Opportunity and Risk vs Status Quo and Safe

I have long been a proponent of people taking calculated risks to improve situations and achieve dreams. People often shy away from such risks because the fear of failure has too strong of a hold on their life. But I wonder what the greater sadness is, risking failure by taking a chance on yourself to achieve your dreams or always playing it safe.

Everyone has goals and everyone has dreams. Some talk about them and some keep them hidden deep within themselves. But be assured everyone has them. If you are the type that keeps your goals and dreams hidden, stop it. Share them.

Tell people what you want to do. Lose the fear of someone else thinking you are silly because of your dream. Those that wish to squelch your dreams are not worthy of an opinion. People are either pulling for you or pushing against you. Decide who you want on your team and let all the others go.

Wouldn’t you rather gamble on yourself and take your shot rather than wake up one day towards the end of your life having lived a life full of regret and missed opportunities? Take a chance on yourself, you will be surprised how many people are rooting for you.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and REALTOR with Atrium Realty Group in North Texas.

Goals and Simplicity

A goal is really nothing more than an appointment you make for yourself. The key is not over-complicating the message. Keep it simple. Simplicity helps with clarity which leads to a higher percentage of success. As you train your mind to handle simple goals and experience more successful outcomes you can start incorporating more complex goals. Just don’t start that way.

It’s like exercise. If you are not a runner, would your first experience be the Boston Marathon? Obviously not. You start slow, develop, learn, grow, and THEN expand. Everyone wants immediate results and immediate growth, which most often leads to no action and no growth.

Get the thought of immediate satisfaction off of your mind. It is lazy thinking. It is entitlement thinking and it’s counterproductive to actual growth. Set yourself up for the best opportunity for success. Simple doesn’t mean easy. Simple just means clear. It means you have definitized the specific steps to take to obtain a specific result.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and REALTOR with Atrium Realty Group in North Texas.

Goal Clarity

Creating a goal is simply a way to define whatever it is that you are looking to accomplish. You know where you are today and you know the location you want to go. The Goal is what allows you to get to the destination. It is simply a map. When life gets confusing, your goals will keep you steady.

1. Define your goal-It MUST be precise.
2. Give yourself a DEFINITIVE timeline for achievement. This is a hard date that your goal WILL be achieved. No waffling or moving the date is allowed.
3. Break your goal down into tangible / workable phases.

• If you want to lose 30 pounds in 4 months. Break this number down into monthly and weekly goals. That is 7.5 pounds per month or 1.875 pounds per week. What is more real, 30 pounds or 1.875?

Small rapid successes are absolutely necessary to keep you focused on your end goal.

POST your goal everywhere. It must be visible to be real. Write it down and place it where you will see it. Bathroom mirror, dashboard of car, computer at work. If you cannot see it, you cannot achieve it. Share your goal with others. This makes it real. It gives your goal credibility. Sharing your goal helps to make you feel accountable.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and REALTOR with Atrium Realty Group in North Texas.

It's called..."The Way it is"

I bet I have the conversation at least once a day with someone that is upset, disappointed, annoyed, or just flat out depressed about some situation.

It could be that they didn't get the job they wanted, pay increase, bonus, present, discount, or whatever. In each situation, something seems to have gone wayward from what was either hoped for or expected.

Virtually every conversation stems from the fact the REAL result of a situation went poorly. Each time, the person dwells on the result for longer than necessary and it negatively affects a NEW future result.

Here is the simple fact:

It is what it is.

Whatever negative result that happened....already happened. It cannot be changed. The longer that situation is top of mind and affecting your attitude you will not be very productive.

That being said, here are a few tips to dealing with an unfortunate outcome:

1. If you didn't get the job you wanted, pay raise you were expecting, or promotion that you feel you deserve, ask why. Rather then take the news at a negative face value, take the opportunity to learn something. Perhaps there is something you need to improve or knowledge to be gained before taking on something you aren't really ready for.



2. If you are in a relationship with someone or attempting to date someone and you like them significantly more then they like you it can take an emotional toll. If over time, the situation has not improved, stop forcing it. It is what it is. Everybody isn't meant for everybody, no matter how much you try. Do yourself a giant emotional favor and end the attempted relationship and move on.



3. Lets say that you grew up with a less than stellar parent combination which led to some less then favorable growing up conditions. It happens. It happens with a lot of people. If you are over the age of eighteen, you are considered an adult. This means you control your life, mood, and situation. If you still dwell on "growing up" conditions from a parent beyond the age of thirty, you need to look within yourself to solve the problem...nobody else. Never blame your shortcomings as an adult on parental influences as a child.

Life is what it is. Time keeps moving and you can't look back...unless you are learning something. This does not include obsessive reminiscing, wishing you could "be back in a situation," or blaming others for your current level of unhappiness.

I challenge anyone that has these feelings to look inward, take TOTAL control of your life and emotional well being. Sometimes this takes help and guidance from another person to show you the way. When you ask for help, be certain you are ready to receive it, or the benefits will be fleeting at best.

Live in the moment and live for your future, the past is what it is and it's long gone.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Can You Change People...or Can People Only Change Themselves?

I would be willing to bet at some point in everyone's life they tried unsuccessfully to change someone.

There are obviously many reasons to change another persons behavior some good and some bad.

The question here is, IF you can change another persons behavior. I say no.

However, you CAN influence the behavior of another in several ways.

• Take away something that person desires.
• Show that person (by example-not words) how you do certain things.


• Give that person small rewards for certain improvements.


• Never be an enabler.


• Always behave in direct accordance to the message you speak about.


• Do not be confrontational in a manner that you come across as "all knowing" or arrogant.


• When explaining about "the change" speak about the benefits they will receive from making that change. Don't use the "just because" line of thinking.

Try some of these scenarios out next time you desire to change another person's behavioral patterns. When doing any of these remember to keep your approach genuine and calm if you want to receive the most beneficial results.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Don't Let Your Great Thoughts Disappear into the Idea Graveyard

So you have all these great ideas and big future plans huh?

You write down your ideas, do just enough research to gain confirmation that the idea is in fact good. Then you start talking about your idea to others to gain even further confirmation that you might be on to something big.

Then it all fizzles into the idea graveyard...

What happened?

Most people fall short of actually implementing "the idea." They fall short not because the idea is bad or destined to fail. They fall short because they reach the stage of NOT having the "know-how" of completing the plan.

The easy way to end an idea is to say, "I didn't have the money for it," or "I didn't know how to do ________."

These are obstacles that virtually everyone encounters from time to time. Including the people that push forward and see their idea put into action.

Make a list:

• Write down everyone you know (tier 1 friends).


• Write down the people that those people know (tier 2 acquaintances and tier 3 never met before people).


• Write down what all these people do / special skills.


• Make a list of people (more then 1) that have skills in an area you need but don't have.


• Call the people on the list, share your basic idea and see if they are willing to help.


• If someone does not want to help, move to the next person on the list and ask them.

This is exactly how idea implementers move forward when they get stuck. As the idea person, you don't have to be able to do everything personally. You just need to know how to get everything done.

Save yourself a trip to the idea graveyard by making your list, speaking about your idea, then asking for assistance.

What great ideas do you have floating in your mind?

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Likeability vs Normal

The conversation comes up from time to time about what the difference is between Likeable behavior and normal behavior.

For some people, they are one in the same, but for many they are substantially different.

Here is a list of some of the differences:

1. Likeability is opening doors for people. All people. It is holding a door for a couple extra seconds to allow someone to walk through it. It is being aware of other people around you. Normal is being oblivious to your surroundings. It is about letting the door you just opened close in the face of the person directly behind you. It is watching someone struggle with opening a door and doing nothing to help.



2. Likeability is introducing yourself to a new person on a job and making yourself available should they need it. Normal is being quiet and not offering assistance. Normal is the thought that, "I learned on my own, so can they."



3. Likeability is listening during a conversation and responding with something that directly correlates to what the other person is saying. Normal is waiting to speak during a conversation to make your statement. Your statement has nothing to do with the other person's comments.



4. Likeability is volunteering for something that other people don't want to do. Normal is waiting for someone else speak up.



5. Likeability is helping someone that needs help without regard to your personal advancement. Normal is offering to help another person if it leads to a better opportunity for you.



6. Likeability is being yourself and acting the same regardless of who may be listening. Normal is changing your personality dependant on who is in the same room and possibly paying attention.



7. Likeability is taking a personal risk to attempt to succeed at something you love. It is risking failure in attempt to succeed. Normal is always being "safe" and grinding out day after day in something that you dislike doing. It is never risking anything to take your shot.



8. Likeability is living your life in accordance to the same message you speak. Normal is talking about the right things and then actually doing something else.



9. Likeability is being able to "make fun" of your self when you make a mistake or screw something up. It is letting people laugh with you at your own expense. Normal is blaming your mistake on someone else and getting angry when someone tries to call you on it.



10. Likeability is not making excuses when things don't go as planned. It is about looking at a "one time" failure as an opportunity to learn and win next time. Normal is always making excuses when something goes bad, not learning anything from the experience and repeating the same action at a later time.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

The 10 Truths about Likeability

1. Likeability Skill One:
   Know your strengths. Understand your current Limitations.
   
   
2. Likeability Skill Two:
   Don’t ALWAYS have “the” answer. Even if you think you know ALL the time, be willing to swallow your pride and be AGREEABLE.
   Context: If you are teaching or helping someone have the answers (the real ones—not made up). If you are in a normal conversation, be willing to concede to another point of view.
   
   
3. Likeability Skill Three:
   Listen first. Respond 2nd. When responding, piggy back your thoughts into a direct response to what you just listened to. This shows understanding and willingness to help.
   
   
4. Likeability Skill Four:
   Smile More. Not like a clown, but like you enjoy yourself and the company of others. Smiling makes you approachable.
   
   
5. Likeability Skill Five:
   Never buy into the idea that you are bigger or more important than you really are. Keep yourself in check. Job Titles mean very little about power and income has nothing to do with Intelligence.
   
   
6. Likeability Skill Six:
   Help other people. Not because you have to, but because you have the opportunity to.
   
   
7. Likeability Skill Seven:
   When in a position of leadership, step up and lead. Don’t ever lead by a title or “just because.” That’s ignorance. Show people why they want to follow you. Give them a reason. Share responsibilities with your employees. Recognize people regularly. Let your people become leaders by providing tools to aid them. Micro Managing is NOT leading, it’s managing by fear (Your Fear of someone else failing and the responsibility falling at your desk).
   
   
8. Likeability Skill Eight:
   Learn the balance of making your point of view known but not forcing it upon someone else. Disagreements are good when both people are willing to listen and learn. Forcing an opinion “closes” people off and creates tension leading to more separation.
   
   
9. Likeability Skill Nine:
   Be willing. This means be willing to learn, to help, to be open to new concepts, to try something new, or to fail. Failure when used properly will lead to future success. Failure is simply a new somewhat unforeseen learning opportunity. It is a skill and strength builder.
   
   
10. Likeability Skill Ten:
    Be courteous by being more aware. Be aware of where you are and what you are doing. Being oblivious to your surroundings will lead to rudeness and the perception of lack of intelligence. Being aware will open you up to new opportunities and a high level of perception.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Incentives: Part Two - Recognition

In part one of my incentive breakdown, I talked about how "incentives" are used in the world of Real Estate. Part two is how incentives should be used in everyday non "sales-ey" jobs.

If your a manager, time to perk up a bit.

So many companies operate under the premise that the job itself and its ensuing compensation is the "incentive." While true, the philosophy is a bit tired.

To be clear, I'm not an advocate of being lazy or waiting for handouts. What I am suggesting is little motivators, moments of recognition, and the on going feeling of self worth and importance within a group and an organization.

Many jobs can get stagnant, boring, and unfulfilling. If everything is the same ALL the time, how can that feeling change?

Once you get in a rut of low self worth and monotony, it can be very difficult to climb out of that hole.

Want a better workplace? Try suggesting or implementing some of the following reward based incentives.

1. Recognize an outstanding employee at least once per month. Give them a nice gift card to a decent restaurant.


2. Switch up job duties within your group to "spice" things up. Let people experience something different. See how different people respond to similar situations. You may be surprised to learn of an individuals capabilities.


3. Allow your team to make decisions, without your permission. Making decisions is an important value shift that improves confidence and self worth.


4. Be receptive to suggestions / improvements in your organization. Just because you may be a manager doesn't mean you know everything. Your way, may not be the BEST way. Strong leaders are not so arrogant to think they know everything.


5. Anytime you feel an employee has shown good decision making or exceptional service, recognize them in front of the group. Allow them a moment of feeling good about themselves.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Addicted to Success!

I've been in Real Estate for the better part of the last 5 years. In that time, I have helped a good number of folks purchase new homes and had a great time doing it.

About 6 months ago, I opted to focus my priorities on some different ventures and get back into writing. Then, a few weeks ago, an old friend called me up and enlisted my assistance with a New Custom Home Building Company, Diamond R Homes. They had such a great concept, something so fresh and new, that I just had to get involved.

Well, last night I enjoyed the first sale since my return to Real Estate. What a blast!

It's hard to believe that I could forget what that feeling of excitement was like in such a short time, but sure enough, I did.

That feeling reminded me how much I truly enjoy helping people purchase homes. It also reminded me that while I have many interests and activities, Real Estate must remain on my top priority list.

It's hard to explain that immediate feeling after a successful sale is made. But it is nice.

So what does all this mean?

Do what you love. Do it well. Enjoy it.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

What do you REALLY want?

I was talking to an old friend the other day. He is going through a bit of a tough stretch at his current job. In talking to him, he seems somewhat torn about what to do next.

He talked about changing companies, but doing the same job (this didn't seem to illicit much enjoyment) and he talked about grinding it out at his current company (also didn't illicit much joy).

I asked about what else he had an interest in doing since neither of his current options seemed all that appealing to him. After talking for a little while longer, he seemed resigned to making a choice about one of these two very non-appealing options.

To be honest, I was disappointed.

I wanted to help. I was really looking for just a small opening of passion in another area that I could try and motivate him to do, but I couldn't find it.

I wonder if it is from years of being beaten down by the trials of life. Maybe it is from not understanding how completely capable he is to be successful at something else. Or perhaps it is just that he has come to a point in his life where he is more secure in being content as opposed to being driven by passion.

I can't help but hope that never happens to me. I can't imagine living my life ever feeling resigned to the fact that I can't control my own path. I don't want to think about ever not feeling that passion about doing something new and making it a success.

• What do you want?
• What do you REALLY want?
• What are you doing today?
• Is what your doing today getting you ANY closer to doing what you REALLY want?
• Why Not?

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

The always Illusive and Tricky "Value" Proposition

If there is a bigger sales buzzword than "value" I'm certainly not aware of it. Value is almost always talked about by training professionals as one of the most important measures of having a successful sales outcome.

It's often said that by providing "value" first, you will increase your odds of making the sale.

I don't disagree with this logic at all. As a matter of fact, I believe it whole heartily and have experienced many years of personal success having done exactly that.

Where this conversation gets a little "muddy" is the definition of "value."

1. What is it?


2. Who defines it?


3. Where can I get it?

Value IS anything (Verbal Exchange / Tangible Exchange) viewed in the CUSTOMERS eyes as important and it is provided by YOU.

Value IS ONLY defined by the CUSTOMER. It can never be assumed by the Sales Person what might be of importance to the customer.

Value can ONLY be found in understanding the TRUE needs of the customer. If a Sales Person guesses value and tries to provide their version...it will never be found.

Value can be construed in so many different ways it is difficult to provide a simple answer to the "what is it" question.

It can be simply that you are a fantastic listener and you make the customer feel comfortable and confidant.

It can be that you offered them a great "deal" after determining what is important for them.

It may be that you build great rapport (Likeability) and the customer really enjoys being around you and working with you.

• How do you Really know if you have been successful in your Value Proposition?

The way I can always tell is that the conversation will turn from a more superficial (generic)conversation to a way more meaningful discussion. The customer starts to describe their thoughts in descriptive paragraph like details rather then one word or odd single sentence type speak.

Many sales people think that Most prospective customers are a pain because they give them the "Heisman-(Stiff arm)" during their interactions. The truth is they are avoiding you as a defense mechanism to avoid the annoying and often clueless sales person.

You MUST prove otherwise for them to "open" up.

During conversations with past assistants or with sales people looking for help, I typically turn the topic to specific encounters. I like to always ask how the conversation typically ends with certain customers.

The customers I like to ask about are the ones that the sales person thinks were decent prospects, but they could not convert them to a sale. In essence, they were duped by the customer which creates frustration for the sales person.

If it is a cordial but still mostly generic conversation you may think you have a good prospect...most likely you don't.

If the customer is doing most of the talking and asking more and more questions you most likely have a winner. They are "hot." Don't blow this opportunity. Follow-Up quickly with answers to their questions.

Understand that every single customer is different so assuming the same value is good for each person will NOT yield the results you want.

Be aware that value is not a random buzzword but a very real transfer that must occur, in the customers eyes, from the sales person to them. The quicker in the conversation that this occurs the better odds the sales person will have in a successful outcome.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Dream Big or Live in Content?

We had the baptism of my youngest daughter this past Saturday. We invited our immediate family and a couple close personal friends to join the celebration.

After the actual event itself, we went back to have the post reception type deal and everyone came over to have a good time. While there was definitely some non-eventful small talk happening throughout the house, there was one conversation that I had that made me stop and think.

To give a quick background check, you have to understand that I have always been the guy in the room (any room) that seems to think slightly different then everyone else. I don't say that to say that it is always a great thing, but rather to just inform that my thoughts are typically non-conforming to everyone Else's.

A friend of mine and I were having a conversation about current personal events, upcoming activities and things of that nature. About the moment that I was sharing a few details about some new activities I was about to engage in another person joined the conversation.

After a few moments of small talk about his business, he said something that got me to thinking. He basically made the comment that life is all about just getting through the day, plodding along trying to find moments of fun, then you basically die.

What?

Although, I have always thought tons of people think that way, it always just kind of startles me when I hear it verbalized.

Can you really believe that is what your life is meant for? All I could think about is that is a horrible way to live. Basically, it sounds like if that is your thought process, you are just waiting to die.

Wow. Just terrible.

I like to think that each day I wake up, it is my obligation to try something new, push myself to some activity that I am not sure about, learn something, help someone, or whatever else.

The way I see it, every day is sort of a new adventure. I don't allow the day to take me down a boring path of mediocrity. But rather give myself an opportunity to grow in some area.

To me, it comes down to one simple thought.

No matter what happens or what action you take or don't take, the same exact amount of time is going to pass. It is not preventable. The clock WILL keep moving forward. If everyone knows this, then why not spend that same exact amount of time doing something different?

Use that window of time to learn something, try something, or help someone.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Do you want the ball?

Okay, here it is.....

You've angled for this for so long. Working extra hours, helping your co-workers, whispering to upper management in the shadows...and now, the big moment has arrived!

You are officially promoted to a management position.

Wonderful. Great. Que the bells and the perfectly sculpted white doves for a fly over.

Finally, now that all that effort has paid off, it's time to relax and tell other people what to do. Let the Good Times Roll!

(Move the clock forward 1 month)

Why won't anybody do what I tell them? This stinks. I'm getting yelled at because these people won't do their job. Why can't they work like me?

Here's the deal...

• If your management style is to talk AT people, rather than with people, you will lose.


• If your management style is to dictate mundane tasks without explaining the benefit to them, you, or their co-workers, you will lose.


• If you let your guard down even slightly after the promotion, it isn't an act of the universe conspiring against you that more issues arise, it's that you are slightly less motivated.

To effectively manage people, especially in situations where the work is somewhat mundane, it is imperative that you understand people.

• People want to feel important.


• Many people feel their daily job tasks are boring, spice it up.


• People enjoy the feeling of recognition...on a routine basis. (monthly perhaps)


• People are more capable than they think. Switch things up and add responsibilities.

Create a series of mini managers in your group and guess what? You get WAY MORE done. Your employees are happier. YOU look better. Everyone wins.

Understand that as a manager, it is no longer about you. It's about your employees and creating MORE situations for them to succeed and feel happy. When they win, you win. Not the other way around.

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy, is a Real Estate Professional, Business Development Strategist, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Don't be afraid to CHANGE the Status Quo

Status Quo is boring. It's ordinary and everyone else does it.

Make an effort to change it. The Status Quo is what it is because there are so few people out there willing to risk the opportunity for change. Just go do it. Do something.

If your work group does the same pointless stuff all the time, and the reason is, "just because." Guess what? It MUST be changed.

Take some initiative. Ask your boss or co-workers how they would feel about taking a different approach to something. Doing something over and over just because that's the way it has always been done is nonsense.

You have a brain and most certainly have your own thoughts. Why not share a few? Who knows, perhaps your suggestion with be implemented and it will change the course of your once pre-determined future.

If you go to work for 9-10 hours per day and it is mundane, eventually it will lead to your unhappiness. You owe it to yourself to spice things up a bit and make some suggestions. Make it fun. I guarantee other people will appreciate the effort.

Open to new ideas or Keeping the Blinders On?

In the market that we are in today, more than anytime in recent memory, it's important that people keep their mind open and receptive to new ideas. It's funny though, because I have found the opposite to be true.

I'm the kind of guy that gets involved in many different things. I like new ideas, trying new things, and am always open to risking failure for the opportunity to succeed. That being said, I recently got involved in another income business because I thought the theory was sound.

It's with an Energy Company called Stream and it began in Texas after deregulation occurred several years back. The principal idea is simply to switch people from their energy provider to Stream and you can earn bonuses and residual income.

Is it a get rich quick scheme? No

Does the money roll in overnight? No

The idea is that you stay consistent and over a period of time your client base will grow and so will your income. The 2nd thing to do, is to try and sign up a few people as associates to work under you in what is called a "down line." These associates have the exact same goal as you and you work together to succeed. The real goal is 10 Energy Customers (People Switching) and 3 Associates (People doing the same thing as you.)

Seems like a simple concept right?

Well it is. And it works. No tricks. No schemes.

It's funny though. While I have had success already, I still encounter people each day that have a preconceived notion that it is a big trick. I have actually saved every single person that has signed up with me an average of $20-$35 per month in their electricity bill. Yet some people still think it is a scam.

I find it amazing, that anybody could think a 3 Billion dollar company (Fastest Growing Company in U.S History by the end of 2009-Faster than Google) that is regulated by the PUC (Public Utility Commission) can possibly be a scam. It's just silly closed minded thinking.

I recently spoke to someone about switching their electricity and was explaining how it works. They were so closed minded that it was somewhat comical. I tried showing them that all I wanted to do was save them money each month, but they just couldn't see it.

The more I thought about this, I started thinking that this is precisely the problem we face as a country today. People are stuck in this closed minded world and they cling to their outdated thoughts.

What if you just opened your mind to NEW ideas. Perhaps gave something a chance. Go out and try something new. I guarantee that you will be surprised at what you realize.

The Country I Love!

I do not consider myself to be a Democrat.

I do not consider myself to be a Republican.

I do not have a rooting interest in Barack Obama.

I do not have a rooting interest in John McCain.

I consider myself an American Citizen.

I don't believe in labels that divide people or a nation as we have become.

The founders of our Great Country believed in that very fabric. They believed that the citizens should govern themselves.

It is sad to watch as our country is slowly being taken further and further away from where we began. Politicians decide what is law and what is not. Judges decide what is Constitutional and what is not.

These two facets of Government that are supposed to serve as the backbone of our great Democracy are failing and have been failing for many years.

This is NOT a Republican Issue and it is NOT a Democrat issue. It is an American Issue.

The problem is easy to identify. The solution is right in front of our faces. Why is implementation so difficult?

This is a country that is filled with Great Men and Women that are full of Desire, Wisdom, Focus, and Ability that strive to create a better Nation.

I have grown tired of listening to debates amongst Democrats and Republicans for the sole purpose of dividing our Country and feeding the agenda of the few and NOT the whole.

Throughout history we have seen the downfall of many nations and its citizens due to expanding perceived differences amongst the people and the powerful. Though I know our country is too strong to ever be brought to it's knees, the mere thought is not one that inspires.

We have entered an age of discontent and confusion. Fear Mongering and Negativity have become everyday mainstream news. The stories of triumph and hope have been suffocated and are disappearing with each passing day.

Are we still a Great Nation?

We are indeed. We are still the Greatest Nation on earth, but we are not without our problems and faults.

We need Leadership. Real Leadership.

We need Leadership not from politicians and policy makers, but from our Citizens. In a free society we elect our policy makers.

The time has come to drop the Status Quo. We need to ALL stand Up together as ONE. We are a Nation divided, but we CAN again be a Nation Together.

All people desire for Hope, Health, Opportunity, Security, and Comfort. These are not just the desires of certain people, they are the dreams of ALL People.

Allow your voice to be heard as an American Citizen! The time has come to drop the labels of political parties and agendas and BEGIN serving the greater good of ALL Citizens.

Am I naive to think this can happen?

Perhaps I am.

But as an American Citizen with ONLY one opportunity to live my life, it is my Desire to Unite not divide.

It is my goal to live in happiness not fear.

It is my dream to succeed and help others do the same.

We CAN make this happen. It is within our grasp. It is our Time.

Let's Lead Together and take back control of the Country I Love!

Curt Fletcher is a Real Estate Expert, New Home Sales Professional, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Leadership is in what you DO, not what you say.

We are living in a an era where it seems change and guarded optimism is abundant.

In this time, many obstacles stand between us and the fruitful gains of a nation.

It seems, we as a people are looking to others for answers. We want someone to wave a magic wand of change that will transform the negativity and replace it with Prosperity overnight.

That is "the herd" mentality. People are hoping to embrace the ideals, convictions, and beliefs of others just for the slight chance that their lives can and will improve.

The ONLY way to effectively change anything is to Lead.

Leaders don't wait. They seize the moment.

Leaders don't follow. They are two steps ahead...always.

Leaders don't talk. They act.

Leaders turn a Vision into Reality.

For any Real change to ever take place, it will take the actions of many NEW leaders to stand up, clear the path, and guide the way.

In the housing market, negative stories rule the day.

We need ALL Real Estate Professionals, Home Builders, Mortgage Companies, Construction Workers, and Home Owners to STAND UP!

It's time for everyone to UNITE and push back the false negative stories and replace them with positive stories. Every single day all across the country, new home owners are handed the keys to their beautiful new home.

Where are those stories?

It's time to tell your story.

It's time to let your voice be known.

It's time to stand up and Lead.

Let me hear your stories.

Curt Fletcher is a Real Estate Expert, New Home Sales Professional, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Notice to ALL Salespeople...Drop the gimmicks and start Helping!

I have to say, the sales arena has become a very diluted pool of people looking for the easy money over actually trying to help anyone.

"What's it gonna take to put you in one of these?"...I mean, seriously? What kind of ridiculous sales line is that?

If you take the time to actually ask quality questions and ENGAGE your prospect, you will never have to ask this question again...they will tell you...they WANT to tell you...if only you will let them!

People are WAAAAAY to smart these days and knowledgeable about your "sales tactics." Drop the spiel and start helping.

As a Successful Sales Professional that does a large percentage of business based on Strong Referrals, I can tell you it is easier, less costly, and much more friendly to do business that way.

I hear the following comments every week:

• "I was afraid to walk in the door at first, but you set us totally at ease"
• "This was a totally different experience than we though it was going to be"
• "I can't tell you how much you have helped us with such an important decision"
• "You are SO MUCH different than everyone else we have spoken with."
• "Why didn't the guy at the other company tell us about this?"

If these type of comments are not a regular occurrence for you, perhaps a change in approach is long overdue?

For help with your sales process and delivery send me an email to curt@thelikeabilityguy.com


Curt Fletcher is a Real Estate Expert, New Home Sales Professional, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!

Likeability is all in the SMILE!

Have you ever worked with one of those people that just always seemed to have a scowl tattooed on their face? A person that no matter what is happening around them, they just look miserable.

They don’t seem very Likeable do they? I mean seriously, would you ever consider approaching the “mean scowl guy” for a problem?

I would be willing to bet that they have been stuck in the same job, doing the same task day after day after day with no satisfaction. They probably have received the minimum salary increase each year out of obligation rather then anything else.

Is this you? Do you want to end up like this?

Heck No!!

A nice friendly smile serves many benefits to both you and others around you.

Here are the Top 4 benefits of smiling:

1) It makes you feel better.
2) It relaxes others around you, creating a more approachable and comfortable feel. You are perceived as more friendly.
3) It gives off a great vibe that says, “I’m happy to be here, I’m confidant, and I love my job”.
4) Emotions are contagious. It you smile, so will somebody else.

Curt Fletcher is a Real Estate Expert, New Home Sales Professional, Published Author of the book, "How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income," Sales Trainer, and Professional Speaker that focuses on improving your Likeability to increase your Opportunities for Success!