Hot Springs, AR

So as the year kicks off, as a Broker/Manager, it is time to think about getting the agents in the office motivated and staying on track. What I find difficult for me is that fact that there is a lot of experienced agents that are in my office, and you know what they say "It is hard to teach old dog's new tricks!". Even though they are all top producing agents, I think it is still important to provide new fresh ideas that will keep them in the loop with technology and real estate.

We have several older agents that actually think that the Internet is the mesh lining in men's swim trunks! So in order to try and change this mental picture and blockage of the technology age for our "eperienced" agents, we are installing a 42 inch flat screen television in our break room, where we will be offering some educationel webinars a few times a week for the agents to attend. These webinars will be topics that we have come across on Realtor University and other educational resources. We will also be offering some personalized classes with hands on opportunity to learn the basics of setting up a database, managing your contacts in Outlook, and using your phone to be more productive.

Looking forward to seeing how this will play out, and seeing if it will add some UMPHHH for 2010!

So the new year is here and I am off and running!

I have taken the time to get started on my plan, and so far so good! I decided to update my blog for some accountabilty purposes, and keep a record of where I am going.

1. Signed up to obtain my GRI Certification. These courses will start in just a couple weeks.

2. Signed up to obtain my e-Pro Certification.

3. My goals for reading are a little behind- need to improve in this area. I have read Genesis Chapters 1-12, and Matthew Chapters 1-4. I am a little behind on where I need to be.

4. I have started reading Sarah Palins's book Going Rogue- it is one of my autobiographies that I plan to read for the year.

5. I have started reading two of my leadership books- "Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office 101″ and "Monday Morning Motivation".

6. I have told my kiddo's and hubby that I love them every day- at least once a day (actually more)- This is a easy goal for me!

7. Need to make over to see my grandparents- but the month is not over yet- so I am still good on that one!

Thought for the blog........(kind of like- thought for the day)............
"Not everything that counts can be counted, not everything that can be counted counts"

As I get ready to step forward into 2010, I also need to reflect on 2009. I look to see what worked and didn't work to achieve my expectations of the year. There were a few items that didn't get accomplished and some major ones that I was not sure would be obtainable that did happen. So what was the difference in the ones that were achieved and the ones that slipped in the cracks?

The answer that I have come up with is VISION! The ones that were accomplished, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I had taken the time to write it down, tell someone what I wanted to accomplish, and make a daily attempt to work closer to the finish line. The ones that slipped through the cracks were never built on a solid foundation. They were just a flash in the night were I thought "Oh that will be cool to do!" , yet I never had a plan or took time to really accomplish those goals.

In 2010, I plan to have a clear VISION of my goals and I plan to not only have career goals, but personal goals as well. I am starting with this blog as one of my goals. I will make an effort to blog on a weekly basis on the progress of all my goals. This will not only make me accountable to myself, but to anyone that may take the time to follow my goals and see how I am progressing.

The plan for achieving my goals will be based on the following principles:

1. Set goals that are achievable and that are action oriented.
2. Write goals down (which I will do in my blog-my new pen and paper).
3. Write goals in present tense. ("I will......")
4. Envision myself accomplishing the goals.
5. Baby Steps- plan baby steps to achieve the big picture.
6. Take action- don't procrastinate!
7. Find 3 people who will hold me accountable to my goals.

Stay tuned to my January 1, 2010 post where I will clearly define my goals, and start my journey in 2010. If you are reading this blog and would like to join me on achieving your goals, lets go at it together! Send me a note, start your own blog, and lets follow each other!

2010 is waiting for us!

What can I say, last night at the Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off was just one of those "feel good" moments that truly made me proud to be called a REALTOR®. The parking lot was full of the best professionals in town, and they were all there for one purpose and one purpose only and that was to raise funds to provide food for the underprivileged children in Garland County.

What started over 7 years ago as a lunch room conversation between my mother and I, has exploded in to one of the largest fundraising events in the history of the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS. Each year Trademark Real Estate host the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off, and since its inception in 2002, it has been a tremendous success raising over $70,000. The best part of the whole program is the realization that EVERY penny of the money stays in the community and is spent on those that are in need.

This year the cook off featured over 30 chili and booth entries. There were REALTORS®, title companies, banks, mortgage companies, local retail businesses, and fitness gyms that participated. Each entry was judged not only on Chili but also on booth setup and costumes. There were booth theme's that ranged from Santa and Mrs. Clause to the Beverly Hillbillies. Not to mention a special appearance from Elvis and the Pink Ladies.

The Hot Springs Board of REALTORS® Cans For Kids Program was presented to the Board in 2002 by the incoming President at the time, Cris Salazar. From the beginning this program has provided food for the local school systems, and over the last several years it has provided weekly donations of food to the 7 local school districts. In 2007 this program branched out to also provide each of the 7 school districts with $500 a piece in school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

It is because of the REALTORS® of the Hot Springs Board, and what they offer to our community that I can honestly say that the mark of a TRUE professional is giving more than you get. My fellow REALTORS® came out in full force last night and did just that, they portrayed a TRUE REALTOR® spirit!

How many times do you hear this statement? Probably not nearly enough, but why? I tend to believe it is because we doubt it ourselves. But why should we doubt? Is it not true that we are the creators of our own future? What would happen if you told yourself everyday "My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades!"?

The answer to that question...A future so bright you BETTER wear shades!

You are what you see yourself being. If you see yourself with no money, no job and no future that is exactly what you will get. It it time to change your thinking pattern. Think of the things that you want to be, find a place to write it down, visit the list frequently, and don't forget to continue to add to the list. It is amazing how your mind will start to work to make your list a reality.

See you at the top..................