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.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
America Remembers
Memorial Day is a day of thanksgiving and gratitude as we remember our protectors and the service they have given and continue to give - many giving their lives for us.
We pause to remember and appreciate the service that men and women have give through the armed forces to secure, protect, and defend our freedoms and liberties we enjoy. Some have given the supreme sacrifice, and many have been wounded or imprisoned. We remember all our heroes this day.
In my podcast message today "America Remembers" I observe this national day of remembrance.
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 pause to remember and appreciate the service that men and women have give through the armed forces to secure, protect, and defend our freedoms and liberties we enjoy. Some have given the supreme sacrifice, and many have been wounded or imprisoned. We remember all our heroes this day.
In my podcast message today "America Remembers" I observe this national day of remembrance.
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.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Goodbye Springtime
On this Memorial Day weekend, we need to remember the men and women in our military that have served our country and protected our freedoms and liberties.
This weekend also serves as the unofficial beginning of summer. Remembering our heroes this weekend is our primary obligation, but we should be preparing for the seasonal change also.
The fresh start and the excitement that was spring just a few short weeks ago is now changing into the hotter outdoor activities of summer and the focus more on play rather than work. It's easy to get caught up in the distractions. We must still remember that there is work to be done, and that this is a great season to do it.
In my podcast message today "Goodbye Springtime" I observe the change of the season and honor our military heroes.
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.
This weekend also serves as the unofficial beginning of summer. Remembering our heroes this weekend is our primary obligation, but we should be preparing for the seasonal change also.
The fresh start and the excitement that was spring just a few short weeks ago is now changing into the hotter outdoor activities of summer and the focus more on play rather than work. It's easy to get caught up in the distractions. We must still remember that there is work to be done, and that this is a great season to do it.
In my podcast message today "Goodbye Springtime" I observe the change of the season and honor our military heroes.
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, May 26, 2011
Productive Planning Time
Planning is very important - it helps us to be prepared. The good part for small businesses and sole practitioners is that we can do most, if not all, of our important planning in short bursts of time rather than in big blocks of allocated time.
Planning for our business doesn't need to be in big blocks of time. It's OK to be done that way, but more productive planning might actually come while commuting, getting ready for work, at lunch, drinking coffee, between appointments, or at other times of the day when we can squeeze in a few quality moments to focus on our business.
In my podcast message today "Productive Planning Time" I talk about fitting in our planning time in otherwise unproductive times.
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.
Planning for our business doesn't need to be in big blocks of time. It's OK to be done that way, but more productive planning might actually come while commuting, getting ready for work, at lunch, drinking coffee, between appointments, or at other times of the day when we can squeeze in a few quality moments to focus on our business.
In my podcast message today "Productive Planning Time" I talk about fitting in our planning time in otherwise unproductive times.
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, May 24, 2011
Retaining Customers
Many companies give the distinct impression - almost as if they intend to - that they don't need existing customers - only new ones. They will soon find that it will become harder and harder to live and survive with that business model.
Remember that nothing happens without the customer and that companies cannot be too big or too important or too successful to effectively minimize the role of the customer in their success. Many companies act as if the customer is expendable. This is a very dangerous position and one that likely comes from the top of the organization.
In my podcast message today "Retaining Customers" I talk about customer relations - or the lack of it - and how we need to learn from the rudeness of others.
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.
Remember that nothing happens without the customer and that companies cannot be too big or too important or too successful to effectively minimize the role of the customer in their success. Many companies act as if the customer is expendable. This is a very dangerous position and one that likely comes from the top of the organization.
In my podcast message today "Retaining Customers" I talk about customer relations - or the lack of it - and how we need to learn from the rudeness of others.
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.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Our Helpful Government
So who taught you how to use the internet? Did you learn on your own as most of us did? Did you ask a family member or associate for a little help? Did you find the help you needed on your own?
Well, that's not good enough for our government. It seems that our President feels that people aren't smart enough or motivated enough on their own to learn the ropes on the internet so he has directed the US Department of Commerce to use tax money to create a website called www.digitalliteracy.gov (which should have skipped the double consonant) to offer tutorials and help people acclimate to the internet.
In addition, over $1 billion in stimulus money has been spent to help develop high-speed internet service in areas without it. Granted there are some people who don't have the internet on their home computer, but they likely have access at the library, a local school, or on their smartphone. Again, it's not that people are going without that really want to have access and can't, but isn't this a private enterprise issue and not a government or regulatory one?
Even after all the money and government intervention, is anyone wondering how people can find this great tutorial site if they don't know how to use the internet?
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.
Well, that's not good enough for our government. It seems that our President feels that people aren't smart enough or motivated enough on their own to learn the ropes on the internet so he has directed the US Department of Commerce to use tax money to create a website called www.digitalliteracy.gov (which should have skipped the double consonant) to offer tutorials and help people acclimate to the internet.
In addition, over $1 billion in stimulus money has been spent to help develop high-speed internet service in areas without it. Granted there are some people who don't have the internet on their home computer, but they likely have access at the library, a local school, or on their smartphone. Again, it's not that people are going without that really want to have access and can't, but isn't this a private enterprise issue and not a government or regulatory one?
Even after all the money and government intervention, is anyone wondering how people can find this great tutorial site if they don't know how to use the internet?
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.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Switching To Summer
It's important that we get as much done as we can before the days turn hot and our interests shift to outdoor activities. This weekend we begin summer, if unofficially. There is still much to be done in the spring.
Summer is coming soon. Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. Soon our focus will be on golf, tennis, swimming, boating, picnics, softball, and other outdoor activities. We tend to slow down a bit in the summertime aslo because of the heat.
In my podcast message today "Switching To Summer" I talk about getting as much done while the weather is still nice and before we get so involved with outdoor activities.
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.
Summer is coming soon. Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. Soon our focus will be on golf, tennis, swimming, boating, picnics, softball, and other outdoor activities. We tend to slow down a bit in the summertime aslo because of the heat.
In my podcast message today "Switching To Summer" I talk about getting as much done while the weather is still nice and before we get so involved with outdoor activities.
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, May 20, 2011
Bouncing Back
It's important that we stay connected by looking past minor interruptions or roadblocks to come out on top. Bouncing back is what separates the survivors from those who are defeated.
One of the key attributes of a successful salesperson or business owner is resilience. This is the ability to bounce back, to shake of the little defeats or detours, and to focus on the days ahead. It's our persistence and dedication to surviving that gets us through the valleys and the dark places. It enables us to get back on top.
In my podcast message today "Bouncing Back" I talk about picking ourselves up and getting back in the game after a knockdown, slip, or close call.
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.
One of the key attributes of a successful salesperson or business owner is resilience. This is the ability to bounce back, to shake of the little defeats or detours, and to focus on the days ahead. It's our persistence and dedication to surviving that gets us through the valleys and the dark places. It enables us to get back on top.
In my podcast message today "Bouncing Back" I talk about picking ourselves up and getting back in the game after a knockdown, slip, or close call.
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, May 19, 2011
I'll Drink To That - Coffee, That Is
I love drinking coffee, and it turns out that coffee has a lot of benefits. In short, it is good for us.
Study after study confirms its value.
Apparently some people are out to prove that coffee is bad for you, but ever study comes back showing just the opposite - that it is good for us.
Coffee is a well established anti-oxidant so it has that going for it. It also helps with asthma and certain allergies.
Recently there was a study than proved that coffee does not raise your blood pressure - even by drinking several cups a day. Then they showed that coffee inhibits certain breast cancer formation. Now they have found that men who drink coffee lower there risk of developing prostate cancer - more coffee is better than less.
This just keeps getting better. If I didn't already enjoy coffee so much I'd have to start drinking it.
And for me the only way to drink it is straight out of the pot. Anything else is a "coffee drink" rather than coffee.
Wonder what the next study will prove? Can hardly wait.
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.
Study after study confirms its value.
Apparently some people are out to prove that coffee is bad for you, but ever study comes back showing just the opposite - that it is good for us.
Coffee is a well established anti-oxidant so it has that going for it. It also helps with asthma and certain allergies.
Recently there was a study than proved that coffee does not raise your blood pressure - even by drinking several cups a day. Then they showed that coffee inhibits certain breast cancer formation. Now they have found that men who drink coffee lower there risk of developing prostate cancer - more coffee is better than less.
This just keeps getting better. If I didn't already enjoy coffee so much I'd have to start drinking it.
And for me the only way to drink it is straight out of the pot. Anything else is a "coffee drink" rather than coffee.
Wonder what the next study will prove? Can hardly wait.
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.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Turning The Corner
Changing direction to change our way of thinking and our approach to business - the way we attract and work with customers and the way we market our products and services - can be quite valuable.
I recommend we try a new direction occasionally - to get off the path we are on and invite a new opportunity into our business (unless we are satisfied with what is happening and aren't open to expanding or moving into new areas).
Some of us have been going in the same direction for so long that the thoughts of turning into a new pathway are a little scary. They may be just what we need.
In my podcast message today "Turning The Corner" I talk about changing up our routine to bring new energy and excitement into what we are doing.
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.
I recommend we try a new direction occasionally - to get off the path we are on and invite a new opportunity into our business (unless we are satisfied with what is happening and aren't open to expanding or moving into new areas).
Some of us have been going in the same direction for so long that the thoughts of turning into a new pathway are a little scary. They may be just what we need.
In my podcast message today "Turning The Corner" I talk about changing up our routine to bring new energy and excitement into what we are doing.
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, May 17, 2011
Does No Republican Have A Message That Resonates?
It seems that no Republican candidate for President is strong enough or determined enough to make much of an impression on the electorate.
It's still time for a strong candidate to emerge, but time is running out for a frontrunner to emerge.
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.
It's still time for a strong candidate to emerge, but time is running out for a frontrunner to emerge.
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.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Checking and Rechecking
Today's shuttle launch reminds us of the importance of planning and then executing the plan. Whether its a presentation or a meeting, knowing what we want to accomplish in advance will allow us to get the most out of it and to be totally prepared to enter to discussion having done our homework. This is not to obsess over, but proper planning will help avoid embarrassment and insure success.
In my podcast message today "Checking and Rechecking" I talk about knowing in advance what we need to do to get the results we want and then being ready to go after it without worrying that we are unprepared.
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.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Never Too Old To Make A Difference
Long before Office Max and Office Depot, Staples was born - and it started with a vision and an impulse.
Leo Kahn, who started Staples with his partner Tom Stemberg, was almost 70 in 1985 when he founded the company.
Leo passed away Wednesday at age 94. He is proof that we're never too old to be creative or make a difference.
Prior to Staples, he ran a chain of grocery stores in the New England area.
It seems Leo and Tom had been shopping at a warehouse club and noticed that many office supplies were being sold among the products offered. The idea was launched to create a big-box office supply store. There were none at the time.
And if that wasn't enough, he then launched a couple brands of natural food supermarkets that were purchased by Whole Foods in 1999.
Leo should be an inspiration to 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Leo Kahn, who started Staples with his partner Tom Stemberg, was almost 70 in 1985 when he founded the company.
Leo passed away Wednesday at age 94. He is proof that we're never too old to be creative or make a difference.
Prior to Staples, he ran a chain of grocery stores in the New England area.
It seems Leo and Tom had been shopping at a warehouse club and noticed that many office supplies were being sold among the products offered. The idea was launched to create a big-box office supply store. There were none at the time.
And if that wasn't enough, he then launched a couple brands of natural food supermarkets that were purchased by Whole Foods in 1999.
Leo should be an inspiration to 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sharpening The Saw
It's important to take a little time now and then to renew ourselves - a getaway, change of pace, time off, recreation, gardening, reading a book - so many ways to recharge and regain our edge. It can be an hour, a day, or a few days.
Saturdays, like today, remind us that we need to recharge our batteries and regain our edge. Time off or a change of pace are great ways for us to recapture that enthusiasm and drive that we need to pursue our business and make a difference.
When we wear down or get into such a routine that our spark flickers, it's time to renew.
For maximum performance we need that occasional breather.
In my podcast message today "Sharpening The Saw" I talk about regaining our edge and use a story to illustrate 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Saturdays, like today, remind us that we need to recharge our batteries and regain our edge. Time off or a change of pace are great ways for us to recapture that enthusiasm and drive that we need to pursue our business and make a difference.
When we wear down or get into such a routine that our spark flickers, it's time to renew.
For maximum performance we need that occasional breather.
In my podcast message today "Sharpening The Saw" I talk about regaining our edge and use a story to illustrate 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sometimes Small Is What Is Needed
Sometimes an infill location calls for an innovative product or one much smaller than usual. In a Portland, Oregon neighborhood, D.R. Horton has come up with a micro-home design at under 400 square feet. There's no garage, but the demographic doesn't seem to need one.
I've had experience selling innovative small products, and in the right setting they do very well. This appears to be such an instance.
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.
I've had experience selling innovative small products, and in the right setting they do very well. This appears to be such an instance.
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, May 12, 2011
Leadership Has Responsibility
People arrive at a management or leadership position in many ways. Some earned it, some assumed it, some were elected to it, and some had it given to them - even though they clearly were not up to the tasks of the position.
Leadership can occur at any age in a variety or circumstances from committee assignments to corporate positions. However, it's considerably more than being boss or powerful.
It has a lot to do with setting the example and producing good results in the team. It's not accomplished through authority but through vision, enthusiasm, and team effort.
Delegation without a vision will lead to failure. So many people in leadership positions do not take it seriously or realize the impact they have on their teams.
In my podcast message today "Leadership Has Responsibility" I discuss the importance of leadership done 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Leadership can occur at any age in a variety or circumstances from committee assignments to corporate positions. However, it's considerably more than being boss or powerful.
It has a lot to do with setting the example and producing good results in the team. It's not accomplished through authority but through vision, enthusiasm, and team effort.
Delegation without a vision will lead to failure. So many people in leadership positions do not take it seriously or realize the impact they have on their teams.
In my podcast message today "Leadership Has Responsibility" I discuss the importance of leadership done 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Social Media Is For Connecting
I wonder why many join social networking sites like Facebook and Linked-In because they aren't there to really expand their spheres. They choose not to use them to connect with people beyond whom they already know.
Social media is for connecting and interacting. Reach out to people in similar lines of work from across thew country. This is how professional relationships and referral networks are built.
In my podcast message today "Social Media Is For Connecting" I encourage people to open up and connect with others on the network.
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.
Social media is for connecting and interacting. Reach out to people in similar lines of work from across thew country. This is how professional relationships and referral networks are built.
In my podcast message today "Social Media Is For Connecting" I encourage people to open up and connect with others on the network.
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, May 10, 2011
Got A Plan For Lower Gas Prices?
The President did well with his capture of bin Laden, but does he have any other courageous plans - like dropping gas prices? He originally wanted gas prices to increase, which they have. Now, that doesn't look like such a good plan for him or 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. © 2011, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.
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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Ivory Tower Fed
How out of touch can one group of people be? I'm talking about the Federal Reserve officers.
Narayana Kocherlakota, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (along with presidents of at least to other banks), says that the fed should raise interest rates this year to guard against inflation. Where have they been? Guard against inflation?
We're not in hyperinflation yet but we're on our way. But never forget that they don't count gas and food in their formula. Since that's where inflation is mostly noticeable, it makes sense for them to exclude it. That way they can maintain that there is no inflation.
Nevertheless, cotton has more than doubled in the last year. Shopping for school clothes or jeans will reveal this.
Just one more reason to abolish the central bank.
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
Narayana Kocherlakota, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (along with presidents of at least to other banks), says that the fed should raise interest rates this year to guard against inflation. Where have they been? Guard against inflation?
We're not in hyperinflation yet but we're on our way. But never forget that they don't count gas and food in their formula. Since that's where inflation is mostly noticeable, it makes sense for them to exclude it. That way they can maintain that there is no inflation.
Nevertheless, cotton has more than doubled in the last year. Shopping for school clothes or jeans will reveal this.
Just one more reason to abolish the central bank.
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
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day Message
As we celebrate Mother's Day, I think of a particular trait mothers have - that of encouraging us and giving us confidence to tackle issues in front of us that we are unsure about or where we just need a little boost.
Sometimes we lack confidence or feel we aren't up to the challenge. Mothers have enough confidence for both of us. They help us see things that we don't and overlook some of our shortcomings.
In my podcast message today "Mother's Day Message" I want us to remember the support we have received form our mothers.
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.
Sometimes we lack confidence or feel we aren't up to the challenge. Mothers have enough confidence for both of us. They help us see things that we don't and overlook some of our shortcomings.
In my podcast message today "Mother's Day Message" I want us to remember the support we have received form our mothers.
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.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Don't Dismess Free Enterprise As The Best System
Seems like there's a study to prove most anything. Now, a group out of Baylor University is using data from a 2005 "World Values Survey" of 10,405 people across the industrialized world to prove that free enterprise is making people less happy.
That's the conclusion they drew.
They cited the US as being less well-off than other nations like Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Their findings were fine, it's their results that were skewed. They looked at how satisfied people are with their lives as a whole these.
What they determined is that the US had a slightly lower index - 7.26 on a 10 point scale compared to 7.39 for the whole group.
Then, they concluded that less government intervention can allow for a more efficient economy, but create more stress. "If you get sick and can't work or lose your job and there are few social protections in place, you're more likely to be anxious and less satisfied."
What they overlooked - likely because they wanted to - is that with those fewer social programs and protections in place the more freedom you have to do something about your condition. Looking to the government as a parent is just wrong. We were never created to live like this.
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.
That's the conclusion they drew.
They cited the US as being less well-off than other nations like Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Their findings were fine, it's their results that were skewed. They looked at how satisfied people are with their lives as a whole these.
What they determined is that the US had a slightly lower index - 7.26 on a 10 point scale compared to 7.39 for the whole group.
Then, they concluded that less government intervention can allow for a more efficient economy, but create more stress. "If you get sick and can't work or lose your job and there are few social protections in place, you're more likely to be anxious and less satisfied."
What they overlooked - likely because they wanted to - is that with those fewer social programs and protections in place the more freedom you have to do something about your condition. Looking to the government as a parent is just wrong. We were never created to live like this.
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, May 6, 2011
Say It Ain't So, NLRB
The federal government has a department called the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). It's real name should be the National Labor Advocacy Board. Why do we need to have free enterprise - the backbone of this country - thwarted by a group in our government - and fund them for doing so?
You've probably heard that Boeing wants to relocate part of its manufacturing from the Seattle are to South Carolina. This would mean some 3,200 additional jobs for South Carolina - not to mention homes for all those relocating to the area or moving around within the area - autos and pickup trucks, too, possibly.
But, the NLRB, and particularly a man who used to be on Boeing's Board of Directors, can't allow those jobs to go to a right to work state where union influence and control is not assured.
Thus, the NLRB is attempting to stop a private business from exercising their right to be located wherever they deem the most beneficial for their business - and assert the government's will to maintain union jobs in Washington state.
This is what big business has evolved into, and how labor unions have shaped the face of American business.
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.
You've probably heard that Boeing wants to relocate part of its manufacturing from the Seattle are to South Carolina. This would mean some 3,200 additional jobs for South Carolina - not to mention homes for all those relocating to the area or moving around within the area - autos and pickup trucks, too, possibly.
But, the NLRB, and particularly a man who used to be on Boeing's Board of Directors, can't allow those jobs to go to a right to work state where union influence and control is not assured.
Thus, the NLRB is attempting to stop a private business from exercising their right to be located wherever they deem the most beneficial for their business - and assert the government's will to maintain union jobs in Washington state.
This is what big business has evolved into, and how labor unions have shaped the face of American business.
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.
Just Take Empowerment
We need to approach our businesses with as much power, strength, and confidence as we can. We need to look for and seize opportunities to expand our business. We have that within ourselves and don't need to wait for it to be granted to us - unless we are part of a larger organization with specific guidelines of operation.
Otherwise, we need to choose to be empowered. Empowerment is not something we have to wait to have bestowed upon us. It is taken. We're in charge of our business - or our part of the operation, and we can run as we see fit within larger guidelines if they apply.
Nevertheless, we make a conscious decision to be empowered to make decisions, to make phone calls, to negotiate, to write business, and to service that business.
In my podcast message today "Just Take Empowerment" I want us to stand tall and seize what it ours - the power to run our business or sales operation.
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.
Otherwise, we need to choose to be empowered. Empowerment is not something we have to wait to have bestowed upon us. It is taken. We're in charge of our business - or our part of the operation, and we can run as we see fit within larger guidelines if they apply.
Nevertheless, we make a conscious decision to be empowered to make decisions, to make phone calls, to negotiate, to write business, and to service that business.
In my podcast message today "Just Take Empowerment" I want us to stand tall and seize what it ours - the power to run our business or sales operation.
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, May 5, 2011
Offshore Drilling One Step Closer
In the House of Representatives today, by a bipartisan vote of 266-149, HR 1230 was approved to get us back on the road to drilling for oil here at home,
This is the bill "Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act" that will create jobs and supply domestic oil. Speaker Boehner was committed to passing this "American Energy Initiative" and he is to be commended for his leadership in getting it done.
This bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate. I placed a couple of phone calls today to Congress and was told that no one is sure when the Senate will take this up or what the outcome of a vote might be.
This bill is good is for America, and we need to encourage the Senate to pass it also. There is no companion bill in the Senate so they need to approve this one.
We talk energy independence, and we talk about job creation. This bills supplies both.
The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to immediately release the permits for the Gulf and Virginia that have been held up by the President.
Do not let the Senate drop the ball on this one!
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.
This is the bill "Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act" that will create jobs and supply domestic oil. Speaker Boehner was committed to passing this "American Energy Initiative" and he is to be commended for his leadership in getting it done.
This bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate. I placed a couple of phone calls today to Congress and was told that no one is sure when the Senate will take this up or what the outcome of a vote might be.
This bill is good is for America, and we need to encourage the Senate to pass it also. There is no companion bill in the Senate so they need to approve this one.
We talk energy independence, and we talk about job creation. This bills supplies both.
The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to immediately release the permits for the Gulf and Virginia that have been held up by the President.
Do not let the Senate drop the ball on this one!
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.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Take Pride In Selling
Selling is a great profession, and we should be proud that we are in sales. We should enthusiastically embrace what we represent. We should be bold and confident.
We don't need to soft peddle or shrink from sales - unless we have a product or service that is not reputable. Otherwise, we should be enthusiastic about selling - we are offering something to the public to help them with a specific need or application.
In my podcast message today "Take Pride In Selling" I want us to stand tall and be proud that we are in sales. Without sales, no business would have any revenue.
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 don't need to soft peddle or shrink from sales - unless we have a product or service that is not reputable. Otherwise, we should be enthusiastic about selling - we are offering something to the public to help them with a specific need or application.
In my podcast message today "Take Pride In Selling" I want us to stand tall and be proud that we are in sales. Without sales, no business would have any revenue.
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, May 3, 2011
Time To Pull The Plug On Pakistan
With the capture of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan right under the noses of the Pakistan Army, and in the largest residential building in the area - patrolled by armed guards, the time has come to pull foreign aid from Pakistan. They have recently aligned with China anyway.
There lack of cooperation in giving bin Laden to us or in capturing him on their own means that the US taxpayers no longer need to give them billions each year.
Today, Allen West of Florida (District 22) wrote a letter to Kay Granger, Chair of the House Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, requesting that not another dime be given to Pakistan. I agree.
Since 9/11/01, we have given Pakistan roughly $20 billion, and for what - to keep bin Laden's whereabouts a secret?
We need to rethink a lot of our foreign gifts, and this is the perfect place to start.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton prematurely announced that we would not be cutting any funding to Pakistan, but she doesn't authorize the funds - Congress does.
Allen needs help to get this passed in the Congress. Do your part if believe, as I do, that Pakistan is no friend of America.
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.
Monday, May 2, 2011
How's Your Reputation?
Having a great reputation is important. It's easier lost than gained. It take a lifetime to earn it but not very long at all to destroy it.
Today we also have an online reputation to be concerned about, and that often weighs more heavily than our interpersonal reputation.
In addition to what we have always thought of as our reputation - our character, interpersonal relationships, honesty, and our general behavior - we now have our online reputation. Things we said or did online that we didn't even think about at the time may come back to harm us. We need to be intentional about our online reputation.
In my podcast message today "How's Your Reputation?" I want us to expand our thinking to recognize that our online activities impact our reputation.
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.
Today we also have an online reputation to be concerned about, and that often weighs more heavily than our interpersonal reputation.
In addition to what we have always thought of as our reputation - our character, interpersonal relationships, honesty, and our general behavior - we now have our online reputation. Things we said or did online that we didn't even think about at the time may come back to harm us. We need to be intentional about our online reputation.
In my podcast message today "How's Your Reputation?" I want us to expand our thinking to recognize that our online activities impact our reputation.
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.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Welcome To May
Welcome to May! May is an exciting month, but we have much work to do. We have to fight to keep the debt limit from increasing. We have to fight to keep more entitlement programs from being created and funded. We have to fight for freedom.
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.
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.
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