The ABC's of Selling

November 29, 2011 By Harvey Mackay

Over the years I have learned (and keep learning) a lot about sales. I am hoping that my first hand experience can give you an edge and a head start to success. Here are some quick and easy ideas that can and will help you nail down your sales.

A – Availability for your customers is essential, so they can reach you with questions, concerns or reorders.
B – Believe in yourself and your company, or find something else to sell.
C – Customers aren’t always right, but if you want to keep them as your customers, find a way to make them right.
D – Deliver more than you promise.
E – Educations is for life – never stop learning.
F - Follow up and follow through. Never leave a customer hanging.
G – Goals give you a reason to go to work every day. When you reach your goals, set higher ones!
H – Humanize your selling strategy by learning everything you can about your customers.
I – I is the least important letter in selling.
J – Join trade organizations and community groups that will help you both professionally and personally, such as Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce or Junior Achievement.
K – Know your competitors and their products as well as you know your own.
L – Listen to your customers or they’ll start talking to someone else.
M – Maybe is the worst answer a customer can give. No is better than maybe. Find out what you can do to turn it into a yes.
N – Networking is among the most important skills a salesperson can develop. Someone you know knows someone you need to know.
O – Opportunities are everywhere. Keep your antennae up.
P – Price is not the only reason customers buy your product, but it’s a good reason.
Q – Quality can never be sacrificed if you want to keep your customers satisfied.
R – Relationships are precious: They take time to develop and are worth every minute you invest in them.
S – Service is spelled “serve us” in companies that want to stay in business for a long time.
T – Trust is central to doing business with anyone. Without it, you have another word that begins with T:Trouble.
U – Unlimited potential is possible whether you sell computers or candy. You are the only one who can limit your potential.
V – Volunteer: It’s always good to give back. You’ll probably find that you get more than you give, and there is no shortage of organizations that need your help.
W – Winning doesn’t necessarily mean beating everyone else. A win-win situation is the best of both worlds.
X – X-ray and catscan your customers so that you know everything about them – so you can serve them better.
Y – You is a word your customers need to hear often, as in “What can I do for you?”
Z – Zeal is a critical element in your presentations, service and life in general. Let your enthusiasm shine!


Hope you enjoyed the ABC'S. But remember what the other ABCD'S are (A)lways,(B)e(C)losing(D)eals!

Trust: The Name of the Game

Trust has many forms, it can be a handshake, it can be a logo, it can be a name, it can be a color, it can be a person, and so much more.  The trouble seems to be that trust has deteriorated over the last couple of decades.  For example, a handshake does not mean the same thing today as it did 20 years ago.  So how can a person, or a company, develop trust?

I recently came across some information presented by Stephen Covey.  Mr. Covey presented on the thirteen (13) behaviors of High Trust, in no particular order (i.e. the best 13 behaviors to build trust):

1. Talk straight
2. Demonstrate respect
3. Create transparency
4. Right wrongs
5. Show loyalty
6. Deliver results
7. Get better
8. Confront reality
9. Clarify expectations
10. Practice accountability
11. Listen first
12. Keep Commitments
13. Extend trust

Taking a quick look at the thirteen (13) behaviors above, we can quickly see where trust has deteriorated over the years.  A recent example can be found in our US government and local legislations (no disrespect), where transparency and lack of honoring commitments has become normal practice.  Mr. Covey describes the benefits of High Trust, and the Trust Dividend in an economic sense verses the Trust Tax:

Trust Dividend is when Trust(+) is positive, this translates to Quicker Operations(+), and Lower Costs(-).

Trust Tax is when Trust(-) is negative, which results in Slower Operations(-), and Higher Costs(+).

I hope that you can use these tools that I shared with you from Mr. Covey to build high trust relationships with your friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, business partners, customers, and all of the relationships that you encounter through your life.  I hope that you can continually build your trust dividends.

Scott

Walking On Fire

Last week I attended the Anthony Robbins seminar in Los Angeles.  One of the activities of the seminar was to overcome the impossible and walk on red hot coals. The experience was unlike any other, and I feel that the symbolism of the act was enormous.  If you can walk on fire what can't you do next!  Let me ask you, and share with you my experience ... 


For nearly three hours the Anthony Robbins Company was burning wood to generate red hot coals.  Later, these newly formed coals would be beneath my feet and I would be celebrating with comrades.  The heat of these coals was compared to a burning hot stove, such as the one that you have burned your finger on once before.  The fear and excitement were intermingled as I approached the burning walk way, but the excitement ultimately overcame the fear, and perhaps the fear fueled the excitement.  I walked across and the message was clear, what fears hold us back from accomplishing the impossible?  We have so much to lose that we focus on the fear of losing it all instead of channeling the fear into excitement and energy to achieve our wildest dreams.


Have you ever walked on fire?  What were your thoughts?  


Scott

Graham Hill: Less stuff, more happiness | Video on TED.com

Graham Hill: Less stuff, more happiness | Video on TED.com

Graham Hill has some great ideas, and I feel that more people should follow his idea of Less if More. We are entering a new day and age, and going forward, new ideas, and new habits must be formed. There are many companies and individuals that are making a difference, but that population is small in comparison to the population at-large. Lets make the small efforts everyday to make a big impact.

One last point is that I think that Graham's stackable and compact furniture is perfect for small spaces to come.

Scott

http://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_less_stuff_more_happiness.html

Realty Times - Controlling Your Income

Realty Times - Controlling Your Income

"Your business checking account is merely a holding tank. Don't keep large amounts of money in there. When a commission check is received, put it all in the business checking account. Set up a business savings account and deposit 10% of your gross commission in there. That is your rainy day fund, dividend fund, and source for the future. You can build up a lot of funds through this method. At the same time, set up a tax savings account. Deposit 20% of every check to the tax savings account. This method guarantees you have the funds available when quarterlies are due.

Create one last account for your investments savings account and deposit 10% in that account. This account can be built up to fund your retirement accounts, 401K, simple IRA, whatever vehicle you use."

Those of us with uncertain incomes really need to budget our incomes that much more than our steady incomed counterparts. Try to follow the above rule of thumb, and see if it works for you.

Scott

A Little Motivation: Your Own Success

Every once in a while we can lose our motivation, and every once in a while we need that kick in the butt to push forward.  I came across this posting and found it uplifting and motivating.  We stand in our own way to success, and until we move and get ourselves out of the way, we will continue to do ourselves a disservice.  Kaiser Permanente says it well too:  http://youtu.be/ZER0LUymzsA .  We must look in the mirror.

Enjoy the article and have a great Monday.

Scott

Start right now

Don’t wait until you’re ready. Start now.

The circumstances will not be perfect and you won’t get it perfect. Start now, however, and you will get it done.

You’re not going to have everyone’s assistance or approval. You can, however, get the jump on your success and get started right now.

Do you want to waste your time and energy on elaborate excuses or would you rather invest yourself in achievement? Get started now and get the achievement well underway.

You’ve already delayed long enough and there’s no good reason to wait one moment more. The time for action is the time at hand.

You’re standing squarely in the middle of your life’s great and valuable opportunity. Start right now and make all that value yours.

— Ralph Marston

Read more: http://greatday.com/#ixzz1ZjPqFetH

1031 Exchange A Foreclosure

In the midst of the economic turmoil, there was an interesting light that was recently shown to me.  Did you know that a person can 1031 exchange in a foreclosure?  I didn't!  According to information gathered from Asset Preservation, Inc. (apiexchange.com), a person may 1031 exchange when the mortgage debt encumbering property is greater than the taxpayer's adjusted basis for income taxes.  Keep in mind that the exchange MUST take place BEFORE the foreclosure.

"Ex:  Investor acquires an interest valued at $200 for $70 with a $170 non-recourse mortgage.  Later the interest is valued at $160, and the lender elects to foreclose.  If the investor does nothing, then they will recognize a gain of $100 ($170-$70).  The gains tax due will be $28.

The investor will then reach our to Asset Preservation Inc., to conduct a 1031 exchange, with the foreclosed property acting as the relinquished property.  The investor will then have the standard 48 days to identify a property valued equal to or greater than $170.  The property will be acquired by using the $28 as a down payment, and the obtaining a new loan for the balance of the $170 purchase price."

Asset Preservation, Inc., (866) 394 - 1031
Ask for Steven G. Rosansky, Esq.

I hope that you learned something new, and that all of your investment endeavors be profitable.


Scott

GlobeSt.com - S&P Downgrades US Credit Rating - Daily News Article

GlobeSt.com - S&P Downgrades US Credit Rating - Daily News Article

If you follow the link above, it will highlight the uncertainty that is US policy making. What Moody's and S&P have done is hold congress and the government accountable. If you ask most citizens what they think about congress at the moment, it is mostly negative. Why should they not get a negative outlook? Further, the practices that currently go on at capital hill are completely opposite from what goes on throughout our great country. Who holds capital hill accountable? The American people? The American people do not have the time to oppose what our government is doing...the last time that "The People" truly got together to protest and support a decision against the government was in the late 60's. In today's times of working 2 jobs, raising a family, and other excuses, people find it easier to bicker and moan to their friends rather than take action. How many people come out and vote, is a good illustration of people and how they think of government. The government "dog" has been without a leash for too long, and as much as it hurts to see the downgrade, it is a necessary act to correct the animal which we as a population have created.

Keep us honest Moody's and S&P.

Scott

Sales: Name of the Game

By: Dan Jourdan

Your sales job is your business, and you are the boss. Remember, that's why you got into this world in the first place. This way, you can make your own hours and call your own shots. Sure you may have a quota to reach and some required meeting to go to, but as long as you are producing money for your company, they probably wouldn't care if you showed up. They need revenue, they need more customers, and so do you.

I know a sales manager in a stock brokerage firm that once said, "Other than owning your own business, sales was the quickest way to get wealthy." He had it half right; selling is a business and if you treat it that way, it will fill your pockets with gobs of loot.

Most of you, however, don't treat it that way. You go through the motions during working hours and forget about your day at closing time. You blame the customer for making the wrong decisions, and complain about your commission structure and the fact that "there is not enough time in the day".

That last one really kills me. Here's the answer; you have the same time as everyone else. The difference simply is that you can choose to spend that time or invest that time throughout your day.

A business owner invests his time and uses it to his advantage by learning, writing, reading, practicing, blogging, and networking. In a word, a person with a business is always prospecting. Remember, as a sales person, you are a business owner - and it's time for you to act like one:

1. Wake up early. The whole "early bird gets the worm" thing really works. You have time to plan your day, to think, and to beat whatever traffic is out there. An owner knows that being early gives you a distinct advantage over your competition and will make you more money.

2. Be creative. An owner knows that everyone has competition and nobody wins with a price war. Therefore, the new battlefield is uniqueness. The only place left without competition is your own mind and what you can think up and create. No one can compete with your thoughts. An owner comes up with ideas to get some buzz and does it...immediately!

3. Know who your boss is. I know I said that you are your own boss, but that may be a bit of a lie. You don't have a boss, you have many bosses - they are just called customers and they feed you and your family. They provide for every luxury that you have or will have, and they can fire you too. An owner will treat them with the reverence they deserve.

4. Be comfortable with change. Constant reading, learning, trying, and failing are all part of the job. I have a friend with a very successful snack and soda vending company that services several states. Twenty years ago, his biggest seller was Coke in the 7oz bottles. Today it is earphones out of a vending machine.

The salesman of yesterday is dead...but treating your sales job as a business will ensure that you will live to win in life.

Dan Jourdan is a Gitomer-Certified Speaker who delivers customized and personalized seminars on sales, customer loyalty, and personal development. To book Dan for your next event, visitwww.GitomerCertified.com or contact the friendly folks at Buy Gitomer via email or by calling 704-333-1112.

The Basics of Online Advertising - According to Google AdWords.

If you're new to online advertising, the first step is to establish your advertising goals. You'll probably find it easier once you can answer these questions:

1. What does your company (or division) do? Do you have different product lines? What are they?
2. Who's your primary audience (target market) for your products and services? Do you need to reach different audiences with separate sets of keywords or ads?
3. What are you trying to sell or promote? What do you want people to do (buy, visit, download, subscribe)?
4. What results would you like to see? What would you consider a good return on your investment?

Each campaign -- whether you have one or multiple -- should reflect a single, overarching goal. When building a campaign, ask yourself "What do I want to achieve with this campaign?" Your answer might be to target a certain audience, sell more products, increase signups, or bring in more leads.
Some effective ways to organize your campaigns are by:

• Theme or product line (coffee products, tea products, gift baskets)
• Your website's structure, such as by categories (purchase, learn, signup)
• Different brands (X, Y, and Z)
• Geography (New York, Chicago, and United States)
• Language (English, Spanish, German)
• Distribution preference (search engines only, Display Network sites only, or both search and the Display Network)
• Budgets (different budgets per product line)

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

The small things in life truly matter. Whether the small things are small steps in your personal life, business life, or any other facet of your life, it starts with the small actions that to lead to large goals. That one step could be one degree.

The movie is 2 minutes and 50 seconds...check it out!

9 reasons real estate agents change offices | Inman News

9 reasons real estate agents change offices | Inman News

1. Lack of a strategic plan
Statistics show that up to 95 percent of all businesses that fail lack a business plan. Sadly, executives at major franchise organizations are often appalled by how many of their franchisees choose to operate without a business plan. If a manager or broker-owner doesn't have a plan, how can these individuals possibly assist agents in creating a viable business plan for their businesses?

2. Hiring the wrong recruits
Top-performing agents do not want to be surrounded by low-producing agents. Managers who fail to have clear standards about who they hire will often find themselves losing their top performers to offices who enforce production standards.

3. Expecting top producers to mentor new licensees
Today we are facing the toughest real estate market in decades. Agents at all levels need ongoing training to keep pace with the rapidly changing technology environment.

They also need training on how to negotiate with clients from the various generations, how to keep up with a constantly changing regulatory environment, plus plain old sales skills. Agents usually look to their manager, not another agent in the office, to help them achieve these goals.

4. Failure to reinforce the value and the tools that the company provides
A major complaint from most big firms is that they spend millions of dollars on creating great agent tools, and the agents fail to tell their buyers and sellers about these tools.

The reason is simple: Agents either aren't trained on how to introduce these tools to their clients, or they take the tools for granted and forget to mention them. It's up to the office manager to keep the brand proposition in front of their agents on a regular basis.

5. Forgetting the value of appreciation
Agents want to know that their leaders see what they do, and to be acknowledged for doing it. Managers who always carp about what's wrong rather than focusing on the agent's wins often find that they have a consistently high agent turnover.

In contrast, managers who take an interest in the agent's business and personal life, as well as being their agents' "biggest cheerleader," often have little to worry about in terms of their agents going elsewhere. As Zig Ziglar says, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

6. Failure to keep pace with technology
While the office manager doesn't necessarily need to be a technology guru, every office needs a technology expert who can help agents who want to embrace the latest tech tools. If the office lacks this resource, the agent may seek a more technologically savvy company.

7. Competing managers
A major complaint from agents in Murray's survey was managers who compete with their agents for listings. Even if the managers have their own database of clients, there is still the perception that they cherry-pick the best leads from the company website and other sources. Virtually all agents prefer to work in an office where there is no competition from their manager.

8. Lack of clear office policies and procedures
Office disputes can trigger major upheavals that can cause agents to go elsewhere. One of the best ways to avoid disputes is to have a policies and procedures manual. Creating guidelines puts everyone on notice regarding what is expected.

The second key point is that these guidelines must apply to everyone. There's nothing more exasperating to agents than the perception that there are two sets of rules: one for the manager's favorites and a different set for everyone else.

9. Fees without adequate benefits
Various companies have decided to increase their fee structure. Unless the agents see that the increased fees are providing a tangible benefit for their business, they may start searching for a place where it costs less to do business.

Steps managers can take to eliminate turnover

BY BERNICE ROSS, TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011.

Inman News™

Making the Most of Your Day

I have realized that without a plan, my day is not productive, and the ending result is me coming home feeling guilty.  Contrast that feeling to the one that I experience when I am up by 6a, and putting in a solid 2 hours of work before hitting my territory, and it is night and day.  How do you start your day?

"Sales is the highest paying hard work, and the lowest paying easy work."


There is something to be said for laying out a roadmap for the day that guides our decisions, and that will ultimately lead us to success.  With a guide taking away the guess work, it frees my mind to focus on the things that really matter throughout the day.

If you currently do not plan your day, I highly recommend the practice.  Just try it, and you will see the difference.  If it does not work the first time do not give up, but keep trying because you need to find the system that works for you.

Scott

Are You Living With No Regrets?

Rowel Manasan's
"Straight Talk" Personal Strategy
Heart/Money Alignment
It's a cliche, but it's oh-so-true: Money doesn't buy happiness. Families earning $50,000 a year overspend trying to keep up with those making $100,000 -- who, in turn, attempt to live like those making $200,000. For many families, the lure of consumerism wins out over qualities like foresight and the patience which saving requires.

The Beatles were right too: "Money can't buy you love." You can't pay someone a million dollars to love you more than a million dollars. Money can't buy integrity or friendship either. You can often purchase a cheap imitation of these values but not the genuine article. But money can be used to clarify and encourage the things already most important to you. It can be used to show your love for someone, keep your integrity or help a friend in need.

So, here is a simple exercise which can help you determine what you value most in life: Look at this list of 15 values:

    Achievement
    Adventure
    Aesthetics and culture
    Authority/Power
    Financial security
    Friendship/Love
    Health
    Independence
    Integrity
    Philanthropy
    Recreation
    Service
    Spiritual growth
    Wisdom
    Work

Cross off 10, and keep the five most important to you. Then rank those five in order of importance. Look at your list and answer this question:  Are you living your life and using your money in sync with your values? If you are married, ask your spouse to do the same exercise independently, and then compare your answers.

Now, take these values and give a hard look at where you are spending your money. Does it fit?

Surveys have found that people regret what they  didn't do more often than what they did.
Our lives can change course dramatically (and serendipitously) all because of some small decision on our part. How many times have we heard the story of how a happily married couple met, only to be surprised it almost didn't happen?

And, often, these decisions are expressed through how we spend our money.
We each long to participate in something significant and realize our greater passions. But that doesn't just "happen"! It requires foresight, planning and forgoing our momentary desires. The choices we make, every day, determine the ones we will have the opportunity to make in the future. Without those hesitant, often stumbling first steps, we can't even begin the journey. And, of course, the first step is the hardest.

Voicing what we are passionate about can be scary. Beginning to act on our ideas can feel overwhelming. But courage isn't a lack of fear; it's action in spite of fear. And our fear may indicate we are on the quest of our lives.

So again -- I refer you to your list of values, held up against how you are currently spending your money:  Are there small changes you can make--which would translate into BIG, passionate goals?

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Economic Benefits of New Home Construction

Jobs, Jobs Jobs

Residential construction has a positive, direct impact on the U.S. economy.

For each new single-family home that is built, NAHB estimates that three jobs are created.

Jobs are generated in the industries where lumber, concrete, lighting fixtures, heating and cooling equipment, and other products that go into a home are produced. More jobs are created when real estate agents, lawyers and brokers provide services to home builders and home buyers.  About half of the three jobs created by building an average single-family home are in the construction industry. Other jobs are spread over other sectors, with manufacturing ranking second.

A Generator of Tax Revenues

Other economic plusses of home building include the revenues generated for federal and local governments.

For each new single-family home that is built, NAHB estimates that it generates a total of $90,000 in government revenue -- $67,000 in federal taxes and $23,000 in state and local taxes.

This income is derived from several sources – from workers who are subject to federal, state and Social Security taxes and from business owners whose profits are similarly taxed. Beyond this, states often impose sales taxes on materials sold to home builders, and many local jurisdictions levy fees for approving building permits and extending utility services.

Housing Can Put America Back to Work

As of February 2011, U.S. housing starts totaled less than 500,000 at an annualized rate. This is well below the long-run trend of approximately 1.7 million new homes that are necessary to accommodate population growth and replacement of older housing stock.

The gap between current production and potential housing construction represents more than 3 million untapped American jobs. This gap is a result of multiple factors, including builders dealing with excess housing inventory, deferred household formations and a lack of construction financing.  With housing contributing 15 percent to Gross Domestic Product, restoring the health of the housing industry is a crucial first step in putting America back to work.

GlobeSt.com - More Development Ahead for San Bernardino County - Daily News Article

GlobeSt.com - More Development Ahead for San Bernardino County - Daily News Article

I will let the article speak for itself, but to sum up, keep an eye on San Bernardino County!

There are great opportunities, great projects ahead, and San Bernardino County is going to be a great place to be going forward.

Scott.

Never Lose Your Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is an important element to the success of an individual.  Enthusiasm pushes a person to take that one extra step that we might not have taken.  Enthusiasm is apparent when we interact with people, and it is contagious.  Enthusiasm comes from doing something that you like, and being able to share that enjoyment with others.

If you do not have enthusiasm, then take the necessary steps to get enthusiastic!  Get enthusiastic, get success, and have fun doing it.

Scott.

Realty Times - Housing Affordability Reaches 20 Year High

Realty Times - Housing Affordability Reaches 20 Year High

Well, Realty Times just highlighted the fact that has been know for quite some time. That the real estate market today is unlike any other before, and it is a great time to buy!

However, with credit being so tight, employment being uncertain, and the volatility of the globally intertwined economy, consumer confidence needs to increase. It is a fascinating event, low interest rates and low property values, but almost no action on the consumer front. What is going to be the catalyst for people to view the economy differently?

Please share your thoughts...

I feel that it is going to take years before confidence is restored. I see two things occurring:

1). So much time is going to pass by that people will be tired of sitting on the sidelines and finally make that leap of faith to purchase once again. They will take the attitude of, "why not", "what else do I have to lose", and/ or "I'm tired of waiting"; people will just decide to move on.

2). Some type of global event takes place to jump start peoples' attitudes. What that event is can be anything really.

Those are just my predictions, my thoughts, but I am only one person, and I would really like to hear other peoples' thoughts and opinions too.

Scott.

Realty Times - Eight Reasons to "SOI"

Realty Times - Eight Reasons to "SOI"

Times are tough, and it seems that everyone is doing the same WRONG thing: 1). Send out emails and hope to get a response, 2). Fiddle with Facebook and waste half a day, 3). Wine. With the real estate market the way that it is, the need to get back to the basics is very prevalent.

When things are going great, and the industry (any industry) has momentum, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and let good business practices slide. It seems that people are more forgiving when things are going great, rather than when things are going horrible. Why is that?

When we practice good business, and consistently carry that model in all markets, it becomes second nature, and a brand! A brand is the single most important item to a business besides customers and product. A brand carries confidence, a brand carries trust, a brand carries familiarity, a brand carries a following of loyal customers, and if we are lucky, a brand can stand on its own, but I digress.

The reason I share this article from Realty Times is that it touches on the the Sphere of Influence (SOI). The SOI is a back to basics practice that we all forget about. Who better to help in tough times then the friends and family members that we know and love. This practice is affordable, saves time, fun, and good for business to name a few. Do yourself a favor, read the article, reassess your business practices, and get back to the basics.

Scott.

California Bonds Put On Hold

A recent article by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) discusses the current bond hold or moratorium that is in place during the contemplation of Jerry Brown's new budgetary policy.

(http://www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/pmib/BondPauseMemo_0211.pdf)

The projects that will be affected by this hold are the following:

• MHP – Multifamily Housing Program 

• MHP-SH - Multifamily Housing Program Supportive Housing Component 

• HY - Homeless Youth 

• GHI - Governor’s Homeless Initiative 

• CalHome Development Project Loan 

• Housing Related Parks

This is an interesting time in California's history, not only with the large amount of delinquent home ownership, but also with the large amount of debt that looms over the California economy.  This is the 800 pound gorilla on our backs.

I feel that their needs to be some serious tightening of California's purse strings.  JFK had it right, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."  Californians need to start asking what they can do for California, and not what California can do for them. 

January CA Budget Talking Points

I recently found myself in possession of a document titled "January Budget Talking Points".  The document was produced by the League of California Cities in response to Jerry Brown's budgetary remarks to cut redevelopment money form California cities.  Below are some of the points that you may find interesting:

• Californians have repeatedly voted to make sure that local funds remain local.  In November the voters approved Proposition 22, once again confirming they want those funds to pay for services and programs in their communities.  (61% of voters supported Prop 22, a constitutional amendment that "Prohibits the state from borrowing or taking funds used for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects and services.")
• Redevelopment and and enterprise zones are the states' biggest job creation.  They revitalize depressed areas, spur job growth and taxes, and promote the kind of infill development encouraged by recent state policies.
• According to the California Redevelopment Association and the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, Gov. Brown's budget would:
• Kill 300,000 jobs a year provided by redevelopment projects.
• Encourage sprawl development, and increase greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
• Deprive the state and local agencies of $2 Billion in new revenues from these projects.

These were just a few talking points from the League of California Cities.  I hope that you enjoyed.

Scott.