Bill Kennedy - Greenville SC Realtor

At times, we have to stop and remind ourselves of the wonderful and amazing world that we live in. Each new day brings with it untold possibilities, and we are offered the chance to achieve our dreams. One small step in the direction of obtaining our dreams brings us closer, and one day, it is ours!

This world is an amazing place, and we are amazing beings, with unlimited potential. Remember that each and every day, especially when things seem to be going against you, or your goals seem to get further away. We have the potential for greatness, each in our own way. Open yourself up to the greatness within, and know that you're just a step away.

I have had a very busy week - some good, some not so good, but the business of the week has caused me a lot of stress. It was with great joy, then, that I took the opportunity to go fishing with a friend today at Lake Hartwell near Anderson, SC. It's amazing the way that the calm waters of a lake can make you forget all about the craziness of the week. I reeled in two catfish (too bad I was trying to catch stripers), but the best part was just the conversation and the relaxed atmosphere.

We all need some time to unwind from the stress and the rigors of the daily grind. Some people find solace in hobbies, others in exercise, and still more simply reading a good book. Whatever your form of relaxation, make sure you make time for it.

Perhaps I need to go fishing more often!

At the Craig Proctor Superconference in Orlando, FL, myself and my fellow coaching members have been learning how to become more effective Rainmakers. They may have taught us TOO well...

After the day's festivities, myself and two friends decided to run up the street to KFC and grab dinner. I offered to drive in my truck, a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 (very important fact) rather than taking the other available vehicle - a convertible Mitsubishi Eclipse.

It was raining cats and dogs. Rain was going sideways. The wind was blowing quite fiercely, lightning was crashing down, and we were enjoying the spectacle of another Florida afternoon thunderstorm. The only problem - we had to go out in it to get to our destination.

Being the kind of person I am, I volunteered to run out to the truck and drive it up as close as possible to let the others in. After the short run, I was soaked! I drove to the curb and the other two jumped inside (nearly literally - they both tried to get in the front door of the quad-cab). Once we were settled, we headed down the road.

On Central Florida Parkway, I noticed that the rain was starting to pool quite a lot. Traffic slowed to a crawl. Soon it was evident that the water was rising quickly. I started hoping that the other drivers would get through the water - I wasn't worried about my truck, but all of the small cars around me could get washed out at any minute (and I didn't want to be stuck between them!).

First one, then another cars began getting stuck and turning on their emergency flashers. Luckily for them the water wasn't going to get any higher than their engines, but they were effectively out of submission. We managed to get through the traffic, into the KFC parking lot, and into the restaurant with little problem. The last large body of water we drove through actually splashed up onto the hood of my truck - that one was deep! We were extremely thankful that we hadn't taken the Eclipse...

I don't know how often that much flooding happens on the roads in Orlando, but Central Florida Parkway turned into the Central Florida Lake. Wow!

On Friday, I enjoyed a morning full of information and motivation at the Craig Proctor Superconference at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida. Even though I was worried about my Dad, who had suffered a heart attack the previous day, the day was otherwise positive.

Lunch time came about, and we headed down to a small restaurant by the pool. I hadn't wanted to carry my wallet all day, so I had tucked a twenty dollar bill in my business card case. After all, I reasoned, lunch couldn't POSSIBLY run any more than that.

We sat down and I checked the menu. Now, I'm not ignorant to hotel prices, especially resort hotels where these conferences are held. I'm used to routinely spending $12-15 on a box lunch or other fare. When I saw that a hamburger was on the menu for $15.00, I figured it would fit nicely. I ordered a Dr. Pepper to go with it.

My friends and I enjoyed some light conversation, and after some time, my hamburger was delivered. It had crispy bacon, and french fries. I ate it and felt that, while it wasn't the best I'd had, it did hit the spot.

After a bit more conversation, the check was delivered. I stared down in disbelief. The total was $23.66!!

Many thoughts flashed through my mind, but they all collided against one, HUGE, over-riding thought. How in the (WORLD) could a hamburger cost more than twenty dollars???

I made two observations. First, my Dr. Pepper, which was refilled twice (probably because the cup was so small), cost four dollars. It was about the size of a McDonald's small soft drink. Second, an 18% gratuity was added to my bill automatically "for my convenience".

I was incensed. I was outraged. I was about to toss my twenty dollar bill on the table and walk off, but I couldn't quite make myself do it.

I finally borrowed the extra money from my friend Patrick and paid the bill. The server asked if I wanted my change back, and I managed to keep a sharp retort in check as I answered in the affirmative. I was wondering where the rest of the cow was that I had paid for ;-)

I may be speaking from my middle class upbringing, or the fact that I try to live by a budget, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES can I see a bacon cheeseburger and fries being $23.66. If I wanted to spend that much money, I'd be expecting a steak. Needless to say, the Marriott rubbed me the wrong way completely. When I hold my seminars and training events at hotels as I've done in the past, I may not consider the Marriott any more. That's unfortunate, as the Marriott was my hotel of choice. It's interesting how things like that can change one's perspective, whether warranted or not.

As a side note, I went to McDonalds the next day for lunch. I had their Angus 1/3rd pound burger with bacon. It tasted at least as good, I refilled my Dr. Pepper two times (in a large cup, thank you), and I paid about six bucks. Balance was restored - for now.

I had a wonderful conversation with a fellow Craig Proctor coaching member from Illinois. He has just started focusing on short sales as one of his primary means of income. I have worked on some short sales before, but the techniques that he shared with me have the potential to allow me to close more short sales and increase the income I can make from them.

One of the techniques that I liked was that whenever he finds a seller who is going to need to sell their home through a short sale, he submits an offer to the bank immediately upon listing the property. The offer is from an investor, who offers an amount such as 60% of value. It may not be close to what is owed on the house, but the point is that an offer is immediately submitted to the bank to get the ball rolling.

Once the offer is submitted, a relationship can begin with the bank representative who will handle the short sale. Then, when a better offer comes through, the lines of communication are already established, the necessary seller paperwork is already done, and the offer can be submitted in a much more positive manner.