Our meetings in Washington DC have been wonderful. It is always great to see you all at these gatherings. The CIPS breakfast was fun and we welcomed the newest CIPS designees! I then attended the International Operations committee meeting where we were updated on a variety of issues and NAR positions from immigration reform(Silver Visa), foreign investor regulations, and other housing initiatives. I am so honored to be a presidential appointee to that committee.
Of particular interest to me was the announcement of a possible trade mission to Chile, scheduled for later in the year. Jose Serrano of Raleigh NC will be coordinating that. I really would like to participate in that. The Peru mission a few years ago was wonderful!
My dear friend Bonnie Carris, of Gig Harbor, Washington, invited me as her guest to the FIABCI gathering here in Washington and has finally talked me into joining FIABCI. Watch out, here I come everyone! Bonnie is really working the international business, from China to Viet Nam, to Central America and beyond. She has recently been appointed as the world FIABCI marketing chairperson. Bonnie and I go way back. Once upon a time, we were office partners in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. She will travel later this year to Cannes, France for a FIABCI gathering. Hooray for Bonnie!
Now I must trade hats and enter my other area of real estate speciality, the Women's Council of Realtors. Our activities begin today. The first session this morning was all about different aspects of social networking. LinkedIn, FaceBook, ActiveRain, and Twitter were all discussed with pros and cons for each. It proved to be an interesting and lively session.
I return to North Carolina on Sunday, to list and sell at the beach! I welcome your referrals!
On the 4th Wednesday of each month, the local chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors, the Crystal Coast Chapter meets to learn, network, and yes, upon occasion, we socialize!
Our programs are always stellar. You can check out our programs for yourself at www.wcrcrystalcoast.com! Today's meeting was one of the very best. Our ‘young turk' president, Amy Hahn, presented Blogging for Dummies. Folks, this was a great program! It was organized, and absolutely chock-full of great, useful information.
This is the same ‘young Gen Y turk', who about a year ago, would barely speak above a whisper from the podium. Today she had the audience in the palm of her hand! There was plenty of lively audience participation, and loads of humor. Thanks, Amy! You rock!
On a personal note, I am so proud of her for all she is doing and I am so grateful for Amy's diplomatic and skillful leadership this year. Her leadership potential is enormous. I am looking forward to, with great anticipation, her future volunteer roles. What an asset for our local chapter! The Crystal Coast Chapter is so fortunate to have her.
Amy
Our Mission
"We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders."
Yes, I love WCR and I love 4th Wednesdays. For one hour, I get to ‘feed' off the expertise, experience, and energy from a roomful of fellow professionals in the real estate industry. For the price of lunch, I always take away something that will help me in my own professional development and business. In one room, there is no question too insignificant to ask, no competition to worry over, and no industry issue which cannot be discussed. WCR is my professional organization of choice and my professional home.
Oh, in case you were wondering, we do eat real food too! The Country Club of the Crystal Coast has a phenomenal menu and chef.
For more information about WCR or for property anywhere in Carteret or Onslow Counties, call me, Brenda Ballard, 1 800 COAST NC or email me at Brenda@BrendaBallard.com
I am no exception! I've been reviewing, revamping, reenergizing for 2009. Here are my resolutions, not to be confused with the business plan.
2009 Resolutions
Regarding the business plan: is anyone else out there having a problem determining how many units they need to sell in 09? Based on my 08 production, those numbers would be ridiculous. So where does one begin? Do I start over, as if a rookie, when I've been in the business almost 20 years? Do I just pull a number from thin air and work toward it?
Last year, I took out my plan and looked at it each month and tried to pull rabbits from the hat. Nothing seemed to make a difference. This year, I am not even sure how to construct a realistic plan. My 2009 business planning process is speculative and based on concept rather than actual data. That makes me nervous. Is this something I can honestly say is going to be a business tool for me? Or, is it simply a paper exercise?
As I intend to remain in this business, I will NOT fold my tent and seek another career path, although my ‘numbers' might indicate that is the case. So, for tonight, my 2009 business plan is fluid. I will continue to be the real estate professional I know I am and work this business with all the energy, integrity and skill I possess. How's that?
My ISP has not provided email service for 2 days. Please use machosmom1@gmail.com until further notice. Thanks. Sorry for sending out the notice this way.
The day is just about over. It began quite early with an early service at church. What a wonderful time of the year. The Christmas music is so glorious and our church choir sang a cantata this morning. They did very well and the string quartet from the NC Symphony was awesome! I sang all the way home in my car. No one to hear me!
After preparing a late breakfast for Mama and Daddy, the Sabbath became a not so Sabbath Day! I worked at finishing the Christmas tree! It's beautiful. While ornamenting the tree, I listened to music of the season on CD's. Everything from the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Renee Fleming, the Three Tenors, Il Divo, Kenny G, Josh Groban, to Bing Crosby. Eclectic, I guess! Something to please everyone, for sure.
Some of my ornaments date back over 40 years. I've been collecting for a long time, and can hardly believe I just admitted that! As I hung each ornament, I remembered the person who gave it to me, or the actual Christmas I bought it. Many are treasured as they bring to mind those loved ones who are no longer with me.
There are funny ornaments and silly ornaments. There are delicate and precious ornaments. There are handmade, plastic ornaments from daycare projects.
The topmost portion of the tree is always reserved for the angelic host. There are about 50 of those. Some are crystal, porcelain, pottery, paper mache, silver, pewter, and cloth. No two are alike!
OCD person that I am, I have a special location for some ornaments. Of course, as I wrote above, the angels occupy the top; closest to heaven I suppose. Just below the angels are the musical instruments and bells. I have always thought that made perfect sense. If you don't get it, then let me know. I will explain.
Then, there's the bird's nest, which is always hidden on an interior branch, just below eye level. Don't want to frighten the mama bird! Into the mix are fishes and shore creatures. Well, I do live at the beach now!
Santa's are all over the tree, except at the top. Interspersed are toys, and glass ornaments of all types.
I love my tree! It's colorful, it's never has a theme, but it is full of memories, character, and once it is completed, my Christmas season can begin.
And to all, a great night!
 |
|
|
Real estate is my passion and my career. I am blessed to live and work in such a beautiful environment here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina!
Carteret County contiues to attract folks from all walks of life. Employment growth is evidenced by increased salaries and numbers of positions. Senior life is as active as desired - from fishing to golfing to volunteering. The area is a treat place to work or play. The climate is mild, almost year round. There are generally less than 40 nights when the temperatures drop below freezing. The highest temperature readings are in July and August when the thermometer can reach in the high 90's.
Brenda Ballard, ABR, CIPS, CRB, GRI, TRC
Currently a broker with Angelfish Properties, Inc. in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, Brenda Ballard has been licensed since 1989 and is a consistent multi-million dollar producer.
In 1995, Brenda was elected as President of the Carteret County Association of REALTORS, and has been named REALTOR of the Year. In 2009, she has been serving as President-elect and in 2010 will become President of CCAR for the second time in her real estate career!
In December 2008, Brenda was honored as the Crystal Coast Chapter Women's Council of REALTORS Member of the Year. She has also served as Local Chapter President, State Chapter President, and Governor for the North Carolina Women's Council of REALTORS, and has been distinguished as the NC Member of the Year. Brenda is the 2000 WCR National President and continues her involvement at the national level.
Brenda Ballard has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for North Carolina Association of REALTORS, and many other state committees. Additionally, she was appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Association of REALTORS.
Receiving unique appointments to the NAR International Operations Committee for the last three years, in 2004 Brenda represented WCR and NAR in Lima, Peru at the 1st Andean Housing Conference. This year, she has received a presidential appointment to the International Operations Committee . An instructor for the NAR Cultural Diversity program, Brenda has also been certified as a real estate licensing instructor in North Carolina. In addition to being an educator and trainer, she is a much sought-after public speaker for various professional and civic organizations. Brenda has served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross in North Carolina, supports Habitat for Humanity, & the Carteret County Domestic Violence Programs. Currently serving her third term as president of the Swansboro United Methodist Women, Brenda is also active in the administrative activities of her church and chairs the Administrative Board of her church.
Brenda and her husband, Julio De Armas live in Swansboro, North Carolina.
" it's a wonderful place and I love it. You are so special, so loving, compassionate and understanding".Mrs. Betty Salter " my life is very blessed and SAFE...I just wanted you to know you made it a little less hard..."Ms. Wanda Hilker " we can't wait ...for our new home. We wouldn't want anyone else helping us"...Lori and Robert Davis " you are a wonderful REALTOR and your ...successes are well-deserved"...Kira and Michael Gilbert " Brenda Ballard proved to be one of the most professional, diligent, and compassionate REALTORS we have ever had the privilege of knowing...we count her as a friend in our new home away from home"...Lindsey & Debbie Suggs "Brenda Ballard really helped us way above the call of duty...whenever we have needed advice regarding anything, Brenda has been there for us...that advice has always been top notch". . .The Haren Family
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
