It’s been an interesting year, 2011. We continue to live in hectic times—a turbulent and uncertain economy, and the ongoing war on terrorism. Our individual and collective losses have been staggering. But, throughout it all—and perhaps despite it—we’ve witnessed countless examples of the resiliency of the human spirit; evidence of the abiding faith, buoyant optimism, and incredibly strong senses of caring and community that define our great nation.

As I start yet another year…I find myself reflecting on my own many blessings— loving family members, continuing good health, reasonable financial success, and many truly wonderful friends and associates. I know that I’ve been very, very fortunate in this life experience and I plan to continue paying it forward every day that I’m on this earth.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my life journey so far is this: Life is short, fleeting and entirely uncertain. Having dealt with my own challenges, I would strongly recommend that you recognize and appreciate all of the small things that are very ordinary, but very sacred.  I’ve learned not to be complacent about good fortunes, like health, freedom, mobility, opportunity and more.  And most importantly never, I never want to miss the opportunity to tell  friends and loved ones how much I care and appreciate them and all they do.

It seems somewhat trite to talk about living life differently. I think we all struggle at doing the best we can in the moment. That said, however, it does seem that with a plan, focus and action items, we have a stronger probability to get to a “new” and “better” place we chose to be, rather than settling for the security and comfort of “the same”.

I’m not giving up the fight!  Let’s continue the goal to become a better person, wife, husband, friend, family member, influencer, leader, guide, confidante, and helper…whatever the choices.  Here are a few simple questions to ask:

• How do I plan on getting what I really want
• What will I do differently in this moment to live the life I envision?
• What will I do to build and design a legacy that goes beyond my lifetime to help others on the lessons’ I’ve learned on my own journey?
• What will be the one activity I do every day to carve out a little bit of joy and happiness and peace for myself, no matter what the circumstances?
• How can my own energy positively impact another in some small way…even a total stranger?  A smile, a laugh, opening a door…you know the drill…
• What time will I invest in me to become more of what I desire to be?  Expanding your knowledge and wisdom comes with the investment of some kind of purposeful activity like taking a class, reading great books, finding a mentor….time!

Simple questions require a little thought and a mechanism to keep you focused so you can execute what you will need to do to get to that “new and better place”.

It does start with gratitude for where you are now. When you are grateful for the present, no matter what, you set yourself up for getting more of the good stuff. This is a time to recognize our many blessings. I’m recognizing mine and thanking you in advance for being your best you. I wish you joy, and love, and prosperity. But most of all, I wish you peace and joyright now and all year long…
and that this will be the year, you live your best life!

Terri Murphy

Okay…it’s Thanksgiving once again.
Plans for turkey, travel and thanks and giving can be heard in passing conversations…
But let me ask you a question…
How truly “grateful” are you for the ordinary?
Unfortunate as it is, as humans, we get caught up in the doing versus the being and often overlook the supreme gifts of the obvious…
• How about being able to gulp and enjoy a cool glass of water?
• The freedom of using your body to get from place to place without assistance or equipment?
• How about being able to speak any words, especially the words, “I love you”?
• Enjoying the simple act of eating and swallowing to ease the pain of hunger?

Unless you’ve spent a little time in a hospice facility lately, we can’t appreciate the gifts of health and freedom. We hear it all too often that if you have your “health” you have it all, and I painfully know how true this statement is. My wish for you is that in this moment you celebrate these extraordinary but simple gifts, especially today. Until we’ve lost them, or see someone we love who have lost them, we can’t fully embrace the true “presents” that they are. What are you especially grateful for this Thanksgiving?

The research confirms it!

It’s all about being MOBILE! With Smartphones always online and always available, you’ve got to be ready to serve 24/7 and that includes serving customers and clients on the run.

Pew Research surveys reveal that 1 in 3 mobile searches are local, texting rules, and sending photos, posting to social media sites and accessing information rates as the highest of activities. What this means to agents is that getting into NOW requires the right marketing systems tools and services to meet the ever growing expectations of real time demands.
The challenge is to figure out just where you need to spend your marketing dollars without breaking the bank!
Every business entrepreneur needs office tools to help them compete and win in the marketplace, but smart entrepreneurs get more for their money when they do a little research to get products that save money and time, and produce high quality results.

So the days of buying some “office equipment” are long gone and “multi-tasking high results equipment” is in!

I was fortunate to work with Kodak in 2011 and learned about some great products they offer that helped make our 2011 more successful. Here are a few tips to get you in the game:

1) Get Mobile! To WOW your customers, you have to be a virtual wizard. Printing is now available using cloud computing thanks to wireless advancements. The latest innovation in cloud printing is the Kodak Hero Office 6.1 printer available for under $200. Imagine you are with a customer and need to get the contract printed for the attorney or for the company The Kodak Hero Office 6.1 provides a virtual print service to print emails, documents and photos from basically anywhere using your Smartphone, iPad or tablet. The cartridge refills are under $30 and the ability to print in advance from anywhere offers great service options and time savers.
You can remotely send documents or photos to your printer and have your documents waiting on your printer when you got home or back to the office!

2) Scan and Save: Scanning is the new standard for saving and organizing files and documents. Not only does it save from storing heavy paper files, it preserves documents for easy retrieval from multiple locations. Many scanners are bulky and heavy, but not the new Kodak i920 Scanner. Similar to the previous model, this latest version is half the size and you can hold it in one hand! It’s less expensive and priceless when it comes to organizing files, scanning sale documents and preparing a “packet” of documents for a new customer. It provides high speed scanning of 20 pages per minute; 2-sided full color, with image stabilization, and will convert files to PDF. Flexible and powerful, this incredible software handles file management, and handles any size paper including contracts or business cards.

3) Online Video: Mashable reports that 90% of all internet content will be video in the next 12 months. Cisco estimates 82.5% of the U.S. audience viewed video online, so it is imperative that agents deliver relevant, timely information that people want to watch.

Today’s consumer is less interested in static photos, and more interested in authentic video clips of you, your products or services and how they might fit into their lifestyle with information and real time reporting. Kodak’s easy to use Playtouch video camera is the size of your cell phone and a powerful tool. Video is king, but only if it has superior audio. Look for a video camera that includes: an external microphone jack (this is critical when shooting testimonials), high definition 1080P, and easy to use editing software…and, go with a trusted name in cameras! Check out the Kodak Playtouch video camera that does this and more!

Marketing and connecting require the ability to connect anytime from anywhere. Get the products and services that help you become the agent of choice!

Bio: Terri Murphy is an author, speaker, communication consultant, and e-Strategist. She is the author of 5 books, including one with Donald Trump. She is the Pres. of Terri Murphy Communications, Inc as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis. email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2011- All rights reserved

Strategic Partnerships for More Money & Better Service

How Realtors & Loan Originators Make More Money!

The world of real estate has felt the impact of a “new normal” but the lending industry, tied to the ebb and flow of money and home sales, continues to adjust to new restrictions, new requirements and new legislation.

There is one requirement that rarely changes and that is the consistent consumer demand for top professionals in both fields to assist them in the process of transferring housing from one party to another.

After interviewing top agents and loan originators around the country, the trusted partnership concept still prevails.  More transactions close successfully when there exists a solid alliance of an agent and a loan originator who work together to create a stellar service experience.  These services include using tools, systems and communication platforms that help agents close more sales and loan originators place more loans.

There are several great examples of how the right tools can help to pump up the best overall service experience for buyers and sellers:

• Real estate has become a paper-hungry, file-stacking, duplicate-paper making nightmare.  If you fax or scan and send documents in your real estate practice, consider using a tool to make it easy and fast. The Scanmate i1120 scanner from Kodak can make your life so much easier while saving you serious time and money.  This small but powerful scanner will allow you to create better than original images of all your documents, scan high-volume contracts, disclosure, and financial information all with the touch of a button.  If your documents need to be delivered to more than one e-mail address or phone number, no problem with Kodak’s i1120.   You’ll be amazed by the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this high-tech scanner tool. When you automate more of your process you‘ll provide a better service model than your competition. Offering the best of high tech, high speed, and high volume, the i1120 is both a simple and powerful way to get those stacks of paper off your desk and to help you and your lender partners help you provide the best real estate experience for happy customers. 
•  Most lending institutions are no longer fans of faxing, but prefer the scanning of documents instead.  For smaller jobs, the Kodak ESP 6150 All in One printer, scanner and fax can wirelessly transmit the right documents directly to the processing department saving time and being green in the process.  More importantly with the explosion of the use of iPhones and iPads, the wireless options make it easy to fax or send information from anywhere and anytime.   
•  Brochure boxes help agents get properties sold but only if the quality of both the photos and information provide high engagement and a “wow” pictorial experience. The Kodak ESP 6150 provides high quality color with ink that doesn’t run or smear.  Add your lender information for easy pre-qualification and your brochure now helps you help make the sale.
• Short sales require an enormous number of documents to complete the package.  The Kodak i1120 Scanmate was designed to serve the multiple sending requirements for the diverse short sale transaction.  It will scan up to 9 destinations at the touch of a button, including those irregular and long pages like some contract forms, and deliver up to 1,000 pages per day.  At a time when efficiency and cost effectiveness are important, having an easy to use tool helps agents and loan originators get the job done right!
• Go paperless! Smart agents are loading all of the closing documents and saving them on a simple and safe CD of scanned documents. Protect the content of your files with digital images to save paper and time.  No more bulky closing packets that can get damaged or lost. 

 Tighter lending restrictions create a terrific opportunity for agents and loan originators to work together.  Offer to make the process of buying and selling seamless and easy to best serve your customers and make more sales.

Bio: Terri Murphy is a licensed Real estate broker, author, speaker, communication consultant, and e-Strategist.  She is the author of 5 books, including one with Donald Trump. She is the Pres. of  MurphyOnRealEstate as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis.  email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2011- All rights reserved

Did you know that 40% of all privately held US firms are owned by women or controlled by women?  That represents 10.4 million firms!  And every day in America 420 new women-owned businesses are formed! And every day in America over 420 new women owned businesses are formed!

An important component of women in business is their ability to negotiate effectively.    I interviewed Dr. George Lucas, an expert on Negotiating and co-author of the NYTimes Best seller, The One Minute Negotiator with Don Hutson.  We discussed the 5 biggest mistakes most women make when negotiating:

The first one is: We fail to invest in a concerted personal development effort.

Too many of us fail to take a class, a seminar, or even read a book to hone our negotiation skills and yet we use negotiation every day in both our personal and professional lives.  It pays to invest your time in learning the differences between collaborative (win-win) or competitive (win-lose) strategies. Studies indicate that neither men nor women are better at negotiations, but there is a traditional perception that men are stronger at the negotiations table, so we need to study up to do our best for ourselves and our companies.

The second biggest challenge is the fear of confrontation:  Both mena and women  suffer from this malady: “Negotiaphobia”. Negotiaphobia is a challenge for many of us who have a fear, or a distaste of anything associated with the negotiation process. In too many cases, many of us will settle for a bad deal, just having to avoid talking about or to re-negotiate a different outcome.    To overcome negotiaphobia, learn more about the negotiation process, then learn to focus on the means and not just the end in negotiating which will help you to negotiate from power instead of weakness.

The third challenge is that women typically are less likely to ASK for what they want.

Dr. Linda Babcock and  Sara Lashever in their book,  “Women Don’t Ask” observed that their male students asked for all sorts of extra’s that the female students rarely asked for. As a result, the women were missing out on a lot of resources and opportunities that the men were benefitting.  So in negotiations, there are many times the other side doesn’t even know there is a problem or concern, and would be willing to consider a new solution if one or several options were put on the table. So simply women must learn to ASK for what they want and then may have to negotiate but have a greater probability to get more than they though…and that comes from good and detailed preparation which we’ll talk about in a minute.

The fourth challenge is that women generally make ineffective concessions:

It is common for women, and people with an accommodative interactive style to try and please the other party in the negotiation process; and often times, they confuse agreement with negotiations success and think the negotiations are done.

Just know that the agreement is not done until it is written up and executed.  Once  executed,  review carefully as a competitive negotiator may have added some options to include more than was originally agreed upon.

And the last challenge is lack of preparation:

Many novice negotiators think deals are won or lost at the negotiating table, but in fact, the biggest impact on negotiations is what you do before or after the meeting.  Preparation helps you understand both your needs and their needs to brainstorm a set of options consistent with the needs BEFORE you get there.  You are more likely to reach a collaborative agreement when you are acutely aware of the differences between the negotiable and the non-negotiable issues of the agreement.….so do your homework!

Just learning about negotiations won’t be enough to make you comfortable in the actual process. We suggest that you “practice” when it doesn’t really matter or count.  A good example may be with your dry cleaners…you know…they say they can have your cleaning ready by Thursday.   Take that opportunity to “practice” and say…Well, I really needed to pick this up on Wednesday”…can you make that happen?   And then watch how getting what you want when you want it was simple, and even a little fun.

We negotiate every day so studying these 5 steps can help you begin learning a better process so that you negotiate to win!

Bio: Terri Murphy is an  author, speaker, e-communication consultant.  She is the author of 5 books, including one with Donald Trump. She is the Pres. of Terri Murphy Communications, Inc. and CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis.  email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2011- All rights reserved

Statistics tell us there are four generations in today’s market place that are actively buying and selling properties. This generational dynamic requires sales professionals to become more aware of age preferences and core values as we strive to bridge communication gaps and improve our services.

Our newest challenge is to meet this variance in demands by addressing each group’s respective communication and service preferences using both traditional and electronic channels.

Using Technology

According to Harvard Business Review of May 2010, Millenials (the youngest segment of our generation) are emerging as a significant section of our work force and consumer segment.

In order to connect with this large buying segment, using electronic communication and web services will be crucial to engage today’s faceted consumer, but using the channel of their own preferences to connect.

According to studies by Futures Consulting, the four generations representing these age groups are:

Civic: 62+
Boomer: 43-61
GenXer: 31-42
GenY/Millenial: 13-30

In order to engage with each group, we must deliver their brand of better service, using the technology channels they prefer to insure connection and ultimately conversion.

Servicing These Consumers

• Starting with the oldest group, civic consumers have always demanded respect, especially from younger service providers. To create a superior real estate experience that resonates with Civic consumers, we must infuse respect; from the language we use, to our style of dress, how we communicate with them and every aspect in between. Agents who master the “respect factor” with civics stand to gain significant competitive advantage. For this group, personal communication is often preferred, and technology plays a lesser role in meeting their service requirements.

• Baby boomers value a “winnable” experience; to overcome obstacles and feel as though they conquered and won. Agents who can promise and deliver a victory, like finding the property of their dreams and the best financing demonstrate they “speak their language”. This approach helps support and develop long lasting, profitable relationships with Boomers.

• The youngest two generations of consumers (GenX/Y) dominate the first-time buyer market. There are several factors that are important for agents to demonstrate, primarily that they “speak Gen X and Gen Y.”

Studies show that with Xers, agents must demonstrate to these consumers the “Home Depot” approach, telling these consumers at every turn, “Yes, you can do this, but we can help.” They have no interest in being told what to do, but will engage when asked to participate.

Texting and social media channels have eclipsed email as their preferred communication tool, with technology being tremendously important means of communication to both groups.

If you want to play with these young consumers, agents must use high tech platforms, interactive blogs, intranet portals and tech tools to facilitate the transaction. Speaking “high “tech” is often a pass for admission to connect with this age segment.

Here are a few examples that will help communicate with these generational groups:

1) For younger generations, look for communication models that deliver information 24/7. Employ platforms like QR Codes (Quick Response), and text number riders on signs to offer immediate information and connection for this crowd. Don’t overlook the use of traditional brochure boxes as an alternate, but make the boxes work for you by including electronic options on the paperwork for additional resource information. Consider using multiple options for multiple age groups.

2) Engage and participate online using blog posts and social media channels to position yourself as a resource, especially if you specialize in a given service vertical. Specialization enhances interest, like short sales, first time buyers, retirement communities, and government financing just to name a few. You are more likely to get higher response results with specificity. Post tips that offer valuable insight into the buying and selling process without selling to gain trust and create community.

3) Video is a terrific way to demonstrate expertise. Develop a weekly videozine to answer the most often asked questions from your prospects. Video has never been easier with the latest digital video cameras and easy uploads to Facebook and YouTube. Be sure your audio quality is good, and your content relevant. (Kodak PlayTouch Video Camera has easy uploads to social media channels)

4) Respond to all inquiries, using the means that best suits their needs. Once you are using various platforms to communicate, it is important to respond to all comments in a quick time frame.

Think “strategic communications” to target and focus on the specific generational styles. Take advantage of the technological tools, programs and systems available and you will appeal to all age groups wanting to buy and sell properties….everybody wins!

See more results when you recognize and respond to these specific needs and wants of any prospective customer, to guarantee profitable results.

For a short video on generational dynamics, visit: http://www.terrimurphy.com/video-blog/

Terri Murphy is President of Terri Murphy Communications, Inc, and is a communication and e-marketing specialist and social media consultant. For more information visit: www.TerriMurphy.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2010 All Rights Reserved

Fox13‘s Darrell Greene Interviews Terri Murphy On Part Time Job Tips

Got job? 5 Tips to help turn Part time into Full Time

Looking for a some part time work to get you through a financial “crunch”?  But what if a part time gig could turn into a career of your dreams?

As a coach and communication consultant, we often help individuals and executives clinch the interview with some attention to communication basics.  Don’t lose at the interview table! Take advantage of creating a uniqueness to your visit with your interviewer by keeping in mind these 5  basic communication tips:

1)      Start with your attitude! From a psychological standpoint, don’t think “part time” – think “Opportunity” – You will act differently knowing that you are making a possible investment in a permanent position.  Your brain rules so your thought process needs to be right from the get go.  Even if this one specific job doesn’t work out the way you had hoped, there are can be some magical people connections and opportunities that may lead in a referral or new opening in the future

2)      Dress for the job- How you look speaks volumes and what you know may be diminished if you are not properly attired for the position. Women especially need to avoid barriers like jangly jewelry, revealing clothing choices or too much perfume.

3)      Be prepared, enthusiastic, but not pushy or appearing desperate.   You won’t know the politics of the office and don’t want to appear threatening or needy.

4)      Be on time and dependable.  Regardless of your generation, many businesses still work on a traditional time line…The boss/manager needs to be able to depend on you to be there when you have agreed to be there.

5)      Even if you don’t get the job, send a thank you note.  So few people will take the time and this gesture will set you apart as someone who shows initiative.  If their current choice doesn’t work out, you just might get the call.

Part time jobs can open doors to career opportunities you hadn’t even thought about!  So suit up, show up and knock ‘em dead with a great smile, a clean and neat appearance and a sensational attitude.  You could walk out with a brand new job and with a brand new adventure!

Terri Murphy is President of Terri Murphy Communications, Inc, and is a communication and e-marketing specialist.  For more information visit: www.TerriMurphy.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2010  All Rights Reserved

Have you noticed that business today is facing a bit of a challenge?   With costs of doing business changing every day, today’s businesses are overwhelmed, overloaded and stressed to find new ways to save money, time and streamline efficiencies. If you are struggling to figure out what to do and are looking to pump up your  sales, here are a few key activities that can help you begin to take action:

• Start with an attitude shift! Studies prove that whatever you focus on becomes your reality and positive thinkers usually get positive results. Abrupt change opens the door to seek more creative solutions, so focus on how to enthusiastically embrace new innovative approaches to what appears to be obstacles.  Begin with identifying the possible positive outcomes which will spur creativity.  Every change reveals new opportunities that would ordinarily be lost in the mundane and routine!

• Investigate your Options:  More millionaires are born in a challenged economy than in a robust one.  When markets get tough, the tough go back to basics, get creative and become intensely focused in every aspect of how their business functions to discover new ways to deliver their products and services.  When sales stall, we’ve got a window of opportunity to re-design, re-work and re-ignite new processes in our service, delivery and fulfillment that would not have ordinarily been discovered.  When things are down like they are today, it is a great time to turn up the heat and initiate new relationships and seek new solutions.

• Use new tools! Get in the game and learn about and invest in the latest tools and programs that help you be the expert your customers and clients expect!  Look at adding a blog to your online presence and use Twitter, Facebook and Youtube as channels to attract, engage and convert strangers into friends and friends into customers and clients.

• Embrace Adaptability!  Studies prove that flexibility is the vital key to thriving and surviving.  It is critical that when we reinvent service and communication processes that we focus on engaging the 4 d ifferent generations who make up today’s consumers.  GenX is rapidly advancing and dominates the buying public. Their core preferences and values differ greatly from Boomers and Civics. Responding and resonating with their preferred mediums for information and service open the doors to compete and win.

• Marketing Message Makeovers:  Forget the self-aggrandizing message touting years of experience and impressive sales numbers. Today’s generation is not interested in an experienced provider, so much as enjoying a good buying experience.  Learn to utilize words and tools that speak to your target audience so that you can guarantee a more successful return on your marketing investment. 

Use new tools to engage GenX and Y using social media channels like Facebook, YouTube and TWITTER.  Incorporate more TEXT messaging in your cadre of communication tools.  Start posting tips and information 24/7 posts on social networks that link back to your blog site to provide interaction and participation.

• Get a Web Makeover:  Successful web sites have migrated from being an informational to interactional destination. Add tools that integrate a social platform that allows you to interact or “speak “with the consumer.  Incorporating social interactive tools like blogs, video and podcasts provides the medium for participation that promotes creating more of a “community” online and ultimately drives more traffic and adds “stickiness” to your web visits and pumps up search engine optimization.
• Just posting quotes and quips won’t create a brand of value.  When using social media channels, develop a strategy that incorporates a social convergence that creates a consistent brand and value to your resources and information

• Learn to sell Value! – In today’s competitive environment, learning what is valuable to the end user is the key to repeat and continued business, which is ever changing.  We need to seek new ways to deliver our services and products more efficiently that excites and delights our customers and clients.  When the value of our products and services is combined with strong relationships, high integrity and authentic care, price becomes a lesser issue.  Focus on delivering high quality services and your customers will insist on working with you.

Change is inevitable and how we handle the challenge makes for winning or losing.  Don’t try and tackle everything at one time, as making micro changes will be easier and less intimidating. But whatever you do…stop whining, take action and start winning!

Bio: Terri Murphy,  speaker, and communication consultant, and e-Strategist.  She is the author of 5 books, including one with Donald Trump. She is the Pres. of MurphyOnRealEstate as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis.  email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2010- All rights reserved

Dr. Tony Alessandra

www.Alessandra.com

www.PlatinumRule.com

Prosperity Series Memphis Featured Sales Expert