The Demise Of The Big Box Bookstore

Is the big box bookstore dead? Yes.

Borders just filed for bankruptcy and announced 200 store closings. Look for the others to follow within a couple of years.

Barnes & Noble is next.

From what I see, these large boxes are a place to scan the new releases, sit in an easy chair and read a book then put it back, check out a magazine article without purchasing it, have a cup of coffee, and visit with friends.

In many ways it is like a well stocked library, but you can't money with that kind of business model.

Amazon has books and ebooks to order 24 hours a day - with next day delivery if you want. No gas used, no getting dressed up, no leaving home.

This is a great time for the small boutique bookstores - used books, theme genres, business books, new releases, and general titles - much like you find at an airport.

Borders and likely Barnes & Noble are going to join Circuit City, Comp USA (although it has made a reconfigured comeback), Linens & Things, and most video rental stores (including many Blockbusters) as stores that served their purpose for the time in which they existed.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

In Like A LIon

March is upon us. Tomorrow we say goodbye to February.

Regardless of what we've done or not done in the first 2 months of the year. it's time to enter March like a lion - take it boldly and intentionally like we mean business.

We are entering the springtime, and the attitude that we all have or soon will be feeling should get us charging into March with a fresh, regenerative outlook on life and approach to our businesses. Winter is over - at least mentally.

We should launch our spring attack and go all-out. We have that spring enthusiasm and rebirth to give us that additional momentum to get things done. Spring is an attitude, and we can use this feeling to get some serious work accomplished.

In my podcast message today "In Like A Lion" I challenge us to make a difference in March.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Don't Run Away From Your Responsibility

In Wisconsin, the 14 Democratic members of the Senate continue their exile in Illinois. Many of them are facing recall petitions - which I hope are successful.

This is so childish. Had they remained in the majority they would have prevailed, and they would not have tolerated such behavior from Republicans - though they likely would not have done this anyway.

If these Senators didn't want to serve, they should not have run for election. None of these people should survive the next election.

Look at the outstanding example they are setting for the teachers and the students of their state - it's OK to run away if the battle is formidable. It's OK to play games with the taxpayers. It's OK to be disruptive if you're not getting your 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

What Ever Happened To Common Courtesy?

Went out to dinner this evening. There was a line, as there typically is most nights in our area but especially on Friday and Saturday. As we were going inside to give our name and learn how long the wait was going to be, some other people were going in at the same time. I held the door for them - they walked right in without even acknowledging the gesture, like they expected it.

Then when we all got inside, the people I let go ahead of us gave their name to the hostess. Then came our turn. Of course the courteous thing to do when someone holds the door or provides assistance is to return the favor. The polite thing to have done in this case would have been to allow us to leave our name first since we got there first. I fully expected it.

I guess we just should have walked right in ahead of them and let them fend for themselves. That wouldn't have been right, however.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

US Oil Policy Drives Prices Higher

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Check And Re-Check

In yesterday's space launch, all of the people involved knew all of steps that needed to be taken to get the job done and move on to the next sequence and ultimately a successful launch.

We can learn a lot from their approach. We have nothing as serious as them riding on the line, but NASA's approach to productivity and safety is worth noting and following.

While we don't have the personal responsibility for protecting lives and billions of dollars worth of equipment, we can learn a lot from their approach to business. They have sequences, processes, and systems all defined and documented. When it comes time to execute a sequence, they go step-by-step and don't leave anything out.

In my podcast message today "Check And Re-Check" I take a look at how they get their jobs done.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Low Down Time

We have oak trees that are just now losing their leaves - happens every year at this time. Yet, the new ones are coming right back on. Low down time.

In life, we need to be as productive and efficient - whether we are working or at play. We shouldn't wait for things to come to us.

By having balance and going all-out in the particular area we are in, we ensure more pleasure and satisfaction from doing a good job and a sense of accomplishment. We are more effective whatever our role.

In my podcast message today "Low Down Time" I talk about being effective, productive, and efficient.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Unprecedented Selling Opportunity

Today we launched the "Spring Selling Spectacular." It was the subject of my podcast message yesterday and the blog that I wrote about that message.

Today, I explained the launch a little more in my YouTube Channel video, and here it is:

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

We Have To Show Some Restraint

During the glory days of the housing boom in the early part of the 2000s, states, counties/parishes, municipalities, and school boards saw a burgeoning tax base. Thus they had plenty of tax revenue and impact fees to build buildings, hire more workers, consent to union demands for worker benefits - and they went along on their merry way as if this growth spiral would go on forever.

Then it stopped. It didn't just slow, the bottom fell out.

But rather than deal with an overextended budget, they were propped up by the Stimulus - only delaying the necessary action of slicing and dicing until now.

That's why we see all the commotion and Democratic legislators fleeing Wisconsin and Indiana. We can't build school buildings, afford extra police and fire, construct new fire stations, add new teachers, build libraries and roads, or many of the other activities we've grown accustomed to doing and having.

No one is suggesting that basic safety and security services be curtailed, but a lot of facility and infrastructure expense has been budgeted and incurred in the past. If we need - actually need and not just want - more police, fire fighters, or teachers, then that money will have to come from another part of the budget.

We don't hire people and we don't spend for our business or home unless we can justify the expense and find the money to pay for it. It's time government did likewise.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Spring Selling Spectacular

We are embarking on an unprecedented selling opportunity - 3 months of all-out activity from now until Memorial Day to concentrate on sales and building momentum.

I have dubbed this time the “Spring Selling Spectacular.”

For the next 95 days - until the next 3-day weekend at the end of May (Memorial Day), it is all selling. No real bumps in the road - a few minor distractions but nothing to deter us from going all out. The only major observance (unless you count St. Patrick's Day or Patriots' Day) is Easter, Mostly is full-speed ahead with little to distract us or our customers.

In my podcast message today "Spring Selling Spectacular" I talk about great opportunities for all of us the next 3-months.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Congratulations To Youthful Dreams

Today's running of the Daytona 500 saw plenty of action and lots of disappointment from teams and drivers who were thought to be contenders for the race victory.

But who wins the race? A relatively unknown newcomer to the sport, Trevor Bayne. Racing in his second Sprint Cup race ever (once last season and this one), he stayed near the front for much of the race and managed to be in front when it counted most - at the end.

It took 2 overtimes to get it done, but he won. Congratulations, Trevor, and to your youthful dreams and enthusiasm.

Did I mention he just 20 years old, and the youngest winner ever at Daytona by about 5 years?

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

NASCAR Gets It Done

Martina McBride showed America how the National Anthem should be sung at today's Daytona 500. She delivered the song with the poise, confidence, and clarity of a professional singer. She sang with power, and used good phrasing. She wasn't searching for the words, and she didn't forget any. And she sang it rather than performed it.

Contrast this with the embarrassing performance by Christina Aguilera at the Super Bowl.

Any aspiring singers who want to sing the National Anthem at a sporting event or community activity should take a page from McBride. Forget the American Idol style performance and just sing the song. Show your talent in the way you hit the notes correctly and remember each word.

NASCAR holds the edge over the NFL in opening ceremonies. It isn't even close.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Stand Your Ground Wisconsin

The real reason for the uproar by the teachers' unions in Wisconsin have nothing to do with the educational system or the kids the teachers are charged with educating.

What's at stake is power - union power.

The unions across the country are converging upon Madison, the capital. In fact, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka is lashing out against the Governor and the Republican members of the legislature. It's pure intimidation, and for what? Union power.

Many of Wisconsin's teachers aren't all that upset about the proposed legislation. The bill will eliminate many of the traditional collective bargaining issues, such as pensions and health care, but it does not eliminate negotiations on wages. Working conditions are not an issue. In general, the teachers have agreed to pay more toward their retirement and health care anyway. So why all the fuss?

Turns out one provision of the bill would cause the teachers' union to be recertified every year by a majority vote of all members, not just those voting. The other provision would eliminate the school board from collecting union dues by withholding them from paychecks and passing them along to the unions. Currently dues are as high as $1,000 per teacher annually, and under the plan the unions would have to do their own billing and collecting.

This is why the unions are upset. They see their power, influence, and money going away.

BTW, has anyone even talked about or considered the interests of Wisconsin's students and their families in all of this? Didn't think so. It's all about the unions and their bosses.

Stand your ground Wisconsin. Don't give in to the union bluster.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Holding Up The Team

Tomorrow is the Daytona 500 tomorrow. I can't think of a better way to discuss teamwork. There are so many people involved in getting a top quality racecar to the track and then to the finish line.

If any one person - designer, engineer, mechanic, pit crew, driver, crew chief, spotter, or anyone else - misses the mark or has the slightest distraction while doing their job, the race could be lost.

Any single team member's actions can destroy any chance of success, but a collective great effort can well mean success.

In my podcast message today "Holding Up The Team" I talk about professionalism, doing what others depend on us for, and how we all make contributions.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Two Words To Avoid

Sales is communicating. Anything that helps with the message is good. Anything that inhibits or detracts from the message is not.

Two words that are not helpful to use in the sales message are "follow-up." They often are perceived negatively.

Instead, we should just do it without proclaiming or announcing what we are doing. It's unnecessary, unprofessional, and a turn-off for customers.

We don't like people calling or emailing us to tell us they are just following-up, and we shouldn't do it to others either - say it that is. Just maintain the contact and do the follow-up. Just don't announce it.

In my podcast message today "Two Words To Avoid" I talk about maintaining sales professionalism.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

The Free Market Works

Almost as soon as the major airlines were done announcing their new fares of up to $120 roundtrip aimed at the business traveler, they retreated. The free market works.

Delta and American went first to raise the fares. They were counting on United, Continental, USAir, and Southwest to follow their lead. If they all do it, it works. If only some do it, the market reels them back in.

All but Southwest increased fares, but USAir had second thoughts after only a couple of days and withdrew the increase - feeling that it wasn't such a good idea and that they would lose business because of it.

Then United and Continental abandoned the increase. Delta and American ratcheted back but still remained higher than the others.

Competition is great, and so is the free market.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

High-Speed Rail Is Not For Us

Today, Gov. Rick Scott of Florida put a big dent in the President's plan to provide high-speed rail service to much of America.

In his State of the Union address, the President said that he wants to have 80% of the country serviced by high-speed rail in the next several years. This is a ridiculous concept because so much of America is subject to urban sprawl or located in small towns and cities that cannot be served easily or economically by rail. This is why padssenger rail service largely went out of business.

Scott joined his fellow Govs. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and John Kasich of Ohio in rejecting wasteful government spending earmarked for high-speed rail projects in their respective states.

Actually, Kasich said no first, them Walker, and now Scott. The money was passed from state-to-state looking for a taker of this taxpayer money.

Fortunately no one has decided to take it. Scott said no to over $2 billion in federal money that doesn't need to spent and now won't be unless the feds can line up another state. Any state that takes the money will have to ante up its matching share from its already strapped budget.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida had been championing this cause and was so proud that he was able to steer this money to Florida. He is out of touch with the needs of our state, and his time in Washington should be coming to an end.

So glad that Kasich, Walker, and Scott had the courage to protect their state economies and their taxpayers by rejecting this unnecessary and wasteful spending.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Looking To Spring

Spring is approaching. Major League Baseball is ready to start preactice. Flowers are blooming - or getting rady to. Phil didn't see his shadow.

Spring is at hand and we are looking forward to a fresh start, full of new opportunities and anticipation.

While actual springtime may not be here in all places yet, it is coming and there are signs. Let’s look ahead to spring and the fresh beginnings that it offers.

In my podcast message today "Looking To Spring" I hel[ us look forward to the beauty of springtime.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Valetine's To Us

Most of us have a special someone that we call our Valentine - especially today, but let's focus for a moment on something else we should love - our work.

If we don't love what we do, it's pretty hard to excel at it or get excited about it, and if we can't get motivated or excited about it, how do we expect anyone else to buy from us?

Thomas Edison was a very industrious man, but he claimed he was at play - that he loved his work so much that it was fun, That's we need to have.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

A Week Without Football

Well I suppose it had to happen. For the first time since last July, there are no training camps or football games this week. However, the Combine starts in 10 days and the AFL (Arena Football League) starts training camp in a week.

It's just a bye week of sorts. Football will be right back with the AFL and the buildup to the Draft. Then it will time for OTAs and minicamps.

Like it or not (and I do), football is a big part of the landscape.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Report Card Time

On Friday, we completed the first 6-weeks of 2011, and now it's time for us to assess our performance, Where were we strong? Weak? Where are the opportunities? Where do we go next?

We need to evaluate our business against our goals, against our expectations, and against what we learned. What went well, what didn't, and what still needs to happen? This can be a formal review or an informal one. It just needs to happen.

We should treat this as a grading period, and learn from our review.

In my podcast message today "Report Card Time" I encourage all of us to reflect on the first term of 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Another Great Nike Spot

Yesterday, I shared with you a great Nike commercial that wasn't shown at the Super Bowl but was better than all of those combined. Here is another one from the same filming - with an emphasis on the female athlete. It also has creativity, action, memory points, a catchy song, and a wow factor - and like the longer spot, it contains no words.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

So How Well Did We Do?

Yesterday was the end of the first 6-weeks of 2011. It's time to evaluate our 6-week performance so we can know where we are as we embark on the second 6-week term. Any changes we want to make - here's the time to do it.

Goal setting - did we set realistic, achievable goals? Are we on pace to accomplish them? Did we make reasonable progress toward them? Do we need to make any adjustments?

Lead generation - did we have a goal for new lead generation? Was it in general terms or by media such as website, social media, direct mail, referrals, prospecting, phone calls, campaigns, advertising, or events? Are we on target to meet enough people to sustain or business or do we need to adjust our marketing plan and our efforts?

Lead conversion - do we have specific numbers in mind of how many leads we need to turn into actual customers and then convert into sales? Is that number realistic? How well did we do?

Appointments and presentations - how did we do with this? Are we on schedule or do we need to increase the focus on this?

Sales? Cancellations? Referrals?

We have plenty of time to improve and get better - especially if we got off to a slow start.,. After all, this was just the first 6-weeks, but we should have scored reasonably well - if only in some of the areas.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

The Outstanding Nike Commercial

Here is that great Nike commercial that wasn't shown at the Super Bowl but was better than the whole lot of them combined. It has creativity, action, memory points, a catchy song, and a wow factor. Plus, there are no words.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Misdirection

Last Sunday's Super Bowl ads showed a general lack of creativity. Just using a lot of special effects is not being creative, Having a message that is not consistent with the product isn't either. It seems a huge expense for no quality results.

Compares that to the product of Nike and Pizza Hut - both great and both without any special effects. Even a Staples ad with flying notebook computers (yes, special effects) is considerably better than the Super Bowl crop.

Sunday's group totally missed the mark, yet the Nike and Pizza Hut ads - that were enjoyable, creative, quite well photographed, and without special effects - could withstand multiple viewings. Not true for any of Sunday's ads. Being clever for clever's sake doesn't get it done.

In my podcast message today "Misdirection" I reflect on yesterday's commercials and note that were underwhelming.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Would You Hire This Guy?

James Clapper is our National Intelligence Director - and a very poor one at that.

Let me recount a couple of recent episodes, and you decide if he's qualified for the position he's in - or maybe any position of responsibility.

Not long ago, he was interviewd by Diane Sawyer (along with Janet Napolitano) and was unaware of current events in London (she wasn't either). He even botched a softball question that she gave him in an attempt for him to save face. His office later said something to the effect that he couldn't know everything that was going on in the world. Funny, Diane Sawyer knew about it. We knew about it.

Fast forward to current situation in Eqypt. In an appearance before a Congressional committee today, he said that the term "Muslim Brotherhood" is an "umbrella term" and that they are a "heterogeneous group, largely secular" - like it's a civic or fraternal organization.

He went on to say that they "escew violence" and that they have "decried Al-Qaeda as a perversion of Islam." He added that there is "no overarching agenda, particularly in terms of violence internationally."

This is the guy who's looking out for us and advising the President? Is he really this clueless?

I think maybe he has one up on the "Peter Principle."

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday's Thought - "Uniquely Suited"

Thursday's Thought: "Uniquely Suited." These purple flowered porter weed plants don't look like that much, but the butterflies love them, They are uniquely suited for what they do - and they are pretty to look at as well.

 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. © 2011, 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.

Not Very Impressive

I called a sales office today and got a recording. It proceeded to tell me that they were getting so many calls that essentially they couldn't talk to each person that called. The remaining inventory was listed and then the clincher - they could even help me if I need immediate occupancy - BY DECEMBER 1ST!

Unless we're talking 2011 - which I don't believe - I also don't believe anything else the message said.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Focus on The Customer

Many companies promote customer service and use it as a slogan, but few of them really seem to mean it - particularly large ones.

Customer satisfaction and customer relations are great terms but they often are just concepts and hallow ideas. It's easy to talk about but hard to deliver.

Staples, the office supply company does it right. They do have a genuine concern for making their customers happy and go out of their way to make sure this is communicated.

We need to do the same and really focus on the customer for our success.

In my podcast message today "Focus On The Customer" I reflect on the attitudes of companies in satisfying the needs of customers and suggest that we need to make this our top priority.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday's Tip - Pay It Forward

“You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” - John Wooden

This is the concept of "paying it forward." Let someone get in front of you in line. Wait for someone to exit before going in. Pick up a piece of trash. Return a garment to the rack that has fallen on the floor in a store. Give the person in front of you the change they are short at the checkout. Move a cart out of a parking spot as someone is pulling into it. All things done in the moment for someone we likely will never see again.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

No Place For More Government Spending

Does the President just not get it, or is he intentionally trying to bankrupt the country? A case could be made for the latter.

Today he is at it again - proposing spending billions of dollars - that we don't have - to help the states. What happened to cutting government spending? Right, that was just a sound bite.

In the first place, we can't afford it.

In the second place, it's unconstitutional.

In the third place, jobless benefits already extend for over 2 years. What kind of incentive is this to find work? People make a living by not working.

Statistics show that most people earnestly look for and find work within a few days of their benefits running out.

It's a good thing Pelosi is not in charge anymore, or this would be enacted by this afternoon. Fortunately Boehner doesn't think much of this proposal. Contact his office and let him know we support his stand - I did.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Professionalism Demands More

When someone is hired to do what they are trained to do, you expect a great performance or service.

In last night's Super Bowl game, Christina Aguilera's was hired to sing - not performs - the National Anthem . She chose to perform it and got so caught up in trying to look and sound good that she mixed up the words. This was both unprofessional and disappointing.

There is no excuse for forgetting the words if you are a professional singer. Whatever she was paid is too much. She should return some of the money.

I am so tired of watching and listening to nearly every singer - well-known or amateur - perform rather than sing the National Anthem. This is not the American Idol, and we don't need all the vocal trills and flourishes.

The Star Spangled Banner runs 1:23 when played by a military band - it seems longer but that's what it is. Christina managed to stretch it to 2:00. It OK to hold the note on "brave" and "free" a little, but that's it.

Professionalism means that we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard.

 
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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Is Creativity Asleep?

Yesterday's Super Bowl game to decide the NFL season championship was another type of championship also - the unofficial Super Bowl of TV advertising.

Unfortunately it was a no-shows for all of the contestants.

There seemed to be a general lack of creativity in the ads. Just using a lot of special effects is not being creative, Having a message that is not consistent with the product isn't either.

Yesterday's crop of Super Bowl commercials were particularly lackluster and disappointing.

For an investment of several million dollars - $3 million for just the run space - you definitely would have expected more. We saw special effects - no message there. We saw cute - with no message. We saw products with messages that were stupid or detracting.

In my podcast message today "Is Creativity Asleep?" I reflect on yesterday's commercials and note that were underwhelming.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Super Bowl Commercials Fail To Deliver

Of all the new Super Bowl commercials aired today, none were memorable in creating a demand for their product. The only one that was clever was the Pepsi Max with the slapstick of the cans being propelled from the cooler. I could watch it once or twice more, or not, because it's somewhat funny. I don't care to see any of the other commercials shown today a second time.

In the past few years, today ranks the worst in creativity and message. None of the commercials are really worthy of a second look. The Pepsi Max only because it's funny in a silly way. The Mercedes came close. That's it. The Chrysler commercial was way too long for its message and disjointed. The theme of luxury in Detroit was not well connected.

The ads that are normally created day in and day out are more memorable that today's crop. They tried to be too cute. Go Daddy - just don't understand their message at all. They have a serious service marketed to teenage boys. I certainly don't get Danica Patrick and Jillian Michaels being the talent. Sales Force always finishes in last place in the ratings - no change 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Looking Forward To The Commercials

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Maybe you're interested in the game - maybe just the commercials.

I enjoy the commercials to see what type of creativity is aoot in the advertising and marketing arenas.

These commercials are for undercapitalized, but most are just wasting their money. Dozens of companies are plunking down approximately $3 million for a 30 second spot - plus all of the time and money spent on creating, writing, casting, rehearsing, filming, and editing the spot - and special effects.

From what I have seen so far in watching 15 of the ads online, I'd say is mostly $45 million+ down the drain. Of course, this is great for our economy - if not for their respective products. The only ad of the 15 that I previewed so far that is marginally cute and probably will help with its product is a movie trailer for "Kung Fu Panda 2."

Movie trailers always help generate interest, regardless of whether its a Super Bowl ad or not.

It seems the companies are trying to "outcute" or "out-special effect" each other and are missing with their message altogether.

Over the past few years, there is usually only one or two commercials that stand out as being well done and somtthing worth running and watching again. None of these 15 are in that category.

The American economy definitely gets a boost from this, even if the products being represented do not. Free enterprise is 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Gear Up For A Good Week

Today starts the 6th week of 2011. The importance of this is that 6 weeks is often used as a milestone, a benchmark, a measuring device.

Many projects are scheduled for 6 weeks. Many follow-up calls and appointments are scheduled for 6 weeks. Doctors often like to use 6 weeks as an appropriate amount of time to try a particular therapy.

We are now entering week 6 of the new year - meaning that by this time next week we will closed the opening 6 week chapter of 2011.

So how will our first 6 weeks be recorded? A slow start, a rousing success, a mixed review, some progress? We still have a week to influence the outcome. Let's make it count.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Buy American

If we really want to begin impacting our economy in a good way and helping bring jobs back, we should start purchasing products made in America wherever and whenever possible. While much consumer technology is manufactured someplace else, there is a lot that is still made here. Let's make it a point - even go out of our way a little - to look for it.

The president is big on creating or saving jobs. That's exactly what we can do buy our spending. The job we save may belong to someone we know - even a family member.

Look for the "Made in USA" or "Made in America" label. Tired of seeing American flags made in China or uniforms of various kinds? We can create and save jobs by purchasing American products.

In my podcast message today "Buy American" I talk about how buying American and saving our economy in the process is a form of patriotism.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Doing My Part For The Economy

I did my part for America today - specifically the American economy. I bought American. I bought 100-watt light bulbs while I still can. Production of these bulbs has been banned by the EPA, effective this year. By the end of next year, no incandescent bulbs will be manufactured or sold in the US.

GE was recently reported to have closed the last incandescent light bulb manufacturing plant in the US. Not sure where the ones I bought are made - other than "Made in the USA" - but maybe GE's closure wasn't the last plant.

The EPA, DOE, and GE have been working together to ban the incandescent bulb and switch over to the inefficient, expensive, already relegated CFLs. Few people like the CFLs because they burn out way too quickly, have a warm-up time, and contain mercury. LEDs are slowly replacing them, but in the meantime can't we stay with the standard - the incandescent?

Anyway, I thought I would have to buy GE bulbs but found another brand that I could buy and still get an American product. So I managed to buy American - helping our economy, buy a capriciously banned product - helping our economy, and buy from someone other than GE - helping our economy. A good day all the way around.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Friday's Thought - "Shapes & Sizes"

Friday's Thought: "Shapes & Sizes." These clouds have a lot depth. They're beautiful to look at and watch. They are formed by different sizes and shapes - a reminder to use to look beyond appearances.

 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. © 2011, 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.

What Do Architects have Against Fitness?

Ever notice that in most hotels and many multi-story office buildings that there is no way to walk up to the higher floors or walk down to the street level? Some buildings hide their stairwells so well that you have to look at an evacuation plan to determine where they are.

Some access to buildings from outside can be controlled for security reasons - I understand that. But once inside, why can't I walk up the 4, 8, 10, or 20 floors if I want to?

Can't tell you the number of times I have walked all the way down to the bottom of the stairs only to find a door that is alarmed and then have to walk back up one or two flights - to take an elevator to the lobby.

The same is true the other way. Going to the top floor is often restricted.

We seem to place a lot of emphasis on fitness and on saving energy, yet we force people to use elevators - even when they definitely do not want to do so.

Heads up architects and building designers. Give us back the stairways!

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Democracy Is Requested, Not Forced

Here in America we have grown up with democracy - a democratic republic to be more accurate - and we expect that every other country in the world should want it as well.

That only works if thewy have the history and principles to make it work and for them to want to embrace it.

Just telling a country that they must change from what they have to a democracy is impractical if they don't have the frame of reference to accept it.

Today President Obama told Egypt that Mubarak must go and that they must install democracy immediately also.

This is a big jump - way too big. Egypt, or any other nation that is not currently a democracy by our definition, must decide on their own that they want it. Then, we must be willing to accept what it looks like even if it doesn't mirror our idea of what democracy is.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Need A Sign?

Yesterday, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. That supposedly means that spring is just around the corner. That would be great news for the weather and for our attitude.

This can give us renewed energy and enthusiasm. If we needed a sign to tell us to get on with the new year and to stop worrying about the cold, snow, and winter, maybe this is it. Why not? Works for me,

In my podcast message today "Need A Sign?" I talk about new beginnings, fresh starts, and making our way with optimism and enthusiasm - figuring that springtime is close at hand.

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Senate Continues To Represent Themselves, And Not Us

Proving again that they learned nothing from the November 2nd elections and they are only interested in representing their own interests, the Senate voted today 51-47 on a straight party-line vote to reject the attempt to repeal Obamacare.

They learned nothing from the elections, or from Judge Vinson's ruling on Monday declaring the act unconstitutional on behalf of 26 states, or from the House's vote last week to repeal the bill, or from polls that show consistently that 58% of Americans want the bill repealed.

It really is a shame that the 17th Amendment was passed. Otherwise, these arrogant Senators could be recalled and replaced by their State legislatures - the way the Founders intended it. 

2012 is not that far 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Senator Jeb Bush

Senator Jeb Bush has a nice sound to it - especially when you consider that this accomplishment would mean unseating Bill Nelson - poster boy for the repeal of the 17th Amendment.

Not only would Bush be an asset to the Senate for the country and a great representative from Florida where he served 2 terms as Governor, it would be a stepping stone to a 2016 presidential run and mean the demise of the Senate career of Bill Nelson. All positive events.

Bush has said that he is open to considering the Senate race and the the 2106 run. Let's through some encouragement his 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Bent On Destroying Us And Our Spirit

I think of the EPA as "Exceptionally Progressive Agenda."

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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.