Sebastian Barrett St.Troy

SOPA & PIPA Strike and Protest

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, the Internet (well, a majority of websites, including Wikipedia, WordPress, and many thousands) are blacking out in protest of the SOPA and PIPA legislation currently before Congress.

Comment from SOPAstrike.com: (from this link you can also write your Representatives in Congress)

On Jan 24th, Congress will vote to pass internet censorship in the Senate, even though the vast majority of Americans are opposed. We need to kill the bill - PIPA in the Senate and SOPA in the House - to protect our rights to free speech, privacy, and prosperity. We need internet companies to follow Reddit's lead and stand up for the web, as we internet users are doing every day.

Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), two pieces of legislation that the Internet industry says will halt innovation and undermine free expression. With so many big Internet sites participating tomorrow, be prepared and support the protest. Mozilla, the maker of the popular Internet browser Firefox, is another of the big names joing the day of protest and Google, although not blacking out, will be posting opposition to these two pieces of legislation on their sites.

Statement from Wikipedia about their decision to black out the English language Wikipedia pages, a first since its launch in 2001:

It is the opinion of the English Wikipedia community that both of these bills, if passed, would be devastating to the free and open web. The decision to shut down the English Wikipedia wasn’t made by me; it was made by editors, through a consensus decision-making process. But I support it.

From an article in the Washington Post:

Google said Tuesday that it will post a statement on its Web site voicing its opposition to the Stop Online Piracy Act, joining a drive that will see Reddit, Wikipedia, and Boing Boing take their Web sites dark for a period of time on Jan. 18. Google’s actions will not be as dramatic as others — Reddit and Boing Boing will take their sites down for 12 hours starting at 8 a.m., while Wikipedia will black out its English content for 24 hours on Wednesday — but the company’s decision to use its U.S. home page means that its arguments regarding SOPA will reach a huge audience.

In a statement, Google’s news team said, “Like many businesses, entrepreneurs and web users, we oppose these bills because there are smart, targeted ways to shut down foreign rogue websites without asking American companies to censor the Internet. So tomorrow we will be joining many other tech companies to highlight this issue on our US home page.”

For a complete list of websites currently protesting via a Black Out, click here.

UPDATE (1/20/12): Congressional supporters of SOPA and PIPA have backed out of supporting these bills. Learn more about who and why by clicking here.

The previous article asked the question, "How do we become a recognized, licensed, and authoritative profession?" Which hopefully can now become the spark to ignite the fire of change needed to take what many believe is a hobby or decorating into a new era, that of a true profession. Be prepared, the reading isn't light, the questions hard hitting, and let it be known that there is no ill intent towards any existing individuals or organizations that have benefitted or assisted in moving Home Staging forward.

Lets start with some definitions and then move forward into a recent survey about Home Staging and then into the greater question of how to transform what many perceive as nothing more than decorating or a hobby into professional status.

pro·fes·sion [pruh-fesh-uhn] noun:

1. a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science: the profession of teaching.

pro·fes·sion·al [pruh-fesh-uh-nl] adjective:

1. following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain: a professional builder.
2. of, pertaining to, or connected with a profession: professional studies.
3. appropriate to a profession: professional objectivity.
4. engaged in one of the learned professions: A lawyer is a professional person.
5. following as a business an occupation ordinarily engaged in as a pastime: a professional golfer.

pro·fes·sion·al [pruh-fesh-uh-nl] noun:

1. a person who belongs to one of the professions, especially one of the learned professions.
2. a person who earns a living in a sport or other occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs: a golf professional.

home stag·ing [hohm stey-jing] noun:

1. the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Staging techniques focus on improving a property's appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone might want. (as defined on Wikipedia.com)

The previous article asked some serious questions, brought to surface some well known but unsatisfactory conclusions about Home Staging as a profession, and this article continues these questions and insights as provided through a Survey conducted online for Home Stagers. Yes, I presented the survey, but the responses speak for themselves.

Do you see an increase in the use of bolder paint colors in Home Staging? 64.7% Yes, it helps the appeal.

Do you predict the use of a more Targeted Approach to Home Staging, altering from the Neutral mass school? 82.4% Yes, A targeted approach increases a home's appeal.

Do you believe we, as an emerging professional group, should seek to establish a central accrediting organization to approve all home staging courses and outline continuing education requirements?

41.2% Yes, it would greatly aide in improving our credibility and profession as a whole.

35.3% Maybe, it all depends on who the governing agency is and how the courses would have to be changed to meet the new requirements.

Do you believe that any certifying authority should require a more indepth study of Design, Real Estate, Business ethics/management, Pscyhology or other disciplines that would help improve our work? (i.e., a minimum of 6 months of training, both online and in person)

41.2% Yes, as better training will ensure only the best and dedicated enter our profession.

47.1% Maybe, it would depend on what would be required.

Comments for this question were:

"All training should require hands-on criteria as part of qualifying. Follow up is critical in my mind. Requirements would include having to take upgrading courses each year to confirm individuals are keeping up with trends & any legal requirements."

"I like the notion of better training and I think it would help those who are business owners as well as stagers (most of us). On the other hand many people come to staging after other degrees, careers, etc and I fear that any more coursework would also be lowest-common-denominator, as many staging courses are right now."

Do you believe that our profession could use improved public perception? In the comments below, you can enter your particular ideas.

35.3% Yes, because I'm not sure the public recognizes any of the certifications as a representation of a recognized profession.

11.8% Yes, as everyone thinks we only stage vacant homes, when we can do so much more.

29.4% Other:

Comments for this question were:

"Yes. The training variations are all over the place. Theres is no certification, yet many stagers claim to be certified. Set across the board standards would give our profession more credibility and acceptance. Working with the real estate boards co-operatively may also reduce the negatives from REAs, and help them accept home stagers as part of their team. Win-win."

"the public views us as decorators and does not give us enough credit as far as being essential professionals, i.e. home inspectors, realtors, to sell a property. I find that it is mainly due to REA belittling or trying to take a place of a home stager."

What was the length of the class that you obtained your certification from?

3 Day Class - 37.5%

7 Day Class - 6.3%

21 Day Class - 12.5%

Other: 43.8%

College Degrees in Design or related fields, obtaining multiple certifications, and attending online courses dominated the comments for the Other category.

What agency currently in existence would you believe to be best suited to becoming the governing body to develop the core curriculm for Home Staging and ReDesign Training, along with establishing the Continuing Education requirements?

RESA 75%

Other: 25%

Comments for this question were:

"not sure why the above could not work co-operatively in standardizing requirements? Maybe they already do? No point in throwing out the proverbial baby with bathwater. So much good work is already in place."

"One year university diploma with mentorship."

How long have you been in business as a Home Stager or ReDesigner?

0-2 Years = 23.5%

3-4 Years = 35.3%

5-6 Years = 23.5%

7-8 Years = 11.8%

9 + Years = 5.9%

What is your perceived greatest challenge for 2012?

"Being recognized as a professional and being paid as such----There are many wannbe stagers who undercut to get the job."

"Establishing new terminology that defines our work more fully."

"My biggest challenge since opening has been getting the public and REAs to appreciate the value of staging."

"sellers are struggling and not willing to get the home staged completely, instead opting for DIY or partial staging"

Where do you obtain the majority of your New Clients?

Word of Mouth = 29.33%

Social Media = 8.89%

Paid Advertising = 3.57%

Internet Marketing = 11.88%

Business Website= 16.67%

Blog = 6.88%

Realtors/Brokers = 39.71%

Homeowners (Direct Contact) = 15%

As mentioned in the previous article, RESA has begun the process of change, one such change is their establishing themselves as an accrediting agency for Home Staging. A much needed and respected move towards professional status for those involved in Home Staging. From the RESA website. about the accrediting process, here is the objective, yet there are many more questions to be asked, answered, and hopefully resolved with the intent of ensuring that we actually become a professional organization:

RESA has two training providers that have been approved through their accrediting standards, established from the US Dept. of Education's approved accrediting agencies.

1. Verifying that an institution or program meets established standards; (What are the 'established standards' and are such 'standards' adequate for the purpose of effective training and eventual licensing?)

2. Assisting prospective students in identifying acceptable institutions; (This is a huge step towards weeding out the many questionable individuals that promote 'certification' in Home Staging.)

3. Helping to identify institutions and programs for the investment of public and private funds; (Investment into assisting Home Staging to become a recognized profession with a high standard of education is essential.)

4. Creating goals for self-improvement of weaker programs and stimulating a general raising of standards among educational institutions; (Raising the standards, which honesty have to be raised considerably if a true professional standard is to be established and in order to achieve professional status.)

5. Involving the faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning; (Yes, everyone has to be involved and also acknowledge the great improvements required.)

6. Establishing criteria for professional certification (Greatly needed and hopefully will lead to licensing?)

7. Ensuring that real estate agent courses train agents how to work with stagers, why staging is important, marketing staging to their clients, etc. Agent classes that teach agents how to actually stage will be

prohibited. (Realtors are our greatest allies and hopefully shall eventually become our most valued partners through education, but also through altering the not-so-well-earned reputation of being an insult to a home seller.)

So where does all of this lead us? Questions and more questions, but by the mere asking of the right questions many answers can lead to the essential changes required to move forward. Now lets delve deeper into some of the training currently provided and ask, is it enough?

Certified Staging Professionals advertises that "You can not learn Home Staging in 3 Days!" However, upon further review that is exactly what they are still providing, a 3 day training class. Yes, they do provide a 4 week home study course and some follow up coaching, but the the essential question is ... Is this enough to become a professional? 3 days of training and home study aren't enough.

Home Staging Resource has greatly improved the educational level by offering a 21 day training course. According to their website, "HSR is the first and one of the only Accredited staging training programs!" Yet, they also proudly promote, "100% Online Training, Completely Self-Paced." So yet again the question remains, if Home Staging is to become a true profession, is this the type of training that should be required in order to improve public perception as Home Stagers being professionals?

Other individuals promote Home Staging training, such as Debra Gould, "Staging Diva is the ONLY home staging training program taught by someone with an MBA in Marketing and over 25 years of business experience, who has also personally built a successful staging business (not as a sideline to selling real estate)." Yet another example of an online course in only "10 hours" and even though some seem to value her training, there is still the question: Is this what a profession requires for training?

I'm known for my brutal honesty and for often being the one person that will not only see the elephant in the room, but will also be the one to announce it to everyone present. Thus, please know my true intentions are not to discredit anyone nor cause trouble with others within this profession, but only to flame the fires of a long smoldering topic into something that will foster the needed change so we're no longer believed to be a hobby, decorators, or another con artist or used car salesman.

You've read my view points, seen my questions, and now have the opportunity to join in the conversation and help work together to achieve something greater than ourselves, that of becoming a professional in terms that the general public and other professionals will acknowledge, appreciate, and admire. What say Ye?

Next, Challenging Home Staging statistics, what is the real story & Moving Forward from infancy to Adulthood.

Real Estate agents used to have the same public perception as that of used car salesmen, that is until they desired to change their public image. It wasn't easy, but through creating professional associations, increasing educational and licensing requirements, improving legal training (and persuing the elimination of those 'not so reputable' agents), and establishing public relations campaigns to show the many changes happening the profession morphed from that of an unrespected career to a profession.

Social media, such as LinkedIn, can provide great insight into the thoughts of others into any business and recently there was a lengthy (actually, still ongoing) discussion started by a gentleman interested in starting a Home Staging business. There were many who provided great advice for him, and some that only provided self promotion and a clear disconnect from the very partnership we should be creating in order to become a profession.

Such comments do nothing to further the advance to professional status that is much needed and only serves to confirm that the time of change is at hand.

The discussions on LinkedIn have proved to be informative, and several people posted polls for the purpose of knowing what others are achieving and how they are doing so. One such poll was posted by Christi Bond, Owner of The Home Staging Coaches, only supports what many in Home Staging have known and yet others clearly deny:

Question: What source generates the most business for you.

• Website: 21%
• Realtors: 27%
• Word of Mouth: 40% (Realtors ranked as highest, then past clients and friends)
• Direct Marketing to Homeowners: 1%
• Other (see comments below): 3%

"One thing is clear, there is no one right way to attract business...but having a web presence, doing excellent work and asking for referrals, and having a relationship with the real estate professionals that have first touch with our potential staging clients will all have a positive impact. One thing also rings clear to me. Our peers that report the most success at this business are not getting that success because they are luckier, or more talented, or more charming....they are successful because they are working very hard and providing lots of additional marketing support to the sales agents in addition to having all the other components in place." Christi Bond

"Internet marketing of each property is #1 for existing and new clients. Then (after the marketing) the next draw would be the properties themselves (my info at each prop) for new clients." Lori Kim Polk

After learning of Christi's poll, I was inspired to conduct a similar LinkedIn poll of my own, based upon the very issues presented by others involved in Real Estate:

Predictions and Trends for 2012 Home Staging: Do you predict?

• More use of Color in Staged Homes: 17%
• Increase of Targeted Buyer Approach: 35%
• Improved Public Perception: 47%

Some of the comments showed that Home Staging needs a new direction, along with a more professional approach with better training, and maybe some new terminology that better defines the work of Home Staging:

The instruction of extreme de-personalization, neutral colors, and bad furniture arrangements that ignore how a buyer will move, think, and feel about a home are giving way to what is really needed, a Targeted Buyer approach. There is also a need and demand for greater education, improved public perception, and a stronger relationship with the one industry that could become the greatest partner of Home Staging: Realtors.

RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) has been taking on the task of improving the education requirements, public perception, and Realtor connections. Yet, even though progress is being made, there is a long way to go if we, as Home Stagers, are to become well respected, viewed as professional, and determined by the public to be essential to selling real estate.

Hopefully original content from knowledgeable and experienced individuals, along with the strong desire to see the industry become a strong profession, the Energized Seller website will greatly assist in improving the public perception and value, but it is only the start.

Now the real work begins, and as I teach my clients, "A path begins with a question, so what questions are you asking?"

Between 1970 and 1973, in Munich, Germany, IQ tests were administered in different room colors: When students tested in colorless rooms – white, gray, black, brown and beige – the scores were up to 12 points below the average. In green, blue or coral rooms, their scores were up to 12 points above average. That is a 24-point spread based on room color alone — I’ve always wondered what other variables there may be.

The bottom line is this: color affects heart rate, brain wave activity, memory retention and memory recall and—not to be overlooked—attitude.

Choosing the color for your home office can be tricky, requiring more than simply choosing a favorite. It depends on what you do, what you need to be productive, which hemisphere of the brain you’re using. Do you work alone? In collaboration? In the same room with someone else or via phone or online? Are you dealing with data and tangible elements or ideas and concepts? Linear or lateral thought? Or sales? Do you take client meetings in your office or a coffee shop? Do colleagues or clients come to your space?

The best color for a graphic designer will differ from that for a bookkeeper. Different yet for a venture capitalist, an event planner or a business coach. Some people will perform better in an orange office, some in blue, while someone else may need purple or yellow.

Would that there was one right answer for each individual, but no. Not only must the hue fit your personality and your work, but ideally, should also harmonize with adjacent spaces. Like those students in Munich, almost NO ONE does his or her best work in white, beige or gray.

Here’s the nitty-gritty from my 30 years of color study:

• Blues are most conducive to detail and more cerebral tasks.
• Violets and purples are ideal for creativity.
• Oranges foster conviviality, good for those who spend a lot of time on the phone.
• Yellows can work well for someone dealing with technology, science or specification.
• Greens may be perfect for someone who has equal amounts of extroverted and introverted requirements.

Sebastian's Notes:

Notes derived from the book, "Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction" by Mark L. Knapp, Judith A. Hall

Article Reposted with permission, as seen on Atlanta Home Improvement.

January Events in Austin, Texas

From live performances to events of delight and entertainment, here's a list of some of the many special activities to enjoy in Austin during the month of January. 2012 marks a special year in that it is the Year of the Dragon, not just any Dragon, a Water Dragon. 2012 is a Water year and the Dragon is a Wood element, thus water nourishes wood and allows it to grow. This is the beginning of the nourishing cycle in Chinese Astrology and ends the destructive cycle. Celebrate with us on January 23rd to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

24 HOURS IN AUSTIN EXHIBIT

January 2

Austin Details Art + Photo

Twenty-four Austin photographers were assigned to create a portrait of Austin in one 24-hour day in October 2011 and amassed a remarkable body of work that showcases the city from many vantage points, and at all hours, from 6 pm on October 14 throughout the night into the next day at 6 pm. More than 50 large-format museum-quality prints from nearly two dozen photographers are on view through January.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE AUSTIN

January 6 & 21

Marriott Hotel Austin

America's Largest interactive murder mystery dinner show! You'll enjoy an elegant four-course plated dinner (no buffets here!) while you solve a hilarious murder case. A tantalizing Prize Package awaits our Top Sleuth of the evening. Just be careful! In this show, everyone is a suspect, even You, and the killer could be at your table!

KATHY GRIFFIN LIVE

January 7

Long Center

She’s back, for one night only! Multiple HBO and Bravo specials weren't enough - catch double Emmy award winning Kathy Griffin live in her true element. She has more stories, more dish, more of what she shouldn't say but you know you want to hear. Come with an open mind and laugh until you cry!

STAR OF TEXAS TATTOO ART REVIVAL

January 7 - 9

Palmer Events Center

Explore the creative art of tattoos, meet the artists, and delve into a world of body art.

AUSTIN SYMPHONY: EMANUEL AX

January 13

Michael & Susan Dell Hall

Join The Austin Symphony and pianist Emanuel Ax, for the performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 60, Symphony Concertante.

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

January 13 - 15

Austin Convention Center

Turn your home and garden dreams into reality! With thousands of square feet of exhibits you'll find the latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays/materials, kitchenware, and much more.

SHRINE CIRCUS

January 13 - 16

Cedar Park Center

The 2012 Austin Shrine Circus will be a fun filled experience including performances by The Human Cannonball, The Flying Ponces, Majestic Lions, The Dominguez Extreme Riders, The Mighty Bo, The Dragomir Troupe and many more!

CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE

January 14/15 and 28/29

Palmer Events Center

A great place to find just about anything and enjoy a day of shopping.

MLK CELEBRATION

January 16

Downtown Austin (UT, State Capitol, and Huston-Tillotson University)

The Austin Area Heritage Council's 2012 MLK Celebration is comprised of several events. The Oratory Competition, MLK Scholarship Awards, and Day of Service lead up to the March and Festival on Monday, January 16th.

FRONTERAFEST

January 17 - February 18

Hyde Park Theatre, Salvage Vanguard Theater + Others

FronteraFest is five weeks of alternative, offbeat, new, and just plain off-the-wall fringe theatre. Too bad there's no actual way to expect the unexpected, because that is your only hope.

AUSTIN BOAT SPORT AND OUTDOOR SHOW

January 19 - 22

Austin Convention Center

The Austin Boat Show is home to all of your Central Texas Boat Dealers! 2012 Show Hours: Thursday, Jan 19: noon-9p Friday, Jan 20: noon-9p Saturday, Jan 21: 10a-9p Sunday, Jan 22: 10a-6p Senior and Child discounts.

THE AUSTIN GORILLA RUN

January 21

Fado Irish Pub

750 gorilla suits in closets across Austin await re-emergence for The Second Annual Austin Gorilla Run. January 21st run through downtown Austin IN FULL GORILLA COSTUME! Your donation to The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund will register you for the run.

TASTE OF AUSTIN

January 25

North Austin Event Center

Taste of Austin is an event designed to showcase top Austin area restaurants, caterers, and hotels. The concept is simple; allow food lovers the chance to explore the incredible variety of flavors and restaurants served up in one event.

ASH BASH ART SHOW

January 26, 2012

Mexican Aemrican Cultural Center

For the past four years, the ASH Insights Art Show & Sale has been an entrtaining, artistic and thought-provoking way to spotlight the works of our talented patients as well as raising funds through the sale of art donated by some of of the regions highly respected professional artists.

BATS & BEERS

January 29

Pine Street Station

Bats & Beers connects brewmasters, chefs and engaged Austinites to explore creations and collaborations centered around remarkable beer and food.

CHINESE NEW YEARS FESTIVAL

January 29

Chinatown Center, 10901 N. Lamar BLVD

Chinatown Center is proud to celebrate this coming Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dragon and the mightiest of signs on the Chinese Zodiac! Mark your calendars for the annual celebration in North Austin.

Lake Travis

Discover what is happening around Lake Travis in January, including Live Music and Entertainment.