Online Newsletter for the Week Ending June 3

QUOTE:  “To make (those) waves turn into what you want, you have to interact with them. Set your intention, take action, be bold! You can't wait for the future before you take action, but by taking action you can change what the future becomes.”  Wes Hopper

LINKEDIN:  There are at least 3 social media sites you should be engaged in on a daily basis.  (1) Facebook, www.facebook.com especially with a fan/business page on which you can talk about business.  (2)  Twitter.  www.twitter.com  You need to be adding value for the folks who follow you and you need to do it on a regular basis like at least once a week if not daily.  (3) LINKEDIN.  www.linkedin.com   Linkedin is a “business” social media site where people sign on and connect with each other for business reasons.  You can link up with like-minded individuals as well as post your comments, again at least weekly if not daily.  I challenge everyone to beat my numbers.  Ready for this?  I have 603 connections that link me to more than 5,801,913 professionals; THAT’S FIVE AS IN MILLION!  I have increased my Internet Linkedin exposure to 16,996 people added to my Linkedin site JUST SINCE MAY 29.  If you want a fourth site, try www.Plaxo.com.  Every day I am reminded that upwards of 10 people in my Plaxo database has a birthday and I send out that many Ecards practically every day. 

FOLLOWME:  www.twitter.com/gymbeaux143;

FOLLOW ME:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/gymbeaux

TOP 10 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WEB SITES IN APRIL 2011:  Ever wonder what the most “hit” real estate sites are?  Check them out at:  http://www.inman.com/news/2011/05/31/top-10-real-estate-websites-in-april

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS:  Business After Hours hosted by Summerfield Retirement Community and Home Instead Senior Care  4104 Dauphine St., Slidell.  June 16, 2011; 5-7 PM.  Business to Business Networking, Door Prizes - Food and Beverages - 50/50 Raffle.  FREE for Chamber Members.  $25.00 Non-Members

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?  Great and short article by Mike Butson.  Could he be talking about you, nah….  http://www.brokeragentsocial.com/article/1216/what-039-s-your-excuse

SACRIFICE, another great article by Jon Gordon.  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-053111-sacrifice.html

YOU KNOW YOUR SALES PROCESS IS OUTDATED WHEN….  Hopefully this does not describe you; from www.SalesDog.com.  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/nl0528.htm#newsletter

STEPS A GOOD (WITH THE EMPHASIS ON THE WORD GOOD) LISTING AGENT SHOULD TAKE WITH HIS/OR CLIENT.  By Gina Nugent.  This is a good article.  My comments that immediately follow should also shed some light on being a “good” listing agent.  The question should be, how many of them do you do?  http://activerain.com/blogsview/2323057/steps-a-good-listing-agent-should-take-for-his-her-client

BROKER BIT:  COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION:  As most of you know, I have been licensed in real estate for almost 32 years.  In that time there is one recurring complaint offered up by both buyers and sellers.  You would think that after 32 years we as an industry would improve on this but we don’t and I don’t know why.  COMMUNICATION WITH THE CUSTOMER.  The number one complaint that I have heard as Broker in those years is that “I have never heard from my agent.”  “My agent never calls me.”  “I have no idea what is going on, why does my agent not call me?”  Let’s reverse the roles and let’s say that you place a call, send an email request or submit some type of bid or offer.  How do you want to be responded to?  Immediately would be my guess.  It has been my experience that even when an agent can show proof that he or she has called their customer (or emailed) the customer still says “I never hear from my agent.”  What should that tell you?  You never communicate enough with your customers!  I would strongly recommend that you establish and block out 2 or 3 hours every week on the same day of the week for the purpose of calling your active customers.  Explain to the customer that, for example, I will call you on Friday between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.  Please do not feel like you have to be there, I will leave you a voice mail message.  I would also give my customers a clipboard with a self-designed form on it entitled IMPORTANT INFO FOR GYMBEAUX’S CALL.  I would then ask the customer to write down anything and everything they think of that they need an answer for or would simply like to tell me.  I would explain to them that I would be doing the same thing for them.  Then when I call on Friday morning between 8:00 and 11:00, you can pass information to me or ask me the questions you have and I will do the same.  Of course if anything should happen during the week of importance, you can call me at any time and I will do the same.  But…please understand, I turn my telephone off quite frequently when I am engaged in something of extreme importance so please do not hesitate to leave a message; I will return your call as soon as possible.  Do you have a system to insure more than adequate communications with your customer?  If not, why not?  Can’t wait to hear your answer.

GYMBEAUX NOTE:  I see and hear a lot of agents getting upset of the way a transaction is taking place.  The one question I would like to ask is, 6 months or a year from now will anyone even remember the same issue that seems to be taking over your life at this present moment?  I doubt it.  The following Gratitude Gem from Wes Hopper tells it like it really is and it is a very good lesson to follow EVERY DAY.

GRATITUDE  -  FEELING GOOD

"When you feel good about yourself, others will feel good about you, too."

Jake Steinfeld

Many of us are brought up in families where we're taught that saying good things about ourselves is being conceited.

The message that we as little kids get from that is that we're really not that good after all. There's something wrong about feeling good about ourselves.

You can see that this is just a destructive belief pattern passed down in the family from parents to kids.

It's not intended to be malicious, but it's destructive in what it teaches us about ourselves.

Some of us spend our whole lives trying to be good enough to be worth feeling good about ourselves, and never quite making it.

The fact is, there's a big difference between feeling good about yourself and being conceited. Here's how to tell the difference.

Conceit compares you to others.  Self esteem does not.

Healthy self esteem is necessary for success in life. As our quote says, if we like ourselves, others will, too.

And it's hard to be successful without the partnership of others.

So how are you doing with liking yourself? Do you feel genuinely good about yourself? Would you want to be friends with you?

You're actually a pretty nice person, you know.

Give yourself a hug!

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending May 27

QUOTE:  “We live in a free beer tomorrow world.  Tomorrow never comes!”  John Phillips, (Mississippi Association of Realtors and friend)

JOPLIN, MO TORNADO AND KELLER CARES:  Here is a message from Mo Anderson: 

KW Cares is accepting donations.  If you would like to designate the donation to Joplin, please write JOPLIN on the memo line of your check. 

Yours in caring for our Joplin family,

Mo

PEARL RIVER ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Thursday June 16^th at the Holiday Inn, Picayune, MS  11:30, call or email the board for reservations.

INVITE COOP AGENTS TO PREPARE ONLINE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS ON YOUR LISTINGS:  This is too cool for words.  Once you get set up to use the new Keller Williams eEdge program and submit your listings into the paperless portion of the program, you can create a link to include in the AGENT'S REMARKS section of the MLS system to invite agents who have buyers to prepare and submit their Agreement to Purchase online using the link you provided.  Make sure you attend one of the classes on eEdge and going paperless; you won't regret it.  Think of it this way, eEdge means you have an Electronic Edge on the competition.  Since you already have it, learn how to use it to your advantage.

MAY 25; TIME SENSITIVE:  Real World vs. Virtual World Tools - Find the Balance!  Register for this FREE Webinar Today!  Join us for the next FREE Secrets of Top Selling Agents Webinar "Real World vs. Virtual World Tools - Find the Balance" with Kris Berg, co-owner and Designated Broker, San Diego Castle Realty, on May 25th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/354835337

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO THE SALE?  THE OLD WAY? OR THE NEW WAY? Jeffrey Gitomer has done it again, hit the nail on the head.  How many of his techniques do you use.  When you get to the part about giving a signed copy of your book, use someone else’s book since most of us do not have our own, except for Debbie Allen of course.  J  http://www.gitomer.com/articles/ViewPublicArticle.html?key=ajcdMibak3NzD6t8KzD5qA%3D%3D

TEE OFF FOR SCHOLARSHIPS UPDATE:  The tournament was a success and thank you to everyone who had anything to do with making it so.  The event for 2012 is set for Friday, April 13, 2012 at Oak Harbor Golf Club.  This was our second year of conducting the event.  As good as it has been, it can definitely be better.  To be so, it needs to be a year-round process where agents within the Market Center get involved early and often by promoting the event, looking for sponsors, seeking door prizes and encouraging every golf you meet to set the date on their calendars and plan to play.  As for individual Market Center agents, you are strongly encouraged to use the event on listings you will be taking throughout the year where you agree, you advertise and your market the fact that you will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale to providing college scholarships to local high school students.  Last year we provided 5 such scholarships; this year when the final numbers are in it looks like it will be gain 5 but there is no reason we would have to limit the number to 5 or to just $1000 if everyone would make this a year-long effort to promote the event.  As you know, Charitable Endeavors has been approved as a non-profit organization and any donations given or received may be considered as tax-deductible.  Market the event to your sphere of influence, use the event to encourage listings, get involved yourself – make Tee Off For Scholarships part of the Red Day Success for 2012.  The 2012 event is scheduled for Friday, April 13, 2012.  Gymbeaux Special Note:  I played on the same golf team with Father Cedric from Houston TX, the winning team I might add, J,  here is a link to Father Cedric’s daily blog.  He has written 15 books that you might be interested in.  http://www.frcedric.org/(S(bbuyxjb1alpxqjmx35i4nfjv))/default.aspx/MenuItemID/103/MenuGroup/home.htm

MISSISSIPPI REFERRALS:  If you are referring a buyer and/or a seller to a Mississippi Licensed Real Estate Agent, anywhere in the state, you must use the Mississippi form Cooperating Agreement with Non-Resident Principle Broker and this must be prepared in quadruplicate and signed by me.  The form is available on www.SlidellCalendar.com in the document section under Mississippi Forms.  THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE AGENT PERFORMS ANY DUTIES REQUIRED TO BE DONE BY A LICENSEE.

REFERRALS IN GENERAL:  Whether giving or receiving, you need to confirm your referral agreements IN WRITING and BEFORE any real estate activities are engaged in.

GENERAL COMMENT:  I attended a great CE class in Mississippi based upon observations of issues or problems reviewed by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.  While there are differences between Mississippi and Louisiana laws, rules and regulations, there are also a great deal that is the same.  The TWO recurring principles throughout the class was GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING AND LEAVE NO BLANK SPACE BLANK.  Where have I heard that before? J  It seemed like almost every problem was the result of someone doing something based on an oral understanding or misunderstanding or an agent who failed to fill in every blank space on every form, especially anything referring to dates and times the documents were signed.  A very interesting fact learned in the class was that 85% of all buildings used to produce Meth Drugs had to be torn down because the chemical became embedded in the walls, ceiling and floors.  That would be bad enough if an owner did it but think about how that could affect an owner of a rental property should a tenant engage in such activities.  Beyond comprehension.

CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT (CNE™):  Here is a chance to gain some valuable training on improving your negotiation skills from one of the most knowledgeable people I have known, Oliver Frascona http://www.frascona.com/profile/oliver.htm   I have been in his class on several occasions and he is really great!  He will be teaching a 12 hour class in Jackson, MS on July 26 and 27 from 9 to 4 each day.  The question is, how much does it cost?  The answer is, do you mean if you attend or if you don’t?  If you learned just one thing that would cause you to close one sale you otherwise would not, do you think spending $295 on your own education would be too much to consider?  I think not.  And, you earn the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE™) designation.  Do you think having that might impress a buyer or seller to work with you as compared to the competition?  That is not a trick question. Go to www.negotiationexpertise.com for more information. 

CHANGE YOUR RADIO STATION by Joe Tye.  Joe is one of my favorite authors and trainers.  This one is right on!  http://tinyurl.com/63d6p6b

INTERESTING VIDEO ON THE BONNET CARRE SPILLWAY.  10 Minute video gives the history and the future of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.  Know you history.  http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/bonnet%20carre.wmv

CONTINUING EDUCATION:  CRIME PREVENTION FOR REALTORS, CLEAN-TITLE.  THURSDAY 6/2/11 FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM  To register contact, Kyle, kyle@clean-title.com

5 WAYS TO HAVE A SIZZLING SUMMER SALES, by SalesDog.com.  This is for sales in general and certainly applies to real estate as well.  Not only do most sales people take a mental break shortly after Thanksgiving, they also take one leading into summer; hopefully that does not apply to you.  Here are 5 ways to increase your business:  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/nl0527.htm#newsletter

GREAT NEW POST OFFICE MAILING PROGRAM:  Can you mail something to hundreds or even thousands of homes for only 14.5 cents each, full size paper, color or black & white, single sided, double sided or 4 page set?  YES.  Go to http://www.usps.com/everydoordirectmail to find out more and how you can do it. 

THROW OPEN THE DOORS:  This is a great article but I am surprised that the author did not mention that Open Houses are great tools to acquire listings as neighbors who are thinking of selling often show up to make comparisons.  http://www.brokeragentsocial.com/article/1212/throw-open-the-doors

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending May 20

QUOTE:  “Be today; see tomorrow!”  Joe Tye.  Here is the rest of what Jeaux has to say on the subject:  Be Today, See Tomorrow: by this I mean to keep your attention on the challenges of the immediate present and never allow them to overwhelm you.  (Like) the way Aron Ralston stayed intensely focused on trying to chip away the 800 pound boulder that had entrapped his arm in a desolate slot canyon as a way of not thinking about the obvious implications if no one found him soon. But he also never let go of the dream that he would one day be back in the world of civilization, and that he would survive to marry and become a Dad. In tough times, leadership attention and vision dance a precarious dance - a dance that passes from tight focus on the daily chores and challenges and dreaming of distant successes.

TWITTER:  Please log on and follow me on Twitter.  www.twitter.com/gymbeaux143

NEW NUGGET FOR THE NOGGIN.  Are you working with an Agent?  This explains the need and the procedure.  www.NuggetsForTheNoggin.com

PAPERLESS NOTE:  You MUST submit your paperwork as it is being completed.  There is no way to make corrections AFTER a closing has taken place as the parties have all dispersed.  As for listings, it is embarrassing to send out thank you letters for a new listing when I don’t get them to see until weeks or even months after they were listed.

CHAMBER GRAND OPENNG:   Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting.  Beacon Behavioral Health.  Thursday, May 19^th.  Grand Opening 3pm- 5pm;  Ribbon Cutting - 4pm  LOCATION: 2130 First Street Slidell, LA

CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS:  May 19^th, 5:00 to 7:00, STARC and Patton’s Catering, Historic Fritchie House, 127 Cleveland Avenue, Slidell.

THREE STEPS TO CREATING CHANGE by Tom Kelly.  Good article:  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/nl0526.htm#newsletter

MISSING MREA CDs:  Whoever borrowed The Millionaire Real Estate Agent (MREA) on CDs, please return them. 

STAYING TAX FREE:  The Louisiana REALTORS® Association is supporting a constitutional amendment in the 2011 regular legislative session to prohibit any new real estate transfer taxes in the state.  Check out the web site at:  http://www.staytaxfree.com/

$40 NAR DUES INCREASE:  Looks like the Board of Directors of the National Association of REALTORS has approved the increase in NAR dues of $40.00.  Please plan accordingly.

11 LESSONS FOR GRADUATES by Jon Gordon.  This would be great to pass on to children whether they are graduating or not: http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-052311-11-lessons-for-graduates.html

EXISTING HOME SALES RISE IN MOST SATES FOR FIRST QUARTER:  http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBar=&articleID=516439336&ids=0ScPcVcPgScjkIcPwQdjkRdP4Rb3AMd3cQcjkNdiMSejwNcjoTcjkIc3APc30TdP4R&aag=true&freq=weekly&trk=eml-tod-b-ttle-44

SUNSET IN THE PALMS:   presented by Friends of the Harbor Center. Exquisite cuisine, open bar, specialty cocktail, music by Louisiana Spice, Saturday June 25, anniversary gala, 7:00 pm to midnight.  Tickets $75.00 each.  Attire, dressy casual.  For tickets and information, 985-781-3650.  There are sponsorships available.  $5,000 includes 2 tables for 8 plus some promotional activities; $2500 includes one table for 8 and some promotional activities; and $1500 includes a table for 8 and limited promotional activities.

ALMOST 5,000,000 PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THIS VIDEO; MAKE IT 5,000,001:  You wonder how they did it but more importantly why beside that they could:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_CDLBTJD4M

CHECK OUT THE COOL KW BUSINESS CARD GRAPHICS:  http://www.wowgraphix.com/KellerWillliamsTemplates/tabid/312/Default.aspx

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending May 13, 2011

QUOTE:  “The rubber meets the road between your ears, not beneath your feet!”  an original (I think) by yours truly, Gymbeaux

THIS WEEK’S THOUGHT:  You should work as hard on your profit tree as you do on your listings and sales.  Listing and selling are “today” issues, your profit sharing is a “tomorrow” issue where you reap the benefits long past your listing and selling days.  “You know I like the way you handled that sale.  Would you mind if I have my Team Leader give you a call?”  Or, “I like the way you handle yourself, have you ever thought about a real estate career?”  It really is that simple!

MARKET NAVIGATOR BOOK ORDER.  I am disappointed that not many people signed up to purchase their own copy of Keller Williams Market Navigator for 2011.  If Real Estate is your business, the “numbers” of real estate is the fuel for that business.  The information contained in the latest version of Market Navigator should significantly enhance your business if used.  If you want to stand out from the competition, you need to know what the real estate business is doing, its trends, its averages and how your business stacks up to the business as a whole.  I have delayed purchasing the books until Friday 13 in case you want to sign up, at least let’s hope so.  Sign up sheet is in the Resource Room.

CE JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER.  Keller Williams Realty International is now offering CE for all 50 states.  There is a cost but the cost is very reasonable.  Check it out for yourself at:  http://kwu.theceshop.com/

TECH TRAINING IN BILOXI:  Monday, June 6^th.  The Biloxi Board has offered a training class by Dick Betts, a National Speaker specializing in Smartphones, Business Building Skills & Management programs and keeping agents up-to-date on the latest technology. The real estate industry is particularly attracted to his motivating down-to-earth and practical approach. He is in steady demand by numerous Boards and Associations of REALTORS® throughout the United States and Canada. He speaks at many State and NAR conventions to include the AE Institute.  Dick is a NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer.  9:00 to 12:00 at the Biloxi Board Office.  Cost is only $25.00 – ROAD TRIP!  Click here for a personal message       from the instructor:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RfnP74ypy4.  You can register by going to:  https://www.gcarealtors.com/web/DICKBETTS.htm

ARE YOU THE LEADER OR JUST THE BOSS?  Another GREAT article by Jeffrey Gitomer.  Remember, being a leader is not about having a title.  We each are leaders in our own ways.  So, are you a leader or just the boss?  http://www.gitomer.com/articles/ViewPublicArticle.html?key=ajcdMibak3PMNEaUN%2F0foA%3D%3D

A WINNER’S (THAT WOULD BE YOU) ATTITUDE, an article provided by www.SalesDog.com.  When you read this you may think you have heard it somewhere before and of course you would be right!  Have coffee with the Dog at:  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/nl0525.htm#newsletter

ALC MEETING MOVED TO THURSDAY MAY 19^TH to avoid conflicting with CE class scheduled for this Thursday.

NEW OR REVISED FORMS:  I have uploaded several forms to www.SlidellCalendar.com and placed them in the binders in the resource room.  Here is a summary of the changes:

RENTAL LISTING AGREEMENT:  Created a new form to be very similar to the Listing Agreement for Residential For Sale Properties.  Please dispose of all previous editions.

BUYER RESPONSE FORM:  Three is a RE Commission form and a NOMAR Standard Form that is available on Formulator.  The Formulator format has been uploaded to www.SlidellCalendar.com and also inserted in the binders.  The difference is that the Formulator format is one legal size page instead of two and more importantly, it contains the ability for the buyer to accept the property “as is” and then for the seller to acknowledge it.

LICENSED AGENTS SELLING PERSONAL PROPERTY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.  This form is important on two fronts.  First if a licensed agent LISTS a personally owned property where the agent owns 25% or more, their E&O Insurance will NOT cover them.  Secondly, it is impossible to be a Dual Agent on property owned by the agent or the immediate family.  This form is a an acknowledgement of those principles.

GAMBIT ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY:  Women in Real Estate, publishes May 31.  Men in Real Estate publishes June 14.  For more information call Sherry Snyder Classified Advertising Director Gambit  504-483-3122 for more information or email her at:  sherrys@gambitweekly.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS:  Hosted by STARC and Patton’s Catering, 127 Cleveland Ave.  May 19 5:00 to 7:00

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS:  May 26.  Hosted by Welbit Custom Homes. Location Masters Point of Oak Harbor 286 Augusta Lane 5:00 to 7:00.

ANNUAL PEARL WILLIAMS’ WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST, May 27, Pinewood Country Club, $20.00 Chamber Members, Reservations required. www.estchamber.com.

PEARL RIVER FAMILY FEST AND CAR SHOW:  We are happy to announce PRTFA will be hosting this year's  Pearl River FamilyFest Crafts & Car Show, to be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Poitevent Park just north of Pearl River on Highway 41. The event will be similar to last year's non-alcoholic celebration, including food booths, a car show, handmade crafts, carnival rides, a water park and music by local talent will play all day long.

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. The festival committee has determined there will be a limit of 2 food booths of like kind items and 3 arts and crafts booths of the like kind items. Each vendor is responsible for his or her own taxes. Click the link below to access the Registration Form for Family Fest Crafts and Car show. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and mail it along with your registration fee to the address listed below. Please remember that all items to be sold are to be listed on the form. A confirmation will follow once the application has been received and approved.

Please feel free to contact me at (985) 863-9495 or email me at familyfest@pryfa.com if you need further information. We look forward to seeing you at Family Fest on June 4th!  Thanking you in advance, Virgil R. Philips, Chairman, Family Fest Crafts & Car Show:  http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8rim7ybab&et=1105373651753&s=71&e=001-eTfhPUDlC5LPwmxsnV2K4WMWUTBYrMmWLSr0IpuSVhKyXvzv38XK46T2r6ZHHP70LH-4En8tFmjEwJr8TssvQ-E5gC6e6IUQDnFH76Mpj1mGvi4d39mg9NmI7CYvGvczrVnPvxD7zraF1bu70rAy2jo_c4T0-XyNmiNx20biG2pSNvRoZz1AvshyEUs-m15

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending May 6, 2011

QUOTE:  “Do you want to feel bad (or good), think about this – your best thinking has gotten you to where you are.”  Andy Andrews.  If you are unhappy about your place in live; if you don’t have the kind of money you would like; if you don’t have the kind of relationships you desire – it is a result of your “best thinking”; how scary is that?  If you want to change your life, change the way you think about your life.  Or as Dr. John Maxwell says, “Think – for a change!”

SAD NEWS:  Please keep Sandy Bertram and her family in your prayers as Sandy’s mother passed on May 2^nd.  Services will be held in Iowa.

WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU:  Take the quiz, it is quick, easy and fun.  www.WhatAnimalAmI.com.  I am a Croc; that should come as no surprise to anyone.  :-)

LEADERSHIP; DEFINE LEADERSHIP; NOW DEFINE IT IN TERMS OF YOU!  Article by Jeffrey Gitomer believed to be taken from his new book Little Book of Leadership, a great read.  Everyone is a leader, including you, the question is what kind of leader are you.  This article will give you a clue:  http://www.gitomer.com/articles/ViewPublicArticle.html?key=ajcdMibak3OTz1Q164lw8w%3D%3D

BEST ADVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED by Paul Pastore;  very good article:  http://www.brokeragentsocial.com/article/1192/the-best-advice-i-ever-got

BROKER BIT: 

BUYER/SELLER RESPONSE:  Still receiving transactions in paperless where there is NO Buyer response supposedly because the buyer is accepting the property “as is”.  Please, there is a section on the Buyer/Seller Response where the buyer can check the box that the property is being purchased as is with no discrepancies.  The buyer checks this section of the form and you still get the seller to acknowledge it.  This confirms what is being “said” and provides YOU and your SELLER with proof that is the fact of the sale.

GREENSHEET:  COOP Agent/Broker information IS needed yet most often is left incomplete on the Greensheet.  PLEASE, Complete ALL sections of the Greensheet.

MLS SHEETS ON SALES:  It is a rare occasion but it has happened, the ACTIVE MLS sheet you use to show a property gets changed AFTER submission of the Agreement to Purchase has been submitted.  You MUST upload the ACTIVE version of the MLS on any Agreement to Purchase you submit if you want to protect yourself and your Customers.

MARKET CENTER TRAINING PROGRAM:  The training calendar has been set for the months of May, June and July.  During May and June, classes will be taught beginning at 9:00 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  The Keller Williams Story and Profit Sharing will be taught EVERY MONDAY AT 9:00.  This is your chance to fully understand Keller Williams and the absolutely importance to your future that Profit Sharing may mean to you and your family.  During the month of July, the same classes will be taught but at night beginning at 6:30 pm and will be taught on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The calendar is posted on the bulletin board in the hallway at the Market Center and has been posted on www.SlidellCalendar.com (or will be by Wednesday afternoon).  On any scheduled class day that there is a conflict with another class being given in the Market Center or immediate area such as a CE course, the Market Center Class will NOT be taught. 

Eedge update:  REMEMBER, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU ACTIVATE YOUR EEDGE ACCOUNT.  In order for you to engage in the soon-to-be-implemented new paperless transactions, you MUST have activated your eedge account.  Here are some improvements announced this week: 

A MAN WITH A PURPOSE by Jon Gordon.  This is simply a great story.  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-050211-man-with-a-purpose.html

THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF REAL ESTATE:  HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF TO SUCCEED:  This is an article online at RISMEDIA.  It is right on target but surprisingly as you read it, think about Keller Williams and the new eedge program available to you as it addresses a lot of what the article says you need to be doing.  You can do it at Keller Williams for pennies as compared to the competition.  http://rismedia.com/2011-04-27/the-shifting-landscape-of-real-estate-how-to-position-yourself-to-succeed/

4 WAYS TO GET OUT OF A SALES SLUMP, written by Mike Brooks:  http://www.brokeragentsocial.com/article/1181/4-ways-to-get-out-of-a-sales-slump

UPDATED NON-ORIGINAL NUGGET ON GETTING OUT OF DEBT.  This is one of the best articles I have ever read. If you are not in debt, give it to your children or someone you know who is in debt.  Check it out on www.NuggetsForTheNoggin.com. 

MISSING CDs:  Someone checked out The Science of Getting Rich CDs without putting a card in the bowl indicating who checked them out.  I have another agent who would like to listen to the program.  Please let me know who has them and when they will be returned.  Thanks.  Gymbeaux  JimBrown@gymbeaux.com

GRAND OPENING INVITATION:  The management and staff of Lacombe Wine, Spirits and Tobacco cordially invites you to attend our Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 5^th Cinco de Mayo from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.  We’ll be celebrating a festival of fun by introducing a new tequila Camarena, serving margaritas and Mexican food, and much more. Come join us for all of the excitement!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY AT THE SLIDELL HERITAGE FESTIVAL.  This is your chance!  There are many level of sponsorships available but the two most economical are the Bronze Sponsor for $100 and the Silver Sponsor for $250.  Bronze includes your name on the sponsor boards and on the web site.  Silver includes your name recognized by the DJ throughout the festival, name on sponsor boards, press releases, in official program and on website.  2 Gate passes and 1 VIP parking pass.  For more information contact Ron Davis at 847-0594 or Ken Thompson at 641-2054.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS:  With East St. Tammany and Hancock County Chambers of Commerce.  Sponsored by:  Silver Slipper Casino, Location:  5000 South Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.   Thursday, May 5, 2011;  5PM - 7PM.   Free for Chamber Members.  $5 General Admission.  FREE $10.00 $LOT PLAY GOOD FOR THI$ NIGHT ONLY GIVEN TO ALL CHAMBER MEMBER$ THAT ATTEND!!   Food And Beverages Provided.   Business to Business Networking; Door Prizes; Refreshments; 50/50 Raffle

ANNUAL PEARL WILLIAMS WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST, Friday, May 27, 8:00 AM;  Pinewood Country Club, Slidell, LA.  Become a Table Sponsor Today....and decorate your table to compliment your business. $200.00 Personal Promotion Package includes:  8 Seats at your table; Company Name and Logo Sign Center of Table, Website Promotion; Company Name and Logo on all Email and Fax Blast Promotions.  Showcase your company by decorating your table in a way that compliments your business or service.  *Splitting a table with another company is accepted.   **Not limited to women owned buisinesses ! Open to everyone.  For More Information Call JoBeth 985-643-5678, email: jobeth@estchamber.com