Gene Mundt

Last night I happened to catch a blog posted by Eric Hempler (Keller Williams Realty). I thought the subject he touched upon was worth commenting on and I did so. I later decided it also was worthy of a follow-up blog of my own today.

Eric's article noted the placement and questionable content of a recent Facebook posting by someone he knew. Seems that he thought that this particular posting, and others like it, might prove hard to explain or embarassing in the future for the author(s). He questioned whether it could prove damaging to their business or their business reputation. He raised the point that maybe caution and forethought should have been taken prior to its posting.

I had just completed a discussion with my wife regarding this very topic prior to spotting Eric's blog, so it was very coincidental and timely. We were talking over an article that we had seen in a local Chicagoland paper. It was reported that there is a new business industry springing up and being sought out more and more frequently by businesses interviewing for new employees.

What type of service does this new industry offer?

Investigative/research services.

What are they investigating and researching?

Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, ActiveRain, chat rooms, and etc. that might contain postings, photos, opinions, and secrets of potential employees that are of a questionable nature. They are looking for postings that can later prove embarassing or damaging to their companies should they hire the applicant. They are looking to wean these applicants out before even giving them a chance for an interview.

Those photos you posted? Trouble now! That four-letter word you used? Someone finds it offensive! That post you wrote voicing your opinion? Uh-oh! The party you attended where you got a little tipsy? It's now recorded history on your friend's or co-worker's website!

Not only do you have to worry about your own postings ... but others too!

These postings can come back to bite you ...

We all need to be aware that this is occuring! We all need to talk and discuss the potential damage this can do to us personally and to our friends and co-workers should we go ahead and post things of a personal/questionable nature ... or without permission. We all need to stop and think before typing and uploading on these sites! There can be a price to pay if we do not.

I imagine that my wife and I are like millions of other parents. We always told our children to never do anything in public that they wouldn't want the whole world to see or know. My wife went one step further, telling our boys to never doubt the power of the "Mom Network". She told them if another mom saw them do something ... she'd find out. It never failed to freak them out a little when it actually happened!

We all need to be reminded and aware of this ... now more then ever if taking part on any social media outlet of any kind. It's doubly true if you're in business for yourself. The world is watching ... and can or will report everything you do or say.

We all need to remember ... mom may still be watching!

Living in the Chicagoland area is great. You can enjoy the best of both worlds ... a little city and a little country. Drive into the city and you can enjoy museums, zoos, the lakefront, theatre, the Magnificent Mile, major league sports, music entertainment of all kinds, and more. Yet, you can drive a relatively short distance and enjoy farm fields, open spaces, and nature in its abundance.

About 3 years ago, my wife and I ventured into the city and discovered the "Old Town School of Folk Music". Located on North Lincoln Avenue, it's smack in the middle of a vibrant section of the city of Chicago. In existence for 52 years, this school and music venue offers classes and workshops to over 6,000 music, art, and dance students (for young and old) each week. Classes are held seven days a week over 48 weeks of the year, in the main branch on Lincoln and 3 suburban locations.

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located near Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago. It was a haven for blacklisted folk artists, like Pete Seeger, during the shameful McCarthy years. Roger McGuinn, the founder of The Byrds, learned how to play 12-string guitar from folkie Bob Gibson at the school in the early 60's. Many other folk artists have been associated with the school over the years.

The first concert my wife and I attended at this venue was simply amazing. We found that the acoustics were fantastic and every seat in the house seemed intimate and offered a great view of the performers. We also had a chance to talk, mingle, and obtain autographs with the featured performers before and after the shows.

Every concert experience has offered the same wonderful experiences and opportunities. Each show has been excellent and personal access to the artists has been thrilling.

On Wednesday nights, the Old Town School of Folk Music offers free concerts to attendees. Some summer concerts in nearby parks are free also. Can't beat that price!

Young and old, novice and advanced players, all ethnicities ... everyone mingles during the concerts and classes, providing real opportunities for learning and sharing. There is a music store available offering instruments and sheet musics of all kinds. The Old Town School of Folk Music offers financial aid to all age groups looking to arrange private lessons. Group class attendees are awarded financial aid upon financial need.

If you're ever visiting our area, please think about visiting this great venue. For further information and concert/class schedules, go to: www.oldtownschool.org. You can also call: 773.728.6000. You'll be glad you checked this fantastic city offering out ...

In the past, I've mentioned countless times that I love sports and see a direct correlation between my participation on team sports during my past and my philosophy of "team" within my present business. For me personally, this concept just seems natural and works well.

Presently, I am in "team"-building mode. I am actively seeking to expand and strengthen my team by reaching out to those I wish to broaden and build strong relationships with. This includes referral partners, co-workers, and new loan officers. I'm planning and building the foundation for a new improved expansion team.

While many others may see the present as a time to play ultra-conservatively or to just maintain the team's status quo ... as my team's "coach", I see it as a time for planning, building, and implementation of a new improved game strategy.

I've got the present team members working out harder and smarter ... and I'm out scouting for new team members as well. After the turmoil and slow challenging market of the last few years, I am eagerly anticipating the return of a healthier economy and real estate industry ... and the friendly, healthy competition it brings.

And ... I want to be ready. If there is one thing that my 30+ years of experience has taught me regarding real estate ... it's that it's cyclical and we suffer highs and lows.

Obviously this last low has been a "beaut" ... knocking many of our industry's team members off the playing field, off the bench, and out of the stadium. But the fact remains, the industry has always bounced back and survived ... and we'll play another round of games. The rules of the game may have changed some along the way, but the game will go on.

I'm increasing my "fitness" now, so I'm ready to play and compete!

Recently, I received a great comment regarding one of my blogs from Karen Cooper, a mortgage banker/broker from Ashland, Oregon. She mentioned that she hosted wine tastings using local wines as a way of bonding and marketing to her referral partners. What a great way to promote not only your business, but other businesses and features of your local area!

Karen's region of the U.S. is noted for its wonderful wineries, but did you know that Illinois also can brag about its wine growing and harvest?

Most people think of Bordeaux in France, California's Napa Valley, Australia's Barossa Valley, and Oregon when they think about wine production. And, although it is true that a concentration of fine vineyards is to be found in these areas, the largest (in terms of land mass) wine growing area in the world is actually to be found in the Upper Mississippi Valley, which touches upon four U.S. states and includes Illinois.

Most vineyards found in this area are small and family-run, covering just four to 10 acres. They are very hands-on in nature and many allow access and up-close viewing of the wine-making process. Tours of the vineyard, coupled with other amenities, are not uncommon. Some will even let you mash and stomp your own grapes in the old-fashioned way. There is actually an annual festival held in the area that borrows its name from the famous "I Love Lucy" wine-stomping episode.

Galena, Illinois is a major focal point of the wine tours hosted in this area. The oldest winery in this area makes 40 different wines from grapes and other fruits, including apples, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and peaches ... even rhubarb. A wine tasting gallery is operated on-site along with a shop that offers all sorts of specialty items that compliment the wine experience.

Especially now, during autumn's spectacular colors, Galena and the entire Upper Mississippi Valley region is a place to consider for scenic fall stays and driving tours. The rolling hills, the beautiful small towns, B&B's, the glimpse of wild turkey, fox, and deer and the byway along the Mississippi, all offer visions of Illinois that most do not equate with the state.

I invite you to come visit our state. Relax ... sip one of our fine wines ... and stay awhile. You'll love it.

For additional info., go to:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/conditions/fall_color/

www.galena.org

www.jodaviess.org

gene@chicagobancorp.com

Just had to post this today ... seemed like a Friday thing to do!

This was sent to me courtesy of my good friend (and referral partner) Richard Stringham of Stringham Insurance Agency in Mokena, IL. The best "dog-gone" insurance man I know!

Thanks Richard!