Three Yes's to success!

I remember my first year selling real estate when my broker made me watch one video right after the other of Tom Hopkins as he masterfully converted prospects into sales through a series of asking the right questions. It was both impressive and amazing at how asking the same question in different form would eventually lead to the desired outcome . . . namely, a 'yes' answer.

Improving your sales skills is just like singing . . . practice, and you get better. Eventually, you'll get to the point where the only words you constantly hear, is 'yes!'
















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

It's Time for a New Swing!

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. -Albert Einstein

One of my favorite coaching activities I do with agents one-on-one is to simply ask them what activities they've done in the past 7 days. (For those of you I've done this to, you know exactly what I'm speaking of.) As the agent starts to rattle off activities such as pop-bys, open houses, phone calls to sphere, listing appointments, etc, I simply type down the activities into an online document so that we can keep track of successes and challenges.

Now, at first glance, the activities look great! But then we have to dig a little deeper . . . "So, what new listing appointments did we get this week? What new sales did we get? How many new contacts did we add to our database? How many follow up calls did we make? What exactly did you say in those phone calls? How many referrals did we get?" You get the picture.

Can I be brutally honest? Many of us are the Charles Barkleys of real estate. What I mean by this is that when we were playing real estate basketball and in the zone of a fantastic market, all the shots were going in. Well, we're playing a new game. Many of us are forty pounds heavier, out-of-shape, and in desperate need of a new swing. Step 1, swallow pride and admit change is a necessity. Step 2, get yourself a Haney (referring to a coach - Hank Haney is Tiger Woods' swing coach). Step 3, hit a whole heck of a lot of balls (practice, practice, practice).

Of course, there's always the alternative . . . remain on your current path. Every once in a while, you might get lucky and make contact. Watch the video. Which swing are you?

(If the image below does not appear, 'copy' the following URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrQQH4ZcuhY , go to http://www.youtube.com/, then 'paste' it into the address bar and press enter.)

Ever Wonder what you look like in HD?

(If the image below does not appear, 'copy' the following URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQAtT3klssY , go to http://www.youtube.com/, then 'paste' it into the address bar and press enter.)

I'm now re-motivated to get back into the gym!

I'm being followed!

So I'm playing around with Twitter the other day and decide I should start to follow a few more people! Naturally, being a good citizen, I thought I would follow President Barack Obama! The coolest thing is that he returns the favor and decides to follow me right back! Thanks Barack!

Btw, according to http://www.wefollow.com/ , Barack is close to losing his #2 follow ranking by none other than, Britney Spears! (no additional commentary needed on that note!)

I'm So Excited!

I remember standing in line for hours upon hours with great anticipation when Star Wars Return of the Jedi was first released! The line around the building seemed to go on for miles! My heart was pounding as I finally sat in my seat and I made sure I didn't have anything to drink for hours to be sure I wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the movie to go to the bathroom.

Now I've put those childish things behind me . . . except for this!

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2009/03/get-a-look-at-the-palm-pre/

Real Estate Blogging!

We're all just learning about this crazy business of blogging! What are your thoughts about this form of communication for the real estate industry?

Awareness Test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4



I remember watching this video in high school! If you haven't seen this clip, watch it first before reading the rest of this entry. . .

The question for me is, "what's the obvious that I'm missing?" For many of us, we're still focused on blaming the current economy and "the market" rather than potentially the real issue (the moon-walking bear); it's the fear of change and uncertainty.

This is a time in history for all of us to establish new and better habits when it comes to our business, our spending, and the things most important in our lives.

Let's not waste this great opportunity!

The Power of Conformity!

Are you conforming to this market? Or will you keep focused or re-focus on what it's going to take to thrive?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1euWT3NZjY

A Historic Day

When I was a little kid, my parents would tell me that one day I would grow up to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or even President (of Korea that is)! All throughout High School, Junior High, and even Elementary, I was involved with School Government and I loved it! I actually told a counselor as I entered into college that I may pursue politics so I majored in International Studies at the University of Washington.

As I watched our new President being sworn in today, I was surprised at how emotional I got! This emotion was a mix of pride for our country alongside a sense of hope for the future. Before my boys go to sleep tonight, I get to tell them something that I truly believe . . ."When you grow up, you can be anything you want to be, even President of the United States." What an incredible day today is . . . but what's it got to do with selling more houses?

The buying and selling decision is an emotional one. When consumer confidence goes up because of events such as this, Joe the Plumber who's been sitting on the fence of buying his dream house might actually listen to his John L. Scott Residential specialist that now is in fact, a great time to buy!