Steve Hoffacker's Active Rain Blog - Archives March, 2012

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Home : Blogs : Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer : Steve Hoffacker's Active Rain Blog : Archives March, 2012

March Madness Is Over - 03/31/12 10:34 PM

College basketball's March Madness is over. The final game of the season is Monday night.
March Madness is an apt title for a very transitional month. Many things change in March.
We began March in winter although many areas of the country experienced above average temperatures, low snowfall, and a very mild winter. March is traditionally very winding as it changes the seasons.
We leave March on the threshold of spring. Spring officially arrived 10 days ago and daylight savings time a little before that.
Baseball has begun. Now, our attitudes are focused on springtime activities. There is a freshness to … (12 comments)

Hiking Tent Rocks NM - 03/31/12 11:18 AM

John has posted another fantastic shot of his New Mexico - this time a rock formation called "Tent Rocks." Beautiful color with a deep blue sky in a supporting role.

Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Hiking Tent Rocks NM

This is the perfect time to purchase or sell your Albuquerque, Rio Rancho or CentralNM home. If you’re considering selling or buying a NM home I am ready to exceed all your expectations! Contact me, John McCormack, Realtor® with Albuquerque Homes Realty today and let me assist you in making your real estate dreams become … (4 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Palm Saturday" - 03/31/12 10:08 AM

──

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website or go to my other blog "Steve Hoffacker's Home Sales Insights" for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at "Steve Hoffacker's Happenings."
Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer, Author of Sales Books, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Marketing Consultant, Sales Coach, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Podcaster, and Teacher. - 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 … (18 comments)

Friday's Fotos - "New Season For Cypress" - 03/30/12 08:42 PM

Let's Cheer On Lou Ludwig - 03/30/12 10:01 AM

Lou Ludwig is poised to be the next AR points millionaire. He might even get there today. Certainly he is quite close.
Many of you follow Lou's blog which feature at least one motivational quote each day with an analysis he offers in his "as I see it."
Lou is a great real estate sales and management resource.
Stop by Lou's blog and welcome him to the millionaire club or leave a comment that will push that much closer.

──

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website or go to my other blog … (8 comments)

A Little Birdie Told Me - 03/30/12 09:43 AM

The little Twitter bluebird told me that I reached the 10,000 tweet mark this morning. That was a nice little goal to reach. Now onward from here.
I know many people have dismissed or stayed away from Twitter, but it is a great microblogging site. You don't have to tell us what you had for lunch (unless you want to feature the eatery), but there are hundreds of business related and hyper-local posts that are appropriate.
BTW, I share all of my AR posts on Twitter. Click the button in the upper left of your post. Did you know you can … (4 comments)

Tuesday's Treasures - "First Plumeria Of The Year" - 03/29/12 10:00 PM

Let The Competition Decide It - 03/29/12 09:10 AM

In baseball, there is no sudden death. When the game is tied at the end of 9 innings (or 7 innings for softball or 6 for Little League) does the first team to score next win? Of course not. They keep playing the top and bottom of additional frames until one team is finally ahead and both teams have had at least one chance to score again.
In soccer, they play two extra overtime periods, but then they mess it up and have a shootout. If we wanted the game decided by a shootout, we'd just skip the game and do … (7 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Got Sunscreen?" - 03/28/12 07:38 PM

Tuesday's Treasures - "Golden New Blooms" - 03/27/12 10:38 PM

Majestic Mondays - "Cheshire Moon" - 03/26/12 10:39 PM

Speechless Sundays - "Springtime Feel" - 03/25/12 03:00 PM

A Day For Sports Fans - 03/25/12 12:00 PM

Today is an unusual day in the world of sports. I don't recall too many days when there is this much going on at the same time or on the same day.
Right now on TV is PGA golf, PBA bowling, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Men's Final Four. Women's Final Four, Preseason MLB Baseball, NCAA Hockey, NBA basketball, IndyCar racing, Formula One racing, and professional tennis - all live. That's just on the regular networks - not counting premium channels.
I'm sure there's fishing and other activities going on as well. Not sure there's any live action football. lacrosse, boxing, or soccer, … (14 comments)

A Different Kind Of Chili Reception - 03/24/12 02:02 PM

I don't know about other markets and other stores, but our local Chili's is sponsoring a fundraising night for organizations that want to particvipate. They will donate 10% of the take back to the organization on a night that is selected and promoted by flyers that Chili's provides. What a great idea!
I haven't heard about it from other stores in our area but then I'm not on their email list.
If others are doing this, great. If it's just a local promotion, fantastic.
Another reason to go to Chili's!!

──

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

Silent Saturday in Albuquerque NM - 03/24/12 01:43 PM

John has captured another stunning photo from his Albuquerque area. The golden color of the bush and the owl, and the penetrating stare of the owl are amazing.

Via John McCormack- Owner/Broker REALTOR, e-PRO (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Silent Saturday in Albuquerque NM
This is the perfect time to purchase or sale your Albuquerque, Rio Rancho or Central NM home. If you’re considering selling or buying a NM home I am ready to exceed all your expectations! Contact me today and let me assist you in making your real estate dreams become a reality!
Albuquerque Homes and Lifestyle Blog
… (4 comments)

Silent Saturday - "An Earlier Time & Pace" - 03/24/12 12:51 PM

Friday's Fotos - "Standing Tall & Lean" - 03/23/12 10:54 PM

Thankful Thursdays - "Still Waters" - 03/22/12 10:46 PM

It's My Money & I Want It Now - 03/22/12 12:22 PM

Borrowing from a popular tagline from J.G Wentworth about having access to our lump-sum settlements or annuities, taxpayers are funding the government with interest free loans to the point that we're talking serious money.
Last year just over $3,000 was the average refund. This year, it's just under $3.000. That's $3,000 times the millions of taxpayers that the government gets to use for up to 12 months - or longer to loan out (for interest) or fund other programs without any compensation coming to us for the use of our unsecured gifts.
While getting a $3,000 check - more or less … (12 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Lemony Goodness" - 03/21/12 11:47 PM

Wordless Wednesday (almost!): Gliding with purpose into the sunset. - 03/21/12 06:52 PM

Here is another great sunset photo that I am happy to share because it is so powerful. The colors are strong, and the clouds suggest a movement toward the end of the day.

Via Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, REALTOR® St. George, Utah (Prado & Kramer Real Estate, St. George, UT 435.632.9374):
Wordless Wednesday (almost!): Gliding with purpose into the sunset.

The sun moves downward with purpose, the moon in its stead. Another day ended, giving way to night; a time of rest to begin the day once more. It is a long standing partnership that relies on dependability to achieve a favorable … (6 comments)

Tuesday's Treasures - "First Day Of Spring Color" - 03/20/12 08:44 PM

Forest Vernal Pool Program to be held in Bellows Falls Vermont - 03/20/12 06:36 PM

Dale presents many wonderful photoblogs of his area, but this one on vernal pools is outstanding - great photography and information. You'll learn a lot from this.

Via New Hampshire Home, Events & Relocation Information by Dale-God Bless America (Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections ):
Forest Vernal Pool Program to be held in Bellows Falls Vermont, many Home Owners. plus folks which Rent a Home in Vermont or any where across our Grand Country, which has woods on the property more than likely have at least one Vernal Pool some where in the wooded area of the property. Vernal … (4 comments)

A Good Week and Good Night - Speechless Sundays - 03/20/12 06:02 PM

Sunsets are marvelous, and they come in a variety of colors. Here's one from California that is stunning. It fun sharing great images like this one.

Via Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 (Donovan Blatt Team - Donovan Group Realty):
A Good Week and Good Night - Speechless Sundays

The last couple of weeks have been busy, productive and wonderful, and this walk along the bluffs was a beautiful way to end the day.
I am so fortunate to live in a place where this type of view is such a common sight.
***************************************************************************
About … (4 comments)

Majestic Mondays - "Staging The Sky With Power, Beauty" - 03/19/12 09:24 PM

Motivational Monday - "If It Takes Standing On Your Head" - 03/19/12 09:16 PM

If it takes standing on our head to get the job down, then
so be it - whatever it takes that is not improper.

──

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website or go to my other blog "Steve Hoffacker's Home Sales Insights" for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at "Steve Hoffacker's Happenings."
Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer, Author of Sales Books, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Marketing Consultant, Sales Coach, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Podcaster, and Teacher. - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, … (13 comments)

I Can Speak Again - 03/19/12 07:59 PM

I have a new keyboard. I can speak again. Actually this keyboard is more responsive than my last one and is keeping up with me. Ain't it great?
I ended up getting a Logitech one step down from what I had before, and it seems even better. For now, all is great.
BTW, the staff at Staples, especially the Store Manager, were super to work with in selecting the new keyboard and replacing the wornout one under warranty.
I highly recommend Staples and make it a point to shop there - even if it is a little bit out of the … (9 comments)

I Am A Disadvantaged Blogger - 03/18/12 05:57 PM

No, you don't have to feel sorry for me. It's just I am appreciating just how hard it is to communicate with an uncooperative keyboard. It is slow - at least a couple of characters behind my typing. Also, it is wireless but mostly refuses to work unless it's plugged in.
I plan on getting a new keyboard soon. This one is nearly a year old - that's a long time for keyboards.
I guess it has a right to be worn out though. I've typed and editted 5 books on this keyboard plus published hundreds of posts just for starters.
… (18 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Strut Your Stuff" - 03/18/12 01:00 PM

Silent Saturday - "Pick A Door" - 03/17/12 10:56 AM

Friday's Fotos - "To The Oceans White With Foam" - 03/16/12 10:22 PM

Thankful Thursdays - "Have A Seat" - 03/15/12 09:26 PM

Wordless Wednesday - "Fair Weather Cyclone" - 03/14/12 11:11 PM

Heads Up BCS, March Madness Begins! - 03/13/12 03:06 PM

Tonight, the NCAA does what they claim they can't do in football - have a playoff championship. For men's basketball (women's is beginning, too), they are playing an all-out, invitational, winner-take-all, national championship tournament.
The BCS claims that a national tournament is impractical. Most fans don't buy that. In fact, the NCAA conducts 3 national championships in football - Division, II, Division II, and FCS.
The BCS should be in the front row taking notes tonight.
A 68-team tournament over 67 games begins a single elimination trek that will lead to crowning of a single national champion in 3 weeks.
The … (14 comments)

Tuesday's Treasures - "Colors Of The Swamp" - 03/13/12 02:30 PM

Majestic Mondays - "Y Not?" - 03/12/12 10:26 PM

Flowing Beethoven Hair - 03/12/12 09:14 PM

This plant has a golden color and a natural flow to it that makes it easy to view and remember. Part of a great area in North Carolina showcased by Mona in her post.

Via Mona Gersky,GRI,ABR~MoonDancer Realty~ Western North Carolina (Buyer & Seller Representation):
The historic Town of Dillsboro really is a “walkabout” district. Even though it is only about 3 blocks large, it still is home to more than 40 specialty shops and restaurants. Up on the hill lies the Riverwood Shops and The Well House restaurant. Among the shops in Riverwood is the beautiful Oaks Gallery and … (6 comments)

Motivational Monday - "Got Ethics?" - 03/12/12 07:57 PM

Saw this sign on the back of a Palm Beach County PalmTran
bus today - sponsored by the PBC Ethics Commission.
It's a great question.
It's not something we go to the mall or store to get when we decide
we need some or when we start running low. It's not available in
different sizes, colors, styles, or brands to accommodate us.
It's absolute!

──

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website or go to my other blog "Steve Hoffacker's Home Sales Insights" for additional sales tips, insights, … (10 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Star Of The Show" - 03/11/12 08:45 PM

Adjusting To Time Change Jet Lag - 03/10/12 08:52 PM

Daylight Savings Time arrives tomorrow throughout the US, except Hawaii and Arizona. To mininimize the impact on our routines and sleep cycle, let's think of it as taking a short trip. We are going from where we live to one time zone to our east. Just imagine you are traveling from Chicago to New York, or Denver to Dallas, or Seattle to Boise. Here in Florida, not sure where we'd be traveling to, but you get the idea. The only difference is that after we adjust to the jet lag, we aren't going back home for 8 months, We will be … (28 comments)

Silent Saturday - "Branching Out" - 03/10/12 01:26 PM

Friday's Fotos - "Bashful Moon" - 03/09/12 10:01 PM

Rest Up Tonight - 03/09/12 11:40 AM

Rest up tonight (unless you live in Arizona or Hawaii). We lose an hour out of our day tomorrow night. It will take a couple of days of getting used to the time difference as our body clocks reset. Then it will be like we've always had extra daylight.
Don't forget to the clocks ahead tomorrow night - for those that don't automatically reset like our computers and smartphones. Then enjoy all of the extra evening activities we can do while we can still see what we're doing - walking, bike riding, walking the dog, gardening, yard work, tennis, golf, and … (20 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "White Orchids That Grow On Trees" - 03/08/12 11:40 PM

Moonrise Over Albuquerque’s Snow Covered Sandia Mountain - 03/08/12 10:48 PM

I am a fan of John McCormack's New Mexicao photography, and this shot is exquisite. The coloring and composition make it a very memorable shot. Enjoy it.

Via John McCormack- Owner/Broker REALTOR, e-PRO (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Moonrise Over Albuquerque’s Snow Covered Sandia MountainWe took this photo from our front yard February of the moonrise over Albuquerque's snow covered Sandia Mountain. If you look closely you will see the television and radio towers on top of the 10, 678 feet Sandia Mountain crest. It is a surreal to watch the magic of a moonrise overAlbuquerque’s snow covered Sandia Mountain with … (10 comments)

It's Time For Congress To Stand Up - 03/08/12 08:32 AM

It's time for Congress to stand up to the Administration - and we need to tell them and then encourage them to do so. NAR and NAHB is not doing our bidding - nor is AARP or any other organization that I'm aware of. We must act as private citizens and as small business people.
What am I talking about? Separation of powers!
The Administration - and this goes back to at least LBJ in the 60s, if not further - is charged with with administering the laws of Congress. They are not empowered to make up their own laws along … (17 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - "Full Worm, Crow, Crust, Or Sap Moon (Use Your Imagination)" - 03/07/12 03:13 PM

Eastern Time Zone Rainers Get An Extra Hour To Post On Saturday - 03/07/12 06:40 AM

Not that anyone is going to be staying up just to do this, but for anyone living in the eastern time zone, Saturday night offers a bonus of sorts.
Now that AR has gone to the pacific time zone time stamp for posts and comments, it means that eastern time zone folks have until 3:00 am of the following day to have things count for the previous day. Central is 2:00 am and mountain is 1:00 am.
This Saturday night, a special event occurs. At 2:00 am eastern time on Sunday morning (Saturday night if you like) or 11:00 pm pacific … (10 comments)

Tuesday's Treasures - "Pineapple In The Making" - 03/06/12 10:18 PM

Saturday's Shot ...3.3.2012 They Just Don't Get Any Better Than This! - 03/05/12 06:52 PM

If you've seen Rob Thomas barn photos on AR, you know how good they are. Here's the latest, and it's in black and white as so many of his are.
Via Rob Thomas Bristol TN-VA Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954):
Saturday's Shot ...3.3.2012 They Just Don't Get Any Better Than This!

This one in my opinion just says it all! It reflects the epitome of time gone by in The Bristol TN-VA Area! These are images I could sit back and look at all day!
For some modern images of time going forward just … (18 comments)

Active Rain Really Helps Your SERP Rankings! - 03/05/12 04:08 PM

Active Rain enjoys a very strong search engine presence. It currently is rated #4067 on Alexa - an international website rating service of all the tens of millions of sites and blogs on the internet. Just by being on Active Rain, we have that additional power. Most of our own websites rank in the high 7 figures or higher.
Well, in addition to being seen and ranking higher by virtue of the tremendous online activity, an AR presence helps with our SERPs (search engine results page) or organic search.
Just a little while ago I did a Google serach for "real … (105 comments)

Motivational Mondays - "More Than Half Full" - 03/05/12 08:54 AM

Last night's moon - on it's way to becoming a full moon in a few
days - reminded me of the 50% glass of water and the way
people perceive it. This is definitely more than half full!

──

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website or go to my other blog "Steve Hoffacker's Home Sales Insights" for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at "Steve Hoffacker's Happenings."
Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer, Author of Sales Books, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Marketing Consultant, Sales Coach, Blogger, … (16 comments)

Speechless Sundays - "Sunday's Sunset Stripes" - 03/04/12 11:38 PM

Silent Saturday - "What Big Eyes You Have" - 03/03/12 06:06 PM

A Great Closing Gift Idea - 03/03/12 08:27 AM

If you are looking for a different way to acknowledge a business relationship or to thank a customer for doing business with you, Amazon.com has something you should consider.
You can give plants, gift certificates, art, wine, baskets, and the like, but here is a twist on the gift card that you might want to use.
Amazon.com - where you can buy most anything - offers you the opportunity to personalize your gift card so that you have co-branded it with Amazon to have residual power after the move-in, closing, or conclusion of your business.
Available in various denominations, you can … (26 comments)

Even A Presidential Endorsement Doesn't Help - 03/02/12 03:39 PM

Chevy announced that they are suspending production of the Volt for 5 weeks due to lack of sales - first good news associated with this car. The President praised the car and said he would buy one when he left office - might be a good supply of unsold ones by then - even in 4 years.
America is not ready for a Volt with this pricetag - a car that only goes 35 miles on electric before needing the gas engine - less in stop and go traffic or cold weather.
The President feels so strongly about the car - … (24 comments)

Why Can't Congress Go All The Way? - 03/02/12 02:51 PM

Congress is timid. It won't declare war. It won't pass a budget.
It has trouble going all the way to correct an issue that needs fixed. It tries the band-aid approach. Mind you this is Congress the body, not all of the individual members.
The House repealed Obamacare - once. The Senate didn't go along. Do it again, and again, and again. The House, in a band-aid measure voted to allow religious organizations to ignore the provision of contraceptives under Obamacare. The Senate didn't go along - no big surprise.
Congress passed the Payroll Tax Extension a couple of weeks ago … (10 comments)

Thankful Thursdays - "Where Oranges Begin" - 03/01/12 09:28 PM

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

Steve Hoffacker

West Palm Beach, FL

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Cell Phone: (561) 685-5555

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