Roslyn Ashford

A friend of mine started an annual new years ritual of creating vision board to start the New Year. I hear now that vision boards are linked to the Law of Attraction, and I can see that. But I realize that my parents used to do them way back when (like in the 70's) before the Law of Attraction was as well known as it is today.

But the concept is the same - a vision board is a collection of images and words taken from magazines to illustrate or visualize your goals and outcomes for the upcoming year. This year, I assembled the pieces of my vision full of intent of a propserous, fun and uniquely amazing year.

While many people agree that that creating the vision is important, I have heard two schools of thought on what to do once the board is completed. One school says to hang it where you see it daily and visualize your future, while another argument I have heard made says to create it, and then put it away. the power of the vision is that you don't have to visit it every day, just going through the motion of being intentful on your vision is enough.

For me, I have hung mine where I can see it daily...so - have you made your vision board yet? Can you share one thing you are looking to do/be/see in 2009?

Last Thursday night in DC - it was cold, rainy and cold...brr. Not the type of night that you find lots of DC folks out and about.

But I went to an event which was PACKED! At a retail store no less - and NOT for a sale, either!

The Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams furntiure store on 14th street had an event with Domino magazine - promoting a recently published book on decorating. The pull was the first 50 people were to receive the book for free - and have it signed by one of the authors. The event started at 5:30 and let me tell you, the place was brimming with people. I arrived at 5:20 and stood in line to get the book, only to miss it by three people. But it didn't stop there - people kept flowing in and by 6:00 there were people everywhere. I am sure there were at least 150 people there - which I found amazing. Mind you, the store is NOT within walking distance of a Metro station and yes, they did offer valet, along with free cocktails and appetizers...but having full house was still impressive. And of course, because it was so crummy outside, people probably stayed longer than usual rather than a quick walk in and out.

This event totally motivated me to starting thinking of ways to partner with larger companies - even retailers - to help get awareness out about my business. I went back through my list and thought of a few people to contact and am meeting with one later today.

So I throw this out to stagers and small business owners - who might you be able to partner with and have a full house on a rainy, cold night!?

Over the weekend, I noticed an interesting thing at my local Whole Foods - Christmas Trees!! I was shocked!! Live Christmas trees are being sold by the entrance to the store!?! And I wondered - since when did Whole Foods start selling Christmas trees? Since I live only a block away from the store (luckily or unluckily) I at least pass by it weekly and I couldn't remember any Christmas trees being sold in the past...shucks the hardware store next door doesn't even sell them??

Then I thought - even Whole Foods is doing what they have to do to stay in business! They know that things are tight, people want more one-stop shopping...so the store took advantage of their space, regular foot traffic, loading area, staff to cut and wrap the trees - easy as pie! Good thinking Whole Foods!

In the same spirit, yours truly, a fabulous interior decorator and stager, has recently started selling silver jewelry. I have the space and time, know a lot of women and it is perfect for the holidays! In essence - their Christmas trees are like my silver jewelry business.

So....what are you selling or doing to keep money flowing in during these lean economic times? Let me know - I would love to hear what you are getting into! If Whole Foods can do it, you can too!

Over the weekend, I happened to read a GREAT article in the Washington Post real estate section with advice on how to sell vacant homes. Check out the link below to read the article yourself...

Byeond White walls and empty rooms

Here are a few of the highlights taken directly from the article...

"It's a challenge to sell any home in this real estate market. But selling a vacant home is an even bigger task, real estate agents say. Many house hunters can't picture their furniture in a house that is completely empty. The blank walls and empty rooms leave a negative impression with many."

"To really capture a sale, buyers need to be able to mentally move into the home they are considering," Murphy said. "When you stage a vacant home, you're providing an example for a buyer. The worst thing you can do is make your potential buyer guess. You need to do the work for them."

..."Burger does recommend that owners of vacant condominiums stage their properties before putting them on the market. Condo buyers are more often first-timers who may not have the same ability to visualize themselves in bedrooms and kitchens that are empty of furniture, tables and chairs, he said."

Thanks to the Wash Post for this great and timely article. I hope some of the DC area realtors checked out the article and if you have an active vacant home listing, give me a call and let's see what we can work out! Cheers!

Really good article written today in the washington post - click the link below if you haven't seen it yourself...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/31/AR2008103101604.htm

Any thoughts or comments on this subject matter?