Sheila Moran ~Broker Bits~: August 2009

Recession 101:  What if nobody participated?    

Driving along a cut away street on the North East side of San Antonio I curiously came across these billboards. 

I couldn't believe my eyes and stopped the car and photographed each and every one.  I'm sure I was a spectacle to the cars driving by.  I hope the billboards were also a spectacle.  

I was so pleased that someone was out there putting positive words out to the masses.   

It was then that I read the story of how these billboards came to be.  An anonymous donor wanted to remind Americans to collectively "take a deep breath".  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  Not me.  Do I like it and appreciate it?  You bet.   

The entire campaign is geared to raising Americans spirits and lift them up according to the website:  www.recession101.org  or you can catch them on twitter:  twitter.com/recession101  

I tell you that morning there was nothing better than seeing these uplifting words "up in the sky".  

To anonymous donor, I thank you.  I'm sure many Americans would also give a "collective" sigh of relief too.    

Either we participate or we don't. 

 

 

 

I just listed this darling home in Poth, Texas ~ The best kept secret about it is the backyard! There is a covered patio that is perfect for entertaining in the great outdoors, nice fenced in yard with a storage shed!

I love it! Love it! Love it!   One year ago today...    

 

 

stock.xchng

I just had to share.  

It's been trying and at times it's been difficult.   

I've lost sleep over it,

the dog thinks, "how come you don't take me on a walk anymore?"  Yes, I can see it in her eyes.

I've re-written sentences and statements over and over again,

I take the camera with me EVERYWHERE,

I've gotten up before dawn (and anyone that knows me, knows THAT doesn't happen),

I've worked on it past midnight                                                                       

I've perfected my spelling (well, maybe not), and yes, I DO know where the button is people  

I've written words never to be seen, and then I've written words that should not have been seen,

I'm really NOT on a quest to write the biggest RUN ON SENTENCE that ever has been written,

My husband's favorite phrase is, "just walk away from it"

My kids say, "oh, brother, she's doing it again"

I've climbed a barbed wire fence (in a dress) to get a picture of a longhorn for it.

I pull over on the side of the road to jot down notes about it

I cook dinner and daydream about what I'll say

or how to say it

or when the best time is to say it

or how will it be received

sometimes I think it's therapy

and

sometimes I think I need therapy      

 

and the absolute worst part of it, is that every other word out of my mouth with my office mates is:  

YOU SHOULD BLOG ABOUT THAT!    

Yes, it's true.

One year ago today I wrote my first post.   It was about two of my favorite things.  

And last night I again went to see Two Tons of Steel in Gruene Hall again an KNEW that I had an anniversary coming up. 

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY.    

Honestly, it at times has been a love/hate relationship.   

There are times that I KNEW I had a FEATURED post, but alas, not to be had.  There were times that I felt that it wasn't my best work and I received more comments than ever!  Go figure.

I've had strangers recognize me, e-mails from people that "read about" me and wanted to do business, and I have met some really AWESOME A/R people (some of them are now in my office), just from being online.  Oh, did I mention that I've closed deals over it?  Yes!  

So, if your new and feel that it's taken over your life, decide right now if it's something that you want to continue? 

Cause, honestly, a marriage like this takes work, honesty, and humility and gives you fun, smiles, laughs and a few tears, forges friendships that you never knew could be, makes you realize how blessed you are or how you could aspire to be more.    

All from blogging and being part of this great family called ACTIVE RAIN.
   
I love it! Love it! Love it!   One year ago today...

 

This is me after too much blogging!

Changing my habits, one by one, Week 6   

Week 1,  check it out here

Week 2   And part 2 is here    

Week 3- check it out here  

Week 4- and again       

and Week 5    

This week's lesson is Mastering Intentional Communication.    

I thought okay, whatever, this part of the class will be easy.  It's just talking, right?  No, not necessarily for it to be effective. 

What I think I may have communicated to someone they might not have understood exactly what my point was and vice verse.    

My coach, Dane Bauerle started off the class by discussing what exactly would be effectiveness of communication.  He said that the quality of the message and delivery, minus the amount of interference = the effectiveness.  

 

 

I really had to think about this. 

Was I doing everything that I possibly could to communicate to others?  To my co-team members, my clients, my husband and my children?  Probably not well enough.  If fact when I did a little question and answer session I found out that I really mess up the communication between others, why? 

My biggest obstacle that I need to overcome is rushing.  I'm always in a rush.  I hurry here, I hurry there.  HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, can't we get there sooner? or faster?  Can't we just not have this conversation and you can read my brain (oh, how I wish this could happen sometimes!).  But, let's just slow down a bit and see where I allow the communication to fail.  

First thing, I'm constantly allowing other things to distract me.  My phone rings, e-mails pop up on my computer screen, the office phone buzzing that someone down the hall wants to talk, instant messenger on our desktops so that's always popping up and then there is TweetDeck (where I get my twitter @sheilamoran) which is constantly tweeting this little annoying noise all of the time!  

After I thought of all of these little things that go on in front of my CONSTANTLY I can see why I don't pay attention.  You add this constant stimulation to the fact that I'm already in a RUSH....well, there is no time to actually have a normal conversation!   

When I actually realized this I went back to the office and turned off the volume on everything.  Yes, visually I can still see them, but I told myself that when someone came to my door to talk that I was going to at least look them in the eye and have a conversation.  If I could close the door and have that conversation, then even better!  I tried to implement the first couple of days and what do you know, it made a difference.  The next thing that I did was to SCHEDULE time for chatting.  This way it was written down that at this moment this is WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DOING!  

The other obstacle that I had to overcome was my lack of concentration as well as not having my listening ears on.  I was hindering the conversations that I was having because either I was too busy to focus or I wasn't properly listening.   

Dane pointed out in our book by Rex C. Houze, Improving Performance & Results mentioned that the 6 things that people fail to hear is because:  

1.  Too busy preparing what they are going to say.

2.  Letting their mind wander. (listening rates are faster than speaking rates.)

3.  Lazy (it takes effort)

4.  Faking attention  (how many people do you know do this?)

5.  Egotistical or mental set (they lack interest in what others are saying)

6.  Impatient    

There is so much more that was in this lesson that I wont go into CAUSE I'M IN A RUSH (no, I'm teasing).   

If you want to learn and participate too, I suggest you call Dane and see what he can do for you.  

From what I have learned, communication involves so much more than 2 people just throwing words at each other.   There are different levels of listening, questions that need to be asked and you have to think about what are the motives of the other and how can you help.  The lesson even goes into dealing with negative people and resistance.  

The biggest miscommunication is to assume communication has taken place.  

What will you do this week to improve your communication skills?    
 

This darling 1 bedroom + living room + seperate dining is located in a quiet corner of the complex.  Across the street is "The Collection" shopping center at Broadway and Sunset!

 

I just picked up this great new listing in Adkins, Texas. The Builder is still finishing out the house and should be completed by mid September, 2009. The house sits on 14 acres of serenity and evening breezes.

Good things coming together at Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas    

I wrote about this great place August 20th of last year (it just happened to be my very first post!)  You can read it here, It's Green in Gruene, Texas  

Today, one of my good friends, Jim Flynn, who is outstanding commercial photographer posted a link on FACEBOOK that reminded me that I needed to write again about Gruene Hall.  Now, I've know Jim and his family since they moved from Boston to "live on the range" in Texas!  They have totally immersed themselves into our great town of New Braunfels, Texas and I like how they just jumped in with two feet and haven't stopped participating since!    

I know, I know...it sounds like I have really gotten off my topic right?  Not so.   

See everybody in New Braunfels loves Gruene Hall, tourist love the place too!  It touts itself as "the oldest dance hall in Texas".....it is still standing, the beer still flows and most nights bands are busy rockin' out to all kinds of music.  

So occasionally my family and Jims' family will meet up at Gruene Hall to listen to some great local music!  Last week we all met to go see Two Tons of Steel.  The vibe in the room is crazy with swing dancers old and young kicking up their heels!  

For fun, Jim created this little video, I just had to share:  

 

 

 

So, go to Gruene Hall. and look up the play list for the rest of August.

It's where good family fun, friends and dancing all come together!

Hope to see you there!

The Fork and Spoon in New Braunfels, Texas is located at 651 North Business IH 35.

I went to this delightful place that is located in the MARKPLACE shopping center right smack in the middle of New Braunfels right off of IH 35. I have passed it many times and always wondered what is like, but didn't make it in until a friend suggested it.

 

 

 

 Oh my word, the place is darling!

We got there a little early, but by the time we left the place was packed (sorry, hardly any interior photos cause I didn't want to disrupt the other patrons enjoying their lunch!)  You will have to see for yourself!

I started out by ordering the pecan crusted, chicken quiche. Actually, there was some really fancy name for it (can't remember) cause I was already eyeing the dessert menu! But, I digress. The chicken quiche came with this great spinach strawberry salad. You would think "what a combination", but very tasty and enjoyable. It also came with a Tomato Bisque that wasn't your regular smooth Bisque it was loaded with chunks of tomatoes and was equally delicious.

 

 

We were served by a young man named Brazos (like the river), he was very attentive and didn't have to do a hard sale for the dessert menu. He actually mentioned that he was secretly "in love" with the dessert lady (didn't get her name) who was actually in her bakery busy making the days newest batches of cupcakes. They hand make all pies, cheesecake, cookies and such. We ordered the Black Forest Cheesecake (Brazos' favorite) and he was correct, it was scrumptious!

I snapped a few photos of the dessert bar, the cupcakes she had just finished as well as my quiche. As well as Brazos serving up the Black Forest Cheesecake.....  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need I say more?  If your looking for delicious lunch and treats then the Fork and Spoon in New Braunfels, Texas is the place for you!   Delish!

An office that plays together ~ works well together!  

How long have large corporations known this?  Years upon years.  You hear the stories of "bonding" adventures, classes, retreats and the such.  It's no different in any other environment where there needs to be cohesiveness and teamwork.  

I didn't always see this "bonding", working as a team effort so much in my 22 years of real estate.  I have been at offices where you were on your own (unless you worked on making relationships in your office) as well as the "cut throat" attitude.  Every man for himself.

When Kristin and I started the SistersThatSell team our idea was to be a highly producing, productive, FUN team.  This worked well.  We implemented fun things that we did daily or weekly (the happy dance when we got a funding!...yes, it's true!) and other different things that would wake you up, energize you and then make you focus on the task at hand. 

When we bought RE/MAX Access we wanted it to be the same way as the Team...we just needed to expand upon the idea.  We are constantly thinking of different ways to get our group together to encourage interaction, learning, bonding, and fun all at the same time!  Cause you know what happens to an office that plays well together...

Our local Alamo CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) chapter provided the right venue to do just that.  They were hosting a GALA where there was dinner at Maggiano's, live music, silent auction and such.  All of the funds raised would benefit the Wounded Warrior's stationed here in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston Base.  Our office bought a table and 1/2 (well, our numbers are growing).  It was so much fun!  The best part is that everyone enjoyed a wonderful 4 course meal, shared in wine and danced the night away. 

We had a great time and were helping to raise money for such a good cause.  At the end of the evening my local CRS Chapter realized that they had raised over $9300.00 for the Wounded Warrior's.  For it being a first time GALA I was excited that the numbers rolled in so high!  Then the chapter went and purchased items that the Warrior's Home need to keep the house running smoothly.

What could be better?  Our office enjoying themselves, bonding, laughing and raising money all at the same time.  Will there be residual from this evening?  Absolutely.

 

(L-R) Kristin Moran, Pat O'Brien, Jeanna Martinez, Nadine Berger, Jeff Berger and myself.

 

Matt Stigliano and his beautiful wife, Vicky.

 

Leslee Martz & Scott Lange (not sure if it's blurry from the operator or the camera?)

 

Manny & Jeanna Martinez

 

and here is most of the people that I rely on day in and day out: (not pictured, Amy Moody and Rosie Minor)

(L-R) Carol Arthur, Kristin Moran, Pat O'Brien and of course me.

 

We are missing a few folks in these photos, but the important part is the friendships that were either made or cemented that night.

Like I said before, an office that plays together works well together!

I sincerely hope yours does too!

Plumbing in San Antonio and Texas ~ All Pro Plumbing      

 

This is Eric with All Pro Plumbing.  Eric is a great coordinator.  He does PR for All Pro Plumbing and takes our property management calls.  He knows a lot about plumbing, but most important he's honest and fair.    Oh, did I mention patient.  Yes, patient to answer all of my silly questions!

 

At any rate when you are dealing with a large organization such as All Pro Plumbing and A/C I always tend to think that you could get lost in the shuffle.  Not so at All Pro.  Keep in mind that they service a lot of different areas in Texas.  Here is an example.

Did I also mention that it's just not plumbing with them.  Water Heaters, Softeners and Air Conditioning and Heating also.

So, need someone that is reliable and knowledgable? This is the company for you.

In San Antonio, Eric can be reached at 210-734-8400, or go online and put in a request at www.AllProTexas.com