11th Hour Passes

The 11th hour refers to the last minute when something can be done. It's right before the stroke of midnight.

Well, today we complete the 11th month. The days of 2010 are disappearing. I know we just celebrated the New Year just a short time ago, but here we are passing the 11th hour and entering the final month of 2010.

If we intend to accomplish anything substantial and count it in the 2010 column, we need to really focus on it. The 11th hour is passing.

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.

Be A Specialist

We all have certain traits and skills that make us special. Over the years we have added to our level of experience, and there are probably many things that we could do if we had to, but not as many that we do very well.

For this reason, we need to specialize in whatever it is that we do - to be the best at it that we can. We need to lead the field (as Earl Nightingale used to say) and not be someone who can do a little of this and a little of that.

A breadth of knowledge is fine, but expertise in a specific area will get us more respect and more business. By specializing, we can brand ourselves in a limited area and create a following for what we offer.

We need to focus our energies and skills on being the best in a certain area or aspect of our business and not try to so broad. We will gain greater respect and have more market share as we become known as the "go-to" person for that particular product or service.

In my podcast message today, "Be A Specialist," I talk about the value of being an expert.

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 - "Look Out"

Sunday Spotlight: "Look Out." Keeping watch or looking out for what the crowd may not see has its place in the success journey.

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.

Saturdays Are Important

Every week, we should take a day off or at least a have one run at a different pace. That is what Saturdays are for. They are important for all of us. Whether we go to the office, work at home, or take a day off from work altogether, Saturdays are important for energizing us and recharging our batteries.

On Saturdays, we can run errands, spend time with the family,, do charity work, do something for ourselves, perform maintenance around the house - so many varied activities - and maybe a little of a lot of different ones.

On Saturday, the clock doesn't seem to matter. We have no constraints and can work on something as much or as little as we want. We can start early and work late. We can work something else in - no heavy schedule to keep.

Saturdays are important to our mental health.

In my podcast message today, "Saturdays Are Important," I talk about how we need a day like Saturday every week to keep ourselves going.

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 - "Dreams"

Thursday's Thought: "Dreams." Dreaming about what we want to achieve, planning for it, and then working our plan is a great way to achieve success.

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.

Giving Thanks

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day today, we pause to give thanks for the many great blessings we enjoy . More than waiting for a special occasion such as today, we need to make a habit of doing everyday and just once a year.

We have so many blessings, freedoms, rights, and liberties that we enjoy - especially as business owners or independent salespeople. We can pursue our livelihood doing what we like, associating with people we choose, and making our own way. Thanksgiving Day is a special occasion that causes us to focus on a give thanks for what we have, but we should be doing this everyday.

In my podcast message today, "Giving Thanks," I join you in giving thanks for all that we enjoy. Have a great holiday.

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 Winning Attitude

How can you not appreciate the hard work and dedication that Jimmie Johnson and the entire Lowe's 48 Sprint Cup team did this season in accomplishing its 5th consecutive championship - a feat likely never to be equaled?

I congratulate Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, Rick Hendrick, and all of the Team 48 fans and supporters for the outstanding and unprecedented job of winning a 5th season championship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series.

Until two years ago, only one other person had won 3 in a row. Until last year, no one had ever won 4 in a row. Now, there's a 5th consecutive title added. This is no easy feat and an abject lesson in perseverance, determination, dedication, and the will to win.

In my podcast message today, "The Winning Attitude," I congratulate the Team 48 on a fantastic accomplishment.

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.

Monday Spotlight - "Change Of Direction"

Monday Spotlight: "Change Of Direction." Life doesn't offer us a straight pathway except for the time continuum. We have switchbacks, hills, turns, detours, and many changes in our course to deal with.

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.

No Sale

The new TSA policies of enhanced security inspections at airports are highly invasive, unnecessary, and unconstitutional. They are extremely ineffective as well - and extremely expensive. This is a major control move for the government.

They are supposed to make us feel good but they are easily seen through as just a government intrusion into our lives and control over our actions.

The real terrorists who could be a threat either board a plane outside the country or know how to pass through these enhanced security measures undetected. I say "no sale" to John Pistole and Janet Napolitano.

In my podcast message today, "No Sale," I challenge the enhanced security procedures as unnecessary and a waste of money. They are totally unAmerican.

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.

In A Hurry

As all us go about our day-to-day activities and try to get things done in our  lives, there are often delays, waiting in line, and being stuck in traffic that we encounter. How much time do we spend waiting for the red light to change?

Some people just aren't cut out for this waiting. They take themselves way too seriously and  are impatient.

Some things demand speed. Most things let us take an appropriate amount of time to accomplish them. It's recognizing the difference that is important.

We need to learn and acquire patience. Most things in life are not that urgent, and when they are we can deal with them if it's just an occasional occurrence.

In my podcast message today, "In A Hurry," I talk about pacing ourselves and rolling with the events instead of being in such a hectic frenzy.

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 Border Crossing

The days (miles) are rapidly disappearing past the windshield. We press ever onward to the border that separates 2010 and 2011. We are committed to the journey.

We need to plan how to finish 2010  and start of the new year as we leave one jurisdiction and travel into the next one. We need to make sure that we are prepared to continue our journey. We have to forge onward, we can't turn back.

This is a one-way journey. We need to make sure we haven't left anything undone or forgotten to do anything along the way. We need to make sure that we have everything ready to cross over into the new year.

In my podcast message today, "The Border Crossing," I talk about being prepared to continue our journey.

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.

It's Not Too Early

There's not a lot of time left is 2010, so we need to use it wisely.  We need to plan how to finish 2010 as strongly as possible and also plan to harness momentum for beginning 2011 in a strong, bold way.

Now is the time to make sure that we can complete what is important for this year and to begin making plans to do well in 2011. It's certainly not too early to begin thinking about where we want to be next year and to begin making plans to get there.

In my podcast message today, "It's Not Too Early," I talk about finishing 2010 well and determining how to compete successfully in 2011.

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.

Retailers Pulling Out The Stops

Talk about out-of-the-box thinking. Yesterday, I told you about the Post Office. Now we are hearing about what so may retailers are doing to compete for the consumer dollar this holiday shopping season.

Unemployment is still very high, but maybe a little consumer confidence has returned as a result of the election. To be sure, people like to spend and haven't been doing much of that. This may contribute to a good retail season.

Not taking any chances on being left at the starting gate, Best Buy kicked off their holiday season yesterday. Walmart is offering free shipping on all online orders. Amazon kicks off its promotion next Monday - a week before "CyberMonday." Sears. Toys-R-Us, and The Gap will be open on Thanksgiving. Look for other to follow.

With inflation rising on the horizon and the other economic woes we have been facing, this just might be the time for a good retail season.

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.

It's About Time

The Post Office reported that they lost $8.5 billion and 100,000 jobs last year;, however, it looks like they may be getting ready to something smart.

They are embarking on a pilot program with Hallmark Cards to allow the card company to print postage on their envelopes so that when the cards are purchased no additional postage is necessary in order to mail them. This is smart, creative thinking by both companies.

In my podcast message today, "It's About Time," I talk about the new concept the Post office is piloting that makes sense and shows a lot of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. They are joining forces with Hallmark to allow the card company to print postage on the envelopes so that when we purchase a greeting card, the postage is already there. Just address the envelope, sign the card with our message, and mail. This is a great way for the Post Office to offer a service and gives them a real market niche.

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.

Our Warriors

Today, we remember the service and the sacrifice of so many over the years - as well as those currently serving or those who will in the future - to safeguard, protect, preserve, and secure the liberties and freedoms we enjoy in this country. Their service is vital and so very much appreciated.

In my podcast message today, "Our Warriors," I honor our veterans who have given so much for 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.

Recognizing A Sale

I walked into a store ready to purchase something I needed but not really intending to make a decision on that visit. I located what I wanted, but it was not in stock. Rather than telling me to come back, this salesperson would not accept anything less than a sale. He began trying to find the product. This is the correct approach when there is a ready, willing, and able customer. There was no push, just assumptive leading.

It was a great job of recognizing a sales opportunity and making it happen.

In my podcast message today, "Recognizing A Sale," I discuss my pleasant experience in working with salesperson.

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.

Monday Spotlight - "Intent"

Monday Spotlight: "Intent." We use the expression "for the birds" to indicate something that is out of the ordinary or a waste of effort, but sometimes, the intent of something is to serve the birds - like the nesting place, a bird bath, or telephone wires. Intent, purpose, and function can make a big difference.

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.

Times Are A-Changing

Change is something we are always working with. Today we experienced (most of us did anyway) the time change. We've been experiencing the fall weather and colors. A few days ago, we enjoyed the election results, On the horizon are the coming winter holidays.

Changes such as these have or will be impacting the way we approach our businesses and conduct it for the balance of the year.

If we know that change is coming, we can adapt and prepare for it. If it comes on suddenly, we can respond. We just want to be careful not to react.

In my podcast message today, "Times Are A-Changing," I discuss the changes affecting us as we prepare for the home stretch of 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. © 2010, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Doing For Ourselves

When this country was founded and many years thereafter, we were a nation of farmers. Then it evolved into one with more trades and manufacturing. Now it is more service than anything else.

As we were starting out, we did things for ourselves. We grew our own food, captured or killed animals to eat, made our own clothing, repaired what we could to keep going, and we helped out each other. Over time we bought more of the items we needed - with the money we made from our own industry - working for ourselves or someone else.

We didn't depend on government handouts. We made our own way in the world. We looked to our own abilities to survive and thrive. It's time we get back to this mentality.

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.

Tax Cuts Are Free

The Fed is going to print money to try to stimulate the economy. This isn't unwise and unnecessary move that will only lead to inflation. It already has.

All that needs to be done is to cut taxes - a move that costs nothing and actually increases revenue for the government. The excessive spending has gotten so far out of whack that they think they are entitled to a certain amount and can't do without it.

By keeping the Bush tax cuts in place and probably even cutting them more., we will be giving people a few more dollars in the take home pay - and they will spend it.

The argument by liberal members of Congress, bureaucrats, and pundits is that we can't afford the tax cuts - that it will be billions of dollars. In actuality, the cuts cost nothing. Just do them. What they are afraid of is that they won't have as much of our money to spend. The cuts will help the economy.

In my podcast message today, "Tax Cuts Are Free," I make the case for continuing the tax cuts to improve the economy.

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 - "Conservative Values"

Thursday's Thought: "Conservative Values." Tuesday's election revealed that Americans really do favor their conservative values over the liberal, progressive ideals of those in Washington. There's a strong wind blowing from the right.

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.

Gracious Winners

In yesterday's election, there were as many winners as losers. It's how they acknowledged the outcome that makes a difference to me. Some were gracious in defeat. Many were gracious in victory. Some acted liked victory was owed to them.

In my podcast message today, "Gracious Winners," I pick out a few instances to illustrate this point and to use it as a teaching moment for us.

Most of the winners were genuinely thrilled to win and let it show. How can you win and show little-to-no emotion in a matter-of-fact delivery that is written out to be read?

People like Marco Rubio and Rick Scott were gracious, funny, and motivating. Kendrick Meek in losing was the same. Harry Reid had to read his remarks that he or someone else wrote for him.

The difference was telling - from those who meant what they said and said in a real way versus those who only acted happy.

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.

A Good Day For Free Enterprise

We all know that today was election day, and I wanted to wait until this evening to see how the tally was going before doing my post. We know that we needed change in Congress, and it looks like much of that change is going to happen.

As small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent salespeople, we need the freedom to conduct our businesses without a lot of government meddling, interference, and regulation.

Here in Florida, we just elected to the Senate one of the strongest voices for free enterprise that you could find, Marco Rubio.

While it's a longer video than I typically like to post, here is his acceptance speech, and you'll notice his character comes through quite clearly. You'll also notice the absence of a speech or teleprompter.

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.

A New Opportunity

And so we begin yet another month - the next to last one in 2010. Plenty of time to make things count but not as much time as even a month ago.

Still, November is a great month. We begin with the election tomorrow - a chance to restore some sanity in our Congress and the direction of our country . Then we focus on building our sales volume for a brand new month.

We have Thanksgiving this month which takes away a few of our productive days so we'll have to do more with less days.

It's a great month. Fall is still in the air although it may be getting much cooler in many places, and the time will be going back to standard time next weekend.

As we stand at the starting line of a new month, there is so much opportunity in front of us. It's up to us to make it work.

In my podcast message today, "A New Opportunity," I stress the optimism of a new month.

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.