Big Box Bookstores Fading Away - 02/28/11 11:57 PM
Have the big box bookstores outlived their calling? I think so.
Borders just filed for bankruptcy and announced 200 store closings. Look for all the others to follow within a couple of years. Barnes & Noble is likely next. From what I see, these large box stores are a place to scan the new releases, sit in an easy chair and read a book then put it back, check out a magazine article without purchasing it, have a cup of coffee, and visit with friends. If you want to order a book - because they can't carry everything - there's Amazon … (20 comments)

Is Common Courtesy Out Of Style? - 02/28/11 11:27 PM
Saturday night we went out to dinner. There was a line, as there typically is most nights in our area but especially on Friday and Saturday. As we were going inside to give our name and learn how long the wait was going to be, some other people were going in at the same time. I did the polite thing and held the door for them - they walked right in without even acknowledging the gesture, like they expected it.
Then when we all got inside, the people that we let go ahead of us gave their name to the hostess. … (30 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Spring & Fall Together" - 02/28/11 10:03 PM
 

 
Every year at this time, the oaks lose all of their leaves and immediately the new ones bud out. They lose their  leaves constantly throughout the year, but in the spring (now), they lose every leaf - but only briefly. They are very efficient - minimal downtime. What a lesson for us. Keep downtown and nonproductivity to a minimum.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at … (14 comments)

New Use For Your Christmas Tree - 02/28/11 05:35 PM
 
If you really like having a Christmas tree around or you just don't feel like taking down, check out this new use for it that Kim Inman came up with. Great idea actually.
 
Mindless Monday Mindless Monday... Out with the old, in with the new!
 
 

Not sure what you're doing on this stormy, rainy day but I'm getting ready for St. Patrick's Day!
 

                                                                                              
Kim Inman, CRS
Mountains to Lakes Real Estate, Inc.

 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go … (9 comments)

This Has Gone On Too Long - 02/28/11 09:50 AM
The 14 Democratic Senators in Wisconsin have spoken. To a person their own interests are far more important than those of the people of Wisconsin of the office to which they were elected.
Scott Walker has given them more than enpough time - way too much time - to get over their tantrums and return to work.
Therefore, Walker needs to declasre all 14 seats vacant and hold aspecial election forthwith or appoint replacements. The 14 should have all salaries stopped - not just held but stopped. The state police should be dispatched to recover any state property that they might … (36 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Early Morning Swim" - 02/27/11 10:01 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (14 comments)

NASCAR Drinks The Kool-Aid - 02/27/11 08:59 PM
NASCAR is American - at least it has been. It is a great sport that grew up in the Southeast and now has to many part of North America.
Nothing stirs patriotism like the opening on of a NASCAR race - presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, a flyover, a prayer (very often a Christian one), and an open expression of gratitude to our troops.
You can imagine then how appalled I was today at the beginning of the race.
A beautiful commercial came on - shot like many of the Budweiser commercials. There were tractors in their fields, sunshine, … (14 comments)

They Want Their Own Way - 02/27/11 01:27 PM
The 14 Democratic members of the Wisconsin Senate continue their exile in Illinois. Many of them are facing recall petitions - which I hope are successful.
If they didn't want to serve, they should not have run for election. None of these people should survive the next election.
Look at the example they are setting for the teachers and the students of the state - it's OK to run away if the battle is formidable. It's OK to play games with the taxpayers. It's OK to be disruptive if you're not getting your way.
 
 

 
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For … (20 comments)

Saudi Arabia Understands Free Market Economics - 02/26/11 11:16 PM
Saudi Arabia understands free market economics. Too bad the United States doesn't (as a government).
Saudi Arabia knows that world demand for oil is high. They know that US demand is high. They know that Libya's 2% of the total output is now offline. They know that Libya was the principal source for low sulfur oil. They know that they can jack the price up to as high as they like - even $200 a barrel. They also know that the world market will not sustain sales at this high price for very long. They have determined that they would rather … (22 comments)

Rick Scott Takes The Right Approach Again On High Speed Rail - 02/26/11 03:45 PM
Governor Rick Scott of Florida already told the feds no thanks to 2.4 billion dollars - just as Scott Walker and John Kasich had before the money got dumped onto Scott's desk. He sent it back - a move that enraged the Republican-controlled legislature. That one really stumps me. Floirda has a budget shortfall. To take the money would require the matching and construction money of over $3 billion - for a project doomed to failure before it even begins. A coalition of local governments was suggested as a way to provide the money. Fortunately Scott said no - again - … (16 comments)

Rhode Island Has The Right Idea - 02/26/11 10:11 AM
This week Rhode Island terminated the services of 2,000 public school teachers. Fired? Not necessarily. Not coming back? Not necessarily.
Actually this was a brilliant move. By law, they have to notify teachers so many days before the termination of their contract if they are not going to be renewed. The state said by terminating all of them it would give them more options. I agree.
Teachers who were marginal about continuing their careers in Rhode Island - or at the same school, subject, or grade - have now been nudged into making a change. Those who were wanting to get … (22 comments)

Kicking Off Week #9 - 02/26/11 09:56 AM
Today kicks off the 9th week of 2011. So as we turn the corner and head for spring, how is it going?
Winter packed quite a punch this year - for nearly everyone. We had freezing wether even here in South Florida. Record snowfalls from Oklahoma to Maine. Now our focus is spring.
We are over one-sixth of the way into 2011, so we should start to see some progress on oyr goals. We may need to readjust a little, maybe add something, maybe scratch something. We should be making decent progress toward those goals - if we have the right … (4 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Working Weekends" - 02/26/11 09:15 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (16 comments)

Mediocre Is Acceptable Only In Baseball - 02/26/11 09:09 AM
Most people would be fired or censured for having a performance rating of only 30-35% - except in baseball. There, a batting average over .300 is considered quite good and something to strive for. Not since Ted Williams has a player ended the season with a .400 average. This means that a player only has to be successful in putting the ball in play safely only one-third of the time. Most players do it even less often. And they make millions of dollars a year just to be mediocre.
Remember back to our school days and the GPA? Anything below 60-65% … (8 comments)

Friday's Fotos - "New Orchids In Bloom" - 02/26/11 08:54 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (14 comments)

Birdseye View Of Space Shuttle Launch - 02/26/11 12:30 AM
Have you seen this? An airplane over central Florida yesterday saw the the Discovery launch, and one of the passengers filmed this with his cell phone. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a fantastic view that is rarely seen.
 
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, … (12 comments)

We Are Being Played By OPEC And Big Government - 02/25/11 11:42 PM
 

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
 
… (22 comments)

Paper, What Paper? Paper-less Challenge - 02/25/11 09:32 PM
How creative can we be in figuring out ways not to use so much paper in our offices? Turns out, we really don't use that much paper anyway - some of us that is - but  a little goes a long way. Here goes on a few ways I've figured out to reduce paper usage even more.
First, I'm committing to not taking any notes that I can't do on the computer or my iPhone. Since I have such a fantastic memory, just tell it me. I can remember it - I think. I hope. Well, it's worth a try. Maybe … (6 comments)

Judicial Showdown Coming - 02/25/11 04:43 PM
Federal judges are taking sides in the national health care debate much like the members of Congress did when they passed the landmark bill.
Three judges have now ruled in favor of the bill. Two are opposed. Those opposed make much more sense than the others. This is what is wrong with activist judes - legislating from the bench. Judges are now adding words to the Constitution that just aren't there. They are adding intent that just isn't there.
Understanding the Constitution is not hard. Any 4th or 5th grader can understand it well enough to pass a test on it, … (18 comments)

Bringing Out The Animal In You - 02/25/11 12:22 AM
If you had to pick an animal of the African plains to describe yourself, which one would you come up with? Need some help?
Stefan Swanepoel's uses his new book "Surviving Your Serengeti" to create a nice, believable, engaging story of Sean Spencer and his wife Ashley from Los Angeles who take a trip to Africa - only to run into an old college roommate, Zachariah Makena, after years of no contact between the two of them.
Zachariah shares the secrets of the Serengeti from the animals' perspectives, begining with the most plentiful of all animals in the wild, the wildebeast. … (12 comments)

Remember When Gas Prices Were Stable? - 02/24/11 07:26 PM
Remember when gas prices remained stable - at least for a week or two? We have to go all the way back to last month for that. See, wasn't so long ago that prices even fell a penny or two a gallon? They went up a couple of cents and then right away came back down. For several days, they didn't change at all.
Now it's an everyday thing - and sometimes more than once a day. This morning I filled up with gas and then went into the store for a few minutes. When I came back out, the price … (24 comments)

Brace For The Shock - 02/24/11 06:32 PM
Gas prices are horrible, but they will seem cheap a week from now. And, we have only ourselves to blame - no not for driving cars or using energy, but for not replacing the energy supply.
Since 1973 when we had our first oil emergency, we have been talking about the need to drill for oil - but no one has. Environmentalists, labor unions, bureaucrats, and everyone else who wants to see us dependent on OPEC nations has won.
It's time we win. Insist, demand, and don't take no for an answer. Drill. Drill in my backyard - yes my backyard. … (14 comments)

Following The Script - 02/24/11 04:07 PM
Had a chance to catch a little of the broadcast this afternoon on the NASA channel as they get ready for today's planned launch of Discovery. The planning, the checks, the re-checks, the checklists, the redundency - all planned and all part of the program to ensure safety and success.
While what we do bears little resemblance to the space program in terms of scope or safety, it bears noting that a little - or maybe even a lot - of planning ahead of time can make things run very smoothly when it comes tome to implement them.
Even when there … (4 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "Ready To Pop" - 02/24/11 03:37 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (12 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "All Is Calm" - 02/24/11 11:50 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (24 comments)

No Wonder Teacher Unions Are Losing Face - 02/23/11 09:34 PM
If the Wisconsin debate over public union benefits - and especially teacher unions - have done nothing else, it has opened the eyes of people across America as to the priority of the unions. It's not the students, it's not education, and in many cases it's not about the teacher members. It is about the union itself and the union leadership. They are very powerful, and they crave even more power.
This is why they didn't care that they shut down schools for three days last week. This is why they didn't care that families were inconvenienced by finding other activities … (28 comments)

Spring Fever Comes To Sales - 02/23/11 12:21 AM
This time of year I have labeled the "Spring Selling Spectacular." I runs from now until Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. In all some 95 days of selling opportunities without major distractions to slow us down or deter our customers from making a decision.
There's St. Patrick's Day, Patriots' Day, Easter, spring break, and looking ahead to summer vacation - but that's about it. Plus, not everyone is affected by those.
Here I am to explain it a little more.
 
 
 

 
 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs … (16 comments)

These Budget Issues Didn't Just Happen - 02/22/11 01:27 PM
This issues that California, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and likely the rest of the states are having with their budgets is partly their own doing and partly from the 111th Congress.
During the glory days of the housing boom, states, counties/parrishes, municipalities, and school boards saw a burgeoning tax base. Thus they had plenty of tax revenue and impact fees to build buildings, hire more workers, consent to union demands for worker benefits - and they went along on their merry way as if this growth spiral would go on forever. Then it stopped. It didn't just slow, the bottom … (18 comments)

Sage Advice From Our Shortest Term President - 02/22/11 10:41 AM
William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, only served one month in office, from March 4-April 4, 1841 (Presidents took office in March at that time). He caught pneumonia on his Inauguration Day, speaking without a topcoat, and died a month later.
Still, what he said resonates so well today. It is a recipe for government health and a blueprint for real-life separation of powers that the Constitution lays out for us.
He was talking about his time, but we see so instances down through the years when this wisdom applies.
He correctly saw the power residing with … (20 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Spring Selling Spectacular" Starts - 02/22/11 09:15 AM
Today is President's Day - in some places. It's on everyone's calendar - it's just that it isn't observed as a day off everyplace. In fact, even in our area, the federal offices are closed, the state ones are open. The schools are open, and some cities are open. You need a scorecard to keep track.
Anyway, if you're off today or if you aren't, that's not the point. The point is that the next federal holiday - also a 3-day weekend - is the last weekend in May, Memorial Day.
This gives all of us - except those taking off … (6 comments)

Wisconsin Showdown Reveals Some Ugly Agendas - 02/21/11 11:14 PM
It all started when Gov. Scott Walker wanted to bring his state budget in line - which he constitutionally is bound to do. He discovered that the public unions, and especially the teachers, were not paying into their retirement accounts or health insurance plans the way private sector workers are, so he proposed a change. The Republican majority legislature passed the proposal in committee and was set to vote passage of it last Wednesday when a series of most unfortunate and quite telling events occurred:
Teachers falsely (and illegally) called in sick to shut down the Madison schools so they could … (16 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Open For Business" - 02/21/11 05:28 PM
 

 
It's spring in South Florida, and the flowers are open for business. Spring is the most fantastic time of year to build our business - we feel fresh and alive. Life is exciting.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home … (12 comments)

Martina McBride Puts Christina Aguilera To Shame - 02/20/11 10:22 PM
NASCAR 2 / NFL 0 - for the National Anthem. Martina McBride sang the National Anthem to open today's Daytona 500 with the poise, confidence, and clarity or a professional singer. She sang with power, and used good phrasing. She wasn't searching for the words, and she didn't forget any. And she sang it rather than performed it.
On Thursday, a local artist with the last name of Mayo sang the National Anthem to open the Gatorade Duels, and he did a fantastic job as well.
Note to NFL - maybe you should hold auditions next time or be more careful … (20 comments)

Evidence That The Free Market Works - 02/20/11 08:00 PM
This past Monday, Delta and American announced a fare hike of up to $120 roundtrip on routes favored by business travelers - figuring that they wouldn't complain about what they had to pay.
They counted on the other major carriers joining in so that an across the board fare increase would ensue, and there would be no competitive advantage for anyone.
United, Continental, and USAir joined in. Southwest did not.
Then on Wednesday, USAir changed its mind and rescinded the increases. United and Continental did likewise.
Delta and American scaled back but keep some of the increase.
They are finding that … (16 comments)

A New Face In Victory Lane - 02/20/11 07:36 PM
There was a new face today in Victory Lane after a hard fought Daytona 500. Trevor Bayne, in just his second Sprint Cup race ever bested the field in the second overtime and became the youngest winner of the event ever at just 20 years old.
Some of the favorites didn't fare so well - attrition from the ridiculous practice of tandem drafting.
Last year NASCAR listened to the fans and instituted the double file restart and the green-white-checker. I hope enough fans are as upset with this new drafting scheme as I am and push to have this practice stopped. … (6 comments)

Listing Appointment As A Job Interview - 02/20/11 02:41 PM
Since the reblogging feature is down on Active Rain, I'm doing the next best thing. I'm manually reposting Margaret Woda's post on the listing appointment.
This is a great read.
Keep in mind that her opening sentence says it all.
Tell Sellers WHAT You'll Do for Them and WHY, but Never HOW A listing appointment isn't a crash course in selling a home, it's a job interview.
Sometimes we forget that and find ourselves giving away our expertise and experience without compensation or a commitment by the potential client to hire us. It could be that we're "stupid" as Pat Haddad … (8 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Sweet Blossoms" - 02/20/11 01:05 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (20 comments)

Trees Are Made To Be Used & Appreciated - 02/20/11 12:51 PM
Trees are so plentiful - and it's a good thing because we have so many uses for them. They provide shade, wind breaks, landscaping, erosion control, and fruit and nuts. Many of them produce gorgeous flowers in the spring (all year long in Florida), and so many of them produce fabulous color in the fall as well.
Some trees grow on their own. Many are intentionally planted or relocated.
They also are harvested for paper and pulp products and lumber - not all of them of course, just the ones grown or useful for such a purpose. Nothing wrong with this … (10 comments)

The Real Issue With Wisconsin Teachers - 02/19/11 10:46 PM
Finally we hear the real reason for the uproar, and it's not mainly the teachers themselves who are angry, although many of them are going along. It's the unions.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was doing all he could to whip up the troops with fiery rhetoric yesterday.
Many of Wisconsin's teachers aren't all that upset about the proposed legislation. Primarily the vocal ones are those in Madison and Milwaukee - the two largest cities. Since the capital is in Madison, the hometown arena was easy access for local teachers, and they took the opportunity to call in sick - shutting down … (32 comments)

Wisconsin Teachers Teaching Wrong Message - 02/19/11 10:15 AM
Teachers in Wisconsin that have gone along with their union demand - or even joined in on their own - to ditch their responsibility to be in the classroom and either call in sick or show up at the Capitol to protest should be rewarded with a permanent vacation from their teaching assignments. They should all be fired and have their teaching certificates revoked. Clearly their actions have demonstrated (no pun intended) that they are no longer interested in teaching.
They are in violation of state law which says that they cannot strike. They are in violation of their contract which … (7 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Winged Victory" - 02/19/11 09:48 AM
 
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not … (24 comments)

Friday's Fotos - "Flowering Mango" - 02/19/11 09:24 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (8 comments)

Victory Lane For NASCAR - 02/19/11 08:54 AM
The House today voted to retain funding for NASCAR in the form of the advertising budget for the armed services. Critics maintained that the government was subsidizing NASCAR when in effect this is a legitimate use of advertising dollars.
It seems that only about 25% of the military's advertising budget is spent to sponsor NASCAR drivers and events while over 30% or 46,000 (roughly one-third) out of the 150,000 annual recruits come from autoracing sponsorships.
Any of us in business would agree that this is a good return on investment. So, like it or not, this is money well spent for … (9 comments)

Health Care Law Comes Under More Fire - 02/18/11 05:45 PM
There are now 28 states that are covered under the ruling by Judge Vinson that the Obamacare law is unconstitutional and cannot stand.
Many of us knew that there was no Constitutional authority for the bill, and we are quite pleased with his affirmation of our opinion.
Today, the House - after voting to repeal the bill ealier - went a step further and voted to defund it in a cost-cutting measure. They are axing many unnecesasry expenditures, and this certainly is one of them.
Sooner or later, one way or another, this bill will go away. The only question is … (29 comments)

House Getting Back On Track - 02/18/11 05:38 PM
Today, the House voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Forget about what you think of the organization. Forget about whether you think they should exist or not. Forget about whether you personally donate to them.
The fact is, the US government does not need to fund them. Nowhere in the Constitution is this provided for. It is not a case providing for the general welfare. It is a private organization that serves its particular clientele.
There are many funding sources for it, including the United Way. Don't know ehen the funding started - I could reserach it, but it's not important. The … (10 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "Spring Showers" - 02/17/11 05:29 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (30 comments)

Wisconsin Leading The Way - 02/17/11 12:52 PM
First, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin refused the federal handout for high-speed rail. Now he is championing the removal of collective bargaining for the public unions in the state. Today's vote should accomplish that. A committee approved it yesterday, setting up almost certain passage today.
Reversing landmark legislation in 1959, today's action will set the stage for what the other states all need to do. It is largely the pensions and health care benefits that are in labor agreements for teachers and public workers that have pushed Illinois, California, and many other states to the brink of bankruptcy.
This bill also … (28 comments)

Name That Moon - 02/17/11 10:38 AM
 

 
People often refer to full moons by certain names, such as Hunter Moon, Wolf Moon, or Harvest Moon. Most of these names date to a Native American origin and are used to describe the general conditions of that month.
Here are the common - and not so common - names associated with full moons.
 
January - "Wolf Moon" – so named because the wolf packs used to prowl and howl outside Indian villages in the snow. Other names for this moon have been the "Old Moon" and the "Moon After Yule."
February - "Snow Moon" – traditionally … (22 comments)

So Much For That High-Speed Rail Plan - 02/16/11 11:06 PM
In his State of the Union address, President Obama said that he wants to have 80% of the country serviced by high-speed rail in the next several years. This is a foolhardy plan, and today our Gov. Rick Scott of Florida joined his fellow Govs. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and John Kasich of Ohio in rejecting wasteful government spending earmarked for high-speed rail projects in their respective states.
Actually, Kasich said no first, them Walker, and now Scott. The money was passed from state-to-state looking for a taker of this taxpayer money.
Fortunately no one has decided to take it. Scott … (30 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Beautiful Snow Moon" - 02/16/11 10:23 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not … (18 comments)

Return Of A Dear Friend - 02/15/11 10:18 PM
My computer came back last night. How appropriate that it was Valentine's Day. We owe so much to our computers.
They can be moody and temperamental, but try living without them.
My desktop went out over 2 weeks ago. After an endless series of troubleshooting and diagnostic steps, HP finally had no choice but to conclude that it was a hardware issue. They sent a part. A technician came to install it. The part that was shipped was defective.
Now on to part two. Send the computer away to one of their facilities. That was done and it came back last … (18 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Rosy Tropics" - 02/14/11 11:25 PM
 

 
The rosy sunset and the palm trees create and wonderful ending to the day and an exciting buildup to even greater things to come tomorrow.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales … (30 comments)

Motivational Monday - Do We Love Our Work? - 02/14/11 04:18 PM
Today is Valentine's Day. The subject is love. While we're on the subject, how well do we love what we do?
If we don't genuinely love what we do, if we don't wake up everyday raring to go, if we do look forward to the people we get to help, it's much harder to get through each day.
Thomas Edison said he never worked a day in his life - that it was all fun. That's what I'm talking about. We should get real pleasure and joy out of what we do.
We should love our work - and it should … (4 comments)

Football Withdrawal? - 02/13/11 09:20 PM
Today is the first weekend since last August when there hasn't been a live televised football game to watch at the high school college, or NFL level. We got so used to watching a game whenever we wanted, and many games were shown again on another station as a rebroadcast. It'll be back, but it's over for now.
Now, we have the Draft to look forward to - and maybe the labor strife.
First comes the Combine later this month (February 24 - March 1) and then the Draft - broadcast in primetime - on Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 pm … (16 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Future Strawberries" - 02/13/11 10:31 AM
 
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not … (26 comments)

6-Week Report Cards Due - 02/12/11 11:39 PM
Yesterday concluded the first 6-week grading period of 2011. Today begins week number 7.
So, we have to sit down and fill out our grading report for the first grading period of 2011.
Let's see how we did.
Goal setting - did we set realistic, achievable goals? Are we on pace to accomplish them? Did we make reasonable progress toward them? Do we need to make any adjustments?
Lead generation - did we have a goal for new lead generation? Was it in general terms or by media such as website, social media, direct mail, referrals, prospecting, phone calls, campaigns, advertising, … (16 comments)

Nike's Tribute To Women Athletes - 02/12/11 03:45 PM
Thursday, I posted Nike's 60-second commercial, Throwdown, with no announcer, no voice over, no spoken words that showed how well a commercial could be done if a little thought and effort went into it - compared to the lousy crop of Super Bowl ads from last Sunday.
As they were filming that one, apparently they took some of the footage and made a 30-second spot focused just on women. This one is just as good and equally compelling to watch.
 

 

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website … (12 comments)

Remember When America Was the "Melting Pot"? - 02/12/11 01:14 PM
For years, people all over the world gave up the life they knew to come to America - legally mostly - and start life anew in the land of opportunity. We became known as the great Melting Pot because we were all Americans - not Irish-Americans, Italian-Americans, German-Americans, or anything else hypenated although the ethnic hertitage od the former land was something to retain and be proud of. We all joined together in this new land and became Americans, speaking English, embracing free enterprise, and becoming the world power that we were.
Then came the concept of multiculturalism which says that … (18 comments)

NASCAR Roars Back Into Action Tonight - 02/12/11 12:50 PM
After less than 3 months of inactivity (on the schedule, not for the teams and drivers), NASCAR gets back into action tonight with the traditional season kickoff at the Daytona International Speedway.
Tonight's "Bud Shootout" is unofficial - it only counts for the winner, and only for the money. There are no points involved tonight. Think of it as a one-event preseason, but only 24 drivers will be racing.
Tomorrow is qualifying for the front row for next Sunday's "Daytona 500" and for positions in Thursday's "Duels" - the way the rest of the field is set for the big race.
… (2 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Nature's Maze" - 02/12/11 08:33 AM
 

 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been cropped … (26 comments)

Dollar Losing Out - Thanks Fed - 02/11/11 05:24 PM
Just what we had been fearing, the dollar is being targeted for replacement as the world's standard of currency. Maybe it's the debt. It's certainly the loose policy of the Fed with their printing presses cranking out endless money.
The IMF (International Monetary Fund) said that they needs something more stable than the diollar and they are looking to reduce the volatility in energy prices. Oil is calculated in US dollars. Talk about another reason for energy independence - how many do we need?
Since 1969, the IMF has had something called a Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and they are considering … (26 comments)

Oil Reserves Up, Along With Prices - 02/11/11 02:02 PM
If it's a case of supply and demand - which we all know it isn't - gasoline prices should be dropping. For the third straight week, our inventories of oil in this country increased, according to the US Energy Information Administration. We added almost 2 million barrels (1.9) even in the midst of uncertainty in Egypt. This is even before today's developments in Egypt.Gasoline inventories rose by nearly 5 million barrels (4.7) and are above average for this time of year.At the same time, demand decreased slightly - 0.3 percent from the same period a year ago.All the while, the national … (22 comments)

Friday's Fotos - "Spring Innocence" - 02/11/11 10:47 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (20 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "Tomato Time" - 02/11/11 10:36 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (16 comments)

A Commercial That Missed It's Calling - 02/10/11 07:19 PM
Forget about that sad crop of Super Bowl commercials we suffered through on Sunday.
I saw this one today, and I can watch it several more times. It's great. It's got excitement, action, and unexpected elements. It's fast-paced and honors a lot of physical accomplishments and achievement. There are no special effects because the real deal is even better.
Had Nike shown this commercial on Sunday, we'd all be talking raving about it.
Here's a feel good commercial that you can watch again and again - and you don't  even know what the product is until the last frame - except … (12 comments)

Let's Get James Clapper A Dunce Cap - 02/10/11 02:04 PM
We talked about James Clapper before when he was interviewd by Diane Sawyer and was unaware of current events in London. National Intelligence Director not aware of current events impacting national intelligence? He even botched a softball question that she gave him in an attempt for him to save face. His office later said something to the effect that he couldn't know everything that was going on in the world. Funny, Diane Sawyer knew about it.
This is the guy who's looking out for us and advising the President? Is he really this clueless?
Fast forward to today and the situation … (16 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Spring Belles" - 02/10/11 11:43 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (22 comments)

Reversal On Reverse Mortgages - 02/10/11 11:26 AM
There's a lot of hype and lot of misconception about reverse mortgages. There are several commercials each day on TV about them. Congress is constantly changing the rules as well.
For the right person over age 62, and I'm told that 70 is the optimum age, a reverse mortgage can make sense. It essentially creates a life estate for the owner occupant.
Without getting into the benefits and shortcomings of the program, I noticed this week that Bank of America has decided to get out of the reverse mortgage business. They will no longer offer them or participate in the program.
… (2 comments)

Someone Please Explain This - 02/10/11 11:09 AM
The Administration - in its never ceasing effort to spend us into the poor house - has another scheme that spends money with a hallow promise of benefit and a shady motive.
The President wants to extend wireless internet service (his so-called "national wireless initiative") to 98 percent of the country and claims that this will reduce the deficit by $1 billion a year. How can spending money to run the lines, make the connections, subsidize the people who can't afford to have broadband service now (or many of them would), and maintain the netwoerks save anything? He uses some fuzzy … (10 comments)

What Part Of "Illegal" Does The Government Not Understand? - 02/09/11 01:44 PM
Can you believe it? Illegal aliens with constitutional rights? That is an oxymoron of the highest proportion.
Today. the 9th Circuit upheld a conviction of Arizona rancher Roger Barnett for detaining at gunpoint (without shots fired) a group of illegals from Mexico on his property until the Border Patrol could arrive and arrest them.
He was found guilty of denying their rights by kicking them and yelling at them - they claimed assault and emotional distress.
This happened in 2004 on George Bush's watch. It's now 7 years later on Obama's watch. Not much has changed.
If you are in this … (43 comments)

Attention Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Realtors, Designers, Stagers, & DIYs In South Florida - 02/09/11 01:10 PM
Anyone who needs to fix up their home - their own home, one they are flipping, a remodel or update, a foreclosure that they want to rent, or one they are trying to sell for themselves or someone else - here is a great resource. Anyone who has excess building materials from a construction or remodeling project can list their surplus here and sell it. It is South Florida based, but I suppose anyone could use it.
It's called "e-gravy" and it allows contractors to list their surplus materials and for consumers to get the small lots or specialty items for … (4 comments)

Disconnect The Phone - 02/09/11 12:23 PM
In today's economy where many companies are downsizing and cutting back, and where sales associates are changing companies looking for better opportunities, it is not surprising to telephone someone from our database and find out that they are no longer there.
What is challenging - and unprofessional - is for companies to keep the extensions and cell phones active for people who no longer represent them.
I've called several people at their direct extension only to get vocie mail. Then, I called them on their cell phone. also getting voice mail saying that they still work at that company. Then, I … (0 comments)

Bring Back Re-Blogging - 02/08/11 08:37 PM
Bring back re-blogging. It is one of the features of Active Rain that distinguishes it from other platforms and networks. No permission to get, no copyrights to worry about. Just click the re-blog button and any post for which the author allows re-blogging is automatically, and legally, reproduced on your blog.
It's a great way to share content that you enjoy, a point of view that elaborates on a position you have, a new way of doing something, a recipe or idea, new technology, or many other possibilities. It's a way to honor a member with a good post by sharing … (30 comments)

No To Jobless Benefits - 02/08/11 11:17 AM
Whether Obama just doesn't get it or whether he;'s intentionally trying to bankrupt the country is subject to debate, but his proposal today is way off-base. he proposes spending billions of dollars - that we don't have  - to help the states. What happened to cutting government spending? Right, that was just a sound bite.
In the first place, we can't afford it.
In the second place, jobless benefits already extend for over 2 years. What kind of incentive is this to find work? People make a living by not working.
Statistics show that most people earnestly look for and find … (22 comments)

Is It Asking Too Much Just To Sing The National Anthem? - 02/07/11 09:44 PM
Christina Aguilera's performance of the National Anthem last night at the Super Bowl was unprofessional and disappointing. There is no excuse for forgetting the words if you are a professional singer.
Whatever she was paid is too much. She should return some of the money.
I am so tired of watching and listening to nearly every singer - well-known or amateur - perform rather than sing the National Anthem. This is not the American Idol, and we don't need all the vocal trills and flourishes.
The Star Spangled Banner runs 1:23 when played by a military band - it seems longer … (30 comments)

Happy First Century, Mr. President - 02/07/11 09:19 PM
In all of the Super Bowl preparation for yesterday, the 100th birthday anniversary of our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, kind of got minimized. So we want to make special mention of it today. He actually lived most of his forst century.
Reagan popularized TV as a form of communicating with the American people, earning him the title of the "Great Communicator." This was long before TOTUS. He was a skilled speaker and very comfortable in front of a camera. He had been a very successful actor.
One of his earliest jobs was as a play-by-by broadcaster on radio station WHO in … (10 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Adapting" - 02/07/11 08:03 PM
 

 
These three flowers just blooming are actually all the same though different colors. They are the "yesterday, today, tomorrow" flower that starts out white then change to purple. We don't always remain the same as where we start out either.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real … (23 comments)

TSA Gets Even More Powerful - 02/07/11 06:12 PM
First let me say that there are some very nice people who work for the TSA that understand the stress of flying and complying with all of the rules. They do their best to share a smile or a friendly exchange. Then there are the rest who seem to enjoy their power.
I have written before about how the TSA and the Homeland Security - supposedly created to protect us - seem more intent on entrenching themselves and enjoying their power. A metal detector that we walk through is fine - without removing shoes, belts, sweaters, jackets, hats, watches, etc. A … (14 comments)

Super Bowl Ads Fall Flat - 02/06/11 11:06 PM
Today's Super Bowl game was actually more interesting and more competitive than the ads. Major disappointment in the ads. For the most part they were stupid, weak on message, too cute, and a waste of the money and creativity that produced them. However, this was great for the economy. The only ad that I saw that I would even think about watching again was the Pepsi Max with the slapstick of the cans being propelled from the cooler. In the past few years, today ranks the worst in creativity and message. The Pepsi Max commercial stood out only because it's funny … (22 comments)

A New AR Message - 02/06/11 08:42 PM
We've all seen the "proxy error" and "bad gateway" messages. Many of us have seen the 500 errors and "service unavailable" also.
Up until a minute ago when I was attempting to take advantage of the great AR feature known as "re-blogging" that allows us to post content from another post that we like, agree with, or want to share.
No quoting, paraphrasing, or cut-and paste. Just click the "re-blog" button/widget in the top right corner of those posts that allow it (really, everyone should enable this) and it posts automatically after you add 25 words of why you are reblogging … (28 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Getting Ready For Spring" - 02/06/11 01:33 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (18 comments)

Super Bowl Ads Great For The Economy - 02/06/11 10:45 AM
Today is the big day - no not the game, not the halftime, but the ads.
Dozens of companies are plunking down approximately $3 million for a 30 second spot - plus all of the time and money spent on creating, writing, casting, rehearsing, filming, and editing the spot - and special effects.
From what I have seen so far in watching 15 of the ads online, it is $45 million+ down the drain. Of course, this is great for our economy - if not for their respective products. The only ad of the 15 that I previewed so far that … (14 comments)

6 Week Milepost - 02/05/11 11:04 PM
Today starts the 6th week of 2011. Six weeks is often used as a milestone, a benchmark, a measuring device. Many projects are scheduled for 6 weeks. Many follow-up calls and appointments are scheduled for 6 weeks. Doctors often like to use 6 weeks as an approproate amount of time to try a particular therapy.
So we are entering week 6 of the new year - meaning that by this time next week we will closed the opening 6 week chapter of 2011.
So how will our first 6 weeks be recorded? A slow start, a rousing success, a mixed review, … (13 comments)

How To Lead A State - 02/05/11 09:27 AM
Many state governors, such as Chris Christie, are upstaging the President and Congress by showing that they know how to run a government within a budget, deliver what the citizens want, and control spending. Add Florida's Rick Scott to this list.
Rick ran on a platform of creating jobs for the state - not government jobs but opening the playing field for businesses to want to come to Florida and create their own jobs.
Here is what he is proposing to help accomplish this:
cut school property taxes (already half or more of each household's tax bill) by $1.4 billion - … (36 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Inclined To Agree" - 02/05/11 09:05 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (16 comments)

More AR Issues - 02/04/11 08:32 PM
With all of the issues we've had on AR this week - second only to last spring when the network was totally down for a couple of days with additional weeks of intermittent service - most of us have experienced the frustration and the additional time spent trying to communicate.
Now, I am not getting any email notifications of comments on my posts. This happened 3 times last year, and it's happened again. I know others have suffered through this, too, and AR said before that they have no clue why it happens or how to correct it - it just … (32 comments)

Friday's Fotos - "You Go First" - 02/04/11 09:44 AM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (22 comments)

Democracy Doesn't Automatically Work - 02/03/11 11:13 PM
Here in America we have grown up with democracy - a democratic republic to be more accurate - and we expect that every other country in the world should want it as well. Not all have the background for it, however. Democracy only works if they have the history and principles to make it work - and for them to want to embrace it. Just telling a country that they must change from what they have to a democracy is impractical if they don't have the frame of reference to accept it. Today President Obama told Egypt that Mubarak must go … (8 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "Warm Southern Breezes" - 02/03/11 10:08 PM
 

 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been cropped … (24 comments)

How Many Times Did We See This One Today? - 02/03/11 08:55 PM

 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
 
… (18 comments)

With Apologies To My Readers And Subscribers - 02/03/11 01:03 AM
I really value the blogging platform that we have here on Active Rain, and I really enjoy the interchange that we have on the posts. I endeavor to respond to every comment that I receive and look forward to receiving abd reading them.
Since yesterday morning - like many of you - I have been unable to do so. Try as I might, I can't respond to any comments on my own blogging site. I can post comments to other blogs - sometimes after a few tries, I can post blogs also. What I cannot do is respond to or even … (30 comments)

The Senate Is Real Slow To Learn - 02/02/11 10:52 PM
Proving that they learned nothing from the November 2nd elections and they are out-of-step with current political opinion in this country, the Senate voted today 51-47 on a straight party-line vote to reject the attempt to repeal Obamacare. Nevermind Judge Vinson's ruling on Monday declaring the act unconstitutional on behalf of 26 states. Nevermind the House's vote last week to repeal the bill. Nevermind that 58% of Americans surveyed want the bill repealed.
Just go ahead Senate an ignore all of the signs.
We will remember this in 2012.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs … (30 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Signs of Spring" - 02/02/11 07:11 PM
 

 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are as taken and have not been … (30 comments)

Internet Can't Be Shut Down Here - Yet - 02/02/11 04:24 PM
In the wake of the turmoil in Egypt and Mubarak's decision to shut down the intenet, the question has come up as to how that's possible and can it happen here in America? The answer is to get the ISPs to turn off the juice.
In Egypt the main ISP (internet service provider) is state-owned. That's very easy to control - as they just showed.
In America, thanks to our free enterprise system, there are hundreds of ISPs. They would all have to agree to go dark - not likely. The government may have way of altering the power to them, … (24 comments)

Just When We Thought It Was Clear - 02/02/11 02:41 PM
Just when AR announced that they were going to pullback on enhancements and new developments to concentrate on fixing and stabilizing the system - a move I heartily applaud - it hit again. The outages. A day full of Bad Gateways and Proxy Errors. I can post a blog but I can't comment.
I have no idea how this is possible, so I'll post another blog and maybe sometime later today I can comment again.
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for … (14 comments)

February Is A Tricky Month - Be Careful - 02/02/11 12:09 PM
February is the shortest month, but it is also one of the trickiest months as far as distractions and occupying our focus - with its many observances and distractions.
Of course today is Groundhog Day, and good old Phil did not see his shadow in the midst of the snowstorm (guess the shadows from the video lights don't count). That supposedly means an early spring.
Not everyone celebrates it, but the 12th is Lincoln's birthday. Then, the 14th is Valentine's Day.
NASCAR racing kicks off with the Bud Shootout on the 12th, followed by the Duels on the 17th and the … (12 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Spiraling Gas Prices" - 02/02/11 12:19 AM
 

 
 
 
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
… (30 comments)

Jay's Tuesday Free Enterprise Quote - 02/01/11 09:01 PM
 
 
I really like reblogging posts done by Jay, and especially when they are on free enterprise, capitalism, and Uncle Miltie - as this one is.  Enjoy it.
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
"You can travel from one end of the industrialized world to the other and almost the only people you will find engaging in backbreaking toil are people who are doing it for sport.  To find people whose day's toil has not been lightened by mechanical invention, you must go to the non-capitalist world."
                                         Milton Friedman
When many people throw around the word … (0 comments)

Instead Of "Startup America" Try "Operation Stop It" - 02/01/11 02:52 PM
The White House, in its continuing policy of throwing dollars and words at issues, has now launched a new program aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs and innovation. Get the irony here? The government paying for a program to create entrepreneurs? Since they don't understand entrepreneurs or free enterprise - I'm surprised they can spell either one - they have to feign an interest.
Their new initiative called "Startup America" is aimed at "knocking down barriers in the path of men and women ... hoping to take a chance, follow a dream, and start a business."
The way this initiative is phrased it … (10 comments)

Just in time for the State of the Union * Ronald Reagan FOREVER Stamp * 2/10/2011 - 02/01/11 12:22 AM
 
February 6th is the 100th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birthday. The post office is unveiling a new stamp in his honor - available on the 10th. In an unplanned political endorsement, the stamp shows Ronald Reagan "Forever."
 
Via Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.):
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.View our available Charlottesville, Albemarle and Lake Monticello rental homes online with photos and floor plans"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign … (9 comments)

 
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Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer

Steve Hoffacker

West Palm Beach, FL

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Hoffacker Associates LLC

Office Phone: (561) 685-5555

Cell Phone: (561) 685-5555

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Sales tips, comments, observations, strategies, technology, photography, and current events for real estate sales professionals and others on the sales and marketing of new and existing homes and related products and services.

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