Christine Herrera

What type of Business Continuity Plan Do you have set up for your business or personal setting?

In Austin, we are so thankful that we are mostly sheltered from any type of major disater. In the recent year we dodged or more like the Hurrican dodged us. But what if something happened here in Austin such as a Ice storm, or Tornado? What are you set up to do for your clients in the event of an emergency?

My Business Continuity Plan includes several steps of procedures and emergency contact information that are standard, normal procedures. In November, Alamo Title launched our escrow services with a new website which keeps this topic in mind.

www.alamodashboard.com has many new features I think you as an agent or lender will learn to enjoy. One of the major features our new software has is the ability to upload and store all closing documents, sales contract, commitments, lenders papers, surveys, HOA Certs, and all the many details that go into a real estate transaction online in secure format. I am virtually able to login to the website and pull information about a closing in minutes. The best part, if Austin ever had a major inccident rest assured Alamo Title Co would be able to pick up the pieces in a matter of hours and set up your escrow file for closing.

Of course one of my favorite things about working for Alamo Title Company are the people I work with. We are all like family and would be there help each other. I build my business the same way with strong relationships with my agents and lenders.

Our Leadership (Jane Ann Benton & Taresa Hale) believe that preparing ourselves for a disater is all part of the regular business activites. With Alamo Direct and now Alamodashboard.com we are now ever more prepared to help you get back to closing in the event of diaster.

Again, we are thankful to be in Austin and I hope that I never see my business continuity plan in action!

A short, but nice section of this month's Simple Magazine 9February 2009):

boost your green IQ!

unsure if what "going green" really means? Information you need to know about helping to save the earth is just a click away:

gogreenonline.com

A portal of green resources this site provides checklists and baby steps for developing green habits everyday.

sustainlane.com

Filled with news, reviews, and how-tos. Also find out which is the greenest city in the United States.

(Go Austin!!!)

epa.gov/watersense

Test your eco-knowledge with this quiz that debunks myths about saving the planet.

idealbite.com

A daily newsletter for quick hits and tips, like how to make natural cleaning products and the top picks for organic foods.

alamotitle-austin.com

We have valuable source of resources for you to start your marketing campaign for the new year, including a "Go Green" worksheet. Contact your local Alamo Title Marketing rep or call 512-483-6710 or christine.herrera@alamotitle.com

After flipping through a copy of Real Simple February 2009, I noticed a great article listed as 10 business strategies to organize your family life written by Patrick Lencioni. He is also noted for some of his books such as Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Death by Meeting.

I love reading. I read through several magazines, books, online and several blogs. some of my most favorite have to do with business, management and real estate. I read through this article thinking "this can't be anything new I haven't heard of before!" After reading I thought to myself, why I have heard these topis before, but haven't put enough thought into adding this into my personal life. So here is what Mr. Lencioni recomments:

1. Identify your core values. Companies define their core values and that provide a great framework for makng decisions. Do this with your family too.

2. Establish a single top priority. If everything is important, nothing is. Boy isn't this true. How about I focus on business at work and family during family time. This is so easy to forget and distracted!

3. Keep your values and top priority visible. You don't need an engraved plaque to remind you what's important. But it is good to have a ready reference. He recomendes placing a hand written note on your stove or refridgerator.

4. Don't make snappy decisionss. In onther words, do not make too many commitments. (I am so guilty of this) His example is forgiving his son for not being in cub scouts, basketball, football and piano lessons. Too many distractions for the family.

5. Understand your opportunity cost. In business this is easier to spot, however being involved in every club or sport is not necessary important to you and your family. It is ok to say no.

6. Assess which balls bounce and which ones break. Figuring out which task are really important and which task can wait until tomorrow.

7. Don't confuse long-term strategies and short-term tactics. Stop filter them out and return to them later.

8. Meet often to review your progress. Families do need to meet once a week to review what is going on and what adjustments need to be made. This is one area my husband and I are good at-communication. If you don't sit down and talk, how in the world do you know what is going on with your spouse/family/friends.

9. Get out of the office from time to time. Take a date night, or family night. Some people never slow down which can lead to unhealthy family realtionships.

10. Welcome productive conflict. make good decisions and stick to them!

I think these are some great ideas to add to your personal and/or work life. If nothing else these are always a good reminder.