Saturday, August 29, 2009

Savvy Saturday Session - "Your Golden Rolodex" Week 1 by Vickie Austin

I would like to share with you over the next few weeks the e-book "Your Golden Rolodex: How to Network for Results!" by Vickie Austin, one of the phenomenal women who presented several sessions at The Marketing to Women Summit in Chicago this year. She speaks to the importance of your current database –filled with gold - to develop your business.

“Your Golden Rolodex is based on the premise that in order to succeed, we must start by honoring the people we already know –a rich network of resources that’s typically ignored or misunderstood.

Networking is a communication campaign. Women are great at building relationships but lousy at generating results from them.

The Golden Rolodex focuses on the importance of identifying, connecting and keeping up with them in whatever style the person is comfortable and treating people in an authentic and respectful way.

A strong connection exists between networking and etiquette:

1. Return all phone calls

2. Make appropriate introductions – connecting people to each other in
business

3. Apologize – take responsibility for your actions

4. Say Thank You – if a connection resulted in actual business, send
something tangible - flowers, a favorite book, candy, or something
sweet with a card saying “Keep those referrals coming!”

Networking code learned at Sunday School : Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.

Reciprocity is at the heart of effective networking”

Until next week's installment.... building a "Networking Toolbox"...

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Savvy Saturday Session - Leadership Academy with Amy Chorew

Amy Chorew for many of us has become the “Digital Diva” or “Technology Guru” with her “Inspire – Train – Implement! approach to helping the Women’s Council members. She worked her magic once again at the Leadership Academy in Chicago early in August. Many thanks to Katy Hubener, the incoming LCP for the SW Dallas Chapter for sharing her newly gained knowledge with our chapter this month.

At Leadership Academy, the class was introduced to the FLIP camera although any camera with a video option can be used . Instructions were given on how to create the video. The next step is to upload to YouTube, AOL Video, My Space. YouTube will give your video the most exposure or “eyeballs”. Once uploaded to YouTube, the embed code can be put on your blog or website.

Flip Subject Idea for REALTORS:

Frequently asked Questions

Walk-through of a previewed home with a specific buyer in mind (Commentary about their wishlist of features)

Virtual Tour with commentary

Unique happenings for a particular neighborhood

Final walkthroughs – especially if there are still problems

Testimonials

Welcome messages to new homeowner from nearby neighbors highlighting why they love the neighborhood (Put on a DVD for the neighbors, too - with your info, of course)

Driving tour of neighborhood, with commentary, for an out-of-town buyer

And the list goes on and on …..

We don’t have to wait until the next Women’s Council national meeting or summit in order to hear and learn more from Amy. She has a page on Facebook – The TechByte with Amy Chorew” and her website is www.amychorew.com The TechByte – Technology Strategies for Real Estate from Amy Chorew, Speaker, Coach. You can subscribe to her blog, sign up for monthly tips or hire her as a real estate coach.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Savvy Saturday Session - "Die Broke" by Stephan Pollan

In "Die Broke", Stephan Pollan challenges readers to rethink their ideas of workplace, money, retirement, and inheritance. Most of us are rooted in thinking that's out of sync with the realities of today's economy. The "job" is not what it used to be--there's no such thing as corporate loyalty. Putting your own interests first, not your company's should be the standard. You should do your best at work, but make sure you're getting the best deal financially. If you're not, find another one. After all, it's only a job.

"Die Broke" is organized into two sections: the first lays out the principles for dying broke. The whole argument relies on these four maxims:

1. Quit today and work for yourself, not your company.

2. Pay cash, melt your credit cards, and don't even think about using your ATM card

3. Don't retire, retirement is a relatively new concept created during the Depression, instead plan to work all your life.

4. Die broke, after all, you can't take it with you.

The author is a financial and legal consultant and the specific instances in the second part are example from his own practice. The Chapters cover everything from "Automated Teller Machines and Cards" and "Umbrella Liability Insurance" to "Mortgage Loans" and "Real Estate Investment Trusts."

Many of us comply with two or three of the ideas. As realtors we work for ourselves with several owning their own company. This business does allow its members to work beyond the normal age of retirement. Ebby Halliday is 98 years old and still goes to work each day. As for myself, I never use an ATM card and basically pay cash…. one credit card that is paid off at the end of the month. As for maxim number four, I like the idea of spending my money on those that I love and for causes and organizations that spark my passions. So, let enjoy life together!

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Savvy Saturday Session - "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Did you know that the National WCR website has a list of books that would make great reading? I discoved this treasure trove when I was the local chapter president. As a prolific reader, I decided to try out a few and found some real gems.

One of the first books I read from the list was The Four Agreements by Don Migue Ruiz, a shamanic teacher and healer who presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors in Mexico.


As a young school girl living in Mexico City, at story time we heard stories, legends and myths about the ancient cultures. The pyramids outside Mexico City were the residence of the Toltecs, an ancient group of scientists and artists that was formed to explore and preserve the practices and spiritual knowledge of the ancient ones.

Ruiz was born into a Mexican family of traditional healers, became a surgeon in adulthood, then underwent a near-death experience that made his reexamine his life, his beliefs, Ruiz’s teachings focus on dreams and visions. “Dreaming” Ruiz argues, “is the main function of the mind. A series of four “agreements” are detailed, which make up a larger picture of unconditional human faith.

Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.


Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.


Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.


Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Savvy Saturday Session - "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon



For the next few weeks, I would like to review some excellent books that I have enjoyed. One of my favorites is The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. Many of us were fortunate to see Mr. Gordon in person last year at the TAR WCR Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. What a dynamic speaker and interesting approach to life!

The Energy Bus is a business fable with the protagonist, George, discovering a flat tire which forces him to take the bus. George meets a unique bus driver and an interesting cast of passengers that share the ten rules for the
ride of his life. The characters are amazing. These are people you would meet on the street (or a bus). These are people with whom you work and interact. These are REAL people doing REAL people things.

The book provides a clear road map to navigate the negativity and pitfalls that too often sabotage individual and team success. Jon Gordon shines a light on the truths that define great leaders, great teams, and great energy. Get on the bus and enjoy the ride.

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

1. You’re the Driver of the Bus.
2. Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right direction.
3. Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.
4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for the Road Ahead.
5. Don’t Waste Your Energy on those who don’t get on your Bus.
6. Post a Sign that says “No Energy Vampires Allowed” on your Bus.
7. Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride.
8. Love your Passengers.
9. Drive with Purpose.
10.Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.