1. Find Your Tribe.

Your people are out there waiting.  Go find them. These are your future friends for life that are passionate about the same issues, who like the same BBQ joint that you like, and who drink beer at the same tavern on game days.  Thanks to explosive nature of new media, you can now attract like-minded souls by  starting a blog, creating a Facebook Fan Page, joining a local Meetup group, or tweeting to your heart’s content about the very things that make your life worth living. And the best thing about “finding your tribe,” besides it being free, is that, all the while, you will be building a platform of content and creating a personalized brand for yourself that people will not only relate to, but will believe in and follow.  Go be yourself, and people will love you for it.

2. Lose the Agenda, Already.

People can smell “agenda” a mile away when you enter into anything with a “what’s in it for me” attitude. Plain and simple, if you’re going to maintain quality relationships with people you do business with, you’re going have to resist becoming attached to the outcome of your good deeds.   In many cases, there may not be any reciprocation (or even acknowledgement) of things you’ve done for others, but don’t let this dissuade you from being a decent human being. This can be as easy as a hand-written note to a client or a pot of chicken soup for a sick neighbor.  How much would it hurt (or help?) you to do something nice just for the sake of being nice, without forming expectations of what you’ll get in return?   In the end,  someone who is authentic and who genuinely cares about the people around them will reap the most rewards, both personally and professionally, period. So stop keeping score.

3. Be Your Own Best Friend (For Once)

For supposedly logical creatures, we do some stupid, backwards things.  We wait until our houses are about to be sold to strangers before we landscape the front yard and add details that, while we actually lived in the house, were neglected.     We use this upside down logic on ourselves as well when we refuse to live life to the fullest until other people get involved.  We get into shape only when there’s a reunion coming up.  We deny ourselves a decent suit until we have an interview or a funeral.  We deny ourselves a soothing spa treatment until everyone else in the house is taken care of and there’s still money left over in the account.  There’s nothing noble about neglecting your own needs, and there’s nothing selfish about putting yourself first once in a while. By respecting and taking care of yourself, you project the uncompromising message to the world that you’re worth respecting. Be your own best friend, and I promise that you’ll be in a better place to take care of others.

4. Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name (and They’re Always Glad You Came)

There’s a certain dignity in belonging to something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. When you immerse yourself in your community and commit yourself to buying local, you enter into an environment that, by its very nature, looks after its own. Pick a place that you love nearby, a bookstore, a restaurant, and a coffee shop, and become its loyal advocate.  Introduce yourself to the owners, refer friends there on Facebook, and most importantly, show up there to support it financially.  Become a regular to a place where everyone greets you by name and already knows how you take your coffee.  It’s one of the single most satisfying realities that a person can achieve in a world that, in so many ways, has done its best to keep you anonymous.

5. Turn off the bleeping television.

In the words of Gary Vaynerchuk, “quit watching *&%$ Lost.” How many hours of 2010 are you going to invest in gawking at someone else’s life, someone else’s story, when you should be out there in the world living your own? Do anything. Go take a walk in the woods. Go call a friend. Go do something that makes you so happy that you almost can’t stand it. Go do the very thing that you’re always making the excuses that you can’t do because you “don’t have time.”  Now is your time, and it’s the only time you’ve got left. Put down the remote control and go be the hero in your own life.

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Question:
“Mike: I went to my HOA meeting last week and the pres of the HOA said that the REALTORS won’t show houses in our subdivision?? Do you have any idea what that’s about? Just curious and wanted to get your thoughts.”

Response:
Every HOA I know (mine included) says that Realtors won’t show the neighborhood. An answer like this probably resulted from the large reduction in showings across the entire market and because of the bigger ramifications of the following question:

“Why are Buyers not requesting to see homes in our neighborhood?”

Since facts are usually what speak best. I would look at the asking price of the homes in your neighborhood and then run a sales report to see what has sold in the past year, in similar price points, across your local area.  Finally, I would compare traits of the sold properties vs. your neighborhood. My guess what I would find is New Homes and Foreclosures are the culprit. How many new homes and foreclosures are in your neighborhood? Probably, small to none. Most resellers, myself included, can’t beat the value proposition of a deeply discounted new home or a foreclosure in our current market.

As for REALTORS, we’ll show anything that can sell!  But realize, Buyers drive the list of properties to show.  In regards to your neighborhood, I expect there are newer or better deals that can be had which is why Buyers are not, yet, looking.

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Maxsell Real Estate welcomes JT and Deborah Thorman to the team. When asked what attracted them to Maxsell? The primary interests were: standing relationships with management, focus on the 575 market, networking opportunities, and community focus. In addition to their real estate business, JT and Deborah are also owners of Jasper Marine of Jasper and through the years have built a tremendous reputation with their customers in both real estate and retail. Local Presence and Local Knowledge!

We are so excited for both of them. Join us in wishing the Thorman’s the “Best of Luck” as they develop their Brand at Maxsell!

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Our friend and Business Associate David Bell with Wachovia sends an update every few weeks to shed insight on various financial topics. Here is a recent summary:

3. Unemployment is expected to remain above 10 percent for all of 2010.

But with all of these facts and figures…
Many people I speak with are perfectly perplexed about where the economy really is. On the topic of the stock market, we see that the indexes have risen as much as 70% from the recent lowpoints. On other topics, we hear that unemplyment numbers are getting worse, new home starts are at the worst in 40 years, and foreclosures are expected to rise again. So how can one sector of the economy do so well and others be failing miserably? The answers usually involve comparing the words “Expectations vs. Reality” and “Projections vs. Historical Data.”

Explanations
Stock prices (thus indexes) are, quite simply, the value of the future cash-flows of a company. Since few of us know for sure what will happen tomorrow, traders base prices on what should happen and not necessarily what has happened.

Home prices, unemployment claims, and unemplyment rates are factual data based on what is happening in a market. Houses do not sell based on expected future values and unemployment rates do not count those who may loose or gain a job in the future.

So what we see in an improvong economy is a lagging effect. The stock market goes up because buyers of these securities expect the economy (thus cash-flow) to improve over time. Currently, home prices, foreclosures, unemployment, and salary reduction seem to be a way of life for many of us and create uncertainty in the market and though we see improvement in the stock market, we are all yet to feel the positive effects of such.

My Perspective, basically.
Economics, Data, and Analysis are topics that get me excited about being in real estate but I am usually the last one invited to a cocktail party for fear that I may speak from the heart with a bunch of bologna nobody cares to understand. Economics can be extremely complex, just ask the guys on TV. But here is the question you and I should ask ourselves (and why you should not be afraid to ask me over for cocktails).

If you want to know how the economy is really doing: Go to the mirror and ask yourself if NOW is the time to purchase a new car, a new TV, a new house, life insurance, buy a boat, go on a 10 day cruise, etc. If you are concerned about salary reductions, being layed off, lost values in your 401k, or can’t sell you home; regardless of the stock market, the economy is ________, to you. Ask your family and friends if they are ponying up cash for a major purchase, they’ll tell you where the economy is, today. The stock market will tell you where the economy is heading.

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Debra has been an active agent for years and has spent the majority of her sales career in the new homes segment of our industry. She has learned through experience that consultative selling (listen first, act second) is one of the most valuable traits an agent can have. In addition, she “(chooses) not to work on anything that’s not positive, fun, financially rewarding, and enjoyable the majority of the time.” Sounds like a Maxsell Agent!

We are so excited for her and the prospects she will bring to our company. Join us in wishing her the “Best of Luck” as she develops her Brand at Maxsell!

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1. Story Hour at the Foxtale Book Shoppe

Parents of young children will be grateful to know that in the modern world of hand-held gaming devices and DVD players strapped on the back of car seats,  there’s still a place in town that encourages kids to READ.  Jackie Tenase of the Foxtale Book Shoppe (behind the gazebo in downtown) holds an engaging story hour every Monday and Saturday morning at 11 a.m.  While Mondays usually consist of pre-schoolers and their moms, the Saturday stories are more geared toward older, elementary school-age children.  Kids are often given the opportunity to read to the group themselves if they have the desire.

2. Youth Art Classes at Roomscapes Gallery

If you have a budding young artist in your midst (or just want to expand your child’s horizons a little), Roomscapes Gallery offers art classes in their studio for all age groups.  The classes for 5-8 year olds are held on Mondays, 10:30-12:00 and Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00. For ages 9 and up, instruction is from 4:00-5:30 on Tuesday afternoons.  For more information, contact Aubree Metlick ( aubree.metllick@att.net) or Roomscapes Gallery at 770-517-7404.

3.  Lessons at the Dance and Music Academy of Woodstock

Voted best dance studio in Woodstock in 2009, the Dance and Music Academy of Woodstock offers a multitude of classes to teach the importance of music and movement as a part of a healthy lifestyle.  For the younger crowd, their “Mommy and Me” sessions include Bee Bop Buddies and Butterfly Ballet. These programs are perfect opportunities to not only spend quality time with your babies, but also to promote the cognitive, emotional, and social development that music and dance provide.  For the older kids, a variety of dance (tap, ballet, jazz, etc.) and music lessons (guitar, piano, voice, bass, violin, flute, etc.) abound in nurturning programs that pride themselves on small class sizes, affordable pricing, and a non-competitive environment.  For more information, email them at info@woodstockdance.com or call 770-924-1661.

4. Attend (or AUDITION for) a Production at the Towne Lake Arts Center

Have you ever wished that you could channel your teenager’s drama into something a little more productive? The Towne Lake Arts Center holds open auditons for their productions and offers drama classes and camps for children ages 5-12, for teens, and adults. For more information or tickets, call 678-494-4251.

5. Offer a Helping Hand

It’s never too early (or too late) to instill your kids with compassion for others. Whether gathering canned goods for a local food bank, taking blankets  a women’s shelter, or simply visiting a senior who would love to chat, your children will only benefit from witnessing their parents reaching out to neighbors in need.  Take note: A day spent with you while you’re doing good for others is a legacy that your children will embrace for a lifetime. For local volunteer opportunities or a list of currently needed items, visit Cherokee County Senior Services,  MUST Ministries, and Papa’s Pantry, just to name a few.

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(Re)Building Your Business, One Conversation at a Time

Atlanta real estate professionals flocked to Woodstock’s Magnolia Thomas Restaurant yesterday in anticipation of “A Conversation Over Cocktails: A Consumer Outlook for 2010.” Hosted by Maxsell Real Estate and financial maven Ilyce Glink, the program highlighted predictions of what we can expect (and how we can react accordingly) to the changes taking place in our strained economy. Glink, a best-selling author, nationally-syndicated columnist, and radio talk show host for WSB, offered plenty of advice for attendees who are still weathering the storms of 2009.

“If you’re a consumer, you’re absolutely somewhere between terrified and confused,” says Glink. “And consumers are not being spoken to in a way that makes them want to engage back.” She issued a challenge to the group to not only initiate a strong blogging platform, but also to facilitate social events within the community solely to maintain a productive, open dialog between clients and those in the industry. “I want to encourage all of you,…if you find yourself with some extra time, think of something you could do for your clients that would make their lives better. Can you help them find doctors, schools, restaurants? Maybe you could share volunteer opportunities? They contact you when they need help, but when do you contact them?

Brad Nix and Ilyce Glink

If you missed this event but would like to learn more about building your business with cutting edge real estate technology, be sure to check out  REtechSouth on March 25-26 at the Gwinnett Center. On March 27, Ilyce Glink will also be hosting How to Invest in 2010, an event that brings you the wisdom of local investment advisers, financial planners, tax experts, and successful investors.

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Maureen Penniman knows how it feels. As a mom to six children, the owner of the Zest and Zing Prepared Foods and Cafe is sensitive to how challenging it can be to get a delicious, family-pleasing meal on the table at the end of a busy day without stooping to the dreaded fast food-lows. A restaurant that serves daily, in-house selections, Zest and Zing has also become known around town as the go-to place for a list of seasonal dishes ranging from “classic comfort food” to gourmet. Besides serving up fantastic food, Maureen and her staff also go the extra mile, both literally and figuratively, for their customers. For nearby teachers, they take collective orders and deliver meals directly to local area schools so that they may have a hot meal to bring home. As a service to busy professionals and parents who don’t wish to get their strapped-in children out of the car, curb-side delivery can be arranged with just a phone call. For those attending sporting events or wish to have a family picnic at Hobgood Park across the street, quick meals are available for pick-up. And with free wi-fi, the restaurant also offers itself up as an easy meeting spot for business, prayer, and sports groups.

I was able to catch up with Maureen on one her busiest days of the year–her restaurant’s Christmas Open House.  But when I asked her for an interview, she received me graciously and insisted on serving me a hot plate of her home-made Jambalaya and a seemingly bottomless glass of sweet tea. Here’s a little of what she had to say while I enjoyed this talented woman’s native Louisiana  recipe:

JC:  What inspired you to open Zest & Zing?

MP:  “I got started cooking for family and friends.  They all encouraged me and said, “You should do this professionally.”  I began cooking for dinner parties, and it all grew from there.  I also wanted to create something that I would’ve liked to have had when my children were small.”

JC: What dishes are your best-sellers?  Which are the one’s that you can’t keep on the shelves?

MP:  Our Poppy Seed Chicken and our Chicken Enchiladas! Our customers also love our home-made dips and spreads.  We carry loaded potato dip, pimento cheese, and cheddar vidalia dip which I call “Georgia perfect.”  Our chicken salad with pecans and cranberries are very popular.  And the desserts…people love our banana and bread puddings.

JC:  Who would you say are your most regular customers?  Is it mostly families who come in?

MP:  Surprisingly, I see a lot of divorced parents who come in with their children.  A child will come in with one parent, and then a couple of days later, I might see the child come in with the other parent.  It means a lot to me to know that when they ask the kids where they want to go, they want to come here.  I’m glad that I can provide them a good meal that tastes like home.  I also see a lot of seniors here.  I gave a cooking class at the Woodstock Seniors Center and provided food for fifty seniors.  After that, I see them all the time, and they use our restaurant as a gathering place.    And, of course, we see a lot of families who just love the comfort of picking up our food and heading home to sit beside their own fireplaces.  They come with their own Pyrexes, and we gladly fill them up for them!

A sunny window seat at Zest and Zing

Zest and Zing Information

6687 Bells Ferry Road
Woodstock, GA 30189
(Across from Hobgood Park)
770-591-4000

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (8 am-8 pm Monday-Friday,  8-4 Saturday)

Children Eat Free Tueday and Fridays (2 child maximum with purchase of adult meal)

For rotating weekly menus, coupons, and catering information, visit http://www.zestandzing.net

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When you receive your bill look for the following that may raise red flags concerning 2009 operating expenses:

Operating expense figures without any itemization of costs; or Operating expense figures with an itemization of costs when compared to last year may seem much higher or contains more or fewer items.

As always your trusted resource for practical legal advice.

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Choosing “Worth” over “Price” Can Define A Community

I have a confession to make:  Back in college, I tried to break up with a guy based solely on his suggestion that we meet at a certain S-Word coffee shop of the international, big-business sort.  A seemingly innocuous request for him to make, I know, but, oh, the connotations for a radical local like me.  “He doesn’t even know who I am,” I lamented at the time, and I prepared myself for the relationship’s likely demise.  (Spoiler Alert:  The man to which I’m referring is now my husband, so there will indeed be a happy ending to this story.)

I met him at the front door of said coffee conglomerate , and then suggested we move to the locally-owned and independent diner across the street. I gave him a well-rehearsed speech peppered with principled beliefs about ”saving the little guy” and “buying local” and “loving thy neighbors enough to buy from them.”  I ended my litany with a “therefore, I don’t think that we should go any further with this if you still can’t recognize where my loyalties lie.“  He listened carefully to my passionate diatribe, and then smiled as he told me how “cute” I was for being so opinionated on the matter. And even after seven years of marriage he still finds my ferocity for supporting local business one of my more endearing traits.

I’ll be the first one to admit that buying local can sometimes mean spending a couple of more bucks than if I’d gone to one of those huge, impersonal chains, but I’m also smart enough to realize that I’m investing in the kind of enduring, community relationships that those “couple of extra dollars” couldn’t have bought. In my eyes, the worth of watching my friends and neighbors put food on their family’s tables is the very kind of investment I’m willing to make, and it’s a priceless one.

What Would You Miss if it Went Away?

What if someone told me that I could never again enjoy a leisurely, southern meal at the Magnolia Thomas Restaurant?  Or attend an author’s book signing at the Foxtale Book Shoppe? Or watch the sun go down over the railroad tracks, beer in hand, at the Right Wing Tavern?  Or while away a morning with a cup of joe at the Woodstock Coffee House?  I would seriously have to reconsider my living arrangements.  These are the very kind of businesses that give our home their personality and are worthy of our patronage.  Bill Grant of Canton gets right to heart of the issue when he asks, “Did you know that for every $100 spent in local independent stores, $68 returns to your community in the form of taxes, payroll and other expenditures? If you spend the same amount in a national chain, only $40 stays here!   So think about which local businesses you would miss if they were gone, and stop in to say hello and pick up something that will make someone smile or brighten your own day. Your contribution is what keeps our local businesses around.”

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