Natural Alternatives for Stress Relief

For close to two decades, I was either in management, development, marketing or training of the use of natural health products as an alternative to conventional techniques. I have appeared on over 200 radio and television programs, and written a book published by Safe Goods Publishing in 1995, Natural Alternatives To Stress Relief.

Stress is a natural occurrence in everyday life. More prescription drugs are sold in the United States for stress and depression - related problems than for anything else. However, there is another approach for handling everyday stress, that does not require drugs. One of the definitions of stress offered by Dictionary.com is "physical, mental or emotional strain or tension." There are quite a number of "natural" approaches to stress that have been proven to be quite effective is assisting with coping, especially in mild to moderate cases. Some of these include:

(1) Relaxation exercises - - these exercises help to clear "stressed minds," relax stressed muscles, calm one's breathing, and slow down racing heartbeats.

(2) Music therapy - - for many individuals, there is nothing as relaxing as listening to music. Music can be calming in a number of ways. Music can serve as a "temporary escape," and help one to refocus away from whatever is the cause of the stress.

(3) Rest - - sometimes all that's needed. Very often, when someone has not slept well or had enough sleep (whatever is enough for them), it stresses them.

(4) Breathing exercises - - there are a variety of exercises that have been proven to be quite relaxing.
(5) Self- talk - - using techniques such as Affirmation Lists, Positive Mental Attitude, and other self-talk techniques, can often be extremely relaxing and stress- reducing. I have previously published articles on Affirmation Lists and Positive Mental Attitude.

(6) Natural remedies, including: 

(a) Massage therapy- often reduces stress by reducing muscle tension, and slowing one down, thus relaxing them.

(b) Aromatherapy - many have found using this therapy to effectively reduce stress.

(c) Acupuncture / acupressure - often removes negative "energies," or "chis," thus reducing aches, pain and anxiety.

(d) The Bach Flower Remedies - - I have extensively written about these in my book, Natural Alternatives for Stress Relief (published by Safe Goods in 1995, as well as in several published magazine articles. These remedies were discovered around 1930 by the British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who found 38 wildflowers that, when made into essences, were extremely helpful in handling a variety of different emotional upsets. Dr. Bach also created a five- flower combination for stress relief that he called his Rescue Remedy. This five-flower combination is now manufactured under a variety of brand names. In my book, I go through a thorough discussion on the use of Dr. Bach's essences, as well as a variety of other natural stress relieving alternatives.

There is no one way to relieve stress. When the stress is acute enough, it is important to immediately contact a competent, trusted health professional. When stress is chronic, treatment should be dictated by degree of functionality or dysfunctionality. Each individual must determine for himself which approach is best for his situation. However, I feel it is important for people do realize that drugs are not always the only solution!

5 Questions You Must Answer, To Become A Better Time Manager

How effectively someone handles and utilizes his time, often becomes the essential difference between ineffectual and effective leadership! The reality is that being a leader, at times, may potentially overwhelm someone, if he permits obstacles, challenges, and other distractions, to dominate his mindset, course of action, and his precious time. In my over three decades of identifying, qualifying, training, developing and consulting to well over a thousand individuals in either actual or potential positions of leadership, I have often observed some otherwise, extremely talented, prepared and ready individuals, end up with far less than stellar results, predominantly because they were unable to master and/or control their time management. In order to assist those who want to lead, in their quest to best handle this component, I have created five questions that someone should objectively, and introspectively, ask himself, and proceed to thoroughly answer thoroughly. How much time does the average person waste? Is quality merely about the amount of time one spends, or how effectively it is expended? Doesn't it make sense that the best leader, real estate professional, fiancial representative, consultant, etc, will perform better and more effectively, when he is more stress - free, and can balance his business and personal time, in a quality of life, personally self - fulfilling manner?

1. What is the result you desire? How can you effectively plan, in an efficient way, unless you begin with a focus on the solutions, and results, you wish to accomplish and/or achieve? When you know what you hope to do, you are then capable of effectively planning, in a clear-cut, directed, meaningful way. Effective time management must start with realistic, relevant goals, and a solution leadership approach!

2. What steps need to be taken? Human nature is such, that we often become overwhelmed, when we only look at the longer-term needs, and fail to break our plans down into easily digested, manageable steps. Understand and follow the adage which tells us, You know how to eat the elephant? One bite at a time? Breaking one's action plan down into components, permits us to measure progress, and gain positives, for small steps, which tend to motivate most of us, to persist and persevere.

3. How do you know if you're on the right track? By measuring incremental progress, and reviewing, on a regular basis, a leader becomes better capable of balancing when to persist, versus when to change one's course of action. Know what needs to be done, each step along the way, and you will stop wasting lots of time.

4. Can you discipline yourself to stay on track? What will you do to minimize time-wasting distractions? Some of these include: beginning all meetings on-time, and making it clear that you expect others to follow suit, and that you consider time to be precious; only take telephone calls at specific times; avoid over-looking at your Smartphone, and schedule specific times for that activity; avoid interruptions, etc.

5. Can you avoid distractions that waste time? Develop a system that works for you, and that you will stick to! These include: taking calls; returning calls; meetings agendas/disciplines; texting policy; email reviewing; conversations; etc. Be certain to schedule some down-time (or personal time), so as to avoid burning out, frustration, and wasting time.

Great leaders are invariably superb time managers! Create a methodology that will work best for you!

Before You Hire A Consultant - Get A Guarantee of Services, In Writing!

Since I have been involved in various aspects of consulting, and the consulting industry for over three decades, I have come into contact with many people who portray themselves as an expert in some field, who often charge substantial consulting fees, often without delivering a client's desired results. Part of this results from miscommunication, where clients are uncertain as to their needs, and therefore often hire consultants in the wrong aspects of their business. Other times, organizations have unrealistic expectations, anticipating benefits that are nearly unreachable. Anyone considering utilizing the services of a consultant should first clearly identify what they perceive as their most pressing needs, as well as clearly articulating their visions and goals, and the mission of the organization.Without that being done, the chances of receiving assistance, even from the finest consultant, is extremely limited and hindered. Anyone you hire to represent you, who will receive a fee, commission or other monetary consideration, including real estate professionals, financial service representatives, sales reps, etc, should be evaluated and considered, using a mindset such as the following.

What should you be looking for in hiring a consultant, do you really need one, and what should you expect/ demand from the consultant you hire?

1. Many organizations hire consultants based on fancy presentations, promises made, and rhetoric offered. I have observed countless organizations spend substantial sums of money, time, and other resources, hiring and following the recommendations of a particular consultant. Before committing to this, an organization should ask itself what benefits it will receive from these suggestions, and how long it will take to recoup its costs. They should also consider its Return on Investment (R.O.I.) on a short- term, intermediate term, and longer term base. They should consider both the positive, as well as the negative ramifications of following these decisions.

2. What kinds of guarantees is the consultant willing to provide to the organization? When my company and I consult in the area of event/ conference planning and negotiations, we offer a guarantee. Our guarantee has been, and will always be, that we will save an organization more money that our total fee, while providing far more value for their event, and will also dramatically decrease the anxiety, angst, effort, time and other resources previously expended by the organization, while enhancing their marketing and creating a more value and event driven event. The guarantee is rather simple- if we don't do what we guarantee, we do not get paid. Do your consultants offer this type of peace of mind?

3. Don't over- depend on what some consulting organizations often pad their resumes with. Fancy jargon is not generally what is needed. For example, I have never witnessed an organization that is floundering get turned around and righted simply by addressing its governance model, yet I have often observed organizations spend an inordinate amount of time, energy and resources in those areas, seeming to expect stellar results. While certain governance models work better for some groups than others, and governance may, at times, be one area to address, until an organization reviews itself in its entirety, there is rarely any meaningful change. Seek a consultant with a big picture philosophy and approach.

When a consultant quotes a fee, ask what it includes, and for how long. How much continuous guidance, tweaking, etc., will the consultant offer? Beware of anyone who portrays himself as a consultant who offers an opinion prematurely! True and meaningful consulting only comes when a consultant is an effective listener, who asks probing questions, and communicates clearly why he suggests certain things, and what should be gained by it. A consultant must also be willing to discuss both the risks/ ramifications of acting, as well as the danger of delay (if any). Great consulting is a balancing act, and requires someone who is strong and confident enough in his ability to stand behind his services, and guarantee it in some manner.

Is Business Ethics, An Oxymoron?

We often read and hear references to business ethics. Undergraduate and post graduate courses dedicate large amounts of time and resources to the topic. However, if one were to ask the average consumer if he believed that most businesses were conducted in an ethical manner, we would predominately receive negative responses. Simply stated, ethics can be defined as doing the right thing, the moral thing, and treating others with honor and respect. Related to business, this concept would include several items, and when we evaluate how most businesses conducted business, we would often avoid referring to these practices as moral.

1. One of the necessities of being ethical is telling the truth. However, when we look at how businesses, services and products are often promoted, the truth is stretched rather thin. One example, of course is the mobile communications or cell phone industry. Each carrier runs ads trying to convince us how superior they are. However, since there are no legal requirements even for using terminology such as "4G," and each carrier handles their lines differently, there is often quite a bit of variation. For example, going strictly by its ads, one would believe that Verizon cellular service is nearly perfect. Its advertisements makes claims about the clarity of its calls, how few calls are dropped, its speed, etc. While that is the case in some areas, several of my friends on Verizon service experience dropped calls, etc., in various areas, while having excellent service in others. ATT Mobility claims its system is fastest, and in some areas it is. I use the system and have had wonderful experience, yet, I know others who have been extremely disappointed. Sprint customers have similar experiences, and I have had wonderful experience with Sprint's Air Card, which works well nearly everywhere I've used it. However, as good as it is, it is certainly not as quick as wired or WI-FI service. Every other service has its proponents, as well as its attackers. The issue is not which service is the best, but rather how the services promote themselves. While effective advertising is self promotional by definition, misleading ads are certainly not terribly ethical.

2. Have you ever gone into a store and purchased something, and the store quickly asks you if you'd like to purchase an Extended Warranty. While there is nothing wrong with offering this, nor with the stores making additional revenues doing so, have you ever been given a clear cut explanation of what is and is not covered, and the limitations. Remember, we are discussing ethics here!

3. Investment Advisers are another area of ethical concern. Is the individual an unbiased adviser, or is he simply a salesman disguising himself as an adviser? Both duties and functions are acceptable, but which is ethical?

4. In Real Estate, does the average buyer truly understand the difference between being represented by a Buyers Agent, a Brokers Agent, and a Sellers Agent? In New York State, for example, by law, prospective buyers must be given an Agency Agreement that explains each of these. Yet, if the average buyer truly understood the differences, one would think the vast majority would prefer using a Buyers Agent, whose loyalty is directly to the buyer. Is this an ethical dilemma?

There are so many situations in business where there is the opportunity for a business, product, or representative to opt to either prioritize ethical behavior, or to merely do what might be expedient and in the store (or business, product, or reps) best interest, rather than the customer (or buyer). Therefore, one must wonder if business ethics is another one of those oxymorons, such as military intelligence, moral politician, etc.

Selling Is Both An Art, & A Science!

When I first started in the investment and financial services field, more than three decades ago, the most productive representative in the company had a poster displayed prominently on the wall to his office that read, "Selling is like shaving. If you don't do it everyday, you're a bum!" The essence of that poster has remained "engraved" in my mind ever since, and that is, that yesterday's conquests are simply old news, and one must successfully do the same thing repeatedly in order to truly be a professional and an expert.

As I have trained many others in a variety of fields, including selling and marketing, training, management, leadership, negotiations, and many other areas since then, I have always incorporated the themes of everything in life being some sort of sales, and that effective selling is both an art and a science. Those who are either real estate professionals, or financial services representatives, must realize they must know, and utilize, both the technical aspects of selling, closing the deal, etc, as well as maintaining and enhancing their personal skills and abilities, so to best serve the needs of their customers and clients.
 
Why do I call selling both an art and a science? A science is something rather precise, and proper sales technique is extremely regimented. The best salespeople use the same proven technique each and every time they give a presentation. Of course, after a while, it seems like it is second nature to them, but it is still a very exact, precise, thought-out and proven methodology.

On the other hand, two individuals can follow the same basic "scientific" technique, and achieve vastly different results. That is why I am stating that selling is also an art. The most effective salespeople relate well to others, and understand human nature. Many of the top salesmen of all time have stated that selling is only a small percentage technical, while being predominantly understanding human nature.

The most effective salespeople are friendly, without being phony, and professional without being starchy and stuffy. Effective selling requires a sales person to do his homework to understand the needs of the individual he is selling to, and tailoring his presentation to address the other party's "hot button." The "hot button" is that set of circumstances, wording, and motivation that gets the other individual's attention, and motivates them to action.

Few people are actually born salespeople. While some people are more extroverted than others, and some feel more comfortable in a sales situation, these behaviors can be trained and made part of anyone desiring to become a more effective salesperson.

Motivated individuals learn the techniques, practice them, and make them part of their own persona. I have trained individuals who began as the shyest, least articulate and outgoing individuals, and developed them into professional, talented and successful sales professionals.

Once someone learns all the techniques, and then combines those "sciences" with the "art" of understanding human nature, he can and will be an elite sales professional. That is, as long as he does it every day!

Being A Good Team Player, Does Not Mean Blind Obedience!

There is an adage that "there is no I in team," and while an over-simplification, is often the essence of effectively getting a project done, and done well. Many people confuse being a "good team player" with not taking any individual initiative. "Team players" that follow that kind of behavior rarely benefit their team or organization, but merely are often using the "team player" concept as a justification for not doing what's expected or needed of them. A good "team player" works with others in the group toward a common goal or vision, and each individual works either alone or with others toward the satisfactory completion of certain goals. However, being a "team player" certainly does not mean that an individual should "blindly" agree with others, if he has good reason to believe that he is right, and that their decision is neither well thought-out, nor beneficial to the organization.

In order to be a good "team player," one must understand the organizations needs, mission and vision. This is true, whether the organization is a for - profit, or a not - for - profit group! For example, a real estate professional must have a loyalty and belief that his broker is the best, and benefits clients, but that, in the final analysis, it is what he does, or fails to do, that makes the difference between good and great! The individual must listen carefully and fully "buy into" the organization's significance. This individual must subordinate his own ego to the good of the group, and use his abilities to help the group. If the individual disagrees with the way the organization is going about achieving its goals, either believing the current methods being used are either incomplete, ineffective, or could be improved using another technique, it is the responsibility of that individual to respectfully approach the group and voice his concerns. This does not mean blaming anyone and certainly does not mean bead-mouthing anyone or anything. It means effectively explaining his case, and why changing the approach will improve the effectiveness and ability to achieve the organization's goals.

Unfortunately, all too often, individuals will accuse someone who disagrees with them of not being a good "team player." Very often, there is nothing further from the truth! If one really cares about an organization's mission, he will attempt to improve its ability to successfully achieve its goals, rather than simply following the less effective "status quo."

There is a big difference between trying to improve an organization to make it more effective, and making radical changes that changes the organization's identity, often abandoning the mission (or reason for being) of that organization. There is a clear and distinct difference between evolution and revolution. All organizations need to evolve and adapt to changing times, by improving the way certain things are done. Organizations that do that live on for a very long time, and continue to achieve and merit belonging. As I've evaluated numerous organizations over the last three decades, I have noticed that in most cases, organizations that follow the "revolutionary" approach nearly always fail, because many of their most loyal and fervent followers and supporters feel a sense of abandonment, and the reason (justification) for the organization's existence (which is its mission) no longer continues in a recognizable form.

Organizations need "team players," while nurturing leaders who have the vision to work with members for the common good of that organization, and especially, the stakeholders, constituents, and/ clients and customers!

Optimizing Your Negotiating Attitude & Behavior

In the more than three decades that I have been involved in a variety of different negotiations, I have observed and witnessed a variety of different negotiating styles, attitudes and behaviors. When an experienced negotiator is involved, he understands that negotiating is actually both an art and a science, and requires doing one's homework, understanding human nature, being firm and tough but fair, treating other parties with both respect and honesty, etc.


Far too often, someone who thinks they can negotiate, and get a "better deal" takes a negotiating stance that might actually initially "win" certain points that a more experienced and expert negotiator would not. One of those reasons is that an expert understands that most negotiations are not "one shot" situations, and require developing a working relationship, over a period of time. Expert negotiators will therefore generally prioritize "demands" so as to "give back" a little on less important points, in order to be in a stronger position on more essential points.

Those in the process of interviewing, evaluating and selecting the best real estate professional to serve their needs, should understand that, perhaps the single most relevant asset and quality of you real estate professional, should be their willingness and ability, to negotiate, in your behalf and best interests, professionally and excellently!
 
When this process is not done on a "win-win" basis, there is almost never a realistic chance that the agreement will be maximally successful over time. The art of a negotiations is predominantly a human relationships study, where both sides must walk away from the agreement feeling they did alright, and that the negotiation and the result was both fair and equitable. However, let me make perfectly clear that one should negotiate every point and gain maximum benefit, but that those that make demands that will "hurt" the other party, are doing both sides an injustice. The experienced negotiator will study his opponent and know the strengths, weaknesses and needs of the other party. By doing this, he will be able to know where there is more bargaining or "wiggle" room, and where the other party has less room. The best way to maximize results is to openly discuss how both parties can reduce their expenses, and maximize their situation (either profits or costs), without adversely impacting the other. This may require compromise on both sides, or "thinking outside the box," to arrive at different ways to achieve certain needs and requirements.

Often, when I have negotiated on behalf of an organization, some individual in a leadership role decides that they could "do better" if they got involved. Not only has that never been the case, but on the occasions that an inexperienced person got involved, the results were adversely impacted. No organization can ever enhance their negotiations by negotiating "with two heads and two voices." Both parties to a negotiation must know that they feel comfortable with the other individual, and that they appreciate the full picture. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), there is no shortcut to gaining this type of experience or expertise. As in so many other things, it is essential to remember that merely having some experience does not make someone an expert.

Price Is Always Important, But Not The Only Consideration (or Even the Most Important)!

Especially in challenging economic times, people seriously consider how much things cost and what the price is. When I was the Chief Operating Officer of a natural products manufacturer years ago, I remember that our price point was a serious consideration, in order to best position our products optimally in relation to others. However, value must be considered alongside quality and effectiveness! In real estate, homeowners often ask about the commission, but a quality, confident real estate professional, will explain the reason behind the fees, and the value he brings to the table!
 
However, while pricing and costs are important factors, when it comes to conferences and conventions, a far more important factor is almost always perceived value. In my three decades of hotel negotiations, event planning, and conference and convention planning and operations, I have witnessed repeatedly, situations where organizations over-emphasized only the price that participants would pay. In doing so, they often neglected creating a program and agenda that would attract attendees. Sometimes even more importantly, these organizations did not sufficiently emphasize the attendee's conference experience, and when that attendee went "back home," rather than being the organization's best ambassador, he reported a less than stellar experience.

The almost laughable, if it were not so incredibly short-sighted, part of this is that the amount of "cost savings" that these organizers implemented, had little impact on attracting significantly more attendance. However, at the same time, this reduction created financial risk for the organization and an inability to provide a superior attendee experience.

Organizers must recognize that a small price decrease in the fee for attending a conference often has little real impact on attendance. If it works at all, it only works in local events, where there are few expenses incurred by attendees besides the registration fee. However, many conferences require travel and hotel costs, and those costs often "dwarf" the registration fees.

In addition, if an organization is going to lower its registration fee, by how much will they reduce it? How much is a significant enough reduction to encourage additional attendance? What will be the overall impact on what conference organizers can do, when revenues are reduced?

I have heard numerous conference and convention organizers state that the reduced revenues will be offset by increased attendance. However, what these organizers often under-estimate is the true cost to the conference per attendee. If it takes more attendees to generate the same revenue, and registration fees are reduced by, for example ten percent, how much will attendance have to go up to offset the drop in revenue combined by the true cost per attendee? In many cases, a ten percent registration fee reduction will require close to a twenty percent increase in attendance and registrations.

Unfortunately, like many things done by many organizations, their conferences are often run by well-meaning individuals, who are, nevertheless, less than professional conference and convention coordinators. Organizations must analyze both the short term and longer term ramifications of addressing solely the registration fee issue, without, at the same time, analyzing the perceived value aspect. It is essential that organizers fully understand all aspects involved, including, especially, understanding their niche or target market.

In nearly everything we do and perform, price is a consideration, but rarely should it be the only one. If a real estate professional is unable to defend and articulate clearly, the value of his service, and negotiate for it effectively, how effective will he be, when it comes to negotiating the best terms (including price), from a potential buyer! 

If you buy a product solely based on price, don't complain if it provides a lower user experience. Balance price, with value, effectiveness, needs and priotities.  

When Life Hands Out Lemons, Wise Men Make Lemonade: What Do You Do?

We all experience periods of bad times as well as periods of good. Individuals who adapt to misfortunes by learning from these experiences, and somehow benefiting, are generally both the happiest and the most successful. The adage, "Life is not a bowl of cherries" tells us that not everything will always work out the way we hope, or even anticipate, and to understand that limitation in order to best adapt to circumstances. This relates, not only to our personal lives and experiences, but also to how we handle the stresses, etc, of doing business. This especially relates to those in service and/ or sales industries, such as real estate and financial services, where there are no actual guarantees!

Many people seem to enjoy complaining that life is unfair, and hasn't dealt them a fair hand. Realistically, life doesn't "deal," it simply offers us opportunities to either take advantage of, do nothing, or use poorly. There is never any guarantee in anything we do, but our "odds" of succeeding are distinctly enhanced when we take advantage of possibilities, improve our abilities, and upgrade our skill-set, rather than say, "I can't do that." Many individuals seem to prefer making excuses than taking the necessary actions to enhance skills that might be lacking (or need upgrading).

Obviously, not everyone can do writing or mathematics easily. All too many of those individuals, either due to frustration, inadequate training or education, or a "mental block," simply give up, and stop attempting to write or use mathematics, unless absolutely necessary. Others recognize their limitations, and use the opportunities offered to enhance their training, learn other skills, take training, or discipline themselves, and do to this added commitment, become "above par" in these areas.

A great example of using ones limitations, and "making lemonade when life deals you lemons," is how one might adapt to difficulty "keyboarding." Unfortunately, many, if not most individuals, handle this "obstacle" by using "avoidance techniques," and by avoiding using the keyboard, often neglect necessary tasks and duties, such as doing school or work assignments, as well as enjoying activities that comfort with using the keyboard would afford them. The individual who wants to "make lemonade," on the other hand, would find an alternative way of handling this circumstance. One such alternative might be installing and using "voice recognition software, such as Dragon 10. In that way, the obstacle of the use of the keyboard, whether due to a physical reason, a lack of patience, or some other disruptive "force," can not only be as productive as someone comfortable with the keyboard, but in many ways even more productive. This program permits one to use e-mail, word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, etc., via the use of voice commands, instead of keyboards. The programs are easy to install, and easy to use, yet, of course require the individual to become familiar with the many features to fully take advantage of the program. For example, it is estimated that someone can "type" something approximately four times as quickly using voice commands than using the keyboard. Therefore, the individual who takes advantage of this alternative is using a potential obstacle, and instead of merely complaining about it, finds "another way" to function effectively.

In many areas of everyday life, we find tons of obstacles where we have choices - - either complain and be negative, or "think outside the box" and find a better way. Successful individuals do not give up, but rather find ways to get things done. Most things are possible if one thinks positively! Every real estate professional understands he must be ready, willing and able, to examine fully, and be prepared to adapt, and create the results he seeks!

Are Business Ethics An Oxymoron?

We often read and hear references to business ethics. Undergraduate and post graduate courses dedicate large amounts of time and resources to the topic. However, if one were to ask the average consumer if he believed that most businesses were conducted in an ethical manner, we would predominately receive negative responses. Simply stated, ethics can be defined as doing the right thing, the moral thing, and treating others with honor and respect. Related to business, this concept would include several items, and when we evaluate how most businesses conducted business, we would often avoid referring to these practices as moral.

1. One of the necessities of being ethical is telling the truth. However, when we look at how businesses, services and products are often promoted, the truth is stretched rather thin. One example, of course is the mobile communications or cell phone industry. Each carrier runs ads trying to convince us how superior they are. However, since there are no legal requirements even for using terminology such as "4G," and each carrier handles their lines differently, there is often quite a bit of variation. For example, going strictly by its ads, one would believe that Verizon cellular service is nearly perfect. Its advertisements makes claims about the clarity of its calls, how few calls are dropped, its speed, etc. While that is the case in some areas, several of my friends on Verizon service experience dropped calls, etc., in various areas, while having excellent service in others. ATT Mobility claims its system is fastest, and in some areas it is. I use the system and have had wonderful experience, yet, I know others who have been extremely disappointed. Sprint customers have similar experiences, and I had wonderful experience with Sprint's Air Card, years ago, which worked well nearly everywhere I've used it. However, as good as it is, it is certainly not as quick as wired or WI-FI service. Every other service has its proponents, as well as its attackers. The issue is not which service is the best, but rather how the services promote themselves. While effective advertising is self promotional by definition, misleading ads are certainly not terribly ethical.

2. Have you ever gone into a store and purchased something, and the store quickly asks you if you'd like to purchase an Extended Warranty. While there is nothing wrong with offering this, nor with the stores making additional revenues doing so, have you ever been given a clear cut explanation of what is and is not covered, and the limitations. Remember, we are discussing ethics here!

3. Investment Advisers are another area of ethical concern. Is the individual an unbiased adviser, or is he simply a salesman disguising himself as an adviser? Both duties and functions are acceptable, but which is ethical?

4. In Real Estate, does the average buyer truly understand the difference between being represented by a Buyers Agent, a Brokers Agent, and a Sellers Agent? In New York State, for example, by law, prospective buyers must be given an Agency Agreement that explains each of these. Yet, if the average buyer truly understood the differences, one would think the vast majority would prefer using a Buyers Agent, whose loyalty is directly to the buyer. Is this an ethical dilemma?

There are so many situations in business where there is the opportunity for a business, product, or representative to opt to either prioritize ethical behavior, or to merely do what might be expedient and in the store (or business, product, or reps) best interest, rather than the customer (or buyer). Therefore, one must wonder if business ethics is another one of those oxymorons, such as military intelligence, moral politician, etc.

Better Understanding Mortgages - A Primer!

When someone purchases a home, one of the most confusing and frightening aspects of the experience is getting a mortgage. There are so many different types, and so much confusing terminology.

There are 2 baisc types of mortgages that most home buyers acquire: fixed rate; and variable rate. Historically, variable rate mortgages begin with a lower rate, and that rate is adjusted periodically, pegged to some economic index, such as Treasury bonds, etc., while fixed rate mortgages maintain the same rate throughout the term of the mortgage. However, in periods of very low interest rates, such as have existed in the last several years, there is very little rate difference between fixed and variable mortgages, and obviously, a fixed rate locks in the lower rate, for the term of the mortgage, regardless of future interest rates.

You may have read about the rate of a mortgage with points, or without. A point is an amount that one pays to lower the rate during the rest of the term of the mortgage. It is a "trade off" of paying more upfront to pay less on a monthly basis. One point equals 1% of the amount of the mortgage, so paying 1 point on a $300,000 mortgage would mean paying $3,000 up front to receive a lower monthly rate. In order to see if paying the "points" is beneficial, one must calculate the amount of savings per month, how much it would save over the term of the mortgage, and the opportunity value of the dollar amounts of the points. It is also important to understand that it might be necessary to pay "points" in order to bring the monthly carrying charge down, in order to qualify for the percentage qualifications that lending institutions use as a factor in determining qualification for the mortgage.
Mortgages also come in a variety of lengths. Most common fixed rate mortgages are: 15 year; 20 year; 25 year; 30 year; and 40 year. The shorter the term, usually the lower the rate paid, but since there is also a shorter repayment period, the monthly carrying charge may be significantly higher. Obviously, the shorter the term, the lower the total amount of payments. Not all individuals will be eligible for some of the shorter terms, because the higher monthly carrying charge would require a higher income for approval. If someone wants to pay off a mortgage in a shorter period of time, most mortgages today have no pre-payment penalty (Years ago, many more did). Adding a small amount to one's monthly payment voluntarily will reduce the term (number of years needed to repay) of the mortgage significantly. Following this approach, also has the advantage that the "required" monthly payment is lower than in the shorter term mortgages.

If one wishes to qualify for a mortgage, it is very important to make sure that he has a fairly pristine credit report, and a relatively high credit scores. In today's economic climate, most lending institutions will normally exclude anyone whose credit score (e.g. FICO) is not around 700, or higher.

Before applying for a mortgage, one should request a free copy of their credit report, and if there are any inaccuracies, fix them. If there are any potential problems, it is essential to "fix" your credit before going for a mortgage. Lending institutions today are far more careful and cautious than they have been in the past. Before you start your home search, discuss mortgages with a well - respected mortgage professional. Ask for a pre- approval (not just a pre- qualification), and find out how much home you qualify for. Also discover, in advance, how much you must put down, up front!
 

Excessive Greed Is Economic Reality!

For several years, the entire world, including the United States, has been undergoing a severe economic recession, with record bankruptcies, bank closures, corporate failures, and extreme rates of unemployment. However, as in all things economic and political, all entities have not suffered equally. While many people struggle, and demand for many items, including gasoline have fallen, certain companies have prospered. For example, Exxon Mobil had fourth quarter of 2010 earnings climb 53% to $9.3 billion. In light of the "spin" that has blamed oil producing nations for the run up in oil prices, it is important to understand that if prices were merely rising because of increased costs, companies such as Exxon Mobil would should revenue growth, but they would simultaneously have greater expenses, so their earning would not grown nearly that substantially. When earnings grow by 53%, I believe that this is indicative of corporate greed, where large multinational corporations benefit at the expense of the public. Now, when oil prices are far more affordable, which most of the public consider a major benefit (because it saves them on the cost of heating, as well as fueling their cars, and saving a lot of money), the stock market reacts negatively, because the energy industry is not making as much money as before! But, if the truth was being told in 2010, when prices were high, and their profits record breaking, they claimed then, that they didn't control fuel prices!  Certainly, corporations are entitled to profits, as long as they are fair. When there is such substantial profit being made, it is simply a form of corporate greed and the public is being dramatically impacted.

Greed is NOT limited to big business. Ask any real estate professional about why some houses take longer to sell than they should, and you'll be told how important it is to price a home properly from the start, yet the challenge is to convince a homeowner to avoid being greedy, and asking a more realistic price! Why don't people get up from a slot machine pays off big? While some will, the vast majority will seek more, insisting they are feeling lucky, which is exactly why casinos are as profitable as they often are? People buy stocks, but try to consider that there are always 3 possibilities: up; down; steady! Why don't they set a realistic goal or evaluation, instead of letting greed dictate their decisions?

It would be impossible for anyone not to notice what has been going on, both at the gas pump, filling up one's car, or at one's home or business, when the run up in energy costs being precipitated by that dramatic price increase. It even defied the economic law of supply and demand, because consumer demand for oil has actually decreased during that period. The large oil companies that profited by this will say that they are entitled to a profit, which they most certainly are. However, when oil and gas rises as quickly and dramatically as it has, it is important to recognize the ancillary impact that has on many aspects of our lives. We all, of course, saw the obvious increase at the gas pump and when heating oil is delivered. However, since most products are delivered, at least partly by truck, and trucks use diesel fuel (which in most areas of the country is even more expensive than gasoline), the increased costs get passed along to the end user, the consumers (also known as the American public), in the form of higher prices. Anyone who goes to a supermarket has seen their average grocery bill go up, as either prices have risen to cover these increased costs, or sizes have been reduced (at the same cost as the original larger size- obviously, also a price increase).

My cleaner has been complaining about how his cost of packaging, hangers, plastic, etc., have been dramatically increasing. Obviously that has cost him to raise his prices, which has translated either into fewer people using his services because of costs, or higher prices to those who have continued using his service.

How foolish must our government think the average American is when they are showing almost no increase in the cost of living. About the only thing that has gone down is the price a homeowner must accept if he wants to sell his home. Then, the government assesses homes at a lower price, making some individuals think that their real estate taxes will also decrease. However, all that actually happens is that the taxing authorities raise the rate taxed per assessed dollar, so again the individual takes the brunt of the pain.

Corporate greed, combined with governmental "spin" and inability to create a system to protect the average American during these times, has made these economic times trying, at best, for most Americans. We have laws known as usury laws, that protect consumers against unfair loan practices, where greedy loaners charge excessive interest for loaning money. Isn't corporate greed simply another form of usury, with even worse ramifications to the country and its economic health and well-being.

5 Common Mistakes Made By Home Sellers

One of the most difficult things for many people is coming to terms with selling their home. Many have gotten emotionally attached over the years, and rather than looking at the home from a standpoint of how a potential buyer might view their home, they look at many aspects unrealistically. This often causes them to begin the entire process from a perspective that hurts themselves, and between this emotional attachment, greed and unrealistic desires, many homeowners put their homes on the market for more than they should, and thus inhibit the number of individuals who might offer to actually buy the house. That being said, the next five items often adversely impact the ability to optimally sell ones home, and are usually things that can, and should be easily addressed. As a Licensed Salesperson in New York State, I always advise my clients to pay attention to these easily addressed areas.

1. Avoid large displays of personal items and possessions. These include, but are not limited to: overwhelming amounts of family pictures, trophies, etc; excessive religious decor; lots of lawn decorations/ ornaments; or children's toys strewn about. Homeowners should either store these out of sight, or even temporarily take out a storage unit. They should also place excessive furniture and furnishings in this unit, so the house does not look cluttered, and excessive furniture also often makes rooms look far smaller than they actually are.

2. If your house is an unusual color or shade, many potential home buyers might be turned off. It is far better to have a neutral, but attractive color to put your house in the best perspective.

3. Clear out your garage, at least sufficiently to put your car in their during home showings, as well as when pictures are taken. Remember that a seller wants to make the buyer feel as comfortable as possible, and first impressions are most important. At the same time, unclutter the driveway and front lawn area, for precisely the same reason.

4. The first impression a potential buyer gets when he sees the house is most important. Address any potential distractions, or eyesores. These include peeling paint, broken shutters, dirty appearance, awnings or shingles that need repair,broken sidewalks or driveways, unpainted railings, rusty areas, etc. Take a look from the front of your house from every angle, and address any areas that may be turn- offs.

5. Don't neglect lawns, gardens, etc. Make sure the lawn is trimmed, mowed and seeded for maximum positive impact. If the weather permits, make sure there are some colorful and attractive plants, and make sure all areas are weeded, clean, and welcoming.

These are all relatively easy areas to address. Homeowners often cost themselves time, opportunities, and substantial dollars because they overlook these items. I recommend that a home seller discuss these types of things with his real estate professional, and heed the advice given.

Budget Process & Agenda Must Work Together!

Those involved in not- for- profit organizations have probably witnessed that, although you organization probably goes to the effort of developing, preparing and approving a budget, it often appears to be ignored or placed aside during the course of the year. In my over three decades of involvement with non profit organizations, as a volunteer, a staff member, consultant, trainer and adviser, I have come to realize that very few organizations treat the budget process with the reverence and relevance that they should. When a budget is developed properly, it becomes the framework and map for the organization to operate during the year. Part of the budget process must be placing priorities, from a monetary standpoint, in alliance and compliance with organization priorities, etc.

1. Budgets are not, and must not be treated as a waste of time that are prepared solely because the organization's bylaws require it. When handled properly, there is not one more essential committee or action than properly preparing a true and relevant budget. I have observed far too many organizations that just prepare a budget by pulling numbers out of the air, and "guestimating" the numbers. Although, obviously, a budget is an estimate because exact numbers are not known in advance, it must be prepared in line with the organization's goals and vision, and what they plan to do that year. This is the true meaning of the budget and the agenda being synergistic, and although it requires far more work to do it right, a properly prepared budget is worth the effort. Budgets should look at both fixed and variable expenses, as well as income. Although some expenses are mandated by preexisting contracts or agreements, many are not. All areas that are not unchangeable should be examined, addressed fully and reconsidered. Are these expenses being handled as well as possible? Are their alternatives, either methods, vendors or approaches? What programs that have been used or done previously are relevant, and which may not be? What are the goals of the organization, are what are the realistic alternatives to get their? While it is not the function of a Budget Committee to create policy, it should suggest alternatives to the leadership prior to presenting the budget, and come up with the best way for the organization to proceed to meet the agenda goals of the leaders, as well as the mission of the group.

2. Once a budget is approved, when done properly, it grants permission for leadership to proceed within parameters, to meet their objectives. This makes it far easier for leadership to create a realistic and workable agenda, and eliminates proposing intra- term expenses that throw the overall balance between want to and can do, out of whack.

I urge all organizations to train their fiscal leaders professionally, so that they can conceive of alternatives, while perceiving of methods and methodology to reach important, yet realistic goals. Most organizations today need to recommit to focusing on productivity and achievement, because their quest for support is competitive, and the organization with the best planning and effectiveness (thus often the best leadership) maintains interest of supporters, donors and potential members to a far greater extent.

Everything New, Is NOT Always Better!

With all the new technology and technological advances, many people seem to believe that because it is newer, it must therefore be better, or more enhanced. While that is true when it comes to certain technologies, there are still certain examples when newer is not better. Examples mostly include industries where technology and service are either combined, or need to go hand in hand, such as telephone service and airline travel. While there certainly have been significant technological advances in both of these circumstances, it can be argued that the overall experience has not been improved significantly, if at all.

1. Once upon a time, we had one telephone company which supplied our telephone equipment, maintained our internal and external wiring, and provided generally reliable service. Those classic black phones may not have been terribly stylish, but few of us even remember one of them not functioning. If we had any difficulty, we made one call to one company, and the problem was soon resolved. Today, land line telephone service is outnumbered by voice over internet services (VOIP), as well as by wireless/ cellular service. Our telephone equipment rarely lasts too many years, and it is next to impossible to find anyone to service it, and it is generally cost prohibitive to repair, so we simply purchase another telephone. It seems to me that there are far more dropped calls today, or some other static, interference, or trouble with our lines. Many people have abandoned land lines completely, depending entirely on their cell phone, but we all have experienced cell phone dead zones at one time or another. Relatively speaking, it is true that this competition and the enhancements has brought about lower pricing, but at what sacrifice. And, have you tried to get through to your telephone provider? How much of our time is wasted simply waiting to be connected with a real human being? With all the sophistications and enhancements, have you noticed better customer service, because I have certainly not?

2. In the latter part of the 1970's, the airline industry was deregulated, with the expressed intent of trying to provide more competition, and thus lower pricing for the consumer. While pricing was immediately lowered, have you flown recently? Spirit Air actually charges for carry on bags, while almost all domestic carriers have some sort of fee for checking bags. Meals on a domestic flight, forget about it! Legroom on most carriers is almost non existent. Customer service seems almost an anachronism! Most remarkedly, with all the technology, it actually takes longer on many routes today than it used to.

While technological enhancements are nice, they are not always that essential. Yes, many smart phones have lots of applications, but many of those come at some cost, either for the app itself, the data used, the type of phone needed, etc. And, no matter what cell phone or computer or tablet you have today, chances are it will be either outmoded or run of the mill pretty soon! Let's celebrate technology, but put these advancements into perspective!