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Having a wonderful t

Having a wonderful time with my best friend and beloved wife in Groveland CA. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

via hellotxt

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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One of my church family - Carol Reposa - has gone to the Lord. In this Christmas season let us remember our blessings.

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My Technology Has Evolved Again!

Wow. I'd forgotten how special Apple is until I went through this experience.

As many of you know, I have had 2 "tours of duty" with Apple: once in the late 80's and then again in early 2000's. And although I'm a devoted Mac fan, I also use a PC because many business applications only ran on Windows. However, this is becoming more "myth" as business and individuals work in "the cloud" more and more. Anyway, when the nVidia "card" on the motherboard went caput last week, I had to use a PC again.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had used my online tools - LastPass, Xmarks, and Evernote - to keep me working even though it was in a Windows environment. The amazing part of the story is that Apple got my Mac repaired within 10 hours. I dropped the machine off at noon and would have been able to pick it up by 7pm that night, but I didn't look at my voicemails until the next day!

The motherboard was replaced, and my hard drive was left intact. I had no loss of data and my system runs like new... which I guess it is with a new motherboard.

Anyway, I can't tell you when I've had such a great experience in such a potentially devastating situation.

Thanks Apple!

Jim Herrera

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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Road Warrior Tech Blues

Hello world,

While I don't spend a lot of my time on the road right now, I've designed my business systems to be mobile so that I can be on the road at a moment's notice. (MacBook Pro and iphone, no ipad...yet). Unfortunately that leaves me much more vulnerable to technology blues.

Today, I went to boot up my computer and voila! It wouldn't boot completely. Fortunately, I backup critical files with dropbox (free for 2gb storage, thank you dropbox!) so I haven't lost all my work. But I am almost completely paralyzed because I have editing and submission deadlines today.

I tried the local authorized Apple reparation center but they didn't answer. So I came to the Apple store in Vally Fair and couldn't get an immediate appt. So I set one up and I'm recording the day and checking email via my iPhone. At least I'm not completely useless.

I'll keep you all posted on today's "festivities".

Hope you have a great day. Or at a minimum, better than my tale of woe.

Jim Herrera.

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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Do you have core values? .... REALLY?!

One of the strengths of our country is our diversity. But it also leads to a significant problem: a failing sense of core values. We are a country of confused values and beliefs. The image above was produced by one group within a company visualizing a company's values. The image below is the representation of a different group within the same company visualizing their view about their company's values.

I'm involved with several different organizations that have espoused certain "values" as underlying their company activities.  However, the reality is that the decisions made by some executives of these companies is not consistent with their espoused values. This leads to a confusing set of actions, and if not corrected, disenchantment by employees, customers and stakeholders.

As many of you know, I've had 2 "tours of duty" with Apple Inc. And I'm amazed at how that experience, combined with my spiritual and academic training has combined to make me who I am. Here's a historical video of Steve Jobs that combines business with values.

 

For those of you who are running your own businesses (and many of you are even though you don't consider yourself to be), take this to heart. 

Know who you are - know your values - and make your decisions out of those values.

 

Best to you,
 
Jim Herrera
 
Follow me on
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About me
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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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Foreclosure Information

Hello all!

I've aggregated a series of forclosures articles that have been produced by NAR. I hope you find them interesting and informative.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

Follow me on
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facebook - http://facebook.com/jbherrera
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About me
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• 

  (New!)

  When is Foreclosure Removed from Your Credit Report?

  Use this handy guide to figure out how quickly you can buy a home after a major financial setback when applying for a loan through FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. Read

• 

  Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

  A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you’ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started. Read

• 

  How the Foreclosure Crisis Costs You Money

  Foreclosure may seem like someone else’s problem, but when it happens in your neighborhood, it’s going to cost you money, too. Read

• 

  5 Steps to Owning a Home Again After Foreclosure

  Foreclosure is just a one-time event—with discipline and perseverance, you can get a mortgage and become a homeowner again. Read

• 

  How to Talk to Your Lender About Foreclosure

  When facing foreclosure, the first step is to get in touch with your lender to discover your options. Read

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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Virtues and Values: What is your personal "Code of Ethics"

Good morning!

I'm reminded this morning of a conversation I had with a dear friend who told me that she was feeling "blah" and didn't have any motivation. It struck a chord with me, as I had been feeling similarly for the past couple of weeks. But I discovered my way out of my "funk" when I started reviewing some old personal development books and recordings.

Around 1730, while in his late 20s, American publisher and future statesman Benjamin Franklin listed thirteen virtues that he felt were important guides for living. Along with each virtue Franklin included a principle to follow that—in his opinion—would define a person of good character. The virtues can be divided into personal behavior and social character traits. Franklin tried to follow these guides in his life, although he often went astray (we all do from time to time). These thirteen virtues may be worthwhile to consider following in your own life.

 

Here are Franklin's thirteen virtues and their principles divided into personal and social character traits.

Personal

The eight personal virtues relate to your attitudes toward activities and their challenges. Good personal character traits will better your chances of success in achieving your goals.

• Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
• Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
• Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
• Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
• Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
• Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
• Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
• Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Social

These five social virtues that Franklin stated concern your attitudes toward people with whom you have dealings. Good social character traits result in other people wanting to do business with you or to have relationships with you.

• Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
• Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
• Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
• Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
• Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates. (Interestingly, humility was not on Franklin's original list. Later in his life, he said he had presented his original 12 to a minister who advised Franklin that this virtue was missing. Franklin added it, but never really believed in it.) 

How Did He Apply These Principles

 

 

Franklin placed each one of the virtues on a separate page in a small book that he kept with him for most of his life. He would evaluate his performance with regard to each of them on a daily basis. He would also select one of the virtues to focus on for a full week.

Franklin also often emphasized these virtues in his Poor Richard's Almanack.

Reality

Although Franklin tried to follow the virtues himself, he sometimes strayed from his good intentions. For example, in his Almanack, Poor Richard (Franklin) gave this advice:

"Be temperate in wine, in eating, girls, and cloth, or the Gout will seize you and plague you both."

Meanwhile, Franklin relished his food, womanized and sometimes dressed to impress people. His food and wine-drinking habits led him to be plagued with the gout for much of his life. But still, the positive growth in his lifetime was evident in his successes and influence on a young America.

 

Can You Apply These Principles?

 

The thirteen virtues are a good guide for you to follow. In fact, keeping track of how well you do in maintaining the virtues and having positive character traits, as Franklin did, is worth trying.

You also need to realize that no one is perfect. Forgive yourself when you have setbacks. But get back on the tracks and get going! And another thing, these thirteen virtues seem to imply that you must be extremely diligent and hardworking. But remember the saying in Poor Richard's Almanack that "all work and no play make John a dull boy," so you can overdo things too.

The main idea is to be on the journey; to becoming a better person of good character each day and each week. Who knows where this might take you!

What do you think? 

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

Follow me on

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

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5 Ways to Incentivize Your Employees – Without Breaking the Bank http://ping.fm/Q0llk

4 Tips for Turning New Customers Into Repeat Customers http://ping.fm/IRcoq

Tell Us Your Social Media Do’s and Don’ts http://ping.fm/l1PcL

Small Business News: Marketing Marathon http://ping.fm/FKPil

How to Get More From Interview Opportunities http://ping.fm/8i3b2

Small Business News: Social Media Best Practices http://ping.fm/v9txQ

3 Ways to Scale Your Personal Brand http://ping.fm/mraPW

Rising Income Inequality and Cyclicality http://ping.fm/CBMiq

“Me 2.0: Revised” Offers More Information for a Broader Audience http://ping.fm/NgyL9

New Contests and Competitions for Entrepreneurs http://ping.fm/LzDOV

Power Friending Will Power Your Participation in Social Media http://ping.fm/lnO45

Small Business News: Management 101 http://ping.fm/VExmU

7 Ways to Communicate Your Commitment to Sustainability http://ping.fm/5zDAH

One on One: Robin Carey of Social Media Today http://ping.fm/lJs58

See Profits Rise http://ping.fm/CDKlS

Small Business News: The White Paper Overview http://ping.fm/MbgnT

Could Your Company Be the Next Great Franchise Business? http://ping.fm/sLvlH

SMBs’ Social Media Expectations–and Realities http://ping.fm/vwtvO

Social Media Helps Small Businesses Compete http://ping.fm/znv0P

Small Business News: Franchise Fantasies http://ping.fm/Q5VM1

Small Businesses Are Hit Harder by Regulations http://ping.fm/TrjKJ

The Lowdown on Buying Carbon Offsets http://ping.fm/FCJNd

6 Best Practices for Savvy E-mail Marketing http://ping.fm/Mi6OZ

Small Business News: Social Media Survival Guide http://ping.fm/9SDWX

Understanding Rich Snippets For Local Search http://ping.fm/iMclV

Small Business News: E-Mail Odyssey http://ping.fm/Uwp1C

Start-up Odds of Survival Depend on Industry http://ping.fm/cnVYx

Solidify Your Relationships

Shop It to Me is a free email service that notifies people when their favorite clothing items go on sale at boutiques and major retailers. The company wanted to find a way to improve customer retention by reducing unsubscribe rates. So as part of the unsubscribe process, CEO Charlie Graham added a step, giving customers the chance to cite their reasons for canceling. After making some changes based on what he learned — for example, adding maternity retailers — Graham saw his market share rise.

Numerous studies have shown it requires far more cost and effort to reach new customers than to keep the ones you have. In today’s tough economy, with consumers taking a hard look at every dime they spend, a customer retention program is more important than ever.

The recession presents some unique challenges to customer retention management. But the current climate also provides opportunity for businesses that know how and when to act. Here are four key customer retention strategies to help you keep your customers coming back:

1. Ask for feedback. Most dissatisfied customers will simply walk away from a business rather than make their displeasure known. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about getting feedback. Madigan Pratt, whose Williamsburg, Va.–based customer relationship marketing firm Madigan Pratt & Associates works with hotels, suggests following up with customers to ask about their experience and invite them back. If they respond well, ask them to post a review on sites like Yelp or Angie’s List. “Send them an email with a link to make it easy for them,” Pratt adds.

2. Once you receive feedback, be sure to act on it. “When people feel like they’re being listened to, they’ll trust you more and be more engaged with your business,” says Debra Schmidt, author of Building Customer Loyalty from the Inside Out.

    

3. Expand your offerings. If you can expand your product or service line, you stand a better chance of continuing the relationship with customers who feel a need to tighten their budgets. Kate Zabriskie of Business Training Works in Port Tobacco, Md., provides this example: “Say you have a beauty salon. You can offer a mini treatment. Or if you’re a bakery that does high-end wedding cakes, consider a more affordable selection.”

4. If a customer has fallen by the wayside, consider offering a scaled-down service. “Your customers might not be able to afford your offering right now,” Schmidt says, “but you need to build bridges for when they do.”

I hope this helps you evaluate (or re-evaluate) your business relationships. If it has, let me know. Send me some feedback on what ideas you may have.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

How Cloud Computing Can Help You Scale Your Business http://ping.fm/wQGD1

New Small Business Events and Conferences http://ping.fm/GKFe8

10 Ways to Use Mobile Devices to Run Your Business http://ping.fm/mqgtl

Small Business News: The Entrepreneur Overview http://ping.fm/GmAi9

One on One: Scott McMullan of Google Apps http://ping.fm/2Gfuh

Office Motivation http://ping.fm/hkZ3R

Small Business News: An Owner’s Manual http://ping.fm/7CfCF

6 Ways to Be More Productive http://ping.fm/YApAM

Small Business News: The Times They Are A Changing http://ping.fm/pcZ2a

Ask a Question of Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO http://ping.fm/nkLVm

Are You Ready for the Digital Natives? http://ping.fm/tHfoQ

Is Brand Awareness the Number-One Social Media Goal? http://ping.fm/uRkQA

Small Business News: ROI Realities http://ping.fm/Y0Oev

Join Us at the New York Times Small Business Summit http://ping.fm/nR4hf

8 More Free Website Builder Tools for Small Business http://ping.fm/7Tv4H

Google Mailing SMB Owners Check-in Devices? http://ping.fm/pff98

Small Business News: Social Media and the Entrepreneur http://ping.fm/162kp

Had a great time talking about the MLS and RPR at REBCSMC. Resources that were only for public sites are now available via MLSListings!

Are you coachable?

I'd love to take responsibility for the following, but I can't.  It comes from the website JustSell.com. But the principles are awesome whether you're a small business owner, executive or staff person.

A quick 8-point check on your coachability…

Which of these are true and to what extent?

1. I usually allow my manager and others to complete their sentences before responding. (If you don’t, it’s not a good sign.)
2. When I’m given feedback/ criticism, I usually think about it before responding, waiting just a bit. (If you don’t, you’re likely not giving it real consideration.)
3. When I’m given feedback/ criticism, I rarely find myself defending a position or action immediately. (If this is true, you’re probably trying to really learn how you can improve.)
4. When I’m given feedback/ criticism, I ask questions about it in order to try to better understand it. (A good sign.)
5. I feel my work’s purpose is to serve my external customers. (“You’re gonna have to serve somebody.”– Bob Dylan)
6. I feel my work’s purpose is to serve my internal customers (managers, colleagues, other departments).
7. I’ve changed/ revised my position/ approach because of the advice of another individual. (If not, how coachable do you really think you are? No one is always right.)
8. My manager invests time in my professional development (If s/he doesn’t, it might be because of a perception that you’re uncoachable).

There’s no rating scale here. These questions are simply meant to raise awareness (when answered as objectively and truthfully).

____________________

I gotta say I've got some work to do here. So, after reading these 8 questions. How do you rate?

Comment and let me know.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

A Broken Nose Can Heal A Heart

Hello world!

Last week, as many of you know, my nose was broken in a weekend retreat. But there's a lot more to the story that I'd like to share.

The retreat was for young men between 14 and 20 sponsored by YMUW (Young Men's Ultimate Weekend). This is a group of men who are committed to helping young men become the best they can be. The mission of the YMUW is: "... to mentor young men to live life with integrity, to give and get respect, to master their energy, and to interact with their family and community by modeling honorable, confident behaviors so that they can become responsible and moral adults."

The weekend is all about men modeling proper behavior, setting expectations for young men and modeling the way that men should talk with men. (Yes, ladies, there is a special type of "man talk" that we "get" and you may not. And, of course, we hope to model the behavior to communicate with women. But that's a story for a different time.) The young men come from the gamut of socio-economic statuses, races and religions. No young man is turned down from the weekend. Of course, this can bring about significant issues as the young men are combined into small groups.

---

NOTE: Why am I participating in YMUW?

As I look back on my life, I have taken the opportunity to look back on my life and review the choices I've made and how they've affected the people around me. I believe that there are many choices I would have made differently if I had the support and guidance of strong male role models. That's not to say I didn't have any. My father is my hero. But I was strong-willed and hard-headed. As are many young men today. Early in teens and early 20's I chose to "push away" from others. I had some very "American" beliefs: "I can do anything"; "I can have anything and everything I choose"; "I don't need anybody to get what I want".

I was wrong.

I'm embarrassed and sometimes ashamed by the "wake" I've left behind as a result of acting on these beliefs. Don't we all have skeletons! But I've changed the core beliefs from which I run my life. And now, I'm proud of the people in my life - my wife, family and friends - and my relationships with them. I believe I am becoming the man that God wanted me to be. I hope that this "rebirth" enables me to communicate with young men about the dangers of living with those previously held beliefs.

---

Anyway the weekend is filled - from morning until the early hours of the morning - with a series of tasks and activities designed to build trust and teamwork. The men conduct a series of activities that build trust with the young men. During the weekend we have a "trust fall", wherein the young man closes his eyes and falls back into the arms of men who have joined their arms together to ensure the young man's safety.

As one of the young men - who had come from a disadvantaged background and had serious trust issues - fell back he reached out in fear and hit my nose with his elbow. SNAP! And then I saw stars! But I didn't let go of the other men holding the young man up, until we gently let him down. My thoughts were about how this young man needs to know that he can trust and rely on other men.

I'm told that the young man was deeply affected by this simple act. He'd never been supported by other men in his life. He became a leader during the rest of the weekend. (Although I don't know first hand because I had to be driven out of the mountains on a winding, dirt road for a mile and a half, then through 3 miles of winding road and to the emergency room. But that's another story.)

What I do know is that the event has triggered significant feelings for me. As I got home from the emergency hospital at 3am, I texted my fellow men the following:

Hey there. Hope you get this early Sunday... Nose is broken but I'm home breathing through it and all is well. To the team i send my strength. To the young men i send hope love and a challenge: crap happens. How you choose to embrace it will define your life. Be the man God intends you to be.  My love and energy to all the men there.

For those of you who have stayed and read this rambling post, I thank you. I believe in what I texted in the early hours of last Sunday morning: Crap happens. But if used well, it can heal a heart.

It's our choice.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Congratulations to our friends at Listingbook!

Hello all,

For those of you who haven't heard, Listingbook is going to take over Cyberhomes.com. At MLSLIstings, we've entered into an agreement to market the Listingbook product. We believe it is an awesome tool for our subscribers. This announcement can be very exciting about the two companies - Listingbook and Cyberhomes - as well as upcoming opportunities for our MLSListings subscribers. I don't know how this will shake out. But consolidation of really great real estate technology and information firms is a good thing for the industry.

Congratulations, guys.  I look forward to some exciting things in the future.

 

Best to you,

 

Jim Herrera

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Uh Oh, I'm "Off the Grid"

I'm attending the Inman Conference - Real Estate Connect - in San Francisco. It's been a VERY interesting day, that began with my cell phone being "lifted".  Consequently, I've been off the grid all day!

In addition to feeling an initial overwhelming sense of loss and being "violated", I observed somethin interesting about myself.

While attending the presentations during the conference today, I was actually paying attention to what the speakers were saying!  I've been more relaxed; less stressed checking for email during the day or worrying about what I'm "missing". I'm thinking more about how the information I'm learning can be applied. It was a nice change for the day. But I'm looking forward to getting "back in the game" tomorrow.

 

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Fannie Mae Changes Appraisal Rules

Hey there,

Are you "back in the saddle" after the Independence Day weekend? Honestly, there are so many things happening, my mind is spinning!

New partners, new service opportunities. I feel blessed.

Anyway, I wanted to let everybody know that  (if they haven't already heard) that Fannie Mae has changed. check out the lnman article:
http://www.inman.com/news/2010/07/7/new-guidelines-choosing-appraisers-comps

Hope this helps. I'll keep you posted. 

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

It's a great day!

Today's a great day! Besides getting a new set of golf clubs, I'm excited about meeting with a potential technology partner. (No, I won't tell who it is just yet;) ) who can make my clients' lives SOOOO much easier.

It's truly a great day.

Make this day your masterpiece.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Magic kingdom, animal kingdom, epcot & Hollywood Studios. I'm exhausted but happy.

But heading to splash mountain :)

In magic kingdom. It's so wonderful but SO hot! I could use a swim.

Today we begin our family adventure to Orlando -at 4am!

At NHORA mtg learning about the City of SJ's NSP program. Awesome for buyers.

I'm so proud of Alyssa. She's a wonderful FFA leader and beautiful young woman.

NHORA Luncheon featuring discussion on tax issues & short sales by Mike Thompson, CPA. Sign up now! http://ping.fm/noiFE

What's up today?

Today is a good day to ask yourself how you live the truth in your life. What new truths need to be explored more fully?

Distrust, Discontent, Anger and Partisan Rancor - Pew Research Center http://ping.fm/OsotK

Attending NHORA luncheon at Maggiano's in San Jose.

MLSListings combines real estate info with other MLS's http://ping.fm/DDLis

NHORA presents HAFA education event

In 2009, the Treasury Department introduced the HAFA program to provide a viable option for homeowners who are unable to keep their homes through the existing Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The HAFA program took effect on April 5, 2010—although some servicers may implement it sooner, if they meet certain requirement--and sunsets on December 31, 2012.

HAFA provides incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program. Servicers participating in HAMP are also required to comply with HAFA. 

NHORA (National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates) is presenting an education event at Maggiano's Restaurant in San Jose, on April 14th.

Here's a brief video describing the event:



Click the title of this post above to reserve your seat at this important luncheon seminar.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Introduced Listingbook to Watsonville AOR this morning. Awesome reception. Thanks to all who attended!

New Blog Post: Should Brokers/Agents disclose commissions in a Dual Agency Transaction? http://ping.fm/ilRrk

Dual Agency - Should Brokers/Agents Disclose Their Commissions?

North Carolina's real estate commission requires firms conducting dual-agency transactions to reveal the total compensation they receive to the buyer.

Three North Carolina Realtor associations want the state's real estate commission to reconsider its interpretation of this disclosure rule.

Rule A.0109 went into effect on Oct. 1, 2008. It requires the state's real estate licensees to reveal, in writing, any compensation "of more than nominal value" they expect to receive from their client (the buyer, seller or both) and any compensation that the licensee expects to receive from any other party for that transaction.
Written disclosure must happen before the principal makes or accepts an offer to buy or sell.

The letters reveal objections to the rule's requirement that firms reveal the total compensation they receive from a dual-agency transaction to the buyer (the seller would likely already know since he/she would be the one paying compensation for both) and cite obstacles to the rule's application in practice.

"I am writing this letter because I fail to understand the reasoning, the logic or even the consumer benefit, in having the real estate brokers in N.C. disclose the firm's total compensation in a dual-agency transaction to the buyer client," Tony Jarrett, regional vice president at Allen Tate Realtors, who has requested that the commission reconsider its interpretation of the rule as it pertains to dual agency. said in a Dec. 18 letter to the commission.

Critics say reporting the total compensation amount would be misleading when a seller pays for additional marketing of a new development as part of the listing agreement, or if a broker is required to report the amount the seller paid a third party (through the brokerage) as a referral fee.

They also cite questions of timing. The rule requires written disclosure before an offer is made and "made in sufficient time to aid a reasonable person’s decision-making." What happens if the listing agent cannot be reached or is reached after hours and cannot remember the specific compensation amounts?

George Bell, a Realtor who works with Jarrett on the North Carolina Association of Realtors' Forms Committee said, "This isn't about what the buyer should or shouldn't know. It's how it (the rule) should be applied."

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission's legal counsel, Tom Miller said, "If the seller is paying disproportionate amounts of money, I (as the consumer) have a right to know that in order to weigh the advice given with given information," Miller said.
"This is the conundrum that every dual agent has. A dual agent has an inherent conflict of interest."

The challenge for the commission, Miller said, is to figure out which complaints have merit and try to address them without diminishing the benefit to consumers.

I completely understand the nature of a dual agency transaction. It is the desire of every brokerage to have their agents represent the buyer and the seller. It maximizes the infrastructure and operations of the brokerage while providing "consistency of service" for the consumer. However, some brokerages attempt to maintain control of their clients by primarily showing internal listings without primary regard to the needs or wishes of the consumer. Many consumers do not understand this potential conflict of interest activity.

I applaud the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. I believe full commission and fee disclosure in a dual agency transaction should be a requirement in California.

What do you think?

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Warren Buffett Predicts Housing Price Recovery in 2011

Hello world!

If the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet, is correct the residential real estate market will rebound in 2011. Buffet, in his letter to Berkshire Hathaway stockholders, thinks that the demand curve will turn at that state and the residential markets will start to improve. I am sure this news is not what real estate agents are hoping to hear. The housing market still has way too much overhang from foreclosures and short sales for buyers to have confidence investing in homes. Add to that a nervous economy, it would be foolish to think that all will be okay this summer.

"Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us," Buffett wrote Saturday in his annual letter to the shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway. "Prices will remain far below 'bubble' levels, of course, but for every seller or lender hurt by this there will be a buyer who benefits. Indeed, many families that couldn't afford to buy an appropriate home a few years ago now find it well within their means."

Record foreclosures flooded a U.S. real estate market already glutted with unsold property, causing housing starts to fall.

"People thought it was good news a few years back when housing starts — the supply side of the picture — were running about 2 million annually," wrote Buffett, 79, chairman and CEO of Omaha-based Berkshire. "But household formations — the demand side — only amounted to about 1.2 million."

So tighten your belt and continue to build your systems this year so you are ready for 2011. If you're interested in defining, planning or building your systems, let me know.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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Do you have 3 minutes? Imagine the Possibilities. http://ping.fm/N5tDD

So, now that we know I'm about a month ahead of time. It's not Q2... yet. I'm already in the planning. How about you?

Now that it's Q2, take 15 minutes to review Q1. "Did I achieve my Q1 goals? What got in the way? What processes can help me in Q2?"

Millenials: Who are they and what you need to know.

Do you know who your customers will be in the next 5 to 10 years? Or 3 to 5 years? Or 1 to 3 years?
The "millenials" will become a significant market for your business. You should know more about their tendencies and how they think. When you do, it will enable you to build better relationships and eventually "get the business". Here's a link to the Pew Research Center research report on Millenials. Take a look.

Then, if you REALLY want to see how you can connect with this important demographic, then take the Pew Research Millenials Test. (For purposes of full disclosure, I scored an 85 out of 100). Let me know how you scored. :D

Read the research. Take the test. Make a difference in your life by opening your life up to a new generation.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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You Reap What You Sow

I received the following story from a business colleague I've known for about 15 years. While he and I have some different political views. We have some fundamental beliefs that will always keep us communicating and perhaps even doing business later. I'd love to hear your opinion of this story...

-*-*-*-*-*-

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

Bring New Life To Your Website - Educational Weekend Webinar New Life Event Feb 26-28: http://bit.ly/bq088p via @addthis

Bob Hart is teaching CRS agents about the functionality of houses. Great info. Stay tuned for updates.

This is been a passionate and successful week. How about you?

Here we are, on Monday again. What dreams will you create today? Carpe diem!

What will tomorrow bring? Begin to manifest your tomorrow by thinking great things tonight. Dream well!

Listening to Julia Kline- Internet marketer - dynamic! Can't wait to share about her message.

Get ready MLSL subscribers. Would you like to know how to make 6 figures from succesful agents?

I love marketing. I've learrned so much this week. Bringing it back to teach & help others.

I'm in Dallas for a small business marketing conference. Rethinking and revisiting thoughts and plans.

Jumping back in the saddle today (at least part of the day). Last night's MRIs were LONG! Hope I don't have to do again that any time soon

Have you ever had an MRI? Slide inside a body hugging tube and then have somebody beat on it with a stick - for 30 minutes. Argh!

Doctors are baffled. MRI on head tonight and back tomorrow. Taking one day at a time. Can't wait to get back to "normal".

Had echocardiograph. Results tomorrow. Great treatment at Kaiser.

Hello world. It's great to be alive today. Carpe diem.

Thx for the well wishes. It was scarey. I'm home recovering now. Life changes are at hand: food, exercise and rest.

Had mini-stroke last nite. Recovering now. Take care of your health.

Take Ownership of Your Customers

When times are tough and customer dollars are scarce, the companies with excellent customer service standards weather the storm. A company culture that places high value on strong relationships with its customers, from hiring empathetic staff to encouraging employees to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, creates an overall attitude that attracts customers, say Marilyn Suttle and Lori Jo Vest, coauthors of Who’s Your Gladys? How to Turn Even the Most Difficult Customer into Your Biggest Fan. Consider these tips for better customer service to keep your customers coming back:

• Give customers what they need. Although you may not have a lot in common with your customers, if you take the time to get to know them, you will be better able to meet their needs.

• Behave in a manner that is consistent with your company’s brand. Everything you say and do on the job, and sometimes even off the job, has an effect on customers’ perception of your company. When your performance is aligned with your company’s brand, your customers feel secure and trust grows.

• Feel compassion for your customers. When customers yell, they’re not yelling at you. They are yelling at the company. Don’t take it personally. Disengage from your own feelings and point of view long enough to imagine what the customer is experiencing. That allows you to respond with empathy.

• Learn from your mistakes. No company is perfect. Mistakes happen. But when a mistake is handled with care, customers have good things to say to everyone. And referral business brings success.

• Honor the customs of your customers. Take the time to learn about, and respond to, the customs of your customers. The more respect you show for people’s differences, the more your business and your skills will grow.

• Be fully present. No matter their background, financial status, or title, at the most basic level your customers are human beings. When you take the time to give them your undivided attention, they feel valued.

• Establish trust. Your integrity is crucial in helping customers determine whether your company’s products or services will meet their needs. When customers trust that you have their best interests at heart, they will fall in love with your company.

• Anticipate customer preferences. Your powers of observation can help you provide an extraordinary experience for your patrons. When you notice what selections your customers make or what they express interest in, you can better anticipate their preferences.

• Exceed their expectations. You can promote customer loyalty by tapping into the creativity of the people who work directly with your customers. Brainstorm with them. By exceeding expectations, you make an emotional connection with customers that keeps them coming back.

Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

I came across this in my daily marketing and communication research. I thought everybody could benefit from viewing this and tweaking their presentation skills.

Launch your own SlideRocket presentation!

I have used these techniques in the past, albeit inconsistently. I'm back the the drawing board now.

What do you think?

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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(Disclaimer. I've been an Apple employee twice in my business career. I was also fortunate enough to have Steve Wozniak present at my new employee orientation. :D And, I'm a devout mac user.)

Client Satisfaction

Do your customers feel the love? Not the ho-hum, check-the-“satisfied”-box-on-the-survey kind of love. We’re talking about the kind of warm-and-fuzzies that inspire spontaneous thank you letters. If your customers aren’t head-over-heels gaga about you, then you’ve got work to do, says Jeanne Bliss, author of Chief Customer Officer: Getting Past Lip Service to Passionate Action. She offers these quick tips for getting your customers to love you.

• Eliminate the customer obstacle course. Who does the customer call? Sales? Operations? Customer service? It is in these handoffs that customer failures occur. Make it clear how customers can do business with you in a way that’s actually beneficial to them.

• Fix the problems. Customer satisfaction research has told us how we can improve, but we haven’t acted on the information. Customers read this lack of action as a lack of respect. Don’t talk a good game: address the top 10 issues bugging customers.

• Deliver what you promise. From missed deliveries to unwieldy warranty claims, customers are annoyed and aggravated — and they’re telling everyone they know.

• When you make a mistake, right the wrong. If you’ve got egg on your face, admit it. Then right the wrong. There’s nothing more frustrating to customers than a company that won’t admit it faltered.

• Work to believe. Very little respect remains after a customer is put through the third degree when they need to return a product, put in a claim, or use the warranty service. Suspend the cynicism and work to believe your customers. Most are going to honestly relay what is happening to them with your product or service.

How would you rate your client satisfaction? What are you doing right now, to make your clients be your best marketing?

Let me know.

Best to you,

Jim Herrera

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2010 Sales Trends

Innovative concepts begin during times of dramatic change. The new year will provide interesting opportunities to an extent that sales professionals have not experienced since the 1980s, contends Drew Stevens, PhD, a leading sales expert and author of Split Second Selling. “We are moving toward a pre-boom economy, and selling professionals and managers will need to be more efficient and more productive next year,” he explains. Here are some of the areas that will be affected:

1. Lead generation. Although technology has helped with lead generation efforts, conversion rates have not increased. Selling professionals and marketing departments must collaborate for better target market optimization. Simply put, make every effort to convert more leads.

2. Customer service. Studies show that 45% of all customer interaction involves customer service, but customer service has been sacrificed in many organizations. Selling professionals must focus more on their most vital asset — the customer — to ensure business success.

3. Better hiring. The days of placing butts in seats to fill a void are gone. In the coming year, to help increase margins, more pressure will be placed on sales managers to find the right talent.

4. Preparation. Thanks to the Internet, customers have access to as much information as sales professionals. It’s vital that all sellers be prepared for every customer interaction. Reading annual reports, keeping up with the news, and having a prepared list of value questions will aid every call.

5. Value. We are in a knowledge economy. Selling professionals must provide value by converting the information they have into knowledge, for the benefit of the customer.

6. Process. Most selling professionals do not have a process to build customer relationships and close business. In 2010, it’s necessary for sellers to gain the knowledge necessary to build trust and close business more efficiently. Sales professionals must also be better prepared and better educated. The days of “anyone can sell” have ended.

7. Training. Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom for eight hours expecting a return on that investment. Managers and business professionals do not have the time and, quite frankly, event-based training doesn’t work. With the movement of selling as a profession, companies will remove themselves from education and desire that individuals take ownership of their job.

Are You Trustworthy?

To paraphrase Lt. Saavik in Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan: "Trust. It is a difficult concept. It is not logical."

Many people look at social media with disdain, others see it as a panacea. Wherever you are on that continuum, you need to be yourself and you need to be trustworthy, lest others view you with wariness.

Thanks to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs, and other social media channels, it’s nearly impossible to pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s also a lot tougher to win people’s trust, according to Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, coauthors of the new book Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. According to the authors, the qualities that make Web 2.0 attractive to “digital natives” — instant access to wide-ranging research, open invitations to join conversations, universal transparency, etc. — also make it difficult to reach out and do business with strangers.

So how can you get through to customers who no longer respond to typical advertisements, or win over clients who tend to be suspicious of expert claims? As Brogan and Smith have discovered, the Web’s best business communicators are people with a knack for building relationships. They offer these niche marketing tips for earning trust online:

• Crash the gate. Before you can make your own splash, you need to understand who “owns” your target market. These people and companies are the “gatekeepers.” Make a list of all the gatekeepers you can think of. Then, make a list of the upstarts, the “gatejumpers.” (For example, in the auction business, Sotheby’s was the gatekeeper and eBay is the gatejumper.) Identify the qualities that define each list. The exercise will help you determine who your gatekeepers are. Then, decide which rule you can break to make yourself a gatejumper.

• Be human. Before you can become “one of us” in the consumer’s mind, you need to be liked and accepted. Start by sharing a bit of yourself. Use your picture, not your logo, as your avatar on social sites. Promote others 12 times as often as you promote yourself. And always remember to ask about other people first. How are they doing? What are they doing?

• Understand the difference between a friend and prospect. Becoming “friends” on Facebook is liking saying hi at a party to someone you don’t exactly know. It’s a good start. Unless your connection is really a friend, consider being accepted as “friends” to mean that you can pay attention to what your network connection is doing and try to find a conversational entry point. Marketing to a new friend will almost always result in being “unfriended” — and possibly an angry blog post.

• Choose one thing you’d like your community to do. Try running a cause-related event. Simplify the act as much as possible (make the link to it on your site obvious, blog about it on the day of the event, etc.). If the cause stands behind something the community cares about, it will be more successful. Reach cause-related influencers and help them spread the word. Finally, create incentives for participating. Any event is bound to be more successful, more fun, and more meaningful if there’s a benefit for all involved.

Lt. Saavik could learn a little about trust from Brogan and Smith. Building trust is not based on the logical tasks that can be checked off your "to do" list. Rather, it is the consistent outreach and honest human concern for each other that builds the connection and eventually trust.

Where are you in that continuum?

Best to you,

Jim Herrera


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