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INVESTING IN MY BUSINESS FOR 2009

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential

I was fortunate to have couple of closing at the end of December.  

It not only assured my family a very Merry Christmas, it also allowed me to make some investments in my business:

 1.  Global Positioning system (GPS):  Garmin Nuvi 260         

I love it.  It gives me so much confidence.  There is enough anxiety involved in real estate.  It is nice not worrying where I am going.  Price $189.

2.  Hard Drive:  Maxtor                 External Hard Drive

An insurance policy for my computer.  I have so many files, pictures, contacts, etc. that I do not want to lose.  Now I won't.  Probably more space than I will ever use.  Price $80.

3.  Digital Camera:  Sony Cybershot      

The camera is great.  I have taken more pictures of my family than of homes, but it will be great for both.  It has lots of features I need to learn, but the camera is very user friendly.  Price $149

4.  New real estate signs:     Grand Sign Company        Ken's For Sale Signs

The best advertisement for an agent is the FOR SALE sign.  I think it is important that they look nice.  I just picked up five FOR SALE panels and three OPEN HOUSE signs.   I have my picture on all my signs.  It spreads the brand.  I feel it says "I stand behind my business!"  Price $305.

5.  Health Club Membership:  Lifetime Fitness 

What an awesome club.  Friendly staff.  Clean facility.  Erin loves the daycare.  We go almost every day.
I am currently running on the treadmill on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while going to yoga on Tuesday and Thursday.  It feels great.  I meet people.  A win win.  Price $66/month.

  

 I am not done investing in my business for 2009. 

New business cards and a KW wardrobe are both on my radar...

In the mean time, I need to find some more homes to sell.

I have brand new FOR SALE signs that need to find a home. :)

Ken

A Realtor you can trust. 

Comments (32)
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JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

Looks like you made some good purchases. I too got a GPS for Christmas, so now I can find my way around unfamiliar territory.

Jan 19, 2009 01:58 AM
Bruce Brockmeier
Internet Marketing Consultant to REALTORS® - Yorba Linda, CA
Coached By Crouch

Hi Ken,

I like your sign!  Makes a strong impression.  I don't remember seeing something like that before.

Jan 19, 2009 02:26 AM
Kevin O'Shea
Coldwell Banker - White Plains, NY
White Plains, NY Real Estate

Hi Ken,

That's great! New toys are always a motivation for doing more business.

All the best!

Jan 19, 2009 06:44 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Kevin, Bruce, JL, and Shirley. 

Thanks all for stopping by.

Kevin, paying for toys is a great motivation!

Bruce, no KW signs look like this.  I liked my old RE/MAX signs, so went with the same look.

Shirley, never heard of Maxtor either.  So many good cheap hard drives right now.

JL, surpising how we don't know where places are even in our hometown.  Love knowing where my showings are!

Thanks again everyone,

Ken

Jan 19, 2009 08:07 AM
Teresa K. Nelson
Compass - Woodinville, WA
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Ken,

My husband  bought me a Garmin Nuvi for Christmas last year  - I think it was one of the best gifts ever!  My only problem is that occasionally I am not in the car with the GPS in it, but I just got a new Blackberry, and guess what? Navigation is built right in!  Ilove your signs, it's on my to do list to! Also signage for my car!

Jan 19, 2009 08:12 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Teresa K.

Thanks for stopping by.

Signage for the car.  Hmmm.

I haven't decided on that yet.

We only have one car (for the time being) so I am never without it!

Thanks again,

Ken

Jan 19, 2009 09:26 AM
David Timm
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Fort Collins, CO
CRS, EcoBroker, GRI, ABR

Sounds like you are helping your local economy with a stimulus package of your own.  Keep rolling!

All the best

Jan 19, 2009 09:56 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi David.  You are correct.

I am trying to save the economy! 

Thanks for noticing and stopping by.

Ken

Jan 19, 2009 10:13 AM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

Ken way to go.  What about those seaon tickets to the Cubs?

Jan 19, 2009 11:44 AM
Judy Greenberg
Compass - Long Grove, IL
Compass- Long Grove -Buffalo Grove

I just joined Lifetime Fitness in Vernon Hills and it is the best thing I have ever done.  Actually, I was working out and one of my neighbors gave me a lead that later on that day turned into a wonderful listing.  Worth it huh?

Jan 19, 2009 02:56 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Ken... looks to me like you have invested wisely and in a way that will provide the kinds of returns that Wall Street never could have!  Way to go!

Jan 19, 2009 03:40 PM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi John, Judy, and Steve.

Thanks for reading.

Season tickets?  A little pricey.

Judy, good for you!

Thanks guys,

Ken

Jan 20, 2009 12:08 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Cute and creative post, Ken. Investing in your business is a good way to stay ahead (or keep up) with the pack.

Here's hoping your signs aren't stolen and everything else is put to great use in 2009! ~Pat

Jan 21, 2009 02:27 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Pat.  Thanks.

I like keeping my readers posted on what I am doing for my business.

Let's have a great 2009.

Ken

Jan 21, 2009 05:07 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Ken, you have all the right items. I have to look into the GPS and the hard drive. You are all ready,

Jan 21, 2009 02:19 PM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Gary.  Thanks for reading.

I love the GPS!!!

It feels so good showing with confidence.

Ken

Jan 22, 2009 12:19 AM
Anonymous
Anne Oliver

It would be better if you actually had your signs in yards over sitting on the floor:)  How many listings do you have?

Jan 25, 2009 05:26 AM
#29
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Anne.  Yes it would.

I have two listings.  I would like to get the rest of the signs on homes soon.

Thanks for reading,

Ken

Jan 25, 2009 07:32 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

GPS....I have one in my car...I am trying to learn how to use it. I just hate the way it talks to me!

Jan 27, 2009 01:45 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Cherimie.  She is my friend.  Keeps me company on the long drives!

By the way, mine is very easy to use...

Thanks for stopping by,

Ken

Jan 27, 2009 07:03 AM
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