About Hardin County, KY

Well I have learned a whole bunch about myself this week. On Tuesday our area was blanketed with a most horrific ice storm. We have been without power since Tuesday night and four days later, I am ready for the power to be back on.

I learned that I am much more dependent on technology than I ever realized. I feel like I had a limb cut off or something. Not being able to communicate with the outside world is crazy. I just worked out my profiles on Active Rain and facebook and then I can't check them. What is the world coming too? Well, I have survived, but sighed a deep sigh of relief tonight when my husband suggested that we go find an internet connection.

I have been trying to make his time useful - although it takes longer because I am cold. Last fall I decided that I would keep my office in my basement. I have a finished basement that gets very little use unless we have guests. I thought that if I had somewhere "to go" then I would be more productive and would also feel that I wasn't looking at my job all of the time. I bought a desk and set out to create the perfect home office. Well all it became was a new dumping place for all of the paperwork I didn't have time to file or unopened mail that I didn't have time to read. I was so busy working on other people's homes, that I grossly neglected my own. By January 1st, the desk became covered with paperwork and I started bringing my computer upstairs to avoid looking at all of the clutter. I also brought home eight boxes of books, supplies, papers, etc from my teaching job that I ended in December and had no place to put any of it. I made a resolution to fix this once and for all.

I thought that when my daughter started school again I would have time to get organized and have the perfect home office finally. Three weeks into the new school year, I had done very little because I was chasing leads or making contacts with prospective clients. I needed to focus. I felt like such a hypocrite. I am constantly telling other people how to have a plan and stay focused and keep their eyes on the prize. What was my problem? It is definitely time for me to practice what I preach.

Then comes the ice storm. I can't get on the computer. The phone don't work. The TV isn't on and I don't want to drive anywhere in this craziness. SO ... time to clean the office. I have started emptying the boxes, filing the paperwork, finding a home for all of the mess I had made. It takes a long time because I can't stay down there too long - it is freezing down there. I have a long way to go and will show pictures once I get it all done. I am a huge believer in before and after pictures. I know that I have so much more appreciation for how I will deal with clients from here on out. Decluttering is a process very few people enjoy and I am going to do everything I can NOT to get in this predicament again.

Wish me luck - hopefully I will finish soon. I am hoping that my new found productivity will help my business and my confidence in 2009 and beyond.

I know that the New Year has begun, but because I am just starting my year with Active Rain, I thought I would share a poem I wrote for the readers in our local newspaper in Elizabethtown, The News Enterprise.

Below is a lighthearted view of staging. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you happiness and prosperity in the New Year. May your houses get sold and your wishes come true!

T'was the night before the showing, when all through the house,

Every creature was stirring, getting rid of the mouse.

Trying to prepare for the buyers to come,

And hear them shout, "This is the one!"

The tile floors are all sparkling, and carpets are clean.

In anticipation for the house to be seen.

The windows are glittering and the light fixtures too,

The pet smells are gone, so it won't smell like a zoo.

The clutter was removed by hustle and hurry,

For the potential buyers who are the ultimate jury.

Our hope and our prayer is for them to be stunned,

By all of the work that our stager has done.

The beds are all made and the closets are clear,

A home that is organized we made it appear.

We removed some old furniture and replaced it with new,

We updated our look for when they walk through.

The new paint job looks amazing to see,

With no odor at all, the paint used was NO VOC.

We tended the curb and added lots of appeal,

Warm and inviting we hoped they would feel.

We have spruced up our home inside and out,

Because we wanted no reason for them to pout.

For in love with our house we want them to be,

So we took down the pictures of our family.

We have worked so hard and the house is all set,

It is warm, bright and cozy - one they will not forget.

And as they examine the fruits of our labor,

We will sit next door in the house of our neighbor.

Watching and waiting for the buyers to give,

A great purchase offer so in our house they could live.

We are ready to move to our new house so fine,

What a great way for us to ring in the year 2009!

I belong to Brian Buffini's coaching program. My team decided to Blitz with me. We have had so much fun reconnecting with our friends (clients). Not only have we caught up with what is going on in their lives. We have reminded them that we are never to busy for their referrals! Oh, by the way I am never to busy for yours!

On the first day we snow and ice! Not a problem some of us used our phone, emails, and braved the outside elements to due pop-bys. Mine was great it was ice scrapers (lol). I had a good excuse with the weather what a perfect item of value.

My team did a total of 96 pop-bys not including our phone calls and notes we mailed.

We even was BLITZED by Birgit Stubblefield (Century Mortgage) and Sheila O'Mara (Staged So Right)

Wanda and Cindi enjoyed the extended stay with their friends (2.5 hours!)

If you are blizting in 09 let us know how it is going for you. We are on a 3 month journey.

This week is phone call's

Oh, by the way I am never to busy for your referral!!

Marsha

Starting a business of your own is always a risky venture. There are many people that will try and hold you back, but only if you let them. This business I started a year ago has been a blessing for sure. I always wanted it to be a full time gig, but ... I was a teacher when I originally started my business. My time was very divided. I felt I needed to spread my wings a little more and decided that being a stager was what I wanted to do. So in December I hung up my apple and red pens and plunged into the Staging business full time. Working in today's market and economic climate is risky for sure. I gave up a paying job to try something out that may or may not pay off. There are people that are trying to hold me back, but I won't let them. I now have the time to devote to areas of my business that I didn't before. The thought that thrills me the most is that I get to go after the markets where I really believe I can make a big difference. Getting homes ready for sale is an awesome part of my business. Helping someone to transform their living space into a place that other people feel welcomed enough to want to stay permanently is a gift. I love hearing "I don't want to sell my house anymore. I want to stay." It is music to my ears. That means that I have done a good job for people who needed a nudge in the right direction. One area that I am particularly excited about pursuing is Staging for Seniors. I teamed up today with an amazing group of business owners that provide services for seniors. We will get together and provide informational seminars about the services we provide and how the senior and their care givers may benefit. Anyone who has ever tried to move an elderly parent or family member can tell you how difficult that can be. One of the services that Staged SO Right will offer is getting that home ready for sale. That means someone else will help the parent or caregiver sort through the 30 - 40 years worth of accumulations and whittle it down to what is needed and what provides the most comfort. Providing focus during a typically emotional and chaotic time is awesome. What an wonderful gift to provide people. I could never have pursued the senior staging if I wasn't in this business full time. This type of Staging is very time intensive. Trying to pack up years of living in one place takes time and patience. This couldn't be done from 3 - 6pm and weekends. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk down this path. As I spread my wings and continue to grow my business, I'll use this forum as a log to see what works and what doesn't. I have already learned so much, but know that I have many miles to travel. I welcome any wisdom that you would like to share.

Last week celebrated one year for Sheila O'Mara and Staged So Right and we are proud to have her be part of our team here at Marsha Booth & Associates. She has a wonderful eye for design and offers a couple of different options for Realtors so if you are in need of a great Home Stager, give Sheila a call. The photos are of the cake we had but it was so good, we ate 1/2 of it before we remembered to take a picture! Best Wishes Sheila and Staged So Right!