We are excited to be bringing to you this new quarterly journal. This is just another way we want to focus on being your business resource and adding value to your career. Feel free to share this publication with anyone who may benefit from it.
How Can I Use This?
photo courtesy of usnews.com
Lou Holtz once said " I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions"
Asking questions enables us to unlock great answers. It is time to start asking yourself and your clients more questions to better influence your business.
So how can you use this publication?
▪ Learn, engage and build success by reading and sharing the provided information to employees, colleagues and referral partners ▪ The content from this publication can be used for blogs, social media and websites with written permission and proper referencing. We are happy to help in the difficult efforts of finding fresh content.
The next time you are at a convention or company meeting and are getting excited about a concept or product ask yourself honestly "How can I use this in my business?, How will this benefit me?". By making these questions become habit you will be able to easily decide what fits best into your business and how to implement it.
When meeting with your clients make sure to use open ended probing questions such as "What do you mean by that? What else? How else? "
Planning for Resistance
photo courtesy of ehow.com
Friction is a part of life. If you've ever dragged a heavy sac along a gravel path, you know that friction can seem to add pounds to an already heavy load.
It is also a factor in human interactions as individuals with differing ideas and expectations find that their goals and ambitions do not always align.
Many of us do all we can to avoid friction. That is certainly my preference. The fact is that friction especially in interpersonal relationships feels uncomfortable. It also has a tendency to make us fearful because of the potential for escalation and a loss of control.
But, there is another side of friction which can prove beneficial if we recognize its redemptive role. For instance, starting a fire requires friction. While a fire can be destructive, it is also necessary for warmth and light and on a cold wintry day can be the difference between freezing or staying alive.
photo courtesy of whartonmagazine.com
We have the ability to choose how we handle and direct the energy of friction. As a leader, I am learning that friction is sometimes necessary to arrive at the best solution to a problem.
As we enter April, a month in which we celebrate Fair Housing and the Diversity of the American experience, we are reminded that this struggle for freedom and civil rights has often been marked by friction.
While acrimony and bitterness have been prominent in many respects, we do well to remind ourselves that out of this crucible of challenge we have emerged as a nation that values the dignity of the human spirit and continues to strive to create a more perfect union. So, friction while uncomfortable at times can also help us to pave a new way forward as we create opportunities which would never have been present without going through the process.
-Lola Audu, Western Michigan Women's Council of Realtor's President
Get Involved
Definition of Involvement:
1. The fact or condition of being involved with or participating in
2. Emotional or personal association with someone.
“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” - Chinese Proverbs
Be a part of something and show your heart through involvement. That is the truest way to show how passionate you are for the causes you support.
Notice the definition, note 2., in which involvement is described in a manner which is often related to a relationship. Well, consider this: how would you show the special someone that you really care? Would you show your mindfulness through involvement in that someone’s life? For Example: Being there for someone, listening, and learning that someone’s interests.
Take a look at these events and consider being a part of something special:
IN THE COMMUNITY: 2013 Feast For Kids
Inspire your taste buds at this year's Feast for Kids, hosted by the American Culinary Federation of Greater Grand Rapids Chefs Association. Don't miss the opportunity to exercise your culinary palate, celebrate the flavors of Grand Rapids and make an impact.
Date | Monday, April 15, 2013 Location | Noto's Old World Italian Dining _
Time | Doors Open at 5:30 p.m., Program begins at 6:00 p.m. _
Price | Tickets are $75 person, Table Sponsorship available for $750
IN YOUR CAREER: WCR PMN Class - Leadership Excellence
What does it take to become a highly effective leader? This engaging and interactive course focuses on proven leadership principles and practices: leading through adversity and conflict, empowering teams and understanding and working effectively with different personalities from a leadership perspective.
You will gain new understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence and its role in successful leadership. This new course will help you uncover your own leadership strengths and then develop a personalized plan of next-level action.
Date | Thursday, May 2, 2013 Location | Greater Lansing Association of Realtors Time | Registration at 8 a.m., Course 8:30-5 p.m. Price | $125 per person, members can submit for a $75 scholarship
We all have our own definition of success; wealth, family, knowledge,happiness. In each publication we will be featuring the success and accomplishment of members.
▪ Katie Young and Carol Neal, Co-Owners of Essential Title Agency are expanding to open an office in Portland, MI ▪ Katrina Cole with Success Mortgage Partners expanded their West Michigan footprint to now include Lake State Mortgage ▪ Jason Jenkins has opened a mortgage branch of Union National Mortgage ▪ Sun Title announced the opening of a Rockford shared space office ▪ Our President Lola Audu, was honored at the 2013 Power Diva Award Reception for her contribution to the community
Gen Y's Thoughts on Home Buying
Our February Luncheon provided valuable insight into how the Echo Boomer's feel about the home buying process, what they expect and what they would change. Here is a brief clip of some of their thoughts: If not loaded below click here to view video
About the Editor
Katrina Cole, Success Mortgage Partners
Katrina Cole has been a member of WCR for three years. She continues to play a very active role as the Marketing Co-Chair as well as heading the Annual Holiday Event.
"The most important thing that everyone needs to know about WCR is that we are all here to grow and help one another. This is not just a group for Women or Realtors it is for everyone involved in Real Estate that is looking to improve themselves, grow their business and give back to those around them. To achieve the most from this group you need to get involved and participate as much as possible."
Outside of WCR, Katrina is the Internal Operations Director with Success Mortgage Partners out of Plymouth, MI and recently help to bring aboard Lake State Mortgage here in Grand Rapids. Katrina has been in the mortgage industry for 11 years and enjoys working with team members to grow their businesses as well as those of their affiliates with business development strategies, marketing and social media.
