Online Newsletter for the Week Ending November 4

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

QUOTE:  "Well, you know that passion is a big part of what we do...if we don't have passion, then we are like everyone else - mediocre - and that's not good enough for me, our company, or our clients."  From The Seed by Jon Gordon.  Couldn't have said it better myself :-)

PARTNERS MEETING IS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMER 1 AT 9:30.  The meeting will be on Tuesday’s until the completion of the BOLD classes in Baton Rouge. 

LATEST NUGGET FOR THE NOGGIN:  www.NuggetsForTheNoggin.com.  The Number One and Oldest Secret To Success, as if you already didn’t know from Gymbeaux

ROBIN SHARMA VIDEO:  http://www.robinsharma.com/stay-focused.php  well worth your time to watch.

PREPARING FOR A TRAIN WRECK.  Great advice from Joe Tye.  http://tinyurl.com/3jt6ahr

ENCOURAGEMENT:  By Jon Gordon.  Finished Gordon’s latest book, The Seed.  It is an inspirational novel (short, easy, entertaining and educational read) about the importance of finding your BIG WHY; your purpose in life.  Highly recommended.  See his web site at www.JonGordan.com.  In the mean while read his article on “encouragement” at:  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-103111-encouragement.html

GRATITUDE – TWO BAD HABITS

By Wes Hopper

"Not managing your time and making excuses are two bad habits.

Don't put them both together by claiming you don't have the time."

Bo Bennett

People who are successful are that way because they get things done.  And they get the right things done!

It's trite, but necessary, to remind ourselves that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day.  Successful people make better choices of how to spend those precious 24 hours.  Less successful people not only make poorer choices, but they often surround them with excuses.

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HEY, if you're tired of the same old stuff in your life, change it!  This program will show you how!  It's simple and easy to understand and if you need help, coaching from me is included!

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Kx6ZW&m=JJVWTxmYpsR9M1&b=H_nPzd4TpO9nwuhuBFRlKg

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The excuses are usually some version of "I had to do this other thing because ....." followed by how it was someone else's fault.

Now let me point out that the real problem is not that you did something else, but that you blamed someone else!  In other words, you gave away your power. You can regain your power easily by changing your wording.  Instead of "I had to" be truthful and say "I chose to." Because you did.

Now you can separate out fact from fantasy. "I chose to spend 8 hours at my day job because that's how I pay the bills right now" is a rational choice. It feels like a "have to" but it's a choice.

So apply the "I choose" test to every use of your time. Take full responsibility. Make a conscious decision about the best choices.

Decide what you need to be working on, personally and professionally, and choose to do that work.

As Dr Wayne Dyer would say, "Excuses Begone!" Read his book for more.

Just by making the change from "have to" to "choose to" you'll be freeing yourself from excuses.

Now you can choose to manage your time, and you'll be getting things done.

The right things.  Many blessings,

Wes

Not a subscriber? Get your own issue every week day.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Kx6ZW&m=JJVWTxmYpsR9M1&b=_w_WttFidOfW0a_xGZIvsg

Horn Creek Productions, LLC

PO Box 2965
Peoria, AZ 85380

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending October 28

DO TO THE BOLD COURSE BEING CONDUCTED ON WEDNESDAY FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS, THE WEEKLY PARTNERS CONVERSATION (MEETING) WILL BE AT 9:30 ON TUESDAYS!

QUOTE:  “Personally I believe the testimonial (video) is the strongest sales tool you can possess.”  Jeffrey Gitomer, The Little Red Book of Sales Answers.  I inserted the word “video” because in Gitomer’s books he explains the value of the video testimonial that can be attached to web pages, emails, blogs, etc.  Sign up for Gitomer’s weekly online newsletter at:  www.JeffreyGitomer.com, you won’t regret it.

QUOTE #2:  "A year from now you may wish you had started today."  Karen Lamb

CHILLI CHALLENGE:  AS YOU KNOW, THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 IS THE 4TH ANNUAL NABOR CHILLI CHALLENGE.   Open to the public from 11:00 until about 3:00 pm.  See flyers around the Market Center for more info.

THE CURSE OF EXPERIENCE, THINK LIKE A ROOKIE.  Great article (as usual) by Jon Gordon.  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-102411-think-like-a-rookie.html

CHECK OUT THIS “IGNITE” VIDEO:  Only the beginning:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6dI_L6WzIM

DO NOT ENGAGE IN A RACE TO THE BOTTOM.  Very good video by Robin Sharma.  This video is hard to watch without identifying with what Sharma talks about.  http://www.robinsharma.com/recession-proof.php

THE 9 STRANGE RULES OF ULTRA-SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS:  If you liked Robin Sharma's video DO NOT ENGAGE IN A RACE TO THE BOTTOM, you are going to love this one, http://www.robinsharma.com/strange-rules.php  The 9 Strange Rules of ULTRA-Successful Entrepreneurs by Robin Sharma.

THE LEADER WHO HAD NO TITLE, by Robin Sharma.  Since 2 of Sharma’s videos have been included in this newsletter, not mentioning his book, The Leader Who Had No Title would be a huge mistake.  Written in inspirational-novel format, it is an easy and compelling read – the title says it all.  http://www.robinsharma.com/store/books

REAL ESTATE GENDER GAP:  MEN LIST MORE HOMES; WOMEN LIST PRICER HOMES.  This is a one-day snap-shot of the US Market conducted by Trulia and posted by Inman News.  Not exactly what a one-day study would prove but the statistics are very interesting especially for Louisiana and Mississippi.  Would be interested in hearing comments:  http://www.inman.com/news/2011/10/17/real-estate-gender-gap-men-list-more-homes-women-list-pricier-homes

STAY TAX FREE:  The NABOR Office is giving away free 24” x 17” Yard Signs to anyone interested in promoting to stay Tax Free by voting FOR amendment #1 on the November 19^th Ballot.  All agents, brokers, affiliates, businesses and community members who realize the importance of this amendment and would like to see these colorful yard signs go up around the Northshore are welcome tok pick up signs and states.   The signs are eye-catching, lightweight and very easy to handle…..and free!!!  The public needs to know how critical it is to vote for amendment #1 on the November Ballot.

TOP 10 REAL ESTATE MARKETS WITH 5 YEAR GAINS IN REAL ESTATE VALUES.  Conducted by Trulia and posted by Inman News.  Good news for the New Orleans Metro Area at #6.  http://www.inman.com/news/2011/09/2/10-metros-with-greatest-5-year-gain-in-real-estate-values

FIERCE CONVERSATIONS, by Susan Scott.  If you read only one book, make it this one!  It is all about being honest in your conversations with yourself and others and the damage that can be created when you are not.  Oftentimes we walk on “egg shells” and circumvent issues with people for fear of the consequences of speaking the truth.  This may be especially true when talking with our spouse, family and/or significant other (hate that term).  When you finished Fierce Conversations, consider reading Scott’s second book, Fierce Leadership.  http://www.fierceinc.com/conversations/book/

THE GRATITUDE LIST, by Mike Brooks.  This is a great article.  Hope it reminds you of the Gratitude Stone; for those who are unaware of the Gratitude Stone, talk to me.  http://www.brokeragentsocial.com/article/1332/the-gratitude-list

KELLER WILLIAMS NOLLY WILLIAMS ON SHORT SALES.  Follow this link to learn to become exceptional in handling short sales:  http://www.mapscoaching.com/Group-Coaching/Fast-Track/ss_1102

TWIST ON THE STANDARD ELEVATOR SPEECH;  This ought to get you thinking outside the box.  Very good article you can begin using today in creating your database.  While at the site, consider signing up for the wwwSalesDog.com newsletter; great stuff by Kelly Robertson:  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/sales_training_nl0548.htm#newsletter

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS: QUADRENNIAL ETHICS.  Provided by Delta Title, November 18, 10:00 am to 2:00 PM.  Slidell Library, 555 Robert Blvd, Slidell.  Register in advance,  Please contact Stephanie 985-0585 or 504-885-9222.  This is the class that you MUST take before December 31, 2012. 

WEEKLY HUMOR, WITH A MESSAGE:  http://thegrablegroup.com/entertainment/comedy/comedian-ron-pearson-the-answers-to-life/

CUSTOMER SERVICE:  Customers actually LIKE businesses that go the extra mile!  They PREFER companies that answer their phone. They do business with people who give SUPERIOR service, and who seem to care about customer satisfaction -- actually, I like companies that refuse to "satisfy" me and seem determined to AMAZE me! And all of that requires hard, hard work.

Here’s an old secret of success: focus on the life-time value of a loyal customer. Focus on the value of a customer who sees him- or herself as your partner, rather than as just a shopper. When your customers refuse to deal with anyone else, your fortune is assured. How hard should you work? About that hard.  Phillip Humbert PhD  www.philiphumbert.com

THIS WEEK’S HUMOR FROM DR. HUMBERT:

Humor:  Calling All Lexophiles

Lexophiles--lovers of word--will enjoy these. You may think
these are just good puns, but in fact they’re the product of
genius and wordsmiths whose minds work in wondrous ways! For
myself, puns only seem to happen by accident, and usually at
the most embarrassing times! I hope you enjoy these!

1. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in  motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you may be repossessed.
8. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulting in Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia:  The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16. A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. When  you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
19.  He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A  plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.

Philip E. Humbert, PhD,
President of Resources for Success!™ and The Philip E. Humbert Group, Inc.
www.philiphumbert.com

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending October 21

QUOTE:  “The experience of being understood, versus interpreted, is so compelling, you can charge admission.”  B. Joseph Pine II, The Experience Economy

12 ACTIONS TO BUILD MOMENTUM.  If you read nothing else, read this ezine by Joe Tye.  This one short page could change the way you approach the rest of your life!  http://tinyurl.com/3nlhaqj

CREATE A CULTURE OF GREATNESS by Jon Gordon, who else?  Take this one to heart.  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-101711-culture-of-greatness.html

OUR CURRENT STATE:  Lawrence Livermore Laboratories has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more mor ons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of morons promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical moronism. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.  Kurt Bengtson.  Special thanks to Dr. Tom Hill, Eagle Institute for this definition.

WHERE WILL TECHNOLOGY TAKE US:  This is the most amazing thing I have seen thus far:  http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=XVTga6GmbGw&vq=medium#t=74

THIS WEEK’S HUMOR.  BE MY WAFFLELY WEDDED WIFE:  http://www.flixxy.com/wedding-ceremony

MARKET CENTER FACEBOOK PAGE.  If you have not already done so, please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keller-Williams-Realty-Professionals/216460945070863 and click on LIKE provided you like it but remember before you decline, I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!

THE FIVE AGREEMENTS.  This is a blog post by Wes Hopper based on the two books, The Four Agreements and The Fifth Agreement by by don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz.  This summary speaks for itself and should be personally considered “required reading” if not studying.  http://www.dailygratitude.com/blog/the-five-agreements/

GRATITUDE –  YESBUTTERS AND WHYNOTTERS

"Yesbutters don't just kill ideas.

They kill companies. Whynotters move companies. "

'Integral Warehousing' book

What's the first thing to come to your mind when you or someone else comes up with a radical new idea?

Is it "Yes, but....." or is it "Why not?"

Most of us instantly get a list of all the ways it can go wrong, all the problems that can happen.

"Yes, but what if this or what if that?"

If we can't answer the objections about the things we imagine might go wrong, we discard the idea.

Can you see how this might be bad for business? We get stuck in doing just the same old ordinary things in the same old way.

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If you want to expand your limits, this program will show you how.  It's simple and easy to understand and if you need help, coaching from me is included!
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Kx6ZW&m=J6WESTe7dsR9M1&b=V__qYa1Jph6kBNp7LI4gSQ
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I want you to relabel that voice in your head. It's not the voice of mature, cautious reason; it's the voice of the scared kid that wants to hide under the bed from anything new!

How about if we try a different response? The next time you or one of your associates comes up with a "crazy, radical" idea, think "Why not?"

Why not try it? Why not see if it works?

Why not see if you learn something important?

If you're surrounded by yesbutters get some new friends. Find some whynotters and hang around with them instead.

Your life will not be boring - you can trust me on that!  And why not? You'll be glad you did.

Many blessings, Wes (Hopper)

Not a subscriber? Get your own issue every week day.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Kx6ZW&m=J6WESTe7dsR9M1&b=r80u_DHu8B66F5VrWE0eBw

Horn Creek Productions, LLC

PO Box 2965
Peoria, AZ 85380

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending October 14

QUOTE:  “Money gives you means but never skills!”  Mark Sanborn author of “Up, Down, or Sideways.”  www.marksanborn.com/uds  Also wrote, You Don’t Need A Title To Be A Leader (FANTASTIC read), The Fred Factor, Encore Effect – all great books.

QUOTE 2:  “Everybody loves personal accountability but everybody thinks everybody else needs it.”  John G. Miller.  In this same theme, how many times have you attended a course only to say or think, “You-Know-Who should be here!”

IMPORTANT BROKER BIT:  Make sure you read the Louisiana Real Estate Commission revision on Advertising compliance issues.  It is posted on www.SlidellCalendar.com in the Document sectin under Legal Issues.  It affects EVERYTHING you do but especially in electronic communications.  You were sent an instruction sheet via email on how to insure your Social Media links are in compliance.  It is time to pay attention because the Commission has instituted a “cite and fine” policy.  If someone files an advertising complaint, the advertising will speak for itself.  If it is not in compliance you will be fined $75.00 for the first incident.  Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

THINK YOU KNOW HISTORY; READ KILLING LINCOLN by Bill O’Reilly.  It is a day to day, hour to hour account of the events leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.  It is a compelling read and you WILL learn more facts about the event that you probably were taught in school.  For example did you know 87 searchers drowned in the Maryland swamps looking for John Wilkes Booth? http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bill-oreilly/killing-lincoln/

SO YOU WANT TO TAKE A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA; YOU MIGHT WANT TO THINK AGAIN:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8EvguZc9tY

FIRE ANY CUSTOMERS LATELY?  This is a very good article from www.SalesDog.com.  Are you making money from your customers or are they costing you money?  You might be surprised.  http://www.salesdog.com/newsletter/2011/sales_training_nl0547.htm

YOU CAN THRIEVE WHETHER THINGS ARE UP, DOWN OR SIDEWAYS, interview with Mark Sanborn by Bob Burg.  I am happy to say Bob is a friend of mine and has given a training class in our Market Center and as usual he is and was outstanding.  Here is an interview (28 minutes short) that so appropriately fits our current market.  http://www.burg.com/interviews/sanborn.html

STOP WHINING – START WINNING!  An audio webinar by Jon Gordon, author of The Training Camp, The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Soup, The Seed and others.  Do you whine?  No?  Really?  How do you know, for certain?  Jon Gordon has great messages to share.  In this audio about the value of attending and participating in a “training camp” he talks about a lot of things but starts out by discussing the destructive forces created by whining.  Do you think Drew Brees attends a training camp (practices)?  Do you think Celine Dion practices (training camp)?  On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being no way and 10 being all the time, how would you rate your attendance at a “training camp?”  45 minutes http://jongordon.com/webinar-salestc-combineplayer.html

RADICAL PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION.  If you want change your attitude, consider this very short ezine from Joe Tye:  http://tinyurl.com/63jnn67

THIS WEEK’S HUMOR:  A 1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb.

Strike while the..........bug is close.

It's always darkest before..........Daylight Saving Time.
Never underestimate the power of..........termites.
You can lead a horse to water but..........how?
Don't bite the hand that..........looks dirty.
No news is..........impossible.
A miss is as good as a..........Mr.
You can't teach an old dog new..........math.
If you lie down with dogs, you'll..........stink in the morning.
Love all, trust..........me.
The pen is mightier than the..........pigs.
An idle mind is..........the best way to relax.
Where there's smoke there's..........pollution.
Happy the bride who..........gets all the presents.
A penny saved is..........not much.
Two's company, three's..........the Musketeers.
Don't put off till tomorrow what..........you put on to go to bed.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and..........you have to blow your nose.
There are none so blind as..........Stevie Wonder.
Children should be seen and not..........spanked or grounded.
If at first you don't succeed..........get new batteries.
You get out of something only what you..........see in the picture on the box.
When the blind lead the blind..........get out of the way.
A bird in the hand..........is going to poop on you.

And the WINNER and last one!

Better late than..........pregnant.

Online Newsletter for the Week Ending October 7, 2011

QUOTE:  "Life is curly.  Don't try to straighten it out."  Susan Scott from Fierce Conversations; a great, great book that everyone ought to read.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE.  Barbara Willems sent this link about making a difference and stopping the victim mentality.  It contains several short videos, all very good and thought provoking.  Thank you Barbara.  www.MakeADifference.com/VictimNoMore

CHILLI CHALLENGE, OCTOBER 29, 11:00 TO 3:00 AT THE MANDEVILLE LAKE FRONT.  LOOK FOR FLYERS AROUND THE MARKET CENTER.  BETTER STILL, JOIN A CHALLENGE TEAM AND BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

RADICAL RESILIENCE – IS NOT JUST BOUNCING BACK, a great article by Joe Tye (who else?):  http://tinyurl.com/3hyx2wg

ARE THINGS GETTING (SLIGHTLY) BETTER?  Jeffrey Gitomer asks, are you ready for when they do or our you like most of your competition, waiting for them to get slightly better?  If you are part of the 80% you are waiting:  http://www.gitomer.com/articles/ViewPublicArticle.html?key=ajcdMibak3MP0KPJOQlgXA%3D%3D

SELLING WITH A PURPOSE by Jon Gordon.  A message that applies to everyone and everyone should read.  http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-100311-sellingwithpurpose.html

WHAT KIND OF DOG ARE YOU?  This is a personally assessment; kind of fun.  For everyone’s info, I am a Golden Retriever, Gymbeaux.  http://www.dogster.com/quizzes/what_dog_breed_are_you/

REFLECTIVE KELLER WILLIAMS YARD SIGNS:  Here is a link.  I used the reflective signs many years ago, they light up like Interstate Signs when headlights hit them at night.  They are made of metal so they can last for more than one listing and still look good especially if your listings sell fast.  If you have listings in the country or poorly lit areas at night, I would highly recommend you consider them.  http://www.reflectiverealestate.com/keller-williams

BROKER AGENT RECOMMENDATIONS:  Over my years in the real estate business I have received many calls from agents asking me to recommend one of my agents for them to work a referral.  Think about that for a moment and put yourself in my shoes.  How would you recommend one agent over the other 80+ agents and how could anyone consider my recommendation fair to all the other agents in the Market Center.  Therefore I have always taken the position that I would refer the agent to our company web site and suggest to them to select one from the list of agents on the site.  I also ask the agent how they would feel if his or her broker would pick one agent from the many at the expense of everyone in their office.  This information is being provided because I would strongly suggest you never ask the broker/manager of another company to recommend just one agent from their many.  It is your responsibility to select one and you can usually do that on the Internet.  In fact if you cannot find an agent via the Internet do you really want to refer business to someone who does not have an Internet presence?  The second reason is that you need to make absolutely certain that the photo you post on your web site is one that someone reviewing the list of agents in the Market Center can settle on you based solely on your photo because, fair or unfair, that is what people, agents and the public alike, do.  Then you want to make absolutely certain that the “landing” page the visitor goes to is very easy to read (like using bullets instead of paragraphs) and make the info instantly relatable.  As an example, if I were to market my own sight which I do not, I would make sure that I served in the U. S. Coast Guard would be immediately visible.  It would automatically attract military veterans and also boat owners without saying much more about it.  What are you doing to get people to focus on YOU as compared to 80+ other agents in the Market Center and over 400 agents in our area?