How Does Your Website Reflect on You?

A large proportion of companies, consultants, professionals or even other individuals today have some sort or form of website. Some pay large sums of money to have these prepared and created by professional companies, or do so internally via their IT department. Others use one of many companies where you can create your own Website, and obviously that can be done and maintained for a far lower dollar cost. There have been many disputes and differing frames of mind/ perspectives about what is needed, and the more expensive creators of these sites will always insist that there will be many additional benefits to using their fancier and more professional site. On the other hand, many companies (especially smaller ones), professionals and independent sales individuals question whether the ROI (Return on Investment) will makes sense with their far lower budgets. Regardless of which course one follows in the development and maintenance of these sites, the key is often what is referred to as the SEO (search engine optimization) is optimized, or in other words, how the site may be found when people search for it via major search engines (such as Google, Bing, etc.). When one creates his site, regardless of the cost, it is important to focus on these four areas: 1. Philosophy; 2. Niche; 3. Objectives and Goals; and, 4. Quality and qualities.

1. When someone looks at your site for the first time, what does it say to them? What is your philosophy? Is it stated in a clear, emphatic, empathetic and meaningful manner? Does your Website indicate and clearly state the main message you are trying to say? Since studies show that people browsing the wen generally spend only a short time before determining whether to remain on the site, that first page (also known as Home page) must whet their appetite and attract them to stay on your site.

2. Are you all over the place, or do you tell others how you are different than your competition? Have you indicated and identified your niche? Do you tell the viewers what advantages there are to them to use you?

3. Do you have a central objective and goals? What are you trying to say about what you do, how you do it, and why you do it better than others? Does your Social Media sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, show a consistent theme and philosophy? 
 
4. Is your emphasis on merely being another in a large crowd, and trying to fit in with what others are doing, or does your message show that your focus is on offering the highest quality? If someone who did not know you saw your site, would they understand your unique or outstanding qualities, and be attracted to you, wanting to get more information?

It's not enough to merely do it! Do it by emphasizing who you are, what you do, and why you are outstanding!

Do Your Own Checkup, From The Neck Up: 5 Questions You Should Ask Youself!

Nearly everyone repeatedly faces the challenge of being ready, willing and able to be truly objectively introspective, and, thus meaningfully, take that first, essential step, to better know both our strengths, and weaknesses, and attempt to positively address them, to create the best course to personally pursue. I often refer to this process as our introspective, checkup from the neck up, and personally believe that unless we often perform this behavior, it becomes nearly impossible to be the best we can be! While many people worry, or even question what to do, and exhibit a considerable amount of self-doubt, that they either end up using in a positive (constructive, self-improving) or negative (more self-doubt that becomes overly limiting) way, few do so in a personally instructive, and self-improvement motivated manner. Therefore, to assist us in our self-analysis, I have created these five questions to always ask yourself. No matter what you do, you should benefit from this self - assessment!

1. Would you like you?: You'd possibly be somewhat surprised that, although most people would avow that they would, most people are somewhat ambiguous, at best, and many are more negative than positive. When you ask yourself this question, start by trying to step away from the fact it is you, and look objectively, in a way you would in considering how you feel about others. What are the things (or characteristic, qualities, etc) that you like, and what things do you view far less favorably? Do this in a positive, constructive way, rather than to merely lose your self-confidence, and become the best you can be!

2. Does what you say to others, match what your self-talk says?: Unless these are in sync, you will possess a sort of ambiguity that creates inner conflict and, often, self-disdain. Avoid the tendency for empty rhetoric, and focus on assuring that you consistently walk your talk!

3. How strongly do you believe in your goals?: Are your stated goals and beliefs truly your own, or do you claim them merely to feel comfortable, fit in with the crowd, or avoid making waves? You must take proud ownership of your personal goals, and they must motivate you to pursue a certain direction, and a quality code of behavior and ethics.

4. Will you create an action plan, and take actual action, on it?: Merely creating some sort of action plan may be little more than an exercise in futility, or a veritable waste of time, unless you transform your planning to meaningful activities, that direct your actions in a forward-looking direction. If you feel strongly about your dreams and goals, you will proactively pursue them, in a timely and well-conceived, and executed manner.

5. Will you persist and persevere?: If something means that much to you, you must consistently and persistently pursue them, without delay, excuses or procrastination. Quite often, the main difference between the most successful individuals, as opposed to the rest of the crowd, is their persistence and perseverance, while others give up, develop the proverbial loser's-limp, and settle for being mediocre, and unfulfilled.

If you are willing to give yourself a checkup from the neck up, on a somewhat regular basis, you will end up believing far more in yourself. Keep asking yourself how you might be the best you can be!

How To Use A Mirror To Improve Your Phone Skills?

For 4 decades, I have both personally transacted business on the telephone and trained telemarketers, customer service people, and both inbound and outbound phone sale people, as well as organizational leaders, on how to obtain optimal results using a telephone. I have discovered many interesting things about phone selling, not the least of which is that one can be great on the phone and awful face to face, and vice versa. Selling and transmitting business on the telephone takes specific skills and actions, and is something that nearly anyone willing to be trained, can be taught to do.

I am a major proponents of using two small tricks to help with phone success. The first is to employ the phone's mute function, and to only disengage the mute when you are prepared to speak. That keeps you from blurting out something without due consideration, or interrupting the other person. However, while many people use the mute function, the employment of a small table mirror is even more helpful.

Studies show that many people can sense the mood or attitude of the person on the other end of the phone, either by their voice, their attitude, their tone of voice, or factors such as politeness and patience. Since we often do not hear ourselves as others do, I suggest that someone place a small table mirror directly in front of them while they are on the phone (the 2nd trick). Look in the mirror at yourself as you are communicating on the telephone. What is your facial expression? Are you smiling, "smerking," or moping? Do you look like you are enjoying yourself? Do you appear as if you are getting angry (turning red or changing facial expression) based on what is happening on the call? Do you look like someone who doesn't want to be there? Do you have the same expression on your face as you would if you knew the other person could see you, as in the face to face scenario? How about your posture? Are you sitting up rigidly, or sitting comfortable? Are you sitting erect or slouching into your chair? Are you focused on what is being said to you?

Only by knowing what you have been doing mostly subconsciously, will you be able to address it. Using a mirror is an easy aid, and a helpful one. I have seen telemarketers increase their closing ratios on the telephone exponentially just by paying attention to these details. Similarly, I've observed businesses Customer Service satisfaction rate rise dramatically when these unconscious negative acts stop bringing down the perceived sincerity level. In many cases, when I have done Leadership Training for leaders of organizations, I have gotten the feedback that they were far more able to motivate their members when they addressed their own personal telephone body language.

Even in today's digital and electronic age, there is an important need to be professional and caring on the telephone. Simply by thinking about how we look in the mirror and addressing those things, we can enhance our performance significantly. This applies, across industries, and whether the selling is to close a sale, an appointment, of for customer - service purposes.

Why Profitability Trumps Revenues?

SPOILER ALERT- This is NOT an article about today's politics. It is, rather, about the risks of focusing merely on one economic indicator, without looking at the whole picture!


Nearly every day, financial gurus analyze and often over - analyze the performance of a wide variety of business organizations. We often hear these individuals discuss an organization's performance in relationship to what are generally referred to as expectations. However, since businesses almost always either under or over perform in relationship to these expectations, an objective observer should realize and understand that there is a significant difference between expectations and facts. In addition, in many cases, there is far too much attention paid to gross revenues, when a company's bottom line is more dependent on profitability, which is the difference between revenues and expenses.

1. When company's prioritize revenues, they often do so at the expense of their bottom line. They do so because if these revenues come about because of ever - increasing costs such as materials, marketing and labor, the organization often does not benefit. The reality is often that, especially in more trying economic times, being overly sales oriented without paying sufficient attention to costs, diminishes and adversely impacts the bottom line. Consider a dentist who grosses a million dollars, versus one who may gross $700,000, but the first one has a 70% overhead, and the latter a 50% overhead. Who nets more, and takes far less risk? Consider a real estate professional, who doesn't control carefully, what he spends on marketing, advertising, etc. What impact will that have on his net income?

2. Often, it may be easier to address controlling costs than increasing revenues. This can be achieved by a combination of factors, including spending more efficiently, being more effective, wasting far less time, and creating a strategy that objectively looks at the relationship between costs and revenues. No one can accurately see into the future, and thus, addressing expenses is often far more reliable than forecasting increased receipts. However, management must take care not to overreact and take draconian measures when more moderate, fiscally responsible approaches are called for.

3. The key to a business' success is their bottom line, not simply in the short term but into the foreseeable future. This means addressing all expenses and examining if one gains the most bang for the buck. Management must be careful that they do not cut the wrong expenses, but merely reduce the bloat, inefficiencies, and seek better and more efficient alternatives. Smart executives generally begin by utilizing a carefully prepared, organized and realistic zero - based budget, that is used as a true planning tool. Sometimes, draconian cuts will address the short term fiscal picture, but if done without planning and foresight, will often adversely impact the long term picture and performance.

Success is not based merely on how much revenue might be brought in, but rather the amount, degree and consistency of the profits. Smart business managers and leaders are far more concerned about profits and sustainability than they are solely about revenues alone

Why It's Important to Write Your Goals Down?

Most of us have repeatedly been instructed that it is necessary to have an essential dream, a personal vision, and create important and relevant goals, if we wish to be successful and to achieve. However, simply having goals is not enough, but rather it is necessary to have a mechanism in place to transform goals into reality, by taking action. Many studies indicate that the vast majority of individuals perform and achieve better when there is a visual aspect to their learning, commitment, habit and behavior. It is for this reason that most great achievers have dreams that they visualize and which motivate them, create goals and an action plan, and don't simply think about or try to memorize what they wish to do and how, but rather, put these goals down in writing and refer to them often and repeatedly. Brian Tracy stated, "Committing your goals to paper increases the likelihood of achieving them one- thousand percent."

1. Even the most important and far- reaching dream fails to yield results unless it motivates the dreamer to commit to specific goals, which he then designs an action plan to achieve. In order to optimize one's results, write the goals down, first in broad thoughts, and then in specifics. Explain in writing your reasons for why these goals are so important. Then put them in a priority order. Then put them down with a time table or timeline for when certain actions need to be taken, and why. Create this action plan in such a way that you think your ideas through thoroughly, and you decide upon a first or preferred course of action, as well as numerous alternative or contingency approaches to achieving your most essential goals. Commit to these thoroughly and review these notes and ideas on a very regular basis. This will both motivate and refresh you on your personal journey.

2. Never forget that you must believe in yourself in order to achieve these goals. In the majority of cases, a most effective tool is the use of affirmations. Affirmations must be personal positive statements regarding matters that are most important to you personally. They must always be stated in both the positive/ affirmative as well as in the present tense. For example, if you feel you need to become a better speaker to achieve your goals, an affirmation might be, "I am an enthusiastic, stimulating speaker that audiences enjoy listening to." Note that the statement is specific, positive and in the present tense. Try this with items that you feel you would like to personally pay more attention to, or get better at.

Most of us find visual learning the most effective. Some use this method in conjunction with others, while many find it to be their preferred methodology. Write down what you want to achieve and what you need to do.

Why Strategic & Business Plans Are Important?

While many organizations have heard of strategic planning, and even claim to strategically plan, few actually do so effectively. Many organizations and their leaders discuss strategic planning as if it is some sort of panacea for "fixing" the organization. That expression is almost as misused as "getting to the next level." It is somewhat amazing that few organizations, and few leaders seem to comprehend that strategic planning must be an ongoing process, if it is to be an effective use of time. Otherwise, what many organizations refer to as strategic planning ends up being little more than an exercise in philosophy and oration. The same applies to most sole proprietors/ independent contractors (such as Real Estate Professionals, etc), who try to move forward without creating a Business Plan!
 
The first step in effective strategic and/ or business planning is to properly identify where an organization or individual, is at presently, and how it got there. What is the history of the organization, and how does that and the organization's mission impact its planning? How can the organization evolve to improve, while maintaining its reason for being? Strategic planners must carefully understand the ramifications of its actions, or conversely, what the impact of not acting might be.Are you satisfied with what has gone on previously, and what have you learned from those experiences? How, and what, might you do differently?

This process must identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the organization (or you), as well as the reasons and causes for each. All too often, so-called strategic planners inaccurately identify either strengths or weaknesses, or both, and then make decisions or recommendations based on false or faulty premises. This is often seen, especially on the weaknesses sign, when an organization is facing a challenge in a specific area, and often oversimplifies, misinterprets, or misunderstands the reason for the obstactle. When planning begins based on inaccurate premises, the plan is doomed from the onset.

Strategic planners must consider all alternatives in their deliberations. They must consider factors such as short-term, intermediate-term and long-term impacts, ramifications, costs both in terms of financial as well as personnel related. Costs include not only direct costs, but also indirect costs, such as the wastes and excesses. Planners must consider multiple alternatives, and weigh all relevant factors in analyzing ideas.

No business plan is complete, until and unless, you make up a game plan, for the next upcoming period of time (usually a year). What are your goals, and are they realistic? What will you commit to do, every day, week, month, etc? Break the goal up into steps, and take small baby steps, towards your upcoming goal. Remember this is a short  - term goal, but keep in mind the bigger picture, and never sacrifice future gains, for short - term ones!
 
Strategic and business planning necessitates entering the process with an open mind, and considering alternatives. Where many organizations, and individuals, drop the ball, however, is that after they expend considerable time, energy and other resources in the process, they do not develop an action plan to assure the timely achievement of the plan.

Why Negotiating Is Both, An ART & SCIENCE?

Have you ever thought about how many aspects of life are related to, or involve negotiating? Isn't it a fact that nearly everything we do ends up more successfully if we are capable negotiators? However, despite the fact that it is so important, whether we are involved in selling, leadership, contracts, any business aspect, as well as in our day - to - day interpersonal dealings, very few individuals ever fully explore the needs, requirements, components, techniques, or nuances that are so relevant. Unlike many other techniques, effective negotiations must be understood as both an ART, as well as a SCIENCE!

1. The A, R and T of ART should help propel us towards creating the best opportunity for success. Of course, it begins with the right attitude, which must be positive, proactive, and one that willingly cooperates. When this becomes the opening mindset, the negotiations are approached to bring forth a win - win scenarion, rather than an adversarial beat you opponent one!

2. Never go into a negotiation unless you do so by seeing reality the way it is, rather than merely the way you might wish it to be! This requires a commitment and search for actually understanding needs and nuances, and going forth with an open mind, rather than prejudging.

3. No negotiation, no matter how well trained or qualified the negotiator may be, will bring forth the results you desire unless you understand that there must be mutual trust between negotiating parties. However, one can't just hope for, expect or ask for this type of trust, but rather must earn it, by a combination of his actions, empathy, and commitment to absolute integrity.

4. As essential as the ART is to this activity, it must also be understood that there is also a SCIENCE involved. This must always begin by focusing on your search for agreement. How can this go anywhere meaningful unless both sides commit to, and seek agreement/ meeting of the minds?

5. It is important to aim towards some degree of common ground, where neither side feels he is merely winning or losing.

6. While you can use all your efforts and best intentions towards achieving these necessities, one can never control what others do or how they may behave. Therefore, it is important to proceed with ingenuity and absolute integrity.

7. Listen effectively, and view needs from the eyes of the other party. Only when there is a focus on empathy can progress be made the way you desire.

8. Remember that things are rarely simply black and white! Effective negotiating requires mastering the various nuances.

9. You must have a certain degree of clarity and consideration, if you want to end up with a contract where both sides feel resulted in a fair and reasonable manner.

10. Is your energy level maintained at a the highest possible level, in a positive, meaningful and significant manner? Lethargy and negativity are generally the cancers to successful negotiations!

The better you understand what negotiating involves, the more effective you will be. The combination of a variety of skills, perceptions and attitudes, used in a synergistic manner, will usually get you to the point you wish to be. Whether you are negotiating a contract for an event, a contract for employment, or a real estate deal, the same basic concepts apply. Become a quality negotiator, and you will better represent your position, in anything/ everything you do!

How Is Your Judgment?

How do you define judgment, and what factors do you consider most indicative and telling? What have you done to develop your wisdom, ability to analyze and interpret, judge situations, individuals, procedures, techniques and ideas? Do you enjoy being the decision maker, or would you prefer to defer that to others, and simply be a follower? Do you prefer to be a leader, trusting that you are more capable of making the best decisions, or do you doubt your own abilities and judgment? Do you judge situations and understand the possible ramifications and alternatives? Do you prefer to be proactive, or are you merely reactive? Do you plan sufficiently so that you can make decisions based on facts and reasoning, or do you wait, often procrastinating, and putting off making a judgment until you have to?

1. Judgment can either be good, bad, or somewhere in between. However, when someone simply waits and procrastinates, that is almost always an indication of far less than stellar judgment. Procrastination is generally an indication of either insecurity or fear. It takes courage, self confidence, and personal motivation to make a decision, but it also requires a commitment to training, learning, self improvement, and the desire to be the best that you can be, to actually show judgment.

2. Judgment does not mean that you must be the most intellectually gifted, although no doubt a certain level of intellect generally enhances one's judgment. However, often those with the highest IQ, and the most schooling and education, do not exhibit the greatest judgment. Great judgment also requires certain tangible, as well as certain intangible qualities. The tangible assets include learning, experience, focus, desire and motivation, as well as commitment. The intangible characteristics come from one's viable vision, and how that translates to actual goals, as well as the motivation to persist and persevere, and the courage to make well thought out decisions, when others often defer. Judgment is a combination of numerous characteristics, disciplines, beliefs, ideals, etc. However, for a judgment to be pure and positive, it also requires absolute integrity.

There has never been a truly productive individual who did not develop a methodology to enhance his abilities and judgment. It all begins with both knowing, as well as liking ones self. Judgment comes from someone being comfortable with his abilities, confident in his beliefs, and willing to openly examine any and all alternatives that might make him better.

Makng Affirmations Work For You!

Many wise men have made similar statements about the power of positive thinking in terms of getting things accomplished. In fact, the unifying thought of all of these statements is basically that one can either think they can do something, or think they cannot, and either way they will almost always prove themselves correct. Every year, many millions of dollars are spent by individuals who wish to improve either themselves or their "lot in life," and take various versions of positive thinking courses and seminars. While positive thinking undoubtedly improves success rates and efficiency, one of the greatest techniques for enhancing one's positive attitude, and thus their success, is using Positive Affirmations.

Affirmations are positive statements that have special meaning to the individual. They are described as affirmations because unlike other statements, these statements should be made all from a positive point of view, using entirely positive wording. So, for example, if someone wanted to break their smoking habit, they would not say, "I'm not going to smoke anymore." Rather, their Affirmation might be worded, instead, "Since I am smoking- free, I breathe clean, refreshing area, and have more positive energy." As you might notice, there is no mention of the intent to stop smoking cigarettes. Rather, the affirmation is stated from the point of view that the action to stop has already occurred, and the affirmation sees and discusses the benefits. This is done to create a positive vision that motivates the speaker to take definitive action.

To understand further how affirmations can assist one in taking action to improve or encourage a specific action or course of action, or to get someone to expand his "comfort zone," let's assume that an individual is very uncomfortable speaking in public. The usual self talk that people use would be "I want to be a better speaker," or "I am going to be a better public speaker." However, when using Affirmations, a suggested statement might be something like, "I enjoy the excitement of getting in front of a group, addressing them, and motivating that group to listen to me and my point of view, and then take action." Do you see the very important difference in the way these statements are structured?

Many individuals have told me prior to one of my seminars that they can't do affirmations because it seems too strange, odd or phony to them. I tell them to try the following exercise for a week, and see the changes it will make in their life. Think about ten things you'd like to do better. Write down ten Positive Affirmations. Commit to read these Affirmations at least three to five different times during the day and night, and each time repeat each affirmation at least five time. Read these in front of a mirror. Be sure that the Affirmations are items that are truly important to you at this time. Observe the changes in the way you view things, go about things, approach things and do certain things.

Those who commit to Affirmations will see numerous life changing improvements, simply because they commit to them fully, and believe they can.

9 Ways To Keep Your Customer SATISFIED!

Wouldn't it seem logical that businesses and/or organizations would prioritize or pay, at least a far more significant amount of attention, to identifying, serving, enhancing the experience of, and keeping their customers happy? Since few businesses can succeed, sustain themselves, and grow their businesses without maintaining happy customers, wouldn't you think that one of the items they would emphasize would be how best to enhance their customer's experiences? Many companies spend lots of time talking about how wonderful they treat their supporters, far too few actually end up doing so. In order to assist in the effort to better serve their customer base, I have developed these 9 Ways to Keep Your Customer SATISFIED.

1. Seek out, proactively, what they want! Focus on their priorities and needs, rather than your own, and make your business a stronger one. Remember that your company is there to serve its customer base, and not vice versa. Lead with a combination of genuine, meaningful, sustainable strength, that makes others want to be associated with your organization.

2. Focus, and pay close attention to the bigger picture, with a focused, clear - cut, positive attitude. What are you doing to get others to want to be associated and aligned with you?

3. Tell them what to expect, and why it is in their best interests! Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Consistently proceed in a transparent manner.

4. Identify with your actual and/ or potential audience/ customer base, and make their priorities those your group emphasizes! Instill a sense of belief and pride in others, to motivate them to want to be associated with you.

5. Strive consistently to please, without compromising your ideals, goals, or focus! Perhaps the simplest way to do so is to always say thanks, even for apparently minor items. Remember that people generally love to be appreciated.

6. Be genuinely friendly, with true feeling, and aim to fulfill well beyond what you are presently doing. When you care more about others, they develop deeper feelings for you.

7. There is never any substitute for absolute integrity. That includes a combination of attitude, behavior and always delivering on your promises.

8. Earn their respect every day! Your goals must focus on giving others a great experience, always exceeding expectations.

9. Do it! Don't just say you will! Remember that your customers are far more concerned with what you are doing and will do for them in the future, rather that what you've done in the past!

If those you serve lose their kinship with you, you will lose your relevance, potential and sustainability. Enhance your possibilities by using these 9 Ways To Keep Your Customer SATISFIED.

All Consultants are NOT Created Equal!

Every year, thousands of corporations and organizations enlist the services of either an individual consultant, team of consultants, or a consulting firm, to address items that their leadership envisions need addressing professionally, by an impartial eye. Unfortunately, however, nearly anyone can represent himself as some sort of consultant, either in a specific area, or in a variety of areas, and while some of these individuals are excellent, and provide a fabulous, valuable service, others use consulting as a rouse to sell some sort of product or service. Major areas that consultants are called in regarding include, but are not limited to: business, financial, fiscal, and budgetary items; strategic planning; event planning, negotiations, coordination and organization; Board training and evaluation; business planning; etc.

While we often do not perceive it this way, service professionals, such as Real Estate Professionals/ Agents, are consultants, if they are properly servicing their client! While the main duty might be marketing and selling someone's home, there are many recommendations, an agent makes, which has a major impact on the success. Consulting in this area often includes areas such as: Suggested Listing Price (and reasoning why); curb appeal; first impression; marketing philosophies; staging; etc.

1. Your preliminary discussion with any honorable consultant should be a getting- to- know- you type of meeting, and should be free of charge to the organization. Observe whether the consultant listens and asks pensive and examining questions, more than he speaks and tries to sell himself. Do not be overly impressed by fancy brochures and literature, or even elaborate presentations. You should be looking for a consultant that does not try to use a one- size- fits- all approach, but customizes his service directly to your needs and your organization's idiosyncrasies. Don't be overly impressed by fancy rhetoric or techno- jargon, because it often has little true value.

2. When a consultant is used for event services, he should guarantee his services will do several things for your event. Firstly, he should take away the hassles and headaches. Secondly, he should be able to negotiate in all related areas and foresee your needs. He should be someone who does his homework before he begins to negotiate, in order to find out what is needed and what the priorities and objectives of the event are. He should gather historical information, in order to gather am historical perspective and better understand the group's heritage and needs. He should never impose his will, but also stand up for what he believes should be done, and be able and willing to explain why. His negotiations should save considerably more money than the total of his fee and reimbursable expenses. He should fully explain his fee up front, and explain what he will do, how he will work intimately with the group's organizing committee, and make relevant suggestions.

3. Beware of any consultant who makes too big a deal about making governance changes, in order to address systemic problems and challenges facing the organization. While in a mostly healthy organization, certain governance models might work better for a specific group, governance should only become a priority during a healthy or relatively healthy stage, and not when there are other challenges. These governance recommendations are usually followed, in gradations and steps to follow, by meetings that you are charged for consultant's time, training sessions (also at a charge), and often with a beautifully prepared governance manual, that often is less valuable to the stability and well being of the organization than the paper it is printed on, etc.

Always ask a prospective consultant about his fees, thoughts, methods, approaches, and what he feels he might be able to do for you, before you agree to his contract. Many organizations have cost themselves dearly by not carefully considering all of the ramifications. While many consultants are great and provide a wonderful service, like in everything else, there are always some "bad apples."

Whose Expectations Are You Living Up To?

Have you ever noticed how few individuals actually appear happy, or satisfied with themselves and their lives? Even the majority of those many consider successful in their field of endeavor, often seem unhappy, or even somewhat miserable? Do you strive to meet or exceed your expectations, or the expectations of others? How much time and attention do you pay worrying about, or thinking about, or pondering what others think about you or what you do, as opposed to committing to absolute and meaningful introspection? Do you do what you might consider the best course of action, or because that's what others do, or how everyone else does something?

1. Are your goals and expectations yours, or others? The most important thing for each of us to consider and remember is that you can only control yourself and what you do, and aspire to achieve, and, while one might hope to positively influence others, the only one you can really control, and are actually responsible for, is yourself! Beware of playing "follow the leader," because solely because someone else may be in a position of leadership or influence, often does not mean that he is even close to perfect, and automatically correct. Each of us must make our own personal decisions, and must assume responsibility for what we do, attempt, aim for, or expect! Don't let what others do, say, etc., be your only consideration! How much time do you commit to personal introspection, positive expectations, and creating and preparing a personal action plan that aligns with what you wish to achieve?

2. If you commit to excellence, and maintain a truly positive attitude, your expectations should be both progressive and meaningful. If you fail to believe that you will be great (and better than the norm, or crowd), the reality is that there is little chance to achieve greatness. Whatever one's mind conceives of, and actually perceives, will usually direct what is achievable! Unless your goals are your goals, why would they motivate you? Why would you expect someone else's goals to motivate you to persistent and consistent actions and behaviors?

Each individual has his own personal perspectives. These inner feelings, thoughts, goals and mindset, are normally our greatest influencers! Are you willing to take personal responsibility for every aspect of you, and your behaviors and actions? This begins with how you anticipate what will happen, which transform to your expectations, which often control your behaviors and feelings. Only when you opt to strive to live up to your own expectations, rather than those of others, can you become the best you can be!

Why Action Plans Are Very Important?

We often hear individuals talk about the importance of creating and utilizing an action plan, yet few individuals who are leaders of organizations ever fully take advantage of the usefulness of action plans. Action plans not only provide guidelines and guidance, but create a methodology to accomplish ones objectives. This applies NOT ONLY to organizational leaders, BUT to any business leader, or especially, for independent contractors/ self - employed business people, such as Realtors, Lawyers, Physicians, Dentists, etc.

The first thing one must do is create an objective or goal of a particular project or goal. This objective should be broken into long-term, intermediate-term and short-term needs. Once an objective has been decided upon, that objective must be examined to assure that it is in line with an organization's mission. If an organization's mission is in contradiction with a particular project's objective, leadership must examine if this contradiction is acceptable, if it makes it unworkable, or if either the mission or the objective needs updating or adjustment. Leaders must fully examine all ramifications of taking such an action, however, before they decide on any such action.

Once this procedure has been accomplished, it must be determined what the priorities of this plan are. There must be long-term, intermediate-term, and short-term objectives and/or goals, and the plan must be a workable program to accomplish the objectives.

This means that an action plan must list each action that needs to be taken, in a time order. It must also include alternative actions that might be used if a plan needs some "tweaking." Each of these actions must be broken up into sub-categories, and the intermediate steps must be listed, and a timetable placed for each one. The responsible individual for each part of the plan must be noted, as well as a "Need by date." In addition, there must be a strategy for thorough follow-up and examination of the action plan on an ongoing basis, as well as a mechanism for making needed adjustments.

Part of the action plan is also a cost evaluation. These costs include not only the actual expense in terms of both monies and possible lost revenues, as well as the costs in terms of personnel costs and time. Possible costs also include potential ramifications from existing members, who may not favor the changes being proposed.

One must always remember that an action plan has little value if it is either undeveloped, not fully developed, or does not move from the exercise stage to the implementation and action stage. Since many leaders prefer using rhetoric to actually taking action, an effective action plan will only work if leaders are properly trained in all aspects of use.

This discussion is only a beginning in terms of the realities of an action plan. However, my four decades of experience have clearly demonstrated that effective organizations always take advantage of creating and using action plans.

RICH IDEAS Exclusive 22 - Point Guarantee (To Homeowners)

Exclusively submitted by: Richard Brody, Licensed Salesperson, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty 516- 448- 4184

1)   “I will always tell you what you need to know, NOT just what you want to hear” TM

2                           2) Create, develop, and thoroughly explain a customized CMA!

3                3)   Price your home right, from the start

4                4)   Pre – evaluate your home, & inform you what (if any) areas, need to be addressed, to optimize your potential!

5               5)   Explain concepts, such as staging, eye appeal, curb appeal, 1^st impressions (how they pertain to you)

                 6) Develop, create & prepare a Marketing Plan, & explain your part of the team!

7               7) Discuss communication, access, etc.

8               8)  Explain my responsibilities & duties, & live up to them!

9               9)   Explain, in advance, what will be expected of you!

1             10)  Review Open Houses, and discuss a plan for your home

1             11)  Professional negotiations, every step along the way

1             12)  Provide suggestions, resources, etc.

1             13)  Hold your hand, throughout the process

1             14)  Explain, as much as possible, what to expect, etc., so there will be few surprises!

1             15)  Answer your questions, and/ or concerns, thoroughly, & to your satisfaction

1            16)   SERVE YOU! You are my client!!

1            17)  Review pricing, marketing, market conditions, etc., on a regular basis

              18)  Provide you with updates often (at least once/ week)

1           19)  Provide feedback received from potential buyers, & other agents

2           20)  Let you know when I disagree, or agree! (openly and honestly)

2           21)  Help, every step along the way, from listing to closing!

2           22)  Seek the best price, in shortest period of time, with minimum of hassle!

Note that RICH IDEAS TM , & the 22 POINT GUARANTEE TM, are proprietary Trademarks of Richard Brody

Is Inflation A Good or Bad Thing, & Other Lies, Distortions & Half - Truths?

Economics, economic theories, and political realities often cross paths, and make many people wonder what's going on. We have offered heard about the dangers of inflation, the dangers of recession, and other similar terminology, yet most of us will hear the media, and especially the business media, one day warn of the risk of inflation, and another day cite the lower than anticipated inflation rate as something to be concerned about. There are even different sets of indexes, one that includes core items (whatever that really means) and another that measures the inflation rate including energy costs.

The only thing that most American consumers concern themselves about from day to day, is how these costs impact them. Is their cost of living going up, staying the same, or going down. I have not met anyone recently that has told me that he feels that things are costing him less. At the supermarket, manufacturers continuing their clever "game" of effectively raising prices by keeping prices the same but reducing the package size. Shouldn't pricing be considered for these cost of living indexes the way the unit pricing is required by a lot of states, that is, by showing the cost per ounce, or per serving? Most of us have observed increased costs in milk, most meats, fowl, fish, cans of soda, bottles of soda, etc. Yet, we are being told that there is no or little inflation.

Gas prices are constantly fluctuating, yet the pattern is that prices go up (even though for the past year, or two, the trend has reversed) About the only thing that has not kept pace with these increases is average wages. Many workers are being paid for fewer hours, while others have been laid off. The unemployment rate statistically is about 5%, but realistically is more than 9%. Many Americans are either under-employed or unemployed, and this has been going on for so long, that, for many, unemployment benefits are expiring. If these people's benefits run out, the statistics will show a lower unemployment rate, because the official statistics does not count people not collecting benefits. It also does not count individuals who owned small businesses, that had to go out of business, because owners of these types of businesses are generally not eligible for unemployment,

The Federal Reserve determines interest rates, keeping them low when the economy needs a boost, and then raising them, to counter inflation! However, the markets often over - react to even the hint of a change, and are economists, in fact, any better at predicting economic future, than the meteorologists are at predicting the weather? Politics, particularly Presidential politics, often factor in, yet one is rarely certain what will happen, under any scenario!

The bottom line is that statistics are misleading. There is an old saying that the difference between a recession and a depression is, that it's a recession when it happens to someone else, and a depression when it happens to you. It is time for the American public to demand that our government officials stop partisan politics, and realistically address the economy and the joblessness issues, making those the overwhelming top priorities.