The Woodlands, Texas

When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless.  John Gardner

Today, we honor those that gave the ultimate service to others.  Not only do we take time to recognize their sacrifice and offer encouragement to those families that live on without those that we love...but we also can take what they have offered us and apply it to our every day approach to daily life.

Countless famous people have told us of the virtues of service.  Albert Swchweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

We are in a profession that is often characterized by self-serving, greedy, pushy and inconsiderate people.  But we know that the truth is something quite different.  Although we can easily name those among us that fit the TV profile of selfishly rude, we can name a much larger number of real estate agents that work tirelessly for others...not only for the commission...but also to meet the needs of our clients...the real estate buyers and sellers.

An agent that used to work here in The Woodlands and she told me that often our work feels more like "mission work" because we often see people at their worst.  Let's face it, making a move is often extremely stressful.  If we can remain the "servant" to real estate sellers and buyers - while keeping our own boundaries and self-respect - our client lists will grow and multiply.

Thanks go to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.  To their loved ones we offer our support and acknowledgement.  And we thank you for your example that can be brought into our profession every single day.

One of the habits that I inherited from my father is the wisdom of keeping a garden.

Although my garden is tiny compared to average and super-teeny-weeny compared to the one kept by my parents, it still provides something for me that is hard to describe.

Sure, it is wonderful to taste the "fruit of my labor" with fresh tomatoes, basil and other culinary delights.  But there is more to the experience than can be tasted in the mouth when it is eaten.  (BTW: The pic on the right is actually the first little grape tomatoes formed in my garden on 4/18/09)  The weather around The Woodlands TX is warm really early in the year.

I actually can hear my father's voice when I am in the garden.  I hear all the lessons he taught about responsibility and his favorite saying, "a job worth doing is worth doing right."  I have taken some liberties in my life in defining what is "right" and it comes quite short of perfection.  Rest assured, I am confident that he understands this new definition of right and delights in my decision to be less than perfect.

According to many people, my standards are waaaay too tough.  But they did not know my father.  Compared to him, I am very loose with my ability to accept things with their faults.  My real estate clients know my commitment to doing things right.  Sometimes they actually tell me to relax and do less - or to give myself a little grace to be good enough.  Although they really want me to be available each time they need me, they always respect my commitment to self-renewal with days off and the time I take off simply to play.

Today, as I wait to hear the papers are drawn for my out-of-state buyers who are building a new home, I knew that I had time to spend in my garden.  I did not go to church.  Instead I had my own spiritual experience in my garden and feel greatly blessed by that time.

5th Annual Wine and Food Week 2009
The Woodlands, Texas
Tuesday May 26th - Sunday, May 31st

With more than 40 events scheduled throughout the week, there is truly "something for everyone".  This blog does not have enough space to cover all the events, so you are encouraged to visit www.WineandFoodWeek.com to learn more.

From seminars led by Wine Wizard, Lettie Teague to a Kidz R Cooking event in The Woodlands Mall on Saturday - you need to get your tickets ahead of time to assure the available of the particular fun event that is perfect for you and your friends/family.

The best place to learn about all that is happening is on the website.  However, if you need to contact someone, the number is (713) 557-5732.

You can profit from this book.  So don't waste any time!  This is a LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!

(I'll tell you about the limited aspect of this offer later in this post.)

Really, I know that sounds like a "come on".  You have been in this business.  You've seen all the scams and schemes being used to sell something to real estate agents.

If I can convince you that this offer is legitimate, would you be willing to spend $19.95 to learn from nine of your fellow agents?  These agents are sharing - no holds barred - what they have learned about technology and they want you to have the information.

What information you ask?

Reintroduce yourself to some of your Active Rain colleagues as I tell you what they have written for you.

I will briefly tell you about each expertly written chapter - just to give you a glimpse of how groundbreaking this book can be to you and your career. 

Have you ever seen another book where other agents took the time to share what they know so you can prosper?

You may already know you want the book.  If so, go to the order page here.  There is no reason to delay.

An uncommon treasure trove of information is what you will find here.  It is like having some of your favorite people sitting beside you and helping you undersand what needs to be done to take your business up to the next level.

Let me begin introducing each individual author from the upper left side and circle round the perimeter of the group and end with a little about my chapter.  (I'm in the center.)  You will find more information about each chapter in the blog of the individual author.

Missy Caulk - If you have been attempting to sort out the advantages of different marketing approaches on your website...sit down with Missy as she downloads a wealth of experience into her chapter, "Time vs Money (Organic Searches vs Pay per Click)".  This is not just a clever title or a quick teaser.  You will find a complete analysis of the pros and cons of the two approaches to being found on the internet - instead of being buried like a "needle in a haystack" on the world wide web.

Colleen Fischesser - If you were thinking that this book may be "too elementary my dear" - I want to assure you that you will learn a thing or two from Colleen.  This veteran agent and prolific blogger teaches you how to "Become the Master of Your Own Domain."  She compares template websites to a fully customized site.  She invites us to accompany her in her evolution in becoming a webmaster and gives us the truth about the challenges...even some of the mistakes she has made along the way.  Don't miss her 5 Essential Steps in building your own website.  Miss one step on this list and you will get more frustration than success.

Brian Block - He counts himself lucky to be the only man among eight brilliant women in this book.  His chapter helps us move "Towards 100% Online Lead Generation."  He explores specific strategies to move your business in the same direction as today's client - online!  In a time where 87% of the potential buyers spend months on the internet before contacting an agent, he gives us great timely tips that will hep us to take control over lead generation. Learn exactly how to gain the trust of these "agent-phobic" clients...make more profit...and have fun doing it.

Carol Smith - If you feel like giving up saying that you are too far behind to even try, you need to read Carol's chapter,  "Technology: Nemesis or Redeemer?".  She gives you a gentle nudge to break down the barriers that are holding you back and "take the plunge" into the internet.  With her advice, you will step with confidence into the world of our internet-enabled clients and truly profit from it.

Joeann Fossland - All these tech-tools can be wonderful!  But they can actually be an impediment to creating profit in your business if you cannot control the time you spend on using those tools.  Joeann, a renown and intuitive real estate coach, brings us face-to-face with the reality of time management.  This chapter alone will be worth the price of the book.  "How to Avoid Burn Out or Addiction" has 10 effective methods for lowering the risk of complete overload.

Sarah Reiter - You may understand the value of all these technological advances...but how do you get it all done???  The answer might be a REVA.  Sarah's chapter, "Virtual Assistants - The Future of Real Estate Support" lists 7 primary areas where a REVA can assist in your marketing.  She also gives us 6 reasons why a virtual assistant may be better than having an on-site assistant.  Perhaps the most valuable part of her chapter is where she gives specific, step-by-step instruction about how to hire a REVA. 

Natalie Langford - The old adage "List to Last" in real estate has a whole new meaning when you are expected to be everywhere and do everything for today's sellers.  They know that the buyers are on the internet and they want to be assured that their listing has a prominent place on the web too.  Her chapter, "Using Internet Tools to Serve the Seller" is a vital resource for you to use in meeting the expectations of sellers.  Use her checklists for the 8 essential areas for superior online marketing presence.  She offers one list of resources after another in this chapter to make it easy for you to see where you are and learn new ways to sell more homes with the internet.

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman - In an upbeat and positive way that can only be offered by this Active Rainer, Sally shares her personal journey into blogging.  Her chapter helps us to see "Through the Eyes of a Real Estate Industry Social Media Blogger."  Beginning in early 2007, she has been a consistent, reliable source of that "Aloha" spirit and has attracted hundreds of fans from around the world.  She invites us to use her 9 bottom-line points of advice...calling it "It all boils down to this."  You can't miss this charming, personal and interesting chapter.

Kathi Frank - That's me!  I readily admit at the very beginning of this book, "I am, without a doubt, the most technologically inept person involved in this book."  However, I am hyper-aware of the changing expectations of the internet-enabled client.  In my chapter, I try to help you "Speak the Language of Today's Internet-Enabled Client".  All the tools and techniques will fail you if you speak to the clients in the same way you have been taught in the past - with scripts and dialogues that sort and qualify prospects in a way that is aggessive and outdated.

Now - The LIMITED OFFER!!!

 The first printing of the books have been ordered and will soon be available in print.  You have the opportunity to get an advanced digital download of the entire 140 page book.  Right NOW! AT NO COST TO YOU!  This exclusive offer is only good until June 30, 2009. 

After that date, you will pay $12.95 for the digital book PLUS $19.95 for the printed book.

 You simply do not want to miss this amazing opportunity!  Technology is literally changing the future of our business.  Whether you are a novice, or a tech-expert in your own right, this book will help you take total control over your real estate business by exploring every facet of what needs to be done.

You know?  211 degrees is pretty darn hot!  But at 212, it is boiling and making steam!!!  Only one degree, but there is quite a difference.  While hot water is nice for taking a shower, boiling water has more potential.  You can use it to cook, or to run a steam engine.

I bet you are wondering why I am making this point.  The point is - one degree makes a huge difference...just one.  Take a look at your business right now.  Are you getting all the profit you want out of your business?  Do you have efficiencies in place that allow you to enjoy that profit?

No matter how good you are at technology - or how happy you are with your business - there is always room for that extra degree.  That one degree that takes your business from hot to steaming!!

There is absolutely no doubt that you will get one great idea from this book that will make you $$THOUSANDS$$.  You can get the book today in digital form.  In about 4-6 weeks, you will get the printed book.  All for the price of the printed book alone. 

Imagine what it will be like to have the book on your computer as a resource when you have a question.  With the click of your mouse, you can bring up the chapter that covers your question in an instant...NOW!  Then, soon you will be able to carry the book around with you - making notes in the margins and highlighting the passages that you plan to implement into your business.

Show your appreciation to your favorite blogger by ordering the book from their sales page below:

• Profit from Technology: By Real Estate Agents, For Real Estate Agents -- Buy this Collaborative Book! Brian Block
• Do YOU want to PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY????? Have we got a deal for you!!!! Joeann Fossland
• 9 Active Rainers Co-Author a book! Profit from Technology - A Guide for TODAY's RE Agent Natalie Langford
• PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY - A Book By ActiveRain Members  Sally Cheeseman
• Learn from Other Agents to "Profit From Technology"  Kathi Frank 
• Profit From Technology with A Little Help from YOUR Friends Missy Caulk

Why are you still reading this blog post???

Haven't you placed your order yet?

Right now - you can get both the digital download of the book - instantly!

And the printed book in about 4-6 weeks at the low price of $19.95.

Get busy!

If you spend any time looking at the MLS, you know that many agents can't spell - much less craft a complete sentence or an accurate description of property they have listed.

Sellers have every right to demand that a prospective agent submit writing samples.  After all, the listing agent is applying for the position of "Marketing Manager" for the seller.  Any marketing manager understands the importance of writing clear descriptions that call potential buyers to sit up and notice.

Since 87% of today's real estate buyers cruise the internet prior to contacting an agent (according to NAR's statistics), we can assume that the words we use have the power to attract those buyers to purchase.  The Mulitiple Listing Service is no longer a place for agents to describe their listings to their colleagues.  It is a much more powerful force in the dynamics of selling real estate.

In fact, as I think of the future buyers of property around The Woodlands area and the Greater Houston area - I visualize the pleasure they are getting while looking at property descriptions and actually creating a fantasy about how it would be to live in those homes they are viewing.

Since NAR also says that today's buyer looks on the net for 6 months before they are ready to purchase, I would suspect that they have been living in a fantasy written by creative writers for most of that time.  If your description of a sellers listing is "ho-hum", these "would-be buyers" are not spending any time looking at your listing.  By the time they are ready to call an agent, they have trained their eyes to only consider houses that are accurately and colorfully described. 

It takes some pretty good description to entice today's buyer.  If sellers really want to maximize their equity, they will demand writing samples from any agent they consider to represent them.

ll see how they respond. Keep the feedback coming. If there is something in particular that interests you, let me know and I will either find an answer in my notes or see if I can get you an answer from all the wonderful techno-experts in my office here in The Woodlands.

Today - I am off to a seminar to learn more about social media from "expert" Chris Brogan.  I will drive a little over an hour to reach the hotel where he will be speaking.

It seems that so-called EXPERTS are showing up everywhere these days.  I'm not yet convinced of his expertise, but I will come back to this blog to share with you what I have learned. 

So - off I go to a paid seminar...hoping to learn something that will help me to connect to the buyers and sellers of real estate in The Woodlands and surrounding areas.  Each little morsel of information is valuable - to me and my clients.

Social Media is the new way to communicate with each other.  It is our newest opportunity to make connections that are meaningful and useful to our clients.

Personally, I am thrilled that this new media has given an avenue to speak directly to the people who hire us to do an important job for them.  By revealing ourselves in this way, we can no longer hide behind the latest script taught by the "old school" trainers. 

The pushy, manipulating salesperson no longer has a place in the world of social media.  If your interest is only a commission check, you won't last long in a place that is all about being yourself and socializing with others.

 

This is a fantastic post...and so very true.  Thanks for sharing it Suzanne.

It is a good life!

Kathi Frank (936) 441-1314

www.TheWoodlandsTalk.com

 

Faiths Together celebrated a wonderful 10th anniversary last night!

I was so honored to be a part of the event - in the choir comprised of a people from diverse cultures and faiths.

It was awesome!!!

 

 

This event is yet one more example of why The Woodlands is such a wonderful place to live...an enriching experience for children and adults alike.  From the prelude song "We Gather Together" and the sounding of the Shofar to the concluding song of "Let There Be Peace On Earth", this community set an example for the world.

In its 10th year, part of the celebration including looking back on the years past.  Each person reflected on one of the amazing events of years past.  They included Christian - Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopal, Morman, Jewish, Aslamic, Unitarian, Bahai, Humanist, Hindu, Unity and all sorts of faith communities.  The theme was "Our Common Humanity and Community; Our Different Faith Traditions; Our Unity and Diversity."

Imagine how the world would be different if we could live in this kind of loving mindset every day?  I am so proud to be selling real estate in such a lovely community as The Woodlands.

 

Be careful where your WORDS are scattered!

I read a fable a few days ago and it reminded me of many conversations here on Active Rain.  See if you can see the "moral of the story."

A peasant had a troubled conscience and sought the help of the village sage.  He was concerned about some gossip that he had spread about a friend.  Not only did he regret that he would be a party to such slander, but he also found that the gossip was untrue.  He asked that the sage give him some way to make amends.

The sage told him to go and gather a bag of feathers and distribute one of those feathers at the doorstep of each home in the community.  So, because it was important to the peasant to repair the damage he had done to his friend by spreading bad rumors, he did exactly as he was told.  He returned to the sage and asked, "Is that all I have to do?"

"No, that is not all," answered the sage.  "There is one more thing.  Take your bag and gather up every feather."  The peasant left and after searching the entire community returned to the sage to report that he could not find all of the feathers because the wind had blown them away.

The sage responded, "So it is with gossip.  Unkind words are easily dropped, but are difficult to take back again."

So - this is one way in which we must be careful about what we say on line and with our clients and fellow agents.  In my other blog that I write about the language of today's internet-enabled clients, I referred to an article in an online newsletter Early to Rise.  In it, Robert Ringer tells how he was reminded that "The writer is always at fault" when miscommunication happens.

Today, as never before, it is critical to be careful with the words we use.  Our clients are moving away from telephone conversations - just as they have moved away from conducting all their business in face-to-face interaction.  We have a huge responsibility to make sure that our communication is clear, concise and easy to comprehend.

(Now, you can tell me if I missed the boat by miscommunicating in this post.)