Not Every Opportunity Has Merit

We always talk about being in the right place at the right time and how it's important to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, but this is only partially true.

Even when we do everything right and have not gone out of our way to look into anything that is not a good situation for us, sometimes an opportunity will come along that just isn't something we should do.

There might be some legal or ethical aspects of it that we aren't comfortable with, or it could be that it just doesn't fit in with our current business model, plans, or calendar.

Just because it's an opportunity doesn't mean that we have to say "yes" to it.

It may require more time than we are willing, able, or prepared to give it. The payoff may be too far down the road. It may cause us to ignore critical aspects of our current business and cause them to suffer. We could come out on the other side worse off rather than enriched.

These are all factors to consider when opportunity comes knocking.

Sometimes we just shouldn't answer the door.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

September's Focus Will Be Education

With September set to kick off on Tuesday, it signals the unofficial end to summer. It also starts a very intensive educational month.

On Monday, September 14-Wednesday, September 16, I am presenting the 3-part Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program as part of the University of Housing designation series. These courses will be presented from 8:00-4:00 each day at the Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) offices at 2101 Corporate Drive in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Then on Thursday, September 17, also at GCBA, I am presenting my original courses "Connecting & Interacting – Your Passport To Social Networking" from 8:30-12:00 and “Basics and Benefits of Blogging” from 1:30-5:00. These two courses are $50 each or both for $89.

Then on Wednesday, September 23, I am presenting “So What Is Blogging Anyway?” at the Lake Sales & Marketing Council in Taveres, Florida from 8:00-10:00 in the morning, and “Hand-To-Hand Contact – The Art Of Creating A Network Of Contacts” at the Brevard Sales & Marketing Council in Melbourne, Florida that evening from 5:30-8:00.

Other courses and programs will be added. September will be a full month of activity.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Looking Ahead

August is winding down, and the fall months are upon us. Along with that are many of the celebrations and festivals that we look forward to throughout the year. So do our customers.

This is why it's important to step back and look at our schedules, work load, and what we have committed to do. This gives us perspective and helps us keep our focus. It also allows us to identify additional opportunities that we might want to pursue or utilize.

With this periodic survey of the landscape, we can be prepared to respond effectively to what our customers need. We also can be prepared to address reasons that they feel they need to wait until an event has occurred before acting.

In my podcast message today, "LOOKING AHEAD," I talk about utilizing our vision to be aware of what is approaching on the calendar so that we can be ready to respond effectively and to be prepared.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Doing What Needs Done

Often there is something that we've committed to or we should be doing that we'd rather not do.

This is where we have to be diligent and guard against the effects of procrastination.

It is so easy to look the other way or continue to do something that is more fun than what needs to be done, but this won't get us where we want to be.

Whether it's preparing an estimate, writing a report, setting an appointment, making a presentation, resolving an issue with a customer, or going into the office on a beautiful day, we must see to the business at hand and do what we have committed to do or what is expected of us.

People depend on us, so we have an obligation to do what needs to be done - even when it might be more fun or convenient to do something else.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's Thought - "On Fire"

Thursday's Thought: On fire. When people see and interact with us, are they impressed by our energy, enthusiasm, and consuming purpose? Do they sense that we are alive? On fire? Motivated?

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in any way.

Recharging Our Batteries

If we do nothing but work, eventually we will become totally ineffective - exhausted and worn out. We will lose our edge.

We need to take strategic breaks in our activities for rest, renewal, and recharging of our mental and physical energies so that we can be even more effective in moving forward.

We are designed to have rest periods in our lives to recharge, re-energize, and re-focus. Sleep is important but so are other activities that allow us to gain a new sense or purpose and strength.

Let’s not forget to take time to smell the roses.

In my podcast message today, "RECHARGING OUR BATTERIES," I discuss these very issues. I want us all to be effective and fresh.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC. © 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Sometimes We Have To Get Ready To Get Ready

Preparation is great. So is organization. They are related.

Just getting ready or becoming prepared without going about it systematically and knowing what the task is that we are preparing for will yield less than the desired results.

Sometimes what we need to do to get ready is obvious. Other times, before we can actually get started, we need to clear the deck and get organized. We need a plan. Then we can begin to prepare.

Preparation is a major key to success, but we must prepare for the right type of assignment or encounter.

Action is vital, too, but it should come after sufficient preparation and organization.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Lessons In Patience

Every now and then we forget about patience. Typically, we don't have to wait for many of the things that used to take much longer, and we have forgotten how to be patient.

Take the freeway where we can zip along (outside of rush hour) until we come to a road construction zone or accident. Then our forgotten patience gets a test.

We are so used to texting and emailing - except when we lose our cell signal or travel where there isn't one. Again a lesson in patience.

DSL has replaced dial-up, but there are times and places where only dial-up is available. Sometimes when traveling, there are places where even aircards don't work. A severe test in patinece.

Fortunately, we usually don't get tested in all these areas at once.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Back To School

Across the country, kids are returning to school. Some have already started. Others will soon.

It’s an exciting time. Football is coming. Learning and new opportunities are coming. A new school year. A blank slate.

In my podcast message today, “BACK TO SCHOOL,” I talk about how learning is not just for formal education. This is the perfect time for us to focus on ways we may want to improve our skills and knowledge.

There are seminars, webinars, podcasts (such as this one), books, white papers, lectures, designation classes, and many other ways that we can continue our educational experiences.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Try Walking For A Change

How often do we find ourselves rushing about - literally running around - trying to get everything done in a day's time that we think we should or that we promised to someone else?

Often the end result is that we feel exhausted, frustrated, overwhelmed, and ineffective.

Maybe we should commit to doing fewer things - easier said than done - but a good strategy for mental health and well-being.

Maybe we should slow down the pace and walk rather than run. It's kind of hard to smell the flowers - or even notice them - when running all-out. Much easier at a slower pace. Much easier to develop and build relationships, too.

Let's try walking when we can.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's (Or Friday's) Thought - "Rest"

Thursday's (Or Friday's) Thought: Rest. Often we get so caught up in pursuing our goals and dreams that we forget to pace ourselves properly or to recharge our batteries. Constant striving without any rest or respite period will eventually wear on us and make us less effective.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in any way.

The Short List

Some people are comfortable buying the first thing they look at, but most people do a little research to help them determine what they want to buy and from whom they should purchase it. They begin a process of elimination.

Take buying a home. Depending on the price point and the neighborhood one wants, there may be a dozen or more choices for a builder - possible considerably more than that.

Obviously only one builder can be selected.

That is where the "short list" comes into play.

To be selected or to make a sale, we have to remain in the running and on someone’s short list of choices.

We have to convince people that we can meet their needs as well as anyone else they are considering and attempt to be the last one standing to get the sale.

In my podcast message today, "THE SHORT LIST," I discuss the rationale behind the short list and its implications for making sales.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Hold The Phone

Can you believe it? Some Members of Congress (like Ron Klein of South Florida) are having Town Hall meetings but are phoning in their participation - literally.

Either they are afraid of what they might face or they disdain the idea of having to go through the meetings. I think it's both.

It's clear that the voters have been quite vocal in letting their Representatives know what a poor job they are doing - but Congress really is underperforming, so they can't take issue with that.

How does a Representative meet with their constituents over the phone? They are packed into a hall to share their ideas and concerns, and the Congressperson is someplace else on the other end of a telephone.

Aside from being quite rude to not show up, using the phone can have a number of advantages for the Congressperson. They can mute the call and talk to others in the room - paying only cursory attention to the speaker, they can have food and drink during the meeting, they can be dressed as casually as they like, and they can even have the ballgame on the TV during the calls.

Think of it a little liking being in a suite or skybox at the football game. The action is on the field, and it can be viewed now and then (or on the monitors), but why should that interfere with having a good time?

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Take Heart

In the face of economic and business challenges, there are plenty of times when it is easy to become disheartened. The key is to overcome and to have the courage and heart to persevere and remain on track toward achieving our goals and desired outcomes.

Like the underdog in an athletic contest or similar competition, our attitude, drive, courage, boldness, and determination often make up for obstacles or serious odds to let us come out on top.

In my podcast message, "TAKE HEART," I emphasize these positive emotions and actions that lead us to the achievers.

Have heart, have courage, have a determined attitude.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Blood Out Of A Turnip?

Today, the City of Chicago closed down - took the day off without pay. No government workers or city services. They plan 2 more such days this year.

Denver and Dallas have already done this as well. Other cities are contemplating such actions.

California is broke - their IOUs stop on September 4th.

Non-profits and membership-based organizations are feeling the pinch also.

Unemployment is way up, along with foreclosures and late pays.

So, just where does the government think it's going to get all this money they seek in higher income taxes, health care taxes, cap and trade taxes, and other taxes to fund the giant giveaway programs?

Note to Congress: it doesn't exist.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Give 'Em A Pass?

If we fail to read something in a contract we sign, does that relieve us of any responsibility? Of course not.

Can one of our buyers come back to us after the fact and say that they really didn't read what they signed and that they don't agree to all of the terms? No.

Can a Member of Congress admit publicly - even boastfully - that they didn't read a bill they voted to approve and get a pass for not supporting all of the provisions of the bill or voting for it even when their constituents didn't want them to? Apparently so.

A double standard? Arrogance? Out of touch? Yes, to all of the above.

Would we for a split second accept from one of our employees an excuse that they were too busy or didn't feel like reading a document that we expected them to uphold or enforce for us?

Would we accept an excuse from our children for failing a test in school the fact that they didn't read the book?

Why do we continue to put up with this nonsense from Congress?

Time to tell them we don't approve of this conduct. Tell them now. Tell them often. But be sure to tell them on November 2, 2010.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Ask The Tough, Important Questions

Whether it's meeting with a customer during a sales presentation or evaluating something presented to us, it's important that we know how to ask the right questions and that we have the courage to do so.

It's vital that we knowing the right questions to ask, but this is only part part of it. If we fail to ask them or forget to use them, it's just the same as not knowing what to ask.

If we are working with a customer, we want them to share with us everything they can that will help us understand their needs, their motivations, their budget, the buying style, and what it will take for them to make a decision. Then we can help them see when the time is right to make that decision.

If they stall when we sense that they are ready to purchase but just fearful, we can ask questions to help them understand and deal with their apprehensions.

When we are evaluating something that we want to buy for ourselves, we do the same thing. We ask about the advertising claims, the product, the features, the benefits, why it's in our best interests to buy it, and how it's better than an alternative.

We should do the same thing when our government want us to accept a new program such as an spending bill that is beyond our ability as a country to finance it, or the takeover and nationalization of private businesses, or sweeping changes to health care or commerce.

We need to ask whose agenda is being served and how it is in our best interest to have such programs enacted.

It takes boldness to ask these questions, but they are necessary.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Summer Is Winding Down

In some areas of the country the fall school term has already started, Florida schools resume next week. Between now and the first week or so of September most schools will be back into session. Summer is winding down.

Preseason NFL football is here - another sign that the summer is waning.

As schools start up for another year, the emphasis changes from summertime fun to learning.

Even if our formal school years are behind us, learning is a daily activity. The internet, conversations, books, emails, discussions, seminars, and actual life situations educate us.

I mentioned the workshop series that kicks off next Tuesday called "Steve Hoffacker's 'Selling For Today'." This is another great way that we can accomplish learning. Not only will I be sharing some great tips, strategies, and techniques, but a major part of the learning experience is the interaction of those in attendance as they exchange their life experiences and ideas.

Join us if you can, but keep your focus on learning.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's Thought - Accent

Thursday's Thought: Accent. Just like this beautiful sunset-lit cloud really highlights this tree and gives it more dimension and richness, we can add value to the lives of others through our actions.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

James Madison Knew What He Was Talking About

We always hear talk about our "Founding Fathers" - especially when we contrast what is going on or proposed today with what we think they meant.

Writing to people of the State of New York, on Wednesday, February 27, 1788, in "The Federalist No. 62," James Madison (the chief author of the Constitution and later to be the 4th President) specifically addresses the Cap and Trade legislation (HR 2454) , the Stimulus Package, and the Health Care Reform Act (HR 3200) - to name a few.

He had this to say: "It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood."

Look at how far we have come and how far we have missed the mark.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Selling For Today

Announcing a new series of half-day programs that I am presenting in conjunction with the Gold Coast Builders Association in Boynton Beach, FL - "Steve Hoffacker's 'Selling For Today'."

In my podcast message today, "SELLING FOR TODAY," I discuss using the power of podcasts to promote programs like my new series.

Podcasts have a lot of flexibility to promote properties, discuss features, advertise special events, and educate. Consider them as audio blogs, which is exactly what they are.

In the workshop series, techniques will be presented about self-generation of leads, strategic use of social media, blogging, customer management, and the sales interview process.

The first workshop in a week from today, Tuesday, August 18th.

Leave a comment or email me for more information.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Reminiscent Of Dickens

As I'm sure most of you know, Charles Dickens open his "Tale of Two Cities" with the the line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

That sentiment comes to mind today.

In our country I see the worst of times. Cap and Trade, Stimulus, TARP, Omnibus, bailout after bailout, government ownership of AIG and GM, Health Care, out-of-control spending.

Our government has decided that it must take care of us - that we are too stupid to do it ourselves - and that they have to control everything. An unprecented 34 or so "csars" dot the landscape to micromanage so many aspects of our lives. More are likely.

Now for the best of times. Ironic in a way. That it took all of these excesses for average, patriotic, hard-working, loyal Americans to stand up and take to the streets. Tea parties, town hall meetings, blogs (like this one), talk radio, op ed pieces, calls and emails to Congress. We are embracing the spirit of Samuel Adams and the other Founding Fathers.

We know what we've had. We see it slipping away. It is unacceptable.

People - many for the first time in their lives - are being heard. Keep America great!

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

The Secret To Staying In Business

"The Secret To Staying In Business" is the title of a 5-hour program I am teaching next Tuesday, August 18th at the GCBA offices in Boynton Beach, Florida. The program begins at 8:00 and goes until 1:00. It is $69.

The course is open to new home salespeople, home builders, remodelers, outside sales reps, small business owners - anyone who has a stake in their business and needs to keep generating new sales leads.

We'll look at conventional forms of advertising and marketing and then focus on the ways to become intentional about generating leads.

Self-generation of sales leads is the focus of the workshop.

Contact me or leave a comment for more information. You can also call GCBA at (561) 732-5959 x102.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Don't Abuse Technology

We now have the power to communicate with people instantly with texting, instant messaging, and emails. That doesn't mean that this rapid form of communication is always appropriate to use.

Different generations expect to receive communication in ways that are familiar to them. The older a person is, the more likely they are to expect a letter or phone call. The younger a person is, the more they are going to want something quite and simple like a text.

In my podcast message today, "DON"T ABUSE TECHNOLOGY," I stress the need to communicate appropriately with our customers according to what they are used to and not just to use the latest technology just because we can.

Abuse of technology in this sense is using it when an older form of communication would be better.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Moving Day In The Senate

Mel Martinez announced that he is stepping down from the Senate as soon as he can be replaced. Since he made the announcement from Orlando, it appears he's already put Washington behind him.

He wants to stay in Florida and work in the private sector. I wish him success.

Charlie Christ has the rest of the August recess to name a replacement so that he or she can be sworn in after Labor Day when Congress resumes.

Then we can have a Republican Senator from Florida who will not be tempted to support Cap and Trade, Health Care, any additional stimulus packages, or liberal Supreme Court nominees.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's Thought - Risk

Thursday's Thought: Risk. Sometimes we have to take calculated chances and stick our necks out - even when other around us are willing to remain comfortable.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in anyway.

Dog Days Of Summer

As the summer winds on, we look forward to the fall - to cooler weather, football, the changing leaves.

This transition time of the summer is referred to as the "dog days of summer." It's thought that this is an ancient observance involving the canine star Sirius.

What we do know is that as the summer has been fun and hot (in many but not all places), but it has made us look forward to a cooler time. That's why we must be diligent and take advantage of the rest of the "Summer Selling Season" which continues until Labor Day.

In my podcast message today, "DOG DAYS OF SUMMER," I challenge all of us to remain strong and to resist the temptation to become lazy in the waning days of summer.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Cash For Clunkers Is Brilliant

The cash for clunkers program is deviously brilliant.

First, it is not about selling cars - if it was, more than some 250,000 would have been part of the program.

It's not about helping the dealers. Again, there would be no limits on the number of dealers participating or the number of cars they could sell.

It's not about selling American cars - even though this seems counterintuitve for government motors. Less than half (47%) of the cars sold in this first round were American, and only the Ford Fusion was in the Top 5 of vehicles sold (along with 3 Toyotas and a Honda).

It's not about helping the consumer - there have been larger incentives. Where were the people lining up at dealerships when there were $5,000 discounts and buying at employee costs before?

It's about the government getting more and more people to depend on it for more and more.

People need the government to help them buy a new car. People need the government to help them unload their existing car. Dealers need the government to help them sell new cars.

Ain't the government great?

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Article I, Section 8 Is Quite Clear

Forget health care, government motors, bailouts, social security, medicare, cap and trade, and every other government program from here to there. Congress was never empowered to enact them.

This doesn't mean that people aren't relying on them or that some of the money has not been beneficial.

What it does mean is that all of these programs are unconstitutional and therefore inappropriate for the federal government to be providing.

Forget the "living Constitution." Article I, Section 8 is quite clear. What powers are not given to the Congress are reserved for the States or the people.

Well, maybe the people want the government to have more power - unlikely. Certainly not for very long.

We are a nation of entrepreneurs - first farmers and craftsmen, then merchants and inventors, and now businessmen and women. We thrive on free enterprise, not governmental parenting.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Being Intentional

There is a lot of emphasis on generating new leads today as traditional or conventional sources of producing traffic are not as reliable or effective as in years past.

This had lead more to a focus on so-called self-generation of leads. However, most of what counts as self-generation is not.

Just because we place an ad or post to a social site or write a blog, this is not generating anything specifically.

It has to be intentional and person-to-person. Even better is face-to-face. Regardless, the person we are talking to has to know that we meant to talk with them - and just them. Ads, direct mail, and general mailings don't fit the bill for this.

In my podcast message today, "BEING INTENTIONAL," I stress the importance and the value of doing it this way.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

To Friendships

The Southeastern Building Conference (SEBC) just concluded in Orlando. Over the past few days, among all the seminars, classes, award programs, and special activities, the one thing that stands out the most is the friendships that we got to renew - and the new ones that began forming.

We only get to see some our friends this one time each year. Some we get to see after long absenses. Others we see more frequently but enjoy being able to have with us at these events.

Then there the people we meet for the first time and begin getting to know them a little. Next year, we will look forward to seeing them again.

As much as the SEBC, or IBS or any other multiple-day event, is to provide classes, seminars and exhibits, the real value is in the friendships we make and renew each time.

For more information about my consulting, teaching, and coaching services visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain, and you can begin participating in this great forum by visiting here. I also write and maintain blogs for Gold Coast SMC and Florida SMC.

© 2009, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.