WOW! This was a very exciting Office Contest ~ for any of you who are trying to think of different Productivity Challenges in your office THIS WAS A GREAT ONE!
And not just because I won! LOL...
The truth is that this seemingly simple office productivity contest amp up my participation and enthusiasm for Keller Williams Valley Realty. Let me give you the low down. The contest ran from September 1st 2008 to December 15th 2008. The grand prize was a paid trip to Orlando Florida, flights, hotel and admission to Keller Williams Family Reunion! (Family Reunion is an educational, inspirational & networking conference held yearly, for all KW Agents and Realtors from other brokerages interested in high octane learning and networking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Points were earned by:
The results were surprisingly overwhelming, with many agents jumping to cover a floor duty shift, within seconds of an 'ALL PAGE', increased class sizes, and increased listings taken :)
We tried to even the playing field by requiring teams to split their points on listings taken and listings sold. Ultimately the goal to increase productivity and participation within our office was greatly achieved!
Thank you to our 2008 ALC (Agent Leadership Council) for approving and implementing a great contest!
If you're going to FR in Florida in February ~ safe travels ~ Hope to see you there :)
The sun was shining today, and even though we still have a chill in the air, here in Abbotsford, BC, I was reminded of my recent trip to Ottawa.
Well not too recent, it was in Autumn 2008 and 'O'Canada' ~ 'Oh so Beautiful.'
Do you ever feel that life is getting a little too crazy, the pressures of having to produce and doing what it takes to be successful weigh on your mind and body and spirit?
Sometimes you just have to get away, gain some perspective! Go to the spa, that sort of thing!
And that is exactly what I did!
I was at an open house, it's a regular thing for me, at a development just down the road from my house.
Thursday - Sunday 1 - 4!
I was thinking... (On a Thursday, there's a bit of time for thinking!) 'If I go away for a day or two, spa day, catch up with friends!' 'Maybe I could even attend a Keller Williams Training Event, network, referrals, get out of my comfort zone a little'
I went online to Keller Williams University and thought well the largest Keller Williams office in CANADA is located in Ottawa, the Bronson office! I have a friend in Ottawa that was just about to have her 35th Birthday! It all seemed too easy.
So tickets booked and a phenomenal course selected, Buyer and Seller Mastery ~ taught by Rick Geha. Easy as that, I hit the spa on Thursday! Went to the KW Course on Friday! There I met Mary-Anne Gillespie who was so hilarious and great to talk to, Mary-Anne was kind enough to take me to a local watering hole Friday night as well, what a blast.
I took myself on a tour of Ottawa on Saturday, in high heels ~ armed with a handbag & my iPhone.
I was searching for beauty & light!
I captured so many great shots of this wonderful city in it's glory.
Two hours later, it was time for a break... enough walking... so I treated myself to high tea at a beautiful hotel ~ Fairmont Chateau Laurier, wow what a treat and next to impossible to eat all the delicacies.
It was out on the town with some friends from New Zealand Saturday Night! And home on Sunday in time for Thanksgiving.
What an adventure!
Mission accomplished, and much fun had!
Ottawa is beautiful, saving a perfect Autumn day just for me.
Amazing and any wonder I didn't come back more exhausted than when I left.
The only problem is now I think I'm completely and utterly hooked to attending courses outside my region.
I have a secret... I love apples... Green, fresh & cold apples!
I eat apples in the morning, on the way to take listings, on my way back from taking the listing, even as I'm walking into the restaurant to have lunch with fellow Realtors! LOL
My colleague Jen Lal has noticed my affinity for eating apples. To question 'why' is to ask why a Zebra has stripes... really...
Our apples are our great ideas,the ones that set us apart from the rest. I'm sure if we're like minded then you know what I mean! As Realtors we are continuously on the go, from here to there, getting to the office, getting to the appointment.
We time block and then we are left with the challenge of sticking to our schedule. If you erase you must replace. That sort of thing... and it doesn't stop, not even for a good idea
If you ask me the process we take with cultivating our ideas, and sharing them with others isn't too far off the idea of planting a seed and watching it grow!
Eat an apple, Save the core.
Plant the seeds. And grow some more. 
We have the ability to effect each others lives through the way we conduct our businesses. While driving around our cities we come up with so many interesting and wonderful ideas for our businesses, our offices. Some of these thoughts would be better once shared.
Ten red apples grow on a tree, five for you and five for me.
Let us shake the tree just so, And ten red apples will fall below 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Once an idea is shared there is MORE for everyone.
Even when everyone has taken a bite, there are still seeds left to be planted.
This is beginning to sound like I'm about to break out in song or something... and that wasn't my intention. Just my thoughts. Actually it's beginning to remind me of a play we did in grade 4, Johnny Appleseed.
Johnny Appleseed spent 49 years of his life in the American wilderness planting apple seeds. Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman. He created apple orchards in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio. After 200 years, some of those trees still bear apples.
Johnny Appleseed's dream was for a land where blossoming apple trees were everywhere and no one was hungry. A gentle and kind man, he slept outdoors and walked barefoot around the country planting apple seeds everywhere he went.
Johnny was a friend to everyone he met. Indians and settlers liked Johnny Appleseed. His clothes were made from sacks and his hat was a tin pot. He also used his hat for cooking. His favorite book was the Bible.
I have another secret... I love ideas... Wonderful, new & innovative ideas!
Howdya like them apples?!...
 |
|
|
At Keller Williams the agents are our partners ~ they share in the profits, they have a say in the decision-making and they are empowered to build their businesses to the highest possible level!
Biography
Work hard. Play harder.
I am extremely happy to be living an working here in the Fraser Valley. In my heart Abbotsford has always been my home. Real Estate has been a part of my life almost as long as I can remember. My father, Hank Van Nes, sold real estate in the Fraser Valley from 1989 until his passing in November 2005.
Raised on a raspberry farm in Abbotsford and playing rugby in Vancouver for several years during high school and university I experienced the best of both the country and city life. Chosen for regional & provincial rugby teams including Vancouver, Fraser Valley, BC Under 19, BC Senior Women's and CCSD (a Canadian development squad) it was clear my enthusiasm for the sport had no end and led me overseas to New Zealand to play rugby for Wellington and Wellington's NPC team.
Living in New Zealand I was exposed to a wide range of culture and diversity. During the nearly eight years I lived there I gained knowledge and experience in advertising, sales & marketing as well as property & finance. My family and I moved back to Abbotsford in 2005. It was later the next year when I began selling new home construction for E. Schmidt Construction in Auguston and more recently for DKT Homes at The Pines. I am committed to the growth and development of the city of Abbotsford. It is also my commitment to you that I grow and develop my business in an ethical and respectful manner.
Ask me about what we can do to reduce the carbon footprint of the average realtor!
A New Career with Keller Williams Realty?
At Keller Williams Elite Realty, we like to think we stand out from other real estate firms in many ways, but these areas in particular define Keller Williams Realty as an industry innovator and leader:
We are a company built and shaped by talented, driven real estate professionals who know the value of having a great career, accomplished colleagues, work-life balance, and a reputation for being the best in the business.
We focus on helping associates realize their fullest potential. You will find opportunities for growth, support for achieving your objectives and a true sense of family & belonging. We focus on helping associates realize their fullest potential. You will find opportunities for growth, support for achieving your objectives and a true sense of family and belonging. We are committed to providing the tools agents need to thrive in today's market. SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times is the latest book from Gary Keller, author of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. Your success is our goal.... Make today the day you begin the next fulfilling chapter in your life and career.
At Keller Williams Realty, we like to think we stand out from other real estate firms in many ways, but these areas in particular define Keller Williams Realty as an industry innovator and leader: Culture, Education, Profit Share and Technology.
"We are very pleased to have become the first residents of Pines. Dan & Tammy of DKT Homes have been most gracious and very responsive to any questions we have had. We find our home comfortable and are confident that the workmanship and quality is first rate. There is so much about the layout and design of our new digs that just makes sense. These folks are easy to work with, and having DKT finish the basement to the same standards as the rest of the house was, we think an excellent decision. We moved in and felt at home in days. We are looking forward to developing many great friendships at the Pines. Thanks and all the best to you Realtor Katie, and Dan & Tammy! Your integrity shows through."
With Warm Regards,
Merv & Carol Boschman
"We are very pleased to be new owners at the Pines. We found a home that had just the right design for our lifestyle. The finish is top notch so every time we enter our home we have a WOW response. From the very beginning we were impressed. Katie was a welcome Realtor at the open houses. Dan and Tammy work hard to produce a great home and went the extra mile to help us finish a few extras before we moved in. If you can get a DKT home you will definitely be thrilled."
Gary and Sherinne Cropley
"We were immediately drawn to the design and layout of the house. Then we were pleased with all the extra details put into the house that can be easily overlooked but represent the care of the builders. Any deficiencies were resolved without question. It has been a wonderful move for our family."
Loridawn and Brent Fawcett
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
