Queen of Bliss, Joeann Fossland

Control Freaks.....What's Your Plan B?

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:40:55 -0600

Jimmy Dean said,"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow"

Mother Nature has a way of reminding us we aren't in charge, doesn't she? First Haiti and now Chile have felt her wrath with the horrendous earthquakes this year. It is a stark reminder of how impermanent our hold on reality is. Our US weather has also thrown us some curve balls this winter: Snowstorms and power outages can quickly render YOUR plans untenable-leaving you socked in, and unable to live life as usual. And, it's not just the weather. The economy and personal health issues can quickly change the best laid plans. Simply put, taking the future for granted, is risky business.

I read an interesting article yesterday comparing the physical impact of the 2 quakes. Chile had building codes that helped decrease the devastation and had the benefit of support systems to deal with this. I don't want to minimize in any way what they are going through there or in Haiti right now, but the difference between the preparedness and ability to be prepared probably saved a lot of lives in Chile. My love and empathy are with people in both countries. I do believe, though, we can always learn from all of the challenges in life and learning from another's lesson often saves some heartache. I know many of you are dealing with all of this in your own ways, whether it is the weather, your health or the economy.

How do you react when faced with having to go to Plan B? Do you have a Plan B?

Many people prefer not to think about or look at what could happen that could TOTALLY derail their plans. I certainly don't believe in dwelling here or awfulizing, but I do believe preparation for all eventualities is a very smart action.

At least once a year (when you do your business planning is a good time to review your Plan B's) take a look at a few areas:

•· What is Plan B if I got hurt of very sick this year?

•· What is Plan B if my income doesn't come from the projected sources?

•· What is my Plan B if my spouse or significant other dies?

•· What is my Plan B if an act of nature devastates my home?

•· What other areas of my life could be impacted by an unforeseen event?

At the end of this month, you should be doing your 1^st quarter review...that might be a good time to address these issues, if you don't have an answer in place!

And, then hopefully, you can have a year where the gratitude of not having to need a Plan B unfolds with all you have dreamed, and planned!

This makes me remember....Back in the 70's when we lived the hippie life...there was a day when I was frustrated because the ants had figured a way through the gasket in the refrigerator and were into the food! It had ruined my morning, but then I had a chat with someone who had just gotten horrid health news and I realized if ants in the refrigerator were the worst problem I had...life was not too bad! Those earthquakes sure put things into perspective as well and have given me gratitude for all that I am enjoying daily!

By the way... My friend, Carra Riley's Cosmic Cowpie Book, has a wonderful chapter on Plan B. If you don't know of her, take a look at her group, Cosmic CowPie here on ActiveRain. I believe you'll find some wisdom mixed with a fun perspective!

Have a Marvelous Week! It IS up to you!!!!!


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How Much of Your Life is YOURS????

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:20:23 -0600

Or does the way your life looks depend on the economy? The acceptance and expectations of others? Or the needs of others? Whew....we don't live in a rarefied existence where we are oblivious to and unaffected by the rest of the world....and yet, the happiest people have learned how to accept all this AND live a life that is 100% theirs!

As I work with coaching clients, the question of "what % of their life is theirs?" is one of the questions on my initial welcome package. Rarely do I see and response of 100%. It also seems the lower the percentage, the more stress that person is feeling. I know one of the causes of stress is the feeling of helplessness about things we have no control over. We all have situations and circumstances in our lives we can't control. It's how we perceive them that causes the stress or not.

I also have found when I work with people about creating goals, there are often goals that aren't really theirs, but expectations of others-their manager, or spouse, or parents. We often are trying to live up to other's expectations of us or our own that were, perhaps, created long ago and no longer hold any juice for us. It is OK to let go of these goals and it doesn't mean you are a failure!

So, my question for you today is "How much of your life is yours?"

Ask yourself these questions:

What goals do I have that I am not passionate about?
Who else expects me to work on that goal?
Why do I need to hold onto this goal?
What's the worst that could happen if I let go of this goal?
What daily activities do I do because someone else wants me to (and I don't)?
What circumstances are in my life right now that keep me from doing what I want?
What people keep sucking my time and energy so I can't do what I want?

Now, if you've been reading the last couple of weeks, you'll recognize the recent topics are closely related:

You ARE like those you hang out with...Is it time to upgrade?
And
Being The Person Who Has the most energy to give....

One blog comment when these were posted asked if that meant we shouldn't do housework, etc., if we were not passionate about it.

The real truth is that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING! NOTHING!!!! You don't have to get out of bed, go to work, make money, do the dishes.....none of it. Everything you do is YOUR choice. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't consequences to not doing certain things, but in the end, it is ALL your choice each day. Tasks can be delegated. They can be dropped altogether. They can be changed so they are joyful.

Start by answering the questions above. Recognizing where you feel you don't have any choice is the first step to either owning that you do have a choice or coming up with a way to let go of the goal, task, responsibility. Sometimes, we just need to accept situations and quit resisting and wishing they were different. Accepting what "is" allows you to get on with it instead of being stuck and in victim mode. From there you can create an experience that is happier. I think of Viktor Frankl and this story in Man's Search For Meaning: to be in a concentration camp and still be able to call his life his own! If you have never read his book...it is an amazing true story of one man's triumph over his circumstances!

Then, after you discover where you are giving away your power...you are free to choose to continue to feel disempowered, to make a request, change or a shift or you could decide to accept that it is the way it is. If you feel stuck in moving through this, get a coach to help you see what you don't see or help you examine your choices. The cool thing is...we ALWAYS Have choices! Make some good ones!

Have a Marvelous Week! It IS up to you!!!!!


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BEING THE PERSON WHO Has the energy to give...

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:17:39 -0600

I know you know this......You have to take care of yourself FIRST!!!! ALWAYS. You can only give to others in proportion to what you have. If you are tired, scared, frantic or beat up...you don't have much to offer the people you want to serve. And, even though you know this, why do I keep talking with people who are making half as much working twice as hard and are just plain tired?.....Why is it so hard to stop and re-center, focus and begin in the beginning? And that beginning is to nurture and love you.

Yes, it may sound selfish and that's what I want you to claim in 2010-

Extreme Selfishness (as in SELF CARE) in taking care of YOUR NEEDS.

I have enjoyed and learned from the books and recordings I have of Esther & Jerry Hicks and the teachings of Abraham-where the recent Law of Attraction work all started. I read their latest book, The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships, on our Hawaiian vacation. It was so calming to sit on the beach and think about where and what I was resisting in my life and see how to let go, so the resistance didn't distract me or get me stuck from getting the things I REALLY want.

Here is a quote from Abraham's Teachings, "Your greatest value to others is when you are joyful. Your greatest value to others is when you are connected. Your greatest value to others is to be radiantly healthy. Your greatest value to others is when you are happy. Your greatest value to others is to have and to be and do all the things that are very important to you. And as you are living that and vibrating that and oozing that and radiating that - then you are a catalyst that is inspiring others to an awareness of that." Abraham-Hicks

Isn't that wonderful? Can you take it in? Your job is to take care of YOU...so you can serve the people in your life you want to serve.

Here are a few ways to take better care of yourself:

Take at least one full day off each week
Schedule the time for vacations whether it's a staycation or a trip around the world!
Put regular appointments on your calendar for the things that nourish you: watching the sunset, reading, massages, getting together with people you love, playing tennis, golf....OK, hopefully you get the idea.
Ask others to help you!
Give up things that don't give you joy anymore
Take up a centering practice: mediatation, yoga, exercise
Eat well
Stop habits that numb you or injure you
Start and end each day with an awareness of what you DO have and what you are grateful for

You are the most valuable asset to your business (and your life!). If your life is not calm and happy most of the time, stop and see what you can do. IT IS UP TO YOU!!!!!!

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Free Web-A-Thon To Benefit Haiti Recordings available for you!

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:24:18 -0600

As promised, Justin Zimmerman recorded and is sharing the 11 sessions that were part of the fundraiser for Haiti.

Over $2K was raised last week during the 6 hour marathon of real estate speakers. (and probably more since the only way we could tell was when someone registered that they had donated on Justin's page- I am sure there were many that just did the text to the Red Cross and didn't let us know!)

These are available to you at no cost with the hopes that you will donate to Haiti.

http://www.goodmorningrealestate.com/blog/agent-helping-haiti-free-downloads

Do yourself a favor and listen to training that could skyrocket your career this year and then pay it forward with a donation! Thanks Justin!!!!

You ARE like those you hang out with! Time to upgrade?

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:17:30 -0600

It DOES Make a difference who you spend time with! You've heard me (and many others!) say "what you focus on expands". If you surround yourself news and people who give you more evidence of how tough it is...it's easy to buy into excuses for your own results. If you want to attract and create more to be positive, happy and grateful about ... your thinking and positive emotional state are the best tools you have to start with. Is it time to upgrade your Rolodex and your experiences? Have you outgrown some of the people you hang out with? Or are the folks to spend time with each day inspiring and encouraging?

In 2010, I am personally passionate about what I am calling Social Partnering^TM. I'll be writing a series of articles over the next few months about how to use Social Partnering^TM and offering ways for you to use the concept to be more successful this year! I am kicking this off here and there will be more on this month's free Fossland's Forum on building more referrals by building your social partner team.

From expansion of your strategic partners to participation with positive people or mastermind groups, I see the opportunity to the average agent to excel and the extraordinary agent to soar this year. With social media tools and Web 2.0, our ability to reach out and use our good relationship social capital to enhance the value we bring clients and customers is expanded in miraculous ways. That doesn't mean we won't bring the online offline-in fact, that's the point! A powerful combination of expanding your previous reach and adding the new is going to bring happiness to those who master the skill. Our relationships then bring value to us! And, I know many of you are very, very good at relationships...so you already are a leg up here!

And, this is really where it all starts. You know that your attitude is so important to your success and who you surround yourself with can make it easier or harder, right. Which do you want this year: easy or hard?

Jack Canfield, the author and motivational speaker, has shared a personal story. He had become very successful, using the principles he learned from Clement Stone and the teachings of Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, (this book is still available free here). He says he had grown his yearly income to $1,000,000 and it was stable and steady there. He set, however, a goal of $10,000,000 but his income stayed stuck at $1M. As he ruminated about why he was stuck, someone asked him what the average income was of those in his mastermind group. This was his "ah ha" moment as he realized they were all making $1M too! Now, not a bad a group that most of us could benefit from hanging out with, but not a fit for his expanded dreams.

Have you expanded your dreams and not matched new partners, friends and supporters to those NEW visions? Or have you given up and become resigned that you can have what you really want because of some outside influences, like the economy or some other personal excuse? There WERE people having their very best year ever last year! Were you in that group? If you were, hooray for you! If not, now is the time to decide what you really want in 2010. Old strategies will not get you there. It's a brave, new world. And one filled with opportunity! How amazingly fortunate we are to be living here in the United States with so many freedoms to create our lives.

Here are some other actions that will help:

Limit your exposure to the media and the "bad" news
Add some daily inspiring messages to your life.
Make a list of your 5 closest friends-do they reflect and support your dreams?
Find one or two new friends to hang out with some more that are inspiring
Buddy with someone who is as inspiring and committed as you want to be and become accountability partners
Form or join a mastermind group and meet regularly to support each other
Begin and end each day counting your blessings!

Put yourself in a place this year where you get the support and encouragement you need to stay focused, aligned and productive.

For 2010, take in less negative input and find the good every day and I promise you it would feel better. It may sound simple, but the best actions usually are. And, it is much easier if the people around you are aligned with the same thinking!

iPad - Apple's Revolutionary New Device

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:55:27 -0600

My birthday is in March! I really wanted a Kindle, but I think this will do :>)

Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist (Penn Properties ):

After weeks of speculation and excitement Apple has finally introduced its revolutionary new device - the iPad.

Internet, email, photos, video, iTunes, iPod, iBooks, maps, notes, contacts, and calendar.

This is all part of the iPad. It's thin, it's light and has up to 10 hours battery life.

And to make the the launch even more exciting, it's priced from $499 ....

Apple CEO Steve Jobs had this to say: "What this device does is extraordinary - the best browsing experience you've ever had. Way better than a laptop."

Cosmic Cow Pie...Connecting the Dots - Book Review

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:13:46 -0600

I love it when I find a new book that is inspiring, fun and a quick read! Anna Bannana gave it such a good review, reblogging seemed a smart thing!

Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten, Phoenix Property Shoppe:

Cosmic Cow Pie...Connecting the Dots - Book Review

Once upon a time an Arizona desert dweller was walking around wondering why Cosmic Cow Pies kept flying around her. Good grief no matter how hard she tired to get rid of them they kept showing up in her life. It was the oddest sight she'd ever seen. What could this mean? And where the heck were they coming from or going to? Hmmmmm? And Holy Moly what was that smell?

After much thought and consternation it came like a bolt of lightening - Cosmic Cow Pie Mystery - Carra Riley, call her now. A big loud thundering bolt cracked as she said the name out loud.CARRA RILEY and the COSMIC COW PIE...CONNECTING THE DOTS!

It had been rumored around town that Carra Riley was a Cosmic Cow Pie Magician. Whatever the heck that meant was 'greek' to the confused AZ desert dweller. But the desert dweller knew she needed to take some action and get some help as she was sinking deeper and deeper into the Cosmic Cow Pie. She was able to locate Carra Riley within a few minutes of searching for her on LinkedIn. It was an instant connection - like it was meant to be. The Cosmic Cow Pie Magician reached out to the AZ desert dweller and began to tell her the secrets of the Cosmic Cow Pie.

Wow - the Cosmic Cow Pie Magician made it so simple. All the desert dweller needed to do was follow 14 principled-centered problem solving methods and the Cosmic Cow Pies would eventually disappear with practice and determination. She asked the desert dweller a few questions:

Do you want more balance in your life?

Would you like to learn how to navigate successfully around obstacles?

Are you wishing for more energy and personal power?

Do you wonder when you'll ever 'Get It'?

Does it matter to you what people think about you?

"Yes! Yes...the desert dweller cried out, I want to discover the answers to all these questions and so much more. It's what I've been searching for all my life."

The Cosmic Cow Pie Magician graciously offered to send the desert dweller a copy of her book Cosmic Cow Pie...Connecting the Dots. Within hours of receiving her very own autographed copy of the book, the desert dweller had read it from cover to cover, gobbling up every idea. Within days of going over the principles the Cosmic Cow Pies had began to subside and fade.

Within a month there wasn't a Cosmic Cow Pie in site the desert dweller couldn't identify and handle - and - keep her new found balance in life!

Carra Riley - The Magician of the Cosmic Cow Pie!

P.S. If you haven't 'gotten it' yet.....I highly recommend that everyone order a copy of this fantastic little book that will uplift your enthusiasm for life and everyone around you! Carra has a unique style of writing that brings the principles to life through story telling. I guarantee it will be a quick and fun read!

Do You Have a Motto for 2010? My Vision for 2010!

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:39:15 -0600

I love Terri's post because I have seen people be VERY successful by just having a very clear vision. Don't make it complicated..just know what you want and the focus on it. What you focus on EXPANDS!!!

Via **Mesa, Arizona Real Estate** Teri Ellis, Broker, CRS, ABR, GRI, ePRO (Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC):

Do you have a motto for 2010? I admit I am not a "goal" setting woman. I write lists - lots of them - of "stuff" to do, but I don't make a written goal like so many of you do!

Since a "motto" and a "goal" seem different to me, I thought I would write a motto for myself - kinda like a "vision statement," and see if that works for me in 2010!

After thinking about it, I picture in my mind where I want to be at the end of next year - a vision of me! I am envisioning this as I write this post. So, the next step would be: how do I get there?

1. Write it down - where do I want to be (physically, career wise, financially)? Or, another could be, what do I want to "be," or "who" do I want to be? Make it simple....just two/three words, or a sentence at most.

2. Move forward - take your first step, and always, always, keep that vision or motto in your mind. Put your vision statement on your refrigerator, or on your monitor - wherever you can see it, constantly reminding you of where you plan to be at the end of the year. I have sayings that I like, quotes that I like pasted everywhere because of their personal meaning to me.

3. Do it! - every day, every week, every month, remember that vision. Keep picturing yourself where you want to be and just do what it takes!

I'll share just a couple of the personal "me" by the end of the year. I have a combined vision for my end of 2010! This is the "personal."

1. I'd like to become more compassionate
2. I'd like to learn to "listen" better
3. I'd like to be more "patient" with others.

If I write compassionate and listen on a note on my refrigerator, it helps remind me to be more patient! It also means that just looking at the note and doing nothing helps me not at all.

So, you see, these are "action" words....takes action on my part to make them happen. AND it takes focus and taking those steps forward.

What about you? What/where/who do you see yourself at the end of 2010?

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; Phoenix and Mesa Real Estate Blog; Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

The Rant of the Season

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:13:15 -0600

I've said it before: I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!! I love the whimsy. I love the joy. The carols. The thoughtfulness of others. And, I do love presents....But let's STOP buying and giving STUFF!

This week, I listened in on an interview my wonderful step-daughter, Coco Fossland conducted with Sue Rasmussen on Clearing the Clutter. This just seemed such relevant timing. Letting go of stuff... of physical stuff.... of old stuff that no longer "fits" figuratively -- and literally -- of relationships, of beliefs.

Wow! During the call, I expanded my notion of what clutter was and realized how very much of it I have. I've often told my real estate coaching clients that cleaning out their overfilled filing cabinets makes room for new clients to show up (and have seen the results of that act happen!). I know balancing the checkbook and taking incredibly good care of other integrity issues, cleans up issues that suck energy and keep us stuck. The call inspired me to go into 2010 with much of that clutter cleared -- I'll be giving stuff away, completing relationships, choosing to let go of those responsibilities that no longer make my heart sing... really questioning before I say yes to something if it fits with who I want to become. I plan to quit doing things just because I am good at them if they aren't a fun and growing place to be. I'm excited about the lightness I already feel. I will not live in the fear of what will happen when I say no to the things that I am just doing from the old me. I will trust myself and the universe.

And this all fits in with my yearly rant: most of us don't need more stuff. My mantra for this time of the year... for my present giving is to create memories instead of clutter. Don't get me wrong - I am not saying I won't gratefully accept and joyfully give presents but I want those gifts to be relevant. I am making my lists.... creating some fun! Last year I took the kids and grandkids to Los Cabos for a week. It was granddaughter, Julia's first trip to the ocean. She had never seen the beach and was a bit reluctant to walk in the sand in her bare feet! She did get over it before the week was done and was running gleefully. What a joy to be part of that!

Here are some ideas:

Make something! I do family calendars personalized with dates and photos. And, my prickly pear jelly!
Give a certificate for a shared experience. Maybe a concert or day at the zoo. Or a limo for viewing the holiday lights and a dinner or picnic after!
Give a certificate for your time. A day of babysitting or cooking a gourmet dinner or a handyman day. I gave a monthly lunch delivered to my elderly uncle a few years ago
Re-gift. Someone else may love a gift that wasn't right for you.

What have you done or what ideas do have? The best thing you can do this time of the year is to take care of yourself and have fun with others. Saying NO when you don't really want to do something is also a strategy to free you up to really enjoy the things you DO want to do!!!

I hope the month will be an amazing one! It is up to YOU!!!

Five Tips To Design An Amazing December!

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:45:52 -0600

Well, it's here, isn't it? Another December! The great news is that each of us still here too. We haven't starved. We have food. We have an unlimited range of possibility. AND, it ain't like it used to be, is it? Since we just celebrated all the things we have to be thankful for...that's a great energy to take into December. But...having an amazing December could be enhanced by some good design, or you may find it chaotic and unproductive.

Five Tips To Design An Amazing December:

1. Schedule The Time OFF - You know there are going to be lots of distractions this month, so take out the calendar for the month and put in all the days OFF you are going to take. And don't feel compelled to fill it all up. Just Say "NO" to those parties or activities you REALLY don't want to do.

2. Leave about 20% whitespace - Surprises will show up, both personal and business, so leave some room to fit more in without scrunching it into a completely full calendar.

3. Plan your client contacts - Will you be making personal visits to take by poinsettias, cookies or calendars? Will you be calling to wish people Happy Holidays? Since you have your time off scheduled, you can look at when you ARE going to work and make it super-productive!

4. Complete Your Business Plan for 2010 - You will be happy in January to hit the ground running, knowing what you want and the strategies to get there. (My Awesome Year Plan and Really Simple Business Planning TeleConference could help!)

5. Use Joeann's Rule of 3 - Each day, ask yourself, "What are the 3 most important items I could do?" This reprioritizes and recalibrates as you go along so each day you can look at what you need to do to be productive instead of just busy!

One of the most important ways you can make December, as well as every day, enjoyable is to heighten your awareness of what you say. As my friend, Mike Dooley says, "Thoughts become things." Are you projecting the outcome you want when you speak? Or are you focusing on negative outcomes you don't want? One of the most powerful tools to success is the intention and focus on what you do want!

Picture the best December you've ever had getting ready to unfold:

There will be parking spaces everywhere you go!
Everything you need to buy will be on Sale!
You'll find or think of the exact right gifts to buy or make (we are MAKING a lot this year!)
You'll have unexpected clients show up (and we all know the ones out looking in December are GOOD ones!)
You'll be relaxed, not stressed...striving for joy rather than perfection!
What else would make it wonderful for you? (Design it in!)

The Best of the 2009 NAR Convention

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:49:19 -0600

Last week, I hosted a free teleconference with a few friends, sharing what we thought were the "Best of the 2009 NAR Convention." If you'd like to listen in ......

the recording of The Best of NAR Convention 2009 call is here.

I'd like to thank my friends who joined me in sharing their insights:

- Paula Monthofer sobeit8002@AOL.com
- Amber Murray amurray@previsite.com
- Wynne Achatz sold@wynnea.com

And also thanks to participants who were there that shared their insights: Bunny@BunnyMostad.com
and Don@DonStirnweis.com
1. Some of the companies and resources mentioned were:
www.Previsite.com for virtual tours

2. For Facebook Fan Page Help:
Mike Mueller
Phone: 925 456-4567 925 456-4567
Email Mike / Tweet Mike / Face Mike / Blog Mike / Hire Mike

3. The 2009 Profile of Homebuyers and Homesellers (and LOTS of other goodies!) is available by clicking the Right Tools/Right Now icon on the www.Realtor.org page

4. Bunny mentioned the David Knox video and Market Snapshot from TopProducer

5. Wynne mentioned Quantum Mail and ExpressCopy

6. This is the link I found on the REO Women's Network

7. The tapes of the education sessions are available at www.iPlaybackNAR.com or 1-800-241-7785 1-800-241-7785

8. The site to send videos to social media from your phone was www.qik.com

9. Paula sent these links for the information about RPR and more:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® NEWS

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Have Questions? Just call a friendly REALTORS® FCU Member Care representative 24-hours a day at 866.295.6038 866.295.6038 .

REALTOR® SAFETY WEBINAR ON IDENTIFY THEFT ~ DECEMBER 8

Because REALTORS® face more on-the-job risks than many other business professionals and to help keep safety top-of-mind, NAR is offering quarterly free REALTOR® Safety Webinars led by industry expert, Andrew Wooten. The December 3 Webinar, "Identity Theft: Protecting You and Your Clients," offers several suggestions and precautions you should take to keep your personal information and property secure and what you should do if you are a victim of identity theft. The one-hour session will begin at 11amEST. Space is limited: register today.

To register go to... http://www.REALTOR.org/SafetyWebinar?&WT.mc_id=LS111809&CAT=Meet

SHARE YOUR LISTINGS ON REALTOR.com® WITH A NEW FACEBOOK APP FOR REALTORS®

REALTOR.com® is regularly adding free training and free downloads, and upgrading its product offerings with such tools as Buyer Assist, to help you increase your expertise, get more listings and sell more homes. The "See My Listings" Facebook widget is now available for you to download and post to your page on Facebook for free. Download today at www.BenefitsAtREALTOR.com and click the 'Free Download of the Month' tab.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT FROM NATIONAL CONVENTION

The Board of Directors had its first look at a powerful new database that will be available exclusively to REALTORS® beginning in April. The REALTORSProperty Resource will contain rich data on more than 140 million properties; the interface is made possible through the integration of technology and data, according to RPR CEO Dale Ross. NAR is investing $20 million for a five-year build-out, which will cover licensing and development of the front-end and acquisition of data from LPS, which operates Cyberhomes, and other sources.

RPR President Marty Frame walked the board through the site's features. Members will access the site using their NRDS number. They'll be able to view each property's characteristics and transaction history and add information based on their personal knowledge of the property. The system is expected to save members millions of dollars in data acquisition costs, and access to members will be free. NAR 2009 President Charles McMillan called the launch of RPR a "watershed moment."

The board also was given a tour of NAR's new consumer web site, HouseLogic, which launched its beta version on Nov. 12, during the annual conference. HouseLogic was developed by NAR to help its members extend their relationship with consumers through the lifecycle of homeownership and to provide an opportunity for homeowners and REALTORS® to speak together to federal legislators on public policy issues of common interest.

The site is a comprehensive resource for homeowners of the information they need to protect, maintain and enhance the value of their home. The site also gives members free access to various content packages from the site that they can use in their own marketing efforts, at www.houselogic.com/members.

The directors also took a number of actions on committee recommendations:

Multiple Listing Policy
Amended the Multiple Listing and Internet Data Exchange Policy to conform to NAR virtual office Web site (VOW) policy and to make clear that participants may not use IDX-provided listings for purposes other than display on their Web sites but are not required to prevent indexing of their Web sites by recognized search engines.

Equal Housing Opportunity
Amended NAR policy on equal housing opportunity to include opposition to discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Federal Housing Policy
Voted to seek changes in FHA policies to ease the purchases of condominiums, support elimination of certification requirements on VA loans, and allow VA borrowers to negotiate all fees and closing costs.

Professional Standards
Clarified that associations may take into account prior Code of Ethics violations and violations of other membership duties in considering applicants for REALTOR® membership. The current language inadvertently limits consideration to previous violations determined by other associations.

Approved optional model language for local associations wishing to limit the number of members of the same real estate firm serving simultaneously on the Board of Directors.

Membership
Clarified the consequences of violating the terms of the dues exemption for referral licensees. Immediately upon so-called LFRO members engaging in any activities requiring a real estate license, they will be required to pay member dues.

Code of Ethics
Revised the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual to allow associations to use e-mail to deliver notices related to administration of professional standards enforcement.

Required that advertising by real estate "teams" meet the Code of Ethics "true picture" requirement by ensuring that firm names are displayed in a reasonable and readily apparent manner.

Added a Standard of Practice, under Article 3 of the Code of Ethics, to address misuse of lock boxes and other concerns related to unauthorized access to listed property. Amended Standard of Practice 11-1 to provide flexibility in information provided when clients require opinions of value or price that don't include all the elements currently required under Standard of Practice 11-1.

Legal Action
Approved $401,660 to fund 11 legal cases, including a challenge to a municipal ordinance requiring sellers to have an inspection and certification of compliance as condition of sale and a challenge to an ordinance that would apply a business license tax to real estate licensees.

Constitutional Change
Approved constitutional amendments making procedural changes to election process for NAR offices and amended the Code of Ethics to specifically include land brokerage. Both the constitutional and Code of Ethics changes were approved by the NAR Delegate Body following the Board of Directors meeting.

Other Reports
Treasurer Jim Helsel gave the directors good news about NAR's financial picture, reporting that membership was nearly 12 percent above budget for 2009, resulting in a positive budget variance. Actual membership for 2009, as of Nov. 1, was 1,188,217.

Watch CEO Dale Stinton's exciting preview of the new consumer Web site, HouseLogic, and national property database, the REALTORS® Property Resource^TM, in this Nov. 6 Webinar - you'll hear about plans that will change the way you do business and help you serve customers better.
Watch the Webinar now >

About HouseLogic
HouseLogic, scheduled to launch Thursday, Nov. 12, is NAR's consumer-facing Web site that provides home owners with information about protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the value of their home.

About the REALTORS® Property Resource^TM
The REALTORS® Property Resource^TM, scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2010, is NAR's future database of all U.S. properties that will enable REALTORS® to better assist customers in a fast-paced world. Learn more about the REALTORS® Property Resource^TM.

RELAXED Real Estate for MAGNIFICENT Agents!

"Life is too short to perfect your weaknesses" - Joeann Fossland

Thankfulness for The Problems

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:55:08 -0600

Thankfulness is good all the time and I so love we have a holiday for it. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday (Gotta confess I LOVE Christmas best!). However, it is so nice to have people's awareness of what they are thankful for be the theme of the week...Fun to receive greetings and blessings that give me pause to think.

This morning, in thinking about all of this, I discovered what I am most grateful for right now is for the things that don't look like good news. I know that it is said life is perfect and we are learning from every situation. Certainly, it seems, I often learn more when things are NOT like I want them to be. And, I read something the other day in Mike Dooley's book, Infinite Possibilities:The Art of Living Your Dreams that made me stop and think. He said the universe wants us to have fun and learn and we'd be bored if everything we wanted just manifested immediately. Hmmmmm.... I don't know, I think I could handle that. LOL ...

But I also know..... that a little more patience and recognition that the lessons that come with the waiting for my dreams to manifest are much of what my life lessons are about. The analogy of the importance being in the journey, not the destination seems to apply here for me.

So, while I am blessed with much: my family, my health, my work and the amazing people I get to play with...this week, I am taking some time to appreciate the perfection of the things I am struggling with: A close relationship marred by betrayal, the realization we probably will never move out to our 40 acres and build a home to retire in, the need for all new plumbing in this 47 year old home and a husband who wants to be the contractor but moves much more slowly than I'd like! Although my magic wand of intention is powerful...and cognitively, I understand the lessons in these problems are a gift, I am sure, my challenge is how to handle them with grace and even, perhaps, detachment. This life is so interesting!

Do you have some problems you can be thankful for this week? I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Your 2010 Business Plan Started Days Ago: How To Market The Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:52:20 -0600

Ted has some great information in this blog post!
How is YOUR business plan coming along?
I have my Awesome Year Plan for 2010 now available as well as

an upcoming webinar series to help you be ready to hit the ground running!

Via TED CANTO, - Loan Officer (Academy Mortgage):

Your 2010 Business Plan Started Days Ago: How To Market The Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit.

I posted a blog on Marketing Opportunities: Homebuyer Tax Credit in AR and also on my Facebook. I had approximately 45 posts on the AR blog and about 26 personal replies and on Facebook I had no posts and about 30 personal replies. I hyperlinked the blogs with www.Bitly.com and had about 33 people opt to follow me on Twitter. If you are left wondering what were the personal replies about, the majority of them were from REALTORS asking me to share with them some marketing ideas.  Get this? REALTORS asking ME for marketing tips! Well, I confess! This is my expertise and I am a marketing wiz of sorts.



What is my point? Well I started marketing the idea of marketing the Federal Housting Extended Tax Credit on my blogs that resulted a total of 1300 views, 134 replies and additions to my database of which I was able to generate 7 appointments with REALTORS and it also generated about 4 referral (buyers) clients to my team. I would say that was a pretty big start. Don't stop the press yet, I just got started! To simplify what I have and continue to do, let me make it simple:

Blog, blog, blog and then blog some more.

Sign up on as many blog sites as you can and write material worthy of reading and educate the masses (learn more at Federal Housting Extended Tax Credit).

Let people know that this is the last tax credit and it "WILL NOT" be extended after April 2010.

Call, call, call and then call some more on your database.

This is the foremost important aspect to what we do as sales consultants. WE TALK!! Do I need to say more

Do not call asking if your client wants to buy or sell. They likely DO NOT!! Use them to extend the word out to their sphere of influence. Let them know that this is the best opportunity for them to help their friends and family take advantage of historic lows while earning the tax credit even if they currently own a home.

Ask your clients if they understand the tax credit. They might be eligible and do not know enough about it. In fact they can claim the tax now if they want to, they do not have to wait to tax return time

Conduct more calls!

Get together with your Marketing Rep and/ or Loan Officer

Strategize on a viable marketing plan (FYI: This takes speaking to a real Marketing Rep. not someone who is going to just throw postcards at you) or even an LO who understands marketing (not many do) not just answering calls and sending preapproval letters. I am an LO and I can tell you that many just don't get it too well.

Obtain a list of homeowners that purchased in 1999-2004 and still live in their homes. Believe me, there are more than you think. Here in Arizona the count was in the 100's of thousands.

With the help of your Marketing Rep and/or LO, devise a letter worth reading and highly informative.

Don't try to be elegant on the letter.

Think about this.. When you get a letter solicitation in the mail in 10-12 size font: How Many Seconds Does It Take You To Throw It Away?

Now think about this: When you get a letter solicitation in the mail with big 18-42 size font: How Many "MINUTES" Does It Take You To Throw It Away?

BIG, LOUD, and GAUDY WORKS!!

Take out your check book. This is going to be an investment well worth it. The best things are not free and take TIME, MONEY and DEDICATION. Sorry! No Freebies here.

Write a check to your preferred direct marketing company and get the postcards, door hangers, and letters out into the world.

Repeat Step 1 through 3 all over again.

Fellow associates... this is not rocket science but it does involve some hard work and dedication. Keep in mind that Real Estate & Mortgage sales and is a lot like holiday shopping where now everyone begins as early as September to buy gifts. For us, we go selling! October, November and December is our 2010 New Year. Our 2010 is already in the works. If you are not devising and/or implementing a plan of attack, you leave the playing field open to the REALTOR & LO next door. We must earn our keep and get our hands dirty and consult our clients to the best of our ability. As you already know, the cream of the crops is rising in the industry and there will be more collateral damage.

As always, the 90/10 Rule Applies here.. What side will you be on?

                                             Direct lender and licensed in most states across the U.S.

                             Real Estate Information You Can Trust

Ted Canto

Sr. Mortgage Consultant

Direct: 480.650.8602

                               Visit www.tedcanto.com

                          Ted's Blog: www.thecantoteam.com

Home of the 10 Day Close! www.tendayclose.com

                                          Company site:  www.academymortgage.com/tedcanto

Getting The Most from the NAR Convention

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:23:43 -0600

I am SOOOO excited.

And, of course, if you know me, you know I get enthused pretty easily! My reason today is that I am getting ready to fly to San Diego to spend a week with old and new friends, to network, learn, laugh and look at all the new tech stuff at the meetings and the EXPO. I have been to every Convention since 1988 and it is one of the highlights of my year. It is my way of really understanding the BIG picture and hearing from people what IS working. There are a few things I have found make my experience even more valuable.

This won't surprise you, coming from me....

Here's my advice: Have a plan!

Include:

•· Knowing specific people you want to connect with. Make a list. Contact some of these people ahead of time and decide when and where you can connect.

•· Making a list of specific items or resources you need to be more focused in the EXPO.

•· Create a budget for the EXPO

•· Make a "wish list" of new techniques or ideas you want to find out more about in the educational sessions or breakouts! Would your business thrive next year if you knew more about Going Green? Or working Short Sales? Or 2^nd Homes?

•· Keep a little journal with ideas you get and come back afterward and pick the next 3 (Joeann's Rule of 3) items to implement into your business. Prioritize the other ideas and time frame them or move to your "Maybe, Someday" list

•· Pick the education sessions that are most relevant and then order the MP3 recordings of the others you can't go to. (If you aren't going to be there-you can still order these!)

If you aren't already going...it's not too late! Hop in the car or on a plane and come!

A few places we could meet and hug...

As Vice chair, I'll be at WCR's Business Development Steering Committee presentation with 4 Amazing Women sharing what IS working and a motivational segment with Deb Battersby on Thursday morning at 8:30
Vicky Cox Golder's Installation! I am so lucky to know this woman! She inspires me.
I am presenting an ePRO Presentation on the EXPO stage on Sunday morning at 11 and a full presentation with tech tips on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM
I am signing my books, Conversations on Success and Profit from Technology at 3:15 on Sunday at the Bookstore

Several of my coaching clients are having their best year ever and these are also the stories I always hear from people at the National Convention. Lots of reasons to be enthused! 2010 is going to be an amazing year. Are you ready? It IS your choice how it is going to look! Give yourself the advantage.

Are you Inspired????

Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:34:42 -0600

A couple of questions today...

Who inspires you? First, I think of people like Mother Theresa, and Ghandi and Zainab Salbi, Greg Mortenson and Coco Fossland. This morning on Twitter and Facebook, my good friend Karin Hanna posted a tweet with a link to a blog article and a YouTube video. Catherine Bolt and her family have identified something they are passionate about and they are making a difference! What a gift she has given to her children to involve them in seeing they matter and they can make an impact on the world.
Take a minute right now and write down Who inspires you??????

What inspires you? What are YOU passionate about? For me, empowering others to ignite their love, creativity and passions is the BEST activity I am involved with. It gives me joy. A bit selfish....but I believe when we are tapped into our passions, we can not help but impact those around us positively. Think for a moment, what do you LOVE to do? If money were no object, what would you do more of? Ask yourself...What Inspires me? Stop reading for a couple of moments and write this down.

For your planning of 2010....if you start with the very unique soul of who you are and bring that forth more with inspired actions....it will be a very, very good year!