"New Year, New Ways". Billy Graham

The new year is right around the corner, and the topic of new years resolutions is not far behind.  I will be the first to admit, that to date, I have not fulfilled a single new years resolution.  "Aren't new years resolutions meant to be broken", has always been my mindset.  So I am writing today to ask you, the public, what have been some of your past, failed, and successful new years resolutions?

This Christmas, a book by Billy Graham found its way into my possession, Wisdom for Each Day.  I would like to quote this book, for I feel that the portion on new years resolutions is very applicable:
"Give careful thought to your ways...making new years resolutions and not keeping them is a universal experience.  We may be sincere when we make them, but then we find them too hard to keep, or perhaps we forget all about them...[new years resolutions] they force us to look at ourselves - to be honest about our failures and our need to change.  Many new years resolutions are unrealistic or only wishful thinking, but the exercise of examining ourselves and seeing where we fall short is important."

Happy new year! 

I hope that 2011 is filled with many more memories and accomplishments.

Business Planning for 2011

The end of 2010 is approaching extremely fast, and the need for a 2011 business plan is a must.  The economy is continuing on its roller coaster of a cycle, and a systematized and calculated plan will help ease the ride.

Early in the fourth quarter I challenged you to place post-it notes on your bathroom or bedroom mirror, and now I am challenging you to create a road map for 2011.  If you excepted my post-it note challenge, then the business plan should be fairly simple.  What type of business plan am I speaking of?  The business plan is just a simple breakdown of your goals spread over a month.  You then break down your monthly goals into weekly and daily tabulations, thereby allowing you to know, with certainty, what you have accomplished.

I am currently creating my plan for 2011.  Will your 2011 have a plan?

2010 Homebuyer Survey Contains Valuable Information for Agents and Sellers

There was recently an article in Realty Times, by Bob Hunt, that describes the results of a homebuyers' survey.  What that survey found is very important.

The results state, "Buyers use multiple sources of information in the process of looking for a home. Far and away the most used sources are the internet (89%) and real estate agents (88%). What is the third most used information source? Yard signs (57%)."

Our industry and the industries of the world are changing.  Are you changing?  Am I changing?  We should be able to answer questions such as those or else we will be left behind.  The technology revolution has been underway for some time now, and it is not too late to catch up. 

There was an article by Jeffrey Gitomer titled "Be Your Own Santa Clause" (YouTube Video - Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KfiepIaWjA ), and within that article Jeffery describes the need to treat ourselves this holiday season.  He does not mean treat ourselves with candy, food, or clothes, but treat ourselves with knowledge, new books, a seminar, or other useful tool that can increase sales, increase morale, or increase potential.  Relating this back to the survey results, treat yourself to technology, whether it is a new gadget, a crash course, or other treat that will help you stay attuned to technology.