Calling all Team Leaders

Team Summit 2007 - Did you miss it? One of the best meetings of the year was a new meeting, the RE/MAX Team Summit in Las Vegas. Brian Buffini has done it again and hosted with Dave Liniger the team event. The focus was on different types of team models, compensation structures, and how to be financially successful. If you want more information check it out on RE/MAX.net and we have some information available in the office.

Where can you get CE?

One year to go until license renewal. Every year at this time many of us would head out to the annual conventions and fill our CE requirements. It used to be that CE was offered at limited times. Today it seems that every week you can find a class either at our board, a surrounding board or on the RSN Satellite that will satisfy our requirements. Many times these classes are free or offered at a discounted price. Next year as we get closer to renewal the classes will be offered, but instructors start to charge premium pricing. If you want to get some good education make sure you are frequently checking your e-mail for announcements. This winter is the time to get it completed and get good information to increasing your professionalism.

Children's Miracle Challenge

Did you miss our company golf tournament? This year we held our fourth annual RE/MAX Miracle Challenge at Old Hawthorne. Teams came from Columbia, Jefferson City, and surrounding cities. It was a great day and we thank all of our sponsors for their contributions. RE/MAX is a corporate sponsor of the Children's Miracle Network and this year we were recognized as an outstanding business at the local gala. Thank you to all the agents who participated and helped sponsor the event.

Governor's Conference on Economic Development

I attended the Governor's Conference on Economic Development on behalf of the Missouri Association of REALTORS last week in Springfield Missouri. This is an event focused on discussing and recognizing projects that help bring businesses to Missouri. ABC Labs was recognized for their initiatives at Discovery Ridge. The REALTORS were one of the main sponsors and sent the message that we are leaders in helping people move to Missouri. This conference is held each fall at locations across the state.

Subprime Successes

Thank you to our lender panelists today for sharing their knowledge on the subprime markets. If you would like more information on the statistics presented today in the presentation Click here

Agents with a Heart

This weekend RE/MAX Boone Realty agents and staff participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. 85% of all customers say that they are more likely to work with someone who contributes to community charities. We raised money for a great cause and had a fun time chatting while getting in a good morning walk at Stephen's Lake. Many of us walked in honor of those we have lost to heart disease or those who we know who are inflicted with a problem. For more information go to http://www.americanheart.org/

I am successful!

I attended a class this week from The Pacific Institute, with Lou Holtz. For 35 years TPI has helped individuals and companies reach their potential. We know that goal setting is important, but to achieve the dreams that we can envision, it is important that we see ourselves today where we want to be tomorrow. Start each day and look yourself in the mirror and say "I am successful". Each of us has a special gift and talent to share with the world. Make sure you take the time to remind yourself that you are a top agent, you are loved by your clients, you are the best you be!

Register Now for the Convention

The early bird dealing for the registering for the NAR convention is August 15th. If you have never been, this is an experience of a lifetime. Speakers, tradeshow, CE classes and enthusiasm. You will learn tools and tips to boost your business and meet enough friends to make referrals for a lifetime. To register visit www.realtor.org. Viva Las Vegas!

Real Estate News in Columbia

You can't watch the news, listen to the radio, or open up the paper without seeing some news about the real estate market. Real estate development is also the hot topic in Columbia. The Columbia Board of REALTORS provides a service to the Legislative Policy committee where they push the articles that are relevant to your in-box. If you would like more information on keeping up with the latest news, contact Lee at the board.

10 Ways to Blog With the Best

How can you make a blog work for you? Check out these 10 ideas!

1. Create a blog with pictures only - Create a running list of the homes that you have sold.
2. Ask the expert - Make your blog interactive and encourage someone to ask a question and post your expert replies.
3. Develop a blog with your team of experts - be the resource for up-to-date information on real estate.
4. Add a blog to your website to easily post current thoughts about you. Use it as a way to let the public get a look into your personality.
5. Have customers post testimonials about your service by way of a blog.
6. Use lists to create your favorite things.
7. Be a contributor on other REALTOR blogs to generate referrals.
8. Post comments on local blogs about real estate information as a way of prospecting.
9. Make sure that you post the link to your blog on your website and use as an additional resource.
10. The marketing is free!

What is RE/MAX going to do for me?

I am sure this thought goes through your mind from time to time. I think this translates to how can RE/MAX help me grow my business. If you are going to grow your business and income, you are in need of the information to take you to the next level. March 2007 RE/MAX announced RE/MAX University. This is comprehensive training on assistants, teams, business planning, prospecting, goal setting and more. Information is available online, classroom style, television, podcast, and streaming video. You should have received a catalog with all your resources in hand. It is amazing and is one of the best things that RE/MAX does for you. Make sure you are taking advantage of these superior resources.

Don't Forget to Contact Your Clients

I just recently returned from a meeting in Chicago where I met a broker who is working on a 42 day marketing plan for listings. The concept is that if you are a seller you will be contacted everyday for 42 days into the listing. The reason for this is if the property has not sold in six weeks, it is time to revisit the price. You can't get a price reduction if the seller does not have a rapport with you. Several things on the list are things that you are already doing, and several ideas are great ways to make contact and show your value. If you would like to review the plan and help tailor make it to our market, let me know.

Company Comparison Charts

RE/MAX Company Comparison Charts are available online and at the office. These are a must when you are working with your clients. They are not going to know the power of RE/MAX and the market share unless YOU tell them. These are for working with Buyers and Sellers. Sellers want to know that you can find them a buyer and you need to push the power of RE/MAX. For example - If our buyers market share is twice that of a competitors we are twice as likely to bring the buyer. This is what they want to hear - Don't forget them when you leave to meet your clients.

Books to boost your business

I love reading new books and checking out new information. Several people have told me the book Smart Women Finish Rich, by David Bach changed their lives. He also writes Smart Couples Finish Rich. I figured it was time I picked up a copy. It is a great book on the principles of money and how you can organize your entire financial picture. No matter if you have one dollar or a million to your name, this is a great book. Several times it references the Millionaire Next Door (another good read) and challenges you to develop the financial picture you would like to have.

Check out these Blogs

One of my favorite blogs is the NAR President's Blog. The reason this is a favorite it that it is filled with links and resources to the ideas and concepts talked about. For example, the most current posting is on video and pod casting. There are tool kits on how you can incorporate video into your marketing with the tools and suggestions on how to get started. The other reason is that our 2007 President gets it! Pat is focused on information that will help you sell more real estate. Most blogs are focused on what is happening to them, this is about what CAN happen to you!

CE Listing Presentation Class

Did you miss the listing presentation class by Wayne Fredrick, if so, you missed out on a treat. This class was well attended and the agents got great information. One of the tips Wayne spoke about was having a separate cell phone for sign calls - yes another gadget to carry. But wait, think about the red phone concept. When it is ringing you KNOW it is a call you want to get. With all the contacts and chaos coming at you from several different directions, it might be something to consider. Stay tuned for more classes from Wayne - there may be more on the way.