....AND THEN PUT YOUR PLANS INTO ACTION.

These are things your best friend may not tell you..... They are certainly things your competition doesn't want you to know. Blaming the recession for lack of productivity is not a viable answer.....but rather an excuse.

At TailGateTags we want you to SUCCEED!!

Thanks. Sincerely David

Sell Real Estate while you drive.

David W. Langford (PrimeLinx.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:04:55 -0600

How is that possible??? How can anyone sell Real Estate while driving? Well, it is being done. I can give you a long list of agents just like you who have sold a home while on their way to the supermarket....or the golf course.

One agent I know earned over $50,000 in extra commissions selling homes while driving as she would every day. Those extra dollars would never have come her way without TailGateTags.

Seems impossible I know.....but it does happen more often than you can imagine.

A message similar to this in the back of your car can do wonders for your bottom line.

Here's why this is so effective. The motorist behind you in traffic sees your message, your car and you all at the same time. They form an instant evaluation in their minds based upon the information they have available. If they like what they see, the info on your car will tell them how to make contact with you.

TailGateTags make introductions between you and your buyer.

Lets take this a step further. Very few can relate in terms of thousands of message views every day...or every week....but we can all relate to individual people. You will receive the notice of thousands of INDIVIDUAL potential clients who will see your message, contact information, view your car and view you personally daily or weekly (depending on your location) for as long as your TailGateTags are on your car.

TailGateTags are extremely tasteful in appearance, which only adds to your image. If they're in the market to buy or sell......the odds are in your favor they'll contact you......and you may never know that TailGateTags were the introduction behind their call.

You've read the glowing testimonials of Realtors just like yourself who rely on TailGateTags for increased business. They're getting results.

Isn't it about time to take your message where the people are? At $39.95 per TailGateTag home buyers will never pass you by again as a "Secret Agent."

Here's the website www.TailGateTags.com