Sunday Spotlight - "Transition"

Sunday Spotlight: "Transition." As we close out October and transition into November, we are entering the homestretch of 2010. In the remaining 9 weeks of the year, 3 of them, or one-third - are holiday weeks were very little business will be conducted. Therefore, the other 6 weeks are key.

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. © 2010, 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.

Make It Count

This week, we have two notable activities to make it count. The election is Tuesday, and the "Fall Campaign" is shifting gears with Thanksgiving next on the horizon. Add to that the time change next weekend.

In the election on Tuesday we have an opportunity to put the brakes on the runaway Congress that is spending and regulating like never before.

If we are to survive as a country, if we are to remain competitive in business, if we are to continue to have free enterprise, if we are going to have opportunities to grow our businesses, we must defeat the liberal, progressive agenda on Tuesday. This is a very serious election. There has not been so much at stake in decades.

We have been selling strong since the 4th of July, with the "Summer Selling Season" running until Labor Day, and the "Fa;; Campaign" in effect since then. Then have been few distractions for our customers, but that is changing.

The time to act is now. It’s not too late, but we don’t want to wait.

In my podcast message today, "Make It Count," I stress the importance of acting this week.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

The Post Office Should Be Really Happy

Today, all I got in the mail were political postcards - direct mail from healthy campaign advertising, printing, and postage budgets. I hope the Post office is bracing itslef for the letdown that is coming next Wednesday. For at least the past 6 months they have been delivering flyers and postcards nearly every single day. On some days, like today, it was all the mail I received.

Yet, the Post Office will still be seeking a multi-cent increase in the price of postage because they are so poorly managed and inefficient.


Their bank account should look real good right now. Who wants to bet that it doesn't?

The delivery and management systems at the Post office - not to mention the unions - are so far out of whack that they can't help but loose money. Come to think of it, I don't remember the last time I mailed a letter - don't think it was even this year.


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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Voting For Keeps

This Tuesday, November 2nd, we have an opportunity that is extremely important for us and the future of our country. It the way for us to put the brakes on the runaway Congress that is spending and regulating like never before.

If we are to survive as a country, if we are to remain competitive in business, if we are to continue to have free enterprise, if we are going to have opportunities to grow our businesses, we must defeat the liberal, progressive agenda on Tuesday. This is a very serious election. There has not been so much at stake in decades.

We must vote for small business, entrepreneurs, free enterprise, and America.

In my podcast message today, "Voting For Keeps," I stress our role in getting America back on track. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and your vote counted.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Oh, Really?

If you're one of those salespeople who likes to update their outgoing voice mail message frequently - perhaps every day - be careful that you keep it current. Can't tell you the number of times - including just before starting to write this post - that I have called someone and the message tells me that they are in the office, at a conference, showing property, in a seminar, or something else on a day other than the current one.

No problem with the reason for not being able to take the call. The issue is that the date is last week 2 weeks ago, last month, or yesterday. So are you in today but just not aware that your message is stale? Are you still away from the office on that same business? Do you just not like to update your messages?

This really is not a good reflection on your brand. That's one reason I use the same message and don't change it. At least I won't forget to update it that way.

Messages with the exact date on them and your general itinerary are fine, but a more general message may be safer and less embarrassing when you forget to update them.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Trick or Treat

Halloween comes at the end of this week, and it's a perfect time to remind us not to fall for government tricks or to feel that we are victims but to offer a treat to America through our productivity and new employment opportunities.

As entrepreneurs and salespeople, we have the ability to rise above the tricks that our government and Congress have been playing on us in an attempt to erode the free market and to give back a treat – in the form of more prosperity for ourselves and our employees, additional employment opportunities, and increased economic output.

We, not the government, are the ones who create jobs. We make the American economy strong. Let’s not fall prey to their tricks. Let’s provide meaningful treats to the economy.

In my podcast message today, "Trick or Treat," I encourage us to take responsibility for the economic health of America and to look past the tricks that Congress and our government are attempting to play on us.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

We Are Responsible

We face choices every day. Some decisions we make we like, others we aren't as happy with. Nevertheless, we are responsible for all of our decisions.

If we are not happy with the outcomes, it's at our own hand and we need to do what we can to change it now or do it differently the next time. Finger-pointing will not help us grow or be more productive.

We are responsible for the way we spend our time. We may have certain tasks to accomplish for others or we may have commitments to honor. Outside of that, it's our responsibility to spend our time wisely and be productive.

In the political realm, we have the responsibility to replace those in office who have dishonored their office. They have a responsibility, and if they aren't up to, we'll replace them

In my podcast message today, "We Are Responsible," I talk about how we all have a responsibility for our actions, choices, and decisions.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Nine And Counting

In 9 more days. we will be voting - unless you have already voted in early voting.

We can't afford to sit this one out, and we can't afford to vote for any incumbent that violated the public trust by voting for earmarks, cap and trade, health care, or bailouts.

We can't vote for anyone who wouln't read the bills they voted on.

We need to stand up and speak out. November 2nd is our chance.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Start The Clock

With just 10 days to go mark until the elections on November 2nd, it time to start the countdown in earnest. We need to support candidates who are behind free enterprise, the Constitution, low regulation, low taxes, and no spending.

This is the most important election of our time - that may sound like a trite expression, but it's true. America's character and financial existence depend on us electing fiscal conservatives to replace the fast-spending liberals and progressives that are currently in office. Vote for America. Vote for free enterprise.

In my podcast message today, "Start The Clock," I talk about how important our upcoming election is for our future.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Bookends Month

Let's take a breather from the focus on the election and have a little fun. We'll get back to the election next time.

I like to have fun with numbers, dates, and visual puzzles. October is a special month, and it falls in line with this. No matter which day it is this month, it can be written as 10 - day - 10. This is a peculiarity of October 2010 that happens only in the first 12 years of each century. Let's enjoy it and have a little fun with it.

Take any date, and when we insert in the middle - 1, 2, 10, 20 - it is sandwiched or "bookended" between 10s. We had 10-10-10 10 days ago. Today is double that or 10-20-10, but any day in the middle has a 10 on either side. It also reads the same from either end.

In my podcast message today, "Bookends Month," I talk about how special October is for having fun with numbers.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

This Budd's For You

Two weeks from today is election day. In Florida's District 19 race for Congress, a new face has emerged with a great campaign ad. Give Joe Budd your consideration - and your vote - if you live in his district - as I do.

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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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Make The Fall Count

Fall is such a great time of year to get things done. That's why we have the "Fall Campaign." So while the weather is cooler and the leaves are energizing us with their colorful beauty, we need to focus on doing all we can to generate business in the closing days of 2010.

This is the time to meet people, add to our database, make phone calls, set appointments, make presentations, and make sales. After Thanksgiving, we will feel the slower time of the year-end holidays. Now is the time to help insure that we can enjoy the holidays

There is just so much to experience and celebrate this time of year. Let's not forget to focus on business as we enjoy the season and all it has to offer.

In my podcast message today, "Make The Fall Count," I talk about just how important - and how much fun - this season is and how great it is to enjoy it.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday Spotlight - "Clarity"

Sunday Spotlight: "Clarity." Are we focused with a clear purpose - like the full moon, or are clouds overtaking us and blocking our intent?

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. © 2010, 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.

Celebrating Fall

Fall is such a great time of year, and mid-October is the highpoint of fall. It represents the fullest experience of it for most areas of the country.

We have cool weather, colorful fall foliage, the harvests, and football. We have the "Fall Campaign" also. It's such a great time of year.

There is just so much to experience and celebrate this time of year. Let's not forget to focus on business as we enjoy the season and all it has to offer.

In my podcast message today, "Celebrating Fall," I comment on just how much fun this season is and how great it is to enjoy it.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Friday's Thought - "Golden Moments"

Friday's Thought: "Golden Moments." Some opportunities are so special that they are indeed golden - but they don't remain for very long. Just as we can't put the pretty leaves back on the trees, these golden opportunities vanish if not acted upon.

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. © 2010, 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.

Freedom Is Powerful

Freedom has long be treasured by man. Yesterday, 33 miners were rescued from deep within the earth to begin experiencing real freedom again - after 69 days of being trapped.

Our Founders were careful no to do anything that would abridge our basic freedoms, but Congress and the president in recent years have ignored the Founding principles and begun chipping away at our freedoms.

We have a major opportunity in just 18 days on November 2nd to rid the Congress of many of those who disdain our freedoms.

In my podcast message today, "Freedom Is Powerful," I celebrate freedom along with you. Let's do all we can to keep it.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Freedom Is Precious

Congratulation to the Chilean government, its rescued miners, and all the people who helped in this valiant effort - including many Americans who were contracted to provide assistance. After 69 days, freedom outside of the earth - actually on top of it - is quite special. It is to us also. We must stop the members of Congress who have shown a disregard for our freedoms and vote them out on November 2nd - now just 19 days away.


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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Lessons From Columbus

Columbus is credited with discovering the new World. Whether he did is not the subject of today's discussion. Based on his journeys, we can learn some sales lessons from Columbus. His selling the Queen on financing the trip, his courage en route, his discovery of new land, and other skills that we can use.

He showed us courage, daring, risk taking, adventure, exploration, persuasion, and discovery. With discovery, we have to understand our marketplaces, our products or services, and our potential customers.

I have written and published 3 books for professional salespeople on the discovery process: "Operation Discovery" for new home salespeople and builders, "Building The Sale" for Realtors and real estate professionals, and "Power Of Discovery" for all other types of sales (available in a few weeks).

In my podcast message today, "Lessons From Columbus," I commemorate Columbus Day and the contributions of Columbus to our profession.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Once In A Century

Today is very special because it comes only once a century - 10/10/10. Of course, each day comes only once, but this day is a fun one because it has such a special date.

Each day is for us to make the most of it that we can. All days are special, but we are the ones that make them so.

We are living a special day in history today. Let's make it a special day to the extent that we are capable of doing so - even if it's just a special day with the family or a walk in the woods to recharge our batteries. The only thing special about today is the date - until we make it special.

In my podcast message today, "Once In A Century," I observe this special occurrence on the calendar.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Pens Don't Always Work

We all seem to be victimized by faulty pens. How many times has the conversation stopped because one of us had to find a pen or replace one that wasn't working?

Whether we are trying to write down something important or we are giving information to someone else, not having a pen or a dependable one is often the issue. Let's make sure that it isn't in the future.

We need to be prepared in advance. If a pen doesn't work with scribbling with it, toss it. Time to clean out that drawer or pen holder of all undependable pens.

It is frustrating and unprofessional to have a pen that we can't depend on or to talking with someone facing the same issue. If it needs to be a gel pen or Sharpie, that's fine. We just to get past the "my pen isn't working" excuse when we want to take a message or record important information.

In my podcast message today, "Pens Don't Always Work," I talk about this phenomenon and how we must our part to eliminate it.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's Thought - "Intensity"

Thursday's Thought: "Intensity." Fall is a great time, because of the beautiful and vibrant colors, that we should remember to be bold and intense in pursuing our business goals.

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. © 2010, 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.

Between The Lines

We expect others to communicate effectively with us, but we don't always do that with the people we are talking with. We often come up short in trying to convey our ideas to people because we haven't shared our messages clearly enough.

Communication is the transmission of a message and the receipt of it - plus the understanding of it - by the receiver. Just sending or delivering the message gets us nowhere if it isn't understood - and understood the way we intended it.

We need to improve our own performances so that we say what we really mean and convey it effectively. No room for misinterpretation or for allowing the receiver of our message to try to guess what we really meant.

In my podcast message today, "Between The Lines," I talk about how messages frequently are misunderstood as we try to read into them what was meant or miss the meaning altogether.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Four Weeks Until Our Voice Is Heard

Four weeks from today, the nation votes. We go to the polls to remove from Congress every Member of Congress and the Senate running for re-election. Many have retired, and others have been defeated in their primaries, but the vast majority of them want to return to complete converting America to socialism.

The majority in Congress has voted for health care, cap and trade, card check, bailouts, government takeovers, stimulus packages, and many other egregious programs - all at a disregard for the will of the people, the Constitution, and the financial well-being of America.

They blew it and do not deserve another term.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Life Isn't Fair

Much that happens in life isn't fair. Still, we need to support pro-free enterprise positions and vote against big government, higher taxation, more regulation, and income redistribution. Vote for the Constitution.

We not not always get the results we want, but that life and part of business. Life isn't fair - and it wasn't meant to be. Some people will accomplish more than others, and rain will fall harder or more often on some than others.

As sales professionals and business owners we just want the opportunity to succeed without excessive taxation and regulation. We need to support candidates next month that are pro-small business, pro-free enterprise, and against large government, more spending, more regulation, and higher taxation. Vote for the competitive spirit.

In my podcast message today, "Life Isn't Fair," I talk about the importance of this upcoming election for all of us.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday Spotlight - "Fall"

Sunday Spotlight: "Fall." October Is really fall - no holdover from summer. The temps are crisp and the colors are gorgeous.

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. © 2010, 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.

One More Month

I urge everyone to vote in one month on Tuesday, November 2nd for candidates that are pro-business, pro-free enterprise, and against big government, higher taxation, and more regulation. Vote for the Constitution. We have had too many legislators straying from our foundational principles.

I am quite concerned that many real estate and sales professionals and small business owners feel that politics is not a part of their business when it lies at the core of their business. Taxation and regulation impact our existence, and we need to support candidates that are pro-small business and against large government, more spending, more regulation, and higher taxation. We cannot sustain our businesses, earn a living in a tough economy, or create jobs with a Congress such as we have had.

In my podcast message today, "One More Month," I talk about the importance of this upcoming election for all of us.

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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Friday's Thought - "Change"

Friday's Thought: "Change." The election is just one month away. This time let's vote for positive change and remove the Progressives and socialists from Congress.

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. © 2010, 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.