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March 2009

Mar. 17, 2009 - Help Lily help The American Heart Association!!!!!

You can make a difference in teaching a 7 year old about philanthropy !!!

My Granddaughter Lily is jumping rope every day for a week to help the American Heart Association. She is trying to raise $300 this week, but, I bet, with your help, we can raise even more than that!!! Even a small donation will be appreciated. You can read about it on Lily’s blog or donate directly to Lily’s Donation page! I love that she is learning about philanthropy!
Pictures and an update will be posted on her blog, www.Lilysland.com  in the next 2 weeks.
 
Thanks!!!!!
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Mar. 17, 2009 - Are you social? Or Anti-Social? Lessons from the AAR Mid-Winter Conference

 Karen Kay and Joeann FosslandWe had a great time this week at the Arizona Assn. of Realtors Winter Conference. In walking the talk…a page was set up for the event and an active Twitter Stream accompanied the 3 day event. For those of you that I am linked to with Facebook…you must have thought I’d gone wild…..I have my Twitter feeds syndicated to my Facebook page which is usually a good thing since I get to post 2 places at once. I found out AFTERWARD how this had completely taken over some people’s status pages. Sorry for that. I also learned there is a way to selectively have it syndicated and I will be using that app next time. I did hear from several people that they liked getting the tips and Twitter feed information. We are all learning from each other what works and what doesn’t! I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

 

Amy Chorew moderated a very informative panel of experts, Dru Bloomfield, Rob Gibbs, Jay Thompson and Phil Sexton. For the folks there that were not “plugged” in yet, they now know what they need to do and how! NAR is saying less than 5% of Realtors are using Web 2.0 tools like blogging, twitter, etc. to connect. For those who are interested in working with the first time homebuyers, this media is what they are using. Not thinking from a generational standpoint will lose (or gain) you lots of business.

Frances Flynn Thorsen did a great presentation on Risk Management and Social Networking  condensed from her 3 hour CE Class on the topic!

 

So where are YOU at with your social networking?  What do you need to do to take it to the next level?

 

The Simple Start to Being Social!!!

 

1.     The 3 social networking applications you must have are: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter

2.     How to do it:

·        Choose 1 per week

·         Create a word document with a really complete profile (use the categories from the first one as your template) and then cut and paste for future needs. Be expressive and creative in your descriptions of yourself. Use keywords that define your business and your niches.

·        Upload a picture.

·        Spend no more than 10 minutes a day

3.      Blog: The easiest place to start this is Trulia. Once you upload your profile, they set a blog up for you…so all you need to do is post. Keep it short, simple and valuable alternating market data with information about you and your niche that will entice people to find out more. (A cool way to take this to the next level and totally understand and get in action with a blog is to sign up for the next NoBloggerLeftBehind   Teleconference Series It starts  on Thursday and you can attend the first session at no charge!)

4.     Become a Trulia Pro.  Clicking that link will get you 2 free months and give you an opportunity to tap into their awesome traffic with featured ads on your properties or services.

5.     Connect with me and with others I am connected to:

·        Twitter   http://twitter.com/joeann

·        LinkedIn   

·        Facebook

 

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Mar. 10, 2009 - What's Your Patience Quotient?

 

Patience is not one of my virtues! I even have a little sign in my office I bought years ago that says, God grant me patience, and I want it right now! I’ve often said my cautious, analytical, phlegmatic husband was put in my life to teach me patience. He is actually a wonderful model of it as well as being the polar opposite of my energetic, speedy, and sometimes impulsive nature. Ah, it is so true about how we are attracted in a mate to that which we are missing and then once the attraction (or is it lust?) wears off a bunch, it’s what makes us crazy. But then, I digress….

I choose Patience as the topic this week because of the angst I see many agents feeling and expressing about markets that have not felt “normal’. One of the definitions of patience in Webster’s is “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity”. In further researching the word, the thesaurus also added having patience means willing to endure and/or being inconvenienced without complaint.

If you are like most agents I know, this is not your Modus Operandi! We are often driven by a control freak tendency that is sorely tried by waiting patiently for buyers to get off the fence or for the lenders to make a decision on a short sale. In today’s markets, our ability to control the environment and circumstances are illusionary (and this is really so in ALL markets-just more evident when the results are not happening to our satisfaction or expectations!). The timing is not unfolding for most of us quick enough. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a great living now. It just means you have to make some adjustments (or Shift, as Gary Keller says in his book of the same name).

You know, as a coach, I am always directing you to look at what you CAN do from where you are. If actually developing some patience with yourself, the clients and the environment isn’t possible, the shift can be to examining your expectations and systems. Your expectations are one of the most powerful drivers for your satisfaction. It is often said, ”we get what we believe.” I know this is true for me and for most of my clients. Our clear vision and expectation of the future we want leads to actions and synchronicities that lead us there, many times, in unexpected ways and times.
Having the ability to feel certain the harvest that you want is coming because you are planting the seeds and watering them is a demonstration of patience. The universe seems to have a sense of humor with the timing thing, it seems to me. The harder I try to MAKE something happen, the longer it seems to take. I have been inquiring into the distinction of allowing vs forcing. Going with the flow and trusting myself, knowing if I am taking daily actions, I am moving towards what I want.

The one thing I do know is that frustration right now is not a useful emotion. If you are in a fog, moving 3 feet in ANY direction is good!

Coach’s Actions Steps >

  1. Visit your attitude. Is there a shift from Forcing to Allowing that would lighten things up and feel better? Re-contextualize the immediate environment.
  2. Visit your systems. Do they address today’s market needs? Do you need to add items to the value you are creating for buyers and sellers? What?
  3. Visit your support systems. Do you regularly spend time with a mastermind group or coach who can help with the perspective and fresh ideas?

Borrowed Wisdom

How do you stay focused on your vision for the future, instead of sucked into the worries about everything you hear around you? James Ray was one of the teachers in The Secret. He shares this wisdom,

"Most people look at their current state of affairs and they say "this is who I am". That is not who you are. That is who you were. Let's say for instance that you don't have enough money in your bank account, or you don't have the relationship that you want, or your health and fitness aren't up to par. That is not who you are; that is the residual outcome of your past thoughts and actions. So we're constantly living in this residual, if you will, of the thoughts and actions we have taken in the past. When you look at your current state of affairs and define yourself by that, then you doom yourself to have nothing more than the same in the future".

What you focus on expands….to move past your current circumstances, a passionate vision, a certainty in your worth and your gifts, are the lighthouse on the shore that holds success.

Tuesday’s Tech Tip

Right Tools Updates When You Need Them - Right Now!
Get the information you need to be successful in today's economy with NAR's Right Tools, Right Now program.I just downloaded at no cost the 2008 Homebuyers and Sellers Profile that I have paid $50 for in years past. You want to read this to get a clear notion of what today’s clients want and need and how they are acting in the process. There is lots more available for you-go see the list!. NAR has made a promise this year to deliver Right Tools updates, including free, reduced-cost, and at-cost resources. Get them delivered directly to your RSS reader – If you haven’t already subscribed, go here and subscribe to NAR's news feed today!

Two More Terrific Tips

  1. My Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, Nancy, in Florida sells wonderful sheets and Indian Jewelry in her eBay store. She reads my Tips each week and wondered why I hadn’t told you about her! So, if you need sheets or Indian Jewelry, here is the place to go!
  2. I have a Mindful Bell on my computer that gives me a wonderful chime at the top of each hour. I use it to “be here now.” Or said another way, take a moment or two and close my eyes, take a deep breath and relax. Taking a minute to relax every hour is really, really good for you! Get yours here from the Washington Mindfulness Community.

Opportunity Tips For Your Success

1. Ask yourself these questions about your business:

  • Are you on target for your 2009 Goals?
  • Do you have a good social media strategy?
  • Do you like fresh ideas and brainstorming with other positive agents?

If the answers aren’t what you want, come tune up!

A few spots left…..
Come to my 1st Quarter Check up in Williams, AZ on April 5 & 6

Includes:

  • Review and adjustment of 2009 Business Plan
  • Awesome Year Planning Guide
  • Look at the most viable strategies for success for 2009
  • 4 Hour Legal CE Credit (SocialMedia-Tips to Avoid a Risk Management Nightmare with Frances Thorsen)
  • Personal Coaching on developing your Social Media Business plan
  • Mastermind & Network
  • 2 days, meals and shared lodging

Only $199. It’ll be the best investment in YOU that you will spend all year!
Register here

2. And, then personally, here are some more questions:

  • Do you have travel in your future?
  • Want to learn how to save time and money?
  • Do you deserve to go on an amazing vacation even if you think you cannot afford it?
  • Make some residual income?

I’ve already been on 2 vacations this year and have some more planned. I have learned how to save money on my travel to NAR events! Last year I stayed in a 2 BR condo for $368 for the week! Could your WCR chapter do something with money saved travelling?

Come check it out at one of our weekly teleconferences:
Follow Your Bliss...Travel, Have Fun & MAKE $$$

Here is the March Schedule. Click on a link to go to the registration page.
(Please note: Times are PACIFIC time-adjust for your location)

Fri, Mar 13, 2009 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Thu, Mar 19, 2009 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Tue, Mar 24, 2009 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST

Come listen in…you’ll be glad you did!

3. How is your social networking doing?
The next 8-week series of No Blogger Left Behind - it starts on March 19! Become a blogger with step-by-step help from Award-Winning Blogging Coach, Frances Flynn Thorsen. Get personally coached in being effective and doing it in a way that it doesn’t take over your calendar!

Details of each week’s content and registration is here.

Have an Amazing Week! It IS up to you!!!!

 

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Mar. 3, 2009 - Opportunties and Resources

 

 

and if you don't get my weekly Tuesday Tips, sign up for that to receive weekly coaching tips and free resources!

Here are few other things worth taking part in:

1. Want to find out more about saving money on travel? Or is creating another stream of income something you’d be interested in?

Come check it out at one of our weekly teleconferences:
Follow Your Bliss...Travel, Have Fun & MAKE $$$

Here is the March Schedule. Click on a link to go to the registration page.
(Please note: Times are PACIFIC time-adjust for your location).


Fri, Mar 13, 2009 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Thu, Mar 19, 2009 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Tue, Mar 24, 2009 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST

2.  My friend, Frances Flynn Thorsen’s cool eBook:
TwitterSoup for the Soul    

She has just updated it with 2nd e-printing features expanded Business Tips for Real Estate Professionals – Internet Marketing insights from industry leaders. Only $9.95

 

3.       Frances is also getting ready to start The next 8-week series of  No Blogger Left Behind starts on March 19!  Become a blogger with step by step help from Award Winning Blogging Coach, Frances Flynn Thorsen

Details of each week’s content and registration is here.

4..      Do you have NAR’s Certification for Internet Professionalism?

The e-PRO Certification Course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and Interactive. It is sponsored by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and is specifically designed to help real estate professionals thrive in the competitive world of online real estate.
Good news…..As a certified e-PRO Trainer, I can offer you a $25 discount for this awesome course . Is it time to take the ULTIMATE tech course for real estate agents that NAR has given a certification to? It is easy:  Work on the 4 modules over a 6 month period online at your convenience…….

5. If you missed Good Morning Real Estate's Justin Zimmerman's Call last week on Social Media with Nicole "NikNik" Nicolay
and Brad "What's Next" Nix
, you can listen to the replay here:

Having a social media business plan is no longer an option if you want to stay competitive!

 

There are LOTS of OPPORTUNITIES in today's marketplace...hope you are having fun!

 

 

 

 

Are you on track for 2009?

Come to my 1st Quarter Check up in Williams, AZ on April 5 & 6

Only 14 limited spots left.

 Includes

·         Review and adjustment of 2009 Business Plan

·         Awesome Year Planning Guide

·         Look at the most viable strategies for success for 2009

·         4 Hour CE Credit

·         Personal Coaching on developing your Social Media Business plan

·         Mastermind & Network

·         2 days, meals and shared lodging

Only $199. It’ll be the best investment in YOU that you spend all year!

Don't forget you can always check out the latest cool tool and discounts on my website Tools and Resources Page

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About Me

Resources, articles and thoughts on being awesomely productive and creative while enjoying a life you love! Don't forget to visit my web site at www.joeann.com for even more information and resources. COMMENTS ARE WELCOME. Please notice the Post A Comment link at the bottom of the posting.

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