Katie Van Nes ~ Real Estate Consultant ~ Keller Williams Elite Realty

We all know we need to market ourselves so remember to promote yourself everywhere, and be unique.

Most of us have the same old advertising and the same as everyone else's.

Try something new and different.

Think about your responses when you are talking with clients/customers. If you meet or hear from someone new ask them "What did you hear about me?" not "How did you hear about me?" You will get way more info this way and maybe you can incorporate some of it into your marketing and promotional material.

Don't say "I did 100 hundred transactions/ends" - why not say "I was involved and assisted / helped 100 families move into their new homes" or whatever it is ........... it is far more effective. They don't care if you are Mr. or Mrs. #1 in Canada but they do care that you can help them.

When people ask you how you are doing or how business is, always be positive and upbeat. They don't want to work with someone who is negative or struggling or down in the dumps. Be upbeat and positive and for goodness sakes don't listen to those negative people around you! There are opportunities out there. Let your clients and customers know that you are in control, doing great and it will make them want to work with you. Keep your sense of humour!

Don't be a Secret Agent.

People love real estate and they want to talk about it. Where your name badge or the REALTOR pin when it is appropriate which is pretty much all the time unless you are partying or going to have road rage or something like that.

I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening a week ago for Reaction Fly & Tackle at their New Location, a 3000 sq ft store, #107 2054 Whatcom Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2K8.


For local business owners, and recipients of Abbotsford's Chamber of Commerce ~ Customer Service Excellence Award, Terry Skipper and Derick Van Nes, this move was the logical next step.


Reaction is with out a doubt the place to go for fishing tackle and apparel, whether locally in the Lower Mainland, at their Logan Lake location in the Logan Lake Lodge at 111 Chartrand Ave or shopping online.

The new 3000 sqare foot store houses apparel from many top of the line sporting apparel brand names.

This local business has taken customer service to the next level by offering classes on various topics. Take your time to browse through the upcoming events and take an opportunity to learn something new and improve your fishing savvy.

Rod Building

"It's one thing to catch a fish on a fly you've tied. It's a whole new sense of accomplishment to catch a fish on fly you've tied with the rod you've built." ~ Anonymous

Instructor Terry Skipper will guide you through every step of the rod building process. Start with a bunch of parts and end up with a customized work of art - just in time for trout, bass, and salmon seasons. Limited seating means you'll get plenty of attention. It also means you had better book your spot today.

Advanced registration required. Each student is responsible for their own rod building materials and supplies-a complete list will be provided.

Cost: $60
Required: Materials and supplies (list provided)
Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:00pm
Location: RFT Abbotsford

Chironomid Fishing Basics

Chironomids are a staple food for trout around the world. If you haven't used chironomid stillwater methods before now's your chance to learn from one of the best. Join professional guide and FlyMax Films contributor Matt Moisley as he steps you through a classroom session on entomological fundamentals (fancy term for life cycle and habits), location, presentation, and tying chironomids. Followed up with a half-day on the water session at Mill Lake.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to register.

Cost: $75 / person
Limit: 12
Dates / Times: 15 & 18 April 09
Location: Wednesday @ RFT Abbotsford, Saturday @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio

Book your spot for a 2 day on the water Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio (see bio below). Bring your favourite stick or use one of ours, and learn from one of the absolute best. Whether you're ready to get started and know nothing about spey casting, or need an expert to tweak your technique this is a must attend

With only 6 spots available, Chris is able to give ample time to everyone. Plus the course is conducted at a beach with plenty of room.

Chris is a certified Master Caster with the Federation of Fly Fishers and does numerous guest speaking engagements and over 30 fly fishing schools each year.

Chris has fished in Iceland, Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Europe. He was a fishing guide for over 8 years and has caught virtually every species of fish on the fly in Canada. His wide range of knowledge on the technical elements of the sport and his ability to implement them has resulted in several invitations to be part of the Canadian Fly Fishing Team and represent Canada at the World Games.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER TODAY. There are only a few spots left so don't delay!

Cost: $295
Limit: 6
Dates: April 18 - 19
Location: Fraser River

Fly Fishing 101

"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing."
~ Norman McLean, A River Runs Through It

Find out what it's all about in this two part course where we give you the head knowledge (terminology, equipment, etc) and then the basic skills to fling a fly.

Once you've fly fished, and anyone can do it, you will be hooked. It is an art and a science, a pastime and a passion.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER.

Cost: $95 / person
Limit: 6
Dates: TBA
Location: Classrom @ RFT Abbotsford, Practicum @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

I had the absolute pleasure to be one of thousands of real estate agents at Keller Williams Family Reunion in Orlando, Florida. My Monday morning was blessed by an amazingly simple and encouraging message.