The Real Estate Book
June 30, 2009
When I first got my license, 12 years ago, I advertised in the real estate book. Many of you probably have seen this pamphlet in the entrances of grocery stores, in the home shaped boxes on corners, or at convenience stores. This free magazine is perfect for someone who is beginning to look at homes because it has such an array of choices. The small print ad allows you to see one photo of the home and a few sentences of information.
The Real Estate Book now has a web site where every listing in the book is also uploaded on line with more photos and information. Most of the time, the MLS number will be there and links leading you the main website of the realtor. You can even search by the web ID from the book, for agents, or homes in your area. Take a look here.
Although I had taken a bit of a break from advertising with them from when I first started practicing real estate, I decided to recently work with them again. The second issue is due to come out in the beginning of July, so swing by your closet Fred Meyers, or email me to request a copy!
Your Realtor & Friend, Barbara Nelson
The Power of Focus
April 22, 2009
I have been reading a fabulous book lately that I really wanted to share with you. It’s called “The Power of Focus” by Jack Canfield, Les Hewitt, and Mark Victor Hansen. These authors also took part in writing the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. It’s not just another self improvement book that you read and then it lands on the bookshelves for the next several years. This book is interactive with homework assignments at the end of each chapter. For those looking for some serious change in their lives, both personal and professional, this is the book to read. It’s introspective, enlightening and not for the faint of heart. It makes you ask the tough questions and requires you to take action for a real permanent transformation.
At Keller Williams Realty we have been reading this in our current book club. This is a book that can also be read more than once and continues to open your eyes. Our Team Leader has encouraged us to complete the homework assignments in the book and to re-read the book each year. You can review the transformations that you took a year ago and remind yourself what your strengths are and how to utilize them. It has been a joy to examine this book with 15 other motivated professionals.
Not only is this book perfect for the professional setting, these wonderful authors have also written The Power of Focus for College Students, The Power of Focus for Women, and The Power of Faithful Focus. I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself, your spouse, and your older children. You won’t be disappointed.
The Power of Focus
Facebook.. Is it here to stay?
April 17, 2009
Facebook is all the rage, but is it here to stay or just another passing fad? Recently my daughter set up a Facebook page for me to network with friends and business associates. In just a few short months I have reconnected with old high school friends, a realtor that sold me a house 17 years ago and relatives I only used to talk to once every 4 years when someone either died or got married. I am also able to see photos of their kids, vacations, and get status updates as to their day to day activities. But come on…I don’t really want to know if someone is finally catching up on 7 years of back taxes, although I am sure the IRS would be interested and I really do not want to be poked or prodded, take any ridiculous trivia quizs (particular the IQ test) and invited to join the mafia….even if my nickname is Baby Face Nelson. Kidding aside, it’s a great way to stay in touch and share ideas, hopes and dreams. Recently one of our Keller Williams associates lost a son and he received over 700 messages on facebook from those wanting to send their condolences. He was overwhelmed and touched.
Flip Mino HD Handheld Camcorder
April 17, 2009
While attending the Keller Williams National convention in Orlando Florida last month I was introduced to a really cool technology gadget for both business and personal use. It’s the Flip Mino HD handheld camcorder. It’s currently the world’s smallest camcorder with high definition and cinematic widescreen capability. It will take up to 60 minutes of video and has a USB port that will directly upload video to YouTube and MySpace. It’s small and compact and simple to use…even this old dog can use this camera. At the low cost of $189 it’s a great was to capture those special moments and share with friends and family. Visit the flip website for more information.
A Sense of a Goose
April 7, 2009
A Sense of a Goose
When you see geese flying along in “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 % greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone – and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are. When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What messages do we give when we honk from behind? Finally-and this is important-when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
Author Unknown
Keller Williams Family Reunion 2009!!
March 4, 2009
Every year, Keller Williams has a wonderful convention called Family Reunion. The point is to gather the agents from Keller Williams Realty from all over the country together to share, learn, and have a wonderful time together. This year, fortunately, it was based in Orlando, Florida, which was perfect, considering the weather we have had lately in Portland… (I took advantage of the beautiful weather there.)
The convention was AWESOME! Not only did I get the opportunity to spend quality time with the people I traveled with from our Sunset Corridor office, but I got to learn from the pros; the people who have learned what works! After returning from this trip, I am so motivated and have really been reminded what I love about this company and real estate. I learned how to make those changes from my every day routine so I can increase my sales and be more effective. I talked to many people who are very successful and they were so open and willing to share what has worked for them.
It was so refreshing to see all of the agents who really exemplify what this company is all about. Teamwork, sharing, helping each other, because, in the end, we are a team. We learned that Keller Williams is now the #3 real estate company in the country(!!!!) moving from the #4 spot last year, and that Keller Williams was the only company with profits this last year, and most importantly, there were no lay offs at the corporate level!
Also, our particular office, Keller Williams Sunset Corridor, won three awards!! Our hard work has paid off! We are very proud of our team leader, Beth King, and all of the hard work she has done to help us get where we are.
I am excited to return next year to the Family Reunion, which will be in New Orleans!
Here is a quote from the CEO of Keller Williams, Mark Willis:
“The success of Keller Williams Realty can be directly attributed to the hard work and perseverance of our associates and the soundness of our economic and organizational models,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “While others might be looking at this market and seeing fear and uncertainty, we have always approached it as our opportunity to shine and grow. And that mindset has paid off.”
Check out the full article here
Barbara Nelson
Keller Williams, Sunset Corridor
503-803-0562
barbara@noplacelikeportland.com
It’s all about attitude
March 4, 2009
During Thomas Jefferson’s presidency he and a group of travelers were crossing a river that had overflowed its banks. Each man crossed on horseback fighting for his life. A lone traveler watched the group traverse the treacherous river and then asked President Jefferson to take him across. The president agreed without hesitation, the man climbed on, and the two made it safely to the other side of the river where somebody asked him: “Why did you select the President to ask this favor?” The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the President of the United States who had carried him safely across. “All I know,” he said, “is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No’ and on some of them was the answer ‘Yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.”
| “The most significant decision I make each day is my choice of an attitude. When my attitudes are right there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme and no challenge too great.” – Charles Swindoll
Found from inspirationpeak.com |
New Blog!
February 18, 2009
Check out my new blog at http://activerain.com/blogs/rubyslippersinc
I will continue to post here as well, but it is just another place for my blogs to be read.
Thanks!
Barbara Nelson
Keller Williams Realty, Sunset Corridor
Direct: 503-803-0562
Office: 503-270-5604
As we make plans for our life and set goals consider the following story:
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the pay check, but needed to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he would build just one last home as a personal
favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy
workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.
When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front door key
to the carpenter. “This is YOUR house—my gift to you,” he said.
Life is no different. Each of us is given lumber, a hammer, some nails, and a saw—but no instructions or blueprints for our lives. If we ignore a bent nail here, a split board there, and wall out of plumb, we may find ourselves living in a ramshackle cabin where a beautiful home might have stood. Then we step back for a good look and recognize that we were the carpenters in charge.
Build your home with pride. Use the right tools. Get the education you need. Learn from a master. Take no shortcuts. Finish it with the finest touch. Remember—the plaque on the wall says, “ Life is a do-it yourself project.”
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE . . . !
February 16, 2009
I found this little story and thought it would be nice for you all to read!
INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
A lone shipwreck survivor on an uninhabited island managed to build a crude hut in which he placed all that he had saved from the sinking ship. He prayed to God for deliverance, and anxiously scanned the horizon each day to hail any passing ship.
One day he was horrified to find his hut in flames. All that he had was gone. To the man’s limited vision, it was the worst that could happen and he cursed God. Yet, the very next day a ship arrived. “We saw your smoke signal,” the captain said.
Hmmm! Ever have a big sale fall through? Been disappointed when a friend or loved one failed to come through for you when you needed them? Have you wondered why a goal or objective wasn’t achieved as expected?
If you’re over the age of 18, you’ve probably noticed that we don’t get everything we would like, exactly when we think we should. Yet, it’s amazing how certain things just show up in our lives when we least expect to see them – like the rescue ship.
It is often said that we “shouldn’t get too attached to outcomes.” We can set objectives, believe they can be achieved, and work to make them happen, but it’s best not to get too attached to the outcome. What appears to be a worthy goal may go down in flames, only to be replaced with a magnificent result we had not anticipated.
When you find your hut in flames and fear the worst, think back to this oft quoted reminder: “Fear knocked at the door – faith answered – no one was there!”
