Anna Glebova

Why are you so mad? And why can't I google YOU?

I recently got a call from a company that was selling google placement and websites to real estate agents. Actually, I started getting these calls only a couple of months ago, and I link this fact to my online presence through ActiveRain. Which is a good fact per se. The caller even mentioned AR, but of course denied finding me there. But how else would he know I'm "one of the top agents in Newton"? (I'm currently ranking at #2 spot in Newton based on ActiveRain points).

He proceeded with his script, and I could almost "see" him reading it. No pauses were made, (except for breathing), not much checking with me if I was still there and listening. I could have put my phone on the table, but I didn't.

I give everybody a chance. At least the first time. But I hate to be put on the spot and decide within 2 seconds on "once in a life time opportunity for my business". Yes, it was a one free month promo, but I'm pretty sure there will be another promo around. Maybe a better deal, maybe from a different company - which might be better for me all together.

What I say is honest and simple: I need to do some thinking and research. See, I'm this weird person who likes to know what other people think about a product or service. When I'm watching late night infomercials half asleep, and see a "limited time offer for 5 easy payments of 19.99 plus shipping and handling", I feel the thrill, I feel desire in my soul, I hear my credit card squeaking in my wallet as well as anybody... But that's when I whip out my iPhone, and do a quick search on said product. I usually google "wonder product review", and see what people have to say about quality, durability, and if the return process is as easy as it is touted to be (it's usually not, and that's when I become deaf to the Lorelei song).

When I hear about any "wonder company", sure thing I want to do some research! It might take me 5 min, but I do need them. Yet the sales person on the other side gets really mad and upset with me. The offer will expire the second I hang up on them, I'm advised, and there are other agents waiting in line to get it, they are also going to get all the willing and able buyers, looking to buy property in my area, but I will never get a sniff of them, if I don't pay a set up fee of 14.99 and a monthly 79.99 thereafter...

To this I usually say, well, than so be it.

I never leave the door closed, I honestly tell them I would love to call them back, or I would love to have THEM call me back. I just need time. Plus, come to think of it, they do need repeat business, even after the promo is over, right? Why would they alienate me, if I'm not agreeing on the spot?

There are exclusions to this "on the spot" behavior, of course, and these are the companies I take my business to. It's my personal, completely subjective and opinionated decision, but I just don't understand when sales people won't give me a chance to google some reviews on them and get mad at me for wanting to do so!

Nah, I'll pass. I do some "yelping" instead...

Best Bakery in Boston - Canto 6 Cafe in JP

If you've never been there - you are seriously missing on best sandwiches, croissants, baguettes and pastry you can get in Boston. If you've ever stepped in this place just once - you know what I'm talking about.

Canto 6 is a small bakery tucked in on a corner of Green street and Washington st in Jamaica Plain, close to Green Street T stop on Orange line. You really have to know it's there, it's easy to miss. It's right across the street of Police Station (if that makes it easier to find).

Once you step in you feel the divine aroma of freshly made bread and pastry. You see an array of goodies on the shelves, and it's hard to make a choice. Yet it's easy - because anything you order will be great. Mouthwatering, fresh out of the oven, irresistible, that will call your name like a Lorelei, and make you come back again, and again, and again...

Cafe has limited seating area, couple of table and a few chairs. It's best to take out, especially if you are in a rush.

Be prepared to visit this cafe early in the day - lots of stuff gets sold out around noon. To get the best selection of goodies plan to be there in the morning.

Staff is very friendly and interesting people - you'd love to become a "regular" to stop by and chat with them, while you are getting your weekly (or daily) indulgences. Said indulgences will satisfy any taste: there are puffy pies, and flaky pastries for those with sweet tooth, there are salty pieces kinked up with aged brie, there's healthy nut bread, and crusty baguettes...

On-street parking on Washington is usually easy to find, so if you plan a trip to Arboretum, or anything else in the area, or are just going to drive by - treat yourself and stop by at the Canto 6 Cafe. You'll be glad you did!

3346 Washington St
(between Glen Rd & Green St)
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain

Walnut Hill playground in Natick, MA

In the heart of Walnut Hill in Natick, MA, next to Walnut Hill school of Arts there's a beautiful playground, a local gem for kids and parents. In between Bacon, street, Walnut Street and Belvedere street, a magical triangle appears - that's the playground, that does not appear as a usual green spot on your google maps.

There are your regular play structures and swing sets, and climbing walls.

There is a cute little table where kids - or their parents, or grandparents - can play chess.

There is a nice bench under a beautiful pine tree, that is overlooking the hill, that is just pleading to you to sit down with a good book (or iPad, for that matter)

There is a basketball ring, and more benches here and there for tired parents and care givers...

Free easy parking on Bacon, and keep in mind, that Belvedere is a one way street.

Have fun!

Let's walk a day in someone else's shoes.

Apparently, this is originally a Native American Proverb, that went something like "you have to walk in someone's moccasins for a week to really understand that person."

I met with some people today and we were talking about real estate for a while. Someone asked me: "But if I want to sell my house - do I need an agent?" A type of question you hear every so often.

I said: "There is no law that would require you to use an agent. it's up to you to hire one, or do the agent's job yourself".

Then, our conversation smoothed over to details. The person really started thinking what has to be done to sell the house - since the big dreaded question (an agent that he HAS to hire) was out of the way. "So, what do I do to have my house in the MLS? And who takes the pictures? And how do I show it? What if I'm at work???"

I never liked the intimidation approach, as in "are you crazy to try and sell your house yourself?" No, it might be a very bright person who actually knows very well what he or she is going to do. But that same person might still become your client.

If you want to do an agent's job, you need TIME (lots of it) and MEANS to accomplish the goal. if you have both - great, if not - consider hiring an agent to help you in the process.

Imagine you are your agent, and walk an imaginary week in our shoes, maybe you realize you can sell your house yourself with great success. Maybe you even decide to become an agent yourself. And maybe you decide that a good agent is worth his/her salt, and it would be a good decision to seek one.

Its all up to you!

Too much on your plate? Here is a little tweak that helps me!

First, I'm not talking about weight loss or dieting, but rather being overwhelmed by all the tasks that one has to accomplish during a given day.

What do we tend to do? Some of us have lists in notebooks, or mobile devices, others rely on memory, but it all comes down to a number of tasks, big and small, that one hopes to accomplish. When we complete them, we check them off the list, and move on.

Many people admit, that they love to see that box checked off, or the entry crossed out, it gives them sense of satisfaction with their productivity, and fuels them to keep doing what has to be done until the whole list is over. Great!

But what are we THINKING while doing our day to day tasks? More often than not, we are thinking about stuff still ahead of us. "Oh, it's noon, but I didn't even look into...", or "I still have to..."

When we finish yet another task, we cross it off our list and our mind, we are always thinking about what has yet to be done, and seldom experience a sense of accomplishment, until the whole list is over! But then we already have a list for tomorrow...

Basically, what happens is that we try to keep a mental list of things that are not done yet, forgetting about our accomplishments as soon as they are done. Our list becomes the memory card for our trophies, that we never get to cherish.

Try this: keep writing down what you have to do, and rely on your list to keep track of it. In your mind though you will have a list of accomplishments. Change your attitude from "I've not even... yet" to "I've already", and see what happens.

"It's only noon, but I've already", "the morning is not over but I've been to... and spoke to... and emailed...."

You will see how productive you have been, and it will stimulate you to do more. It sure works for me - try it!

And check out this video - "I haven't met you yet", maybe the story would have been different for Michael Buble?..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA