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The last minutes of Continuing Ed...

Are you in a profession that requires continuing education like me? That was my day & Boy is it a struggle to endure an entire day of lecture, power point & fake quizzes...How did I ever make it through college?

The best part of these sessions is towards the end.  By this time, each licensee has set through 5-6 grueling hours of emotions ranging from utter boredom to distant daydreaming...Then, the laughing starts.  Like hysterical prisoners unable to use our IPhones & Blackberry's we start freaking out...This is especially tough for real estate folks - for us, the abrupt human shaking commences after 29 minutes without our phone/email device.

It starts to happen - the last minutes of continuing ed are the best...The guy next to me falls asleep & is snoring.  The intellectual next to him is just about to finish today's crossword puzzle - aloud.  The lady next to him is laughing for no reason.  The good student is distracted.  Something smells really bad. The guy in the front row is responding to email directly in front of the teacher, when the teacher asks him to stop, he does momentarily, then quickly finshes when the teacher turns his head...as if to say to the teacher/mall rentacop, "I'm not scared of you.  Really, what can you do to me?" 

Even though these days are long, hang in there...  The misery is about to conclude & the excitement is worth the wait.  The clock signals the day is over & the gallery rushes out like NASCAR drivers utilizing every exit to clear the building, cell phones lit up, & cars practically ram each other trying desperately to vacate the premises.  The last minutes are over & we couldn't be happier! 

Change = Death

How do we provide better service and successful results for our clients in a sluggish market?  The same tactics, although considered creative in recent times, aren't working as well or at all.

Perhaps it starts with change.  As Seth Godin says, "Change is the new normal." 

Dictionary definition of change: "to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone." Doesn't it also mean being willing to die to something we once held dear and close - Something that created stability in prior times & worked for a season?  Change = Death.

Hmm, where to start dying before you die?  That seems to be the question in a survival market. 

This is frightening, but exhilarating.  2010 will be an exciting year! 

We're All In

Had a great conversation with a client today who owns some properties, runs a business, and provides for his family.  We talked about how this deep recession has affected all of us - The young, the old, the rich, the poor, the in-between.  We laughed rejoicing in our common bond.

You can be sure all businesses are trying to create new revenue, being tested to step into areas they usually don't, & working through all the options.  No doubt, those who find a creative way through will be stronger.  What an exciting challenge!

When the rubber hits the road & the chin strap needs to be tightened, who can we lean on?  Who can we trust when life is scary and doesn't make sense - when we don't know where to turn? Lord, we need you.   

Growth During Downtimes

Here's an interesting article about growth cities faring well during the downturn.  Watch the slide show and notice the diverse & solid qualities they possess.     

National Small Business Week?

Its small business week. Yea Hoo! Now what the heck does that mean?

Glad we have our week. But really - With all the continued emphasis on corporate business, what is being done to help the true engine that runs the economy? Shouldn't we be working towards less regulation, tax credits and reductions, cash flow creation, and creative solutions for entrepreneurs who risk it all to further the cause of captialism?  Ok, I'm done now.

Our team works with lots of professionals trying to make their way.  We are facing tough choices, developing & changing our models for the better & trying new things.  We are learning to be comfortable with chaos.

The passage that grabbed me this morning is found here in Galations, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

The key: Do not give up. Here's to small business & wherever God has called you on mission - Keep pluggin! 

Keep Going

With the downturn economy, many are struggling - including me.  For small business, we face the concern of heavy taxes, raising healthcare costs, former clients cutting back on expansion, lack of normal business volume, & a daily dose of negative & poor attitudes.

Certainly, there are many threats & it seems common place to complain about how awful everything is.  When will it end?  Even worse, it turns many business folks apathetic.  It's sure easier to lead in good times. 

What is the opportunity?  The opportunity is to stick it out.  In his book, "The Dip," Seth Godin writes, "If you can get through the dip, if you can keep going when the system is expecting you to stop, you will achieve extraordinary results. 

Keep going wherever God has called you to.

^"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 

Government Workers

Thought this was hilarious!   The way its going, us small business folks will all be working for the government one day.:)

Rolla Coasta

This past week we've been out drumming up business.  Traveled miles & miles visiting regional retailers, warehouse users, investors, owners who need to sell, etc.

Folks have varying attitudes & levels of thinking - some feel great about investing one day & down the next.  It's like we're riding a roller coaster of economical emotions. 

I do think the spring weather is making a difference.  I believe folks are tired of watching sooo much depressing news - they are looking into stuff. If stimulus packages don't get us out of this downturn, I'm hoping simple things like mere boredom will. 

In the upcoming weeks we're hosting a couple of events in our community.  1) We're holding an investment seminar for some our clients & prospects.  We've invited a seasoned investor who plans to share some personal insight.  2) A local pastor is starting a men's homeless shelter in Shelbyville & has asked us to help him make some contacts who will pray, mentor, give, and influence others to do the same on behalf of the ministry.  We need to support our local leaders like this guy, who step up & out. 

I'll have more on both of these happenings soon.  Meanwhile, enjoy this weather & go buy something!

Just Ask

The "quote of the day" comes from a retired & well respected businessman from our local community, Mr. Bob Pearce: "If every sales person got off their butts & asked someone to buy something this would all be over." 

Blue Tooth = Blue Eye

I drive around town chattin on my phone most all day...Most folks think its attached to my head.  However, I refuse to be "that guy" who has a headset or danglin wire & gives the appearance of talking to someone or himself - If I did, I might end up like this guy -

Don't taze me bro :)