David's Blog

"Green" Solution Returns Historic Aircraft to Flight

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:52:24 -0700

The High Sierra Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force has joined forces with eCycleBEST to recycle donated laptops and smart phones into cash for the restoration effort.

Reno, NV. 22 June 2010 - The High Sierra Squadron, Commemorative Air Force is operating and restoring two historic aircraft. They have partnered with eCycleBEST to promote the recycling of eWaste while at the same time raising necessary cash to support these two examples of aviation history.

High Sierra Squadron has two classic and spectacular examples of World War II and Korean era aircraft under maintenance and restoration. They are flying a U.S. Navy N3N-3, two-seat, open cockpit, biplane trainer, built in 1941 by the Navy. The team is also restoring to flight status, a U.S. Air Force single-seat F-86F Sabre Jet fighter, built in 1952 by North American.

"The Commemorative Air Force (CAF )was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans", stated Colonel Charles Gillespie, High Sierra Squadron Commander. "We rely on donations to maintain these historic aircraft and receive no government funding."

David Costa, CEO, Renegade Concepts, Inc. has been contracted by eCycleBEST to manage the program. "We saw an opportunity to serve many people with this fund raising program", states Costa. "Everyone wins with this simple concept. The civic organizations raise money with a simple system. Businesses and individuals can easily transfer their unwanted or unused qualified devices. Everyone wins, including the environment, with our recycling efforts at eCycleBEST."

Businesses and individuals who wish to participate by donating their unwanted laptops and smart phones need simply send an email to eCycleBEST@gmail.com, and eCycleBEST takes care of all the details. Under this program even shipping is free. Complete documentation of the donation is provided.

The High Sierra Squadron has these historic aircraft available for public display at the Reno Tahoe Stead Airport. They meet each week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Anyone with an interest in the preservation of historic aircraft is encouraged to become a member.

About the High Sierra Squadron:

This Reno, NV-based organization is comprised of pilots, mechanics and aviation history enthusiasts. All members are volunteers and the High Sierra Squadron is a 501(3)c not-for-profit organization. ( http://www.highsierrasquadron.com )
About eCycleBEST:
This Reno, NV-based organization offers business e-cycle solutions. They develop custom solutions for life cycle management of technology to manage and reduce eWaste. Locate them on Facebook: eCycleBEST ( http://www.ecyclebest.com )

For information and interviews:

David Costa, CEO, Renegade Concepts, Inc.

dcosta@renegade-concepts.com

http://www.Renegade-Concepts.com

800-610-2799

Entrepreneurs Create Positive Change

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:55:23 -0700

Entrepreneurs Create Positive Change

GiveOPP™ Creates Revolutionary Charitable Giving Machine

Reno, NV, 2 May, 2010

Renegade Concepts, Inc. has been chosen to be part of an elite group of entrepreneurs who have made a simple decision to create positive change by helping others in need.

“In a world where others are trying to get, I am grateful to be able to be in a position to give back’, states Billy Jones, President, GiveOPP™.

Charitable donations are reduced when people perceive a poor economy. Renegade Concepts, Inc. and an elite group of other entrepreneurs are creating a business opportunity that not only provides much needed money to selected charitable organizations, but also provides a viable business for those who choose to join in this mission of giving back to our worldwide community.

The modern world struggles to solve global issues such as economic decline, food shortages, and natural disasters. Despite the work of charitable organizations, funds and manpower are often scarce and it can be difficult to raise and distribute resources and administer aid where needed.

“Entrepreneurs have a unique skill set and the abundance mindset to be a part of the solution to these issues,” states David Costa, CEO, Renegade Concepts, Inc. “We see opportunity where others don’t. We are all so blessed and this is our opportunity to pay our success forward.”

GiveOPP™ partners with specific charitable and humanitarian organizations with a track record of success and resolution to put funds to use. GiveOPP™, its founders and members aim to be major contributors to the resolution of global challenges, such as widespread hunger, inadequate medical care, environmental breakdown, and emergency aid following natural disasters. In the process, members have the opportunity to own their own business and determine their own income.

Renegade Concepts, Inc. is accepting applications from other entrepreneurs who can truly impact the lives of others. The opportunity is currently in pre-launch, so only entrepreneurs with demonstrated success are being asked to participate in pre-launch (http://www.BusinessOfIntegrity.net). After launch in the summer of 2010, anyone with a willingness to be a part of the solution, may apply.

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David Costa, CEO, Renegade Concepts, Inc. is available for interviews or comment. Call 800-610-2799 or dcosta@renegadeconceptsinc.com.

We....the entrepreneurs....have an obligation to act now!

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:36:38 -0800

How many people do we know that are currently unemployed? How many of these people are doing the same thing over and over....cruising the internet, sending resumes, "hoping" for interviews and that job offer?

Now if we are entrepreneurs, we know better. We know that working a job, being at the effect of someone else is no way to provide true freedom in our lives. Do we allow ourselves to sit quietly by while people continue to convince themselves that looking for a new job is the "safe and prudent answer"?

I have a client of mine who asked me to sit in on the interview process. My goal was to give feedback to their management team as to the candidates under review. Here is the general theme of what I saw:

People would rather collect their unemployment check while the "work hard" at finding a job. That consists of a couple of hours sending resumes by email and hoping for a call back. When the are called back they do little (if any research on the company or even bothering to send a thank you card after the interview).

One thing I notice is a "Catch 21". If the candidate is already unemployed, there is less of a chance in being called for the interview. The longer they remain unemployed the less chance of consideration. When you think about it...it makes sense.

Out of respect for space, and your time, let me cut to the chase. We know better. We know how much opportunity exists in today's economy. It is up to us...the 3%....to help others start their own business. Now is the time.

At best the new business prospers, with our coaching and the people we know become successful entrepreneurs. They will never again be unemployed once they know how to create their own success.

At worst, they are given a job because they have proven leadership and are at cause for their own success...therefore more attractive to a prospective employer.

Either way, we prosper those around us. Think about it. It is up to us to expand the ranks of entrepreneurs!

Changing Legislation on Real Estate Financing

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:22:43 -0700

I received an email today about some more sweeping changes in government regaultion....

Here is a quote from the newsletter that I received, "H.R. 1728: Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. We encourage our students to learn more about this bill through a Google search of "H.R. 1728" and take action by writing their Senators if so inclined.

Lorenzo Spencer, one of our preeminent instructor/investors and instructor of the Mastery Training Program Transaction Engineering Bootcamp, had this to say in regarding this bill and our investing students: "Everyone should write their Senators about this bill. Encourage them to vote NO. While the attempt to regulate formal lenders is needed, extending that to owner financing is a big mistake."

To the best of our knowledge, as of May 12, 2009, this bill had passed in the House, been received in the Senate, and been referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs for further scrutiny prior to their vote."

As a real estate investor myself and Franchise Sales for EXIT Realty Nevada, I am concerned that this will have a detrimental effect on an already depressed real estate market. Now we have government placing undue burden on "owner financing"? I also wonder what else is being slipped under the door here.

The "Cap and Tax" bill that the house approved last week was 1200 pages long....and 300 of them were slipped in only hours before the vote. I don't care what side of the argument you are on, that kind of action is "smelly".

Best Regards,

David Costa, Regional Director, EXIT Realty Nevada

I readily admit that I am no expert in this subject matter. Perhaps someone more qualified could comment.

Funding My Business Growth, Have Residential Lot for collateral

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:54:29 -0700

Hello Everyone,

I have a fully paid for residential lot in Punta Gorda, FL for sale or for use as collateral on some financing to grow my business.

As a new person on this group, not sure what other information you might need but if you are interested in learning more, please contact me.

David Costa

775-742-7079

Six Key Elements to Success in Virtually ANY Business.

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:38:48 -0800

Turn off your TV news, talk radio and put down the newspaper. That amount of negative energy will drain you of the positive energy that you need to succeed. Sure we are experiencing extremely tough times out there, but I have not seen opportunity like this in years. As a matter of fact, I had a meeting this week with some key players, involved with the "back end" of the banking industry that would make most run in panic...and a few lick their chops. Prepare for massive fortunes to be made where you would least expect it. Those who are preparing for success today, those that see the paradigm shift, those who can stay focused on the opportunity...rather than the doom and gloom will be in the best position to reap the rewards.

I ride motorcycles up here in the Sierras near Reno, NV. Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that you keep your focus on where you want to go, not on the guard rail (or the 400 foot drop-off at the shoulder of the road!). We also realize that although you slow down a bit before entering a sharp corner, you continue to accelerate smoothly through that corner to keep the bike stable and headed toward your goal. Hitting the brakes or snapping the throttle shut will almost always result in disaster. Once committed the best course of action is focus on the clear path through and accelerate. It can be a scary ride, but what a thrill!

Look where we are today. Just when you think the real estate market is on top of the world, it takes a hairpin turn. Just when it looks like there is a smooth, straight path ahead, the banking industry fails. Just when a certain portion of the country thinks some magical genie from Washington will save the day...well, watch what happens next. There are more hairpin turns ahead. It can be a fun ride or you can crash and burn. Which one will you create? You control your response. Your response determines your success nothing else. First, be at cause for your life.

A large portion of what I do is centered around personal and business development. The group of like-minded entrepreneurs that I work with have developed six key steps to success that apply to your personal and professional well-being. They deserve mention here.

Your ability to lead is a major factor in your success. There are Six Key Elements that leaders understand.

(1) Focus on income producing activities.

Take a look at what you do each day. How much focus is given to lead generation, prospecting, qualification and actual selling activities? Many of my associates are amazed at how little they are doing the activities that are proven to result in revenue to their businesses. Think like a CEO. If you are a Realtor you are the CEO of your own multi-million dollar business.

(2) Daily Visualization of Goals.

You have written goals don't you? Great! If you have written goals you are a part of the 3% that do this. This same 3% is the group most likely to have huge success. You must spend time VISUALIZING having already achieved your goal. You subconscious mind is like an autopilot and it only functions in present tense.

When I fly my airplane I am off course 98% of the time, so there are constant corrections to keep the aircraft proceeding to the destination. I have a flight plan. I have clearly defined my start point and end point. So sure, course corrections are necessary..but each correction keeps be clearly on a path to success (the destination).

How can you take steps toward a goal unless you clearly define where you want to end up? It is not enough to just write down a goal. You must focus energy and emotion on that desired result. Life is about decisions. When you are at cause for your own success you can ask yourself is this action I am about to take guiding me closer to, or further from my goal? If it is yes, move forward. Then ask one more question. Will this decision have a negative impact on someone else? If no, you are on the right track.

(3) Daily focus on personal development.

Professional athletes understand "perfect practice". High achievers constantly develop the basic skills for their sport, their profession or their personal relationships.

You should not need some professional organization to tell you to get recurrent education. You should be eager to be at cause for your own personal and professional development.

(4) Mastermind with others and stay engaged.

Look at the 10 people closest to you (not immediate family) and average their income. You most likely have found your "income set point".

You must surround yourself with who you want to become. If you don't think you belong in your current condition, change it! Mastermind with others who are successful. Successful people believe in abundance. Ask for the opportunity to mastermind with those who you respect.

Here is a hint to see if you are on the wrong track. You show up at the office meeting and chat with your colleagues. What conversation are you involved with? Is the conversation about all the obstacles or all the possibilities? You achieve what you ask for, period. Thoughts become things. The universe will give you what you think about most, not what you wish for. Be careful.

Mastermind sessions with others who are on a path of growth and abundance are a great antedote to the negative news media, and other nay sayers who will try to suck away your energy.

(5) Cultivation of the EXPECTATION of Leadership.

This one tends to confuse my associates most often. Do you expect to win? Do you expect others to excel? Do you take a leadership position in all that you do?

What would a leader do at that WCR meeting? How would a leader carry themselves at closing? How does a leader perform when the deal looks like it might fall through? Above all, leadership demands INTEGRITY. Integrity is more than just honesty and ethical behavior. Integrity is about doing what you say you are going to do.

My biggest mistake with colleagues and associates has been doing too much for them. My second biggest mistake in this regard has been expecting others to do things for me. When I train my associates now I have a different perspective. I lay out the path toward success in our Mastermind sessions but the expectation is on them to find out how to do it. They learn leadership and learn to take ownership. I have learned (the hard way) to expect that others will lead when they are expected to do so.

Do you complain about no leads? Find an answer. Do you complain about unqualified buyers? What can you do to find another solution? Are you complaining that you don't have enough time in the day? What have you done to improve that situation in relation to your goals? Leaders remain at cause (not blaming themselves or others) for success.

(6) Gratitude.

Take a moment each day before you get out of bed and before you go to sleep to be grateful for what you have today! Each of us has much to be grateful for. You cannot reverse the order.

You cannot say, "I will be grateful when.....". It is totally backwards. Have gratitude for the great gifts that God has given you today. The universe responds to gratitude with amazing results.

Summing Up....

Time to make a decision. Decide to be rich, decide to be at cause for your personal and professional relationships. Nobody else can control you. The market pressures do not guarantee success or failure. There is abundance everywhere. Of this one fact I am certain. Change is envitable. Change is neither good or bad. It is what YOU do with that change that makes the difference. Embrace opportunity, embrace abundance.

What are your hot buttons? What are your needs?

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:42:00 -0800

How Do I Get Your Attention?

This is a question to the expertise of the group. The question is a serious one and is not intended to be snide in any way. Maybe it is the way I write...no matter how hard I try to express real feelings in my writings...somebody gets mad at me. If I offend someone, I apologize, and know that you will get over it. (smile)

We are all professionals and we are all busy. All of us are bombarded with marketing messages each day. But there is a problem in the real estate industry.

All data suggests that as a group of sales professionals, Realtors pay is pretty low. Well, I should correct myself. Some earn HUGE commissions, while the vast majority cannot even afford to operate as a profitable business.

When I came into this market from the medical device industry my expectation was quite high. My expectation remains quite high. Let me explain...

Do we not all agree that there is a problem in the market right now? All of you work on straight commission right? Does anyone really think that basic rules of sales and marketing do not apply in real estate?

I have a great deal of sales and marketing experience in other industries. In the medical industry (for example) we are hunters. We are very active in pursuing new opportunities for service to our clients. That means sales..that means big bucks. What I see often in real estate is a much more passive approach to finding new business opportunities. Was selling real estate during the boom really that easy? Did customers really just walk through the door, call on your cell or drop you an email? If so, I relly missed the boat, huh?

Most of what I see (referrals, ads, flyers, etc.) are all passive. When a leads are generated, I do not see aggressive action to get buyers motivated to act quickly and decisively. I rarely see real sales and marketing plans, written goals with progress toward those goals and forecasts. You cannot improve what you cannot measure.

So as not to make this a long article...but a brief post...let me fast forward. There are people out here that are dedicated to YOUR success. How do we best get through the armour to reach you? What hot buttons should I focus on? What needs are not being addressed from a sales and marketing situation. How does someone like me simply get one of you to sit still, drop your guard and just mastermind?

Do I assume correctly that you even WANT assistance? It seems that there have been many in this profession that have been burned somehow. I don't see that correlate well to other sales professionals as much. What I do know is this. The more I know about YOUR challenges, needs, obstacles, etc. the more I can be of service.

I have great empathy for the situation of many of you. Most Realtors are having really tough times right now. I respect that. Some are having huge success due to bank owned properties, etc. So a cold call from a pretty direct guy like me is the last thing you want...or do you? Here is the frustration. There is a barrier up from this industry. Any indication that you might not have all the answers is cause for an immediate...blow off. Wow! What if I had information that could truly help you? How do you want this? Mail, email, fax, phone call?

This is a rather basic question, but a question that I think is prudent to at least ask. The worst that could happen is NO response to this post. A positive or negative response will at least educate me on how to do better. Isn't that what all of us want?

You and I should both get paid very well for what we do. This is a great opportunity for huge success stories in real estate. How can a sales and marketing support strategy help you make more money in 2009 than you ever dreamed possible?

There are great opportunities for all of us. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with this group of professionals...the Realtors and Brokers! What you can imagine...can be achieved!

The Glass is Half Full

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:01:57 -0700

I simply refuse to focus on all the negative energy out there! Is this not the best buyer's market in years?

Are there people making money in this market today? You bet. I would welcome the opportunity to learn from those of you who are the high achievers. What are you doing that makes you successful?

What houses are selling? Who is still focused on getting listings from "non-distressed" buyers? Are you getting leads? The big question, are you following up on those leads?

A great deal of my background is in the medical device industry. HUGE competition, budget money for capital medical devices...very limited. But I see some dramatic differences in dealing with the "selling mindset" of Realtors versus other industries. I also see some shocking similarities.

"The leads are not good." I think that anyone with sales management experience has heard this from sales people. It reminds me of the "Glengary Glen Ross" movie with Alec Baldwin. I have heard the same comments in both good and bad markets. Every market cycles, the bad will get better and the good will get worse. I can tell you one thing. The best sales professionals rarely complain about bad leads. Why is that?

In my business, with The Real Estate Book we have a primary goal of providing leads to our clients. We do a great job. I have offered a very simple guarantee. The Real Estate Book will provide the lowest cost per lead, compared to any other kind of advertising that our client is doing. The shocking truth is that many do not have a quantifiable way to track leads at all. There is a great deal of "guesswork" and "imagination" out there regarding just what business strategy is actually producing the best results...and at what cost per lead or cost per sale?

Have you heard the term, "Success leaves traces"? What is really producing the best return on investment and how do we quantify it? The more important question however is WHY is something working or NOT working?

I had a meeting recently with one of my very good Realtor clients. She is a great person and is a valuable client to us. My mission is to help her put more money in her pocket as a result of increased sales. I take that very seriously. In tough markets like this, more than ever, we MUST be focused on helping each other achieve the best results possible. Long story short, money was spent on advertising and leads were generated...but NO follow-up was ever conducted by this client!

This is frustrating. Who loses in the end? Not me. I was paid a fair price to put her ad in print AND on line. Not the Realtor. I guess someone will sooner or later buy one of the many listings she has and put a commission check in her pocket.

The people who loose the most in this scenario are the buyer. They had interest in a potential dream home or investment property that may have been perfect but were ignored. The seller, in a high inventory market loses the most. They hand over control of the sale and MARKETING of their property and don't even realize that the perfect buyer "may" have just passed them by.

Did you know that it takes about 4 sales in a local area to positively or negatively affect that market? Perception is a big part of the sale and the market perception. When the market was great, there was a great deal entitlement on the part of the real estate professionals. At the same time the press started to speculate. "When will the bubble burst?" This perception became reality.

We now need to focus more than ever on basic PROFESSIONAL SELLING SKILLS. All leads must be cultivated. Yes we must qualify customers, but how well do we listen to there needs and solve their problems? How do we not only worry about OUR brand, but actively PROMOTE the listings that we are given?

There is an investment in advertising. That investment is wasted without it being part of a comprehensive plan to cultivate each and every lead that is developed from that advertising. Advertising is even more important in a market such as this. Advertising must SELL. Many times it does not, and the results are poor. Before I close, ask yourself these simple questions:

Can you write 12 headlines that tell others about why my business is unique?

Can you list 5 ways that you provide value to your client?

What 10 advantages do you offer over your competitor?

What 5 things should a client look for when shopping for a Realtor, buying a home or listing a home?

What is the ultimate benefit in a client doing business with you? Is it unique?

What is the benefit of that benefit to YOUR client? What is in it for them!

If anyone would like a copy of the tool that I use to help my clients with the development of their advertising, sales and marketing, just drop me a line and I will send you my tool for free. I am happy to help anyone with an interest.

I am pleased to join the ActiveRain Real Estate Network

David Costa (Renegade Concepts, Inc.) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:07:13 -0700

Hello Everyone,

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this community. I am looking forward to learning a great deal and hopefully offer value to the group as well.

I sometimes offer aggressive opinions, but the intention is always to be of service to my clients and the groups that I participate in. I enjoy differing opinions, because it keeps me sharp, keeps me thinking and keeps me honest!

Best Regards to all,

Dave