CKGTV.com Blog

“The Millionaire Maker”

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:31:16 -0600

Yesterday, we announced the official launch of the CKGTV Coaching Club. ckgtvcoachingclub.com was created for the realtors that are out there looking to receive tons of great information from some of the top realtors, Brokers and industry experts in the field.

To Help Spread the word of this new one of a kind program, we are giving the first call away for Free. No-Obligation what so ever!

Friday February 20, 2009 @ 2:30pm EST

Coach Ken Goodfellow “The Millionaire Maker” and the coach to Real Estates most elite agents. Ken will talk candidly about what the top producers have done to bridge the gap from being a good producer to a “Mega Agent”

If you are interested in getting on this call, simply email us at calls@ckgtv.com and we will send you all the login information.

You won’t want to miss out on this one time offer! Only 25 Spots Left

To your success,

CKGTV.com

FSBO and Expired Scripts

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:47:48 -0500

Amy Weaver from the Mary Ann Knell Team goes through her FSBO and Expired Scripts. To View these go to CKGTV.com Real Estates Premier Resource for Free online Learning.

Brad Carroll of Dakno Marketing

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:06:04 -0600

This Weeks Free Call is a Live Streamining Webinar with One of the Top Experts in the Real Estate Technology field Brad Carroll of Dakno Marketing

In order to increase awareness of the new program, we have decided for
the next 2 weeks to open up the CKGTV Coaching Club calls for FREE.

ckgtvcoachingclub.com was created for the REALTORS
that are out there looking to receive tons of great information from some
of the top Agents, Brokers and industry experts in the field.

Friday, March 6, 2009 11:00am EST

If you are interested in getting on this call, simply email calls@ckgtv.com and we will send you all the login information.

You won't want to miss out on this call

Business Planning for 2009

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:39:31 -0600

Most realtors don't understand the importance of business planning. "Coach" Ken Goodfellow of CKG International has become one of the top business planning coach's in North America teaching top realtors and brokers how to help grow their business as a business so they can make more money and work less hours.

Watch this video on Business planning for 2009 you can also download all the questions that Coach Ken asks on CKGTV.com under the free tools section I hope you enjoy

CKGTV.com your resource for free online real estate agent and broker training

The essentials of non-verbal communication.

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:09:02 -0500

Sure. We’ve all studied some NLP and its precursor “body language” but the truth is that we get busy. We don’t apply what we know and we miss opportunities to be better communicators.

This is a good time to review some of these skills. Body language never lies. It can tell you a lot if you know what to look for. Just be careful not to use this information to fuel your assumptions. So the first tip is - always test your observations of body language to confirm that what you think is really what is going on. If people appear bored, angry, or frustrated, then they probably are! But always check this out with them first just to be sure. You might say, "It looks like you are slouching or fidgeting. Would you mind sharing what you're experiencing right now?" If you sense that a body is telling you something, check in with the person to find out what it is.

Examine the congruence between body language and verbal language. For example, laughing while describing a very painful experience is incongruent behavior and should be checked out. This incongruence indicates that something is amiss.

The "movements" of Body Language can provide clues about how people conduct other aspects of their lives. These are patterns of behavior that they might not even be consciously aware of.

Be attuned to cultural differences in body language. These could also affect your observations. So as always, check out your perceptions. Finally, - be conscious of the power of your own body language to affect others. For instance, use open friendly posture. When you move, move deliberately and for a purpose. Use gestures to strengthen or enhance your communication. Make regular eye contact with everyone. Be expressive, amplifying what you are feeling and saying with your facial expressions and your body gestures.

Look for these cues and check them out. Practice observing body language. Use them to improve your daily interactions.

1. Positive Body Language / Negative Body Language

2. Direct eye contact (no staring)

3. Warm, open smile (teeth revealed)

4. Nodding

5. Head tilted

6. Open, inclusive gestures (palms showing)

7. Fully facing others

8. Leaning forward

9. Upright but relaxed posture

10. Firm handshake

11. Double hand clasp handshake

12. Feet firmly planted

13. Chin up

14. Sitting forward

15. Eyebrow flash upon greeting

16. Eye contact not met

17. Tight or no smile

18. Down and away or dropped glances

19. Not fully facing, at an angle

20. Leaning away

21. Hunched shoulders

22. Too-stiff posture

23. Weak handshake

24. Chin into chest

25. Arms crossed or Legs crossed

26. Body sagging

27. Legs outstretched while seated

28. Absentminded gazes

29. Staring

30. Fidgeting

For more great tips like this and hundreds of free real estate training videos go to CKGTV.com your resource for FREE online real estate agent and broker training.

Active listening

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:20:35 -0500

Active listening is a behavior. Poor listening creates tension, while active listening builds rapport and trust with a customer. There are three skills to remember in active listening:

1. Feeling: This is the ability to recognize silent messages that the customer is sending through vocal intonation, body language and facial expressions.

2. Acknowledging: This is the act of receiving and acknowledging the customer’s message and feelings. Accepting that message as true and valid, without judgment of content.

3. Responding: This is the process of giving and inviting feedback to determine the accuracy of the customer’s message and feelings. The active listener tries to understand the customer’s problem or concern.

Now that you know the skills involved with active listening, there are six rules to incorporate into your active listening skill set:

1. Limit Your Own Talking: Listening is just that: being quiet and allowing someone else to talk. In active listening, you will be limiting how much you say while letting the client have the floor to communicate his needs, issues, ideas, or concerns. By staying focused on what they are saying, you will have a better comprehension of what your customer needs or wants.

2. Don’t interrupt: It’s hard not to step in and interrupt, because a lot of the time we have something to say that will help make our point, but by doing so, we show a lack of courtesy and respect to the speaker. Customer’s who are interrupted don’t feel heard, which will only create greater challenges in your business relationship. Sometimes we think we know exactly what the customer is trying to convey so we interrupt by finishing their sentence or answering a question that hasn’t even been asked. (See point number 3.)

3. Watch for Non-verbal Communication: 7% of what the client is speaking is verbal, 38% can be heard through their tone, while 55% will be seen in their body language. Add that all up and you have 93% of a message that is conveyed entirely by body language and tone – not what they are actually saying. Look for body languages that indicate boredom (yawning, avoiding eye contact, etc.). Body language may also indicate that they don’t agree with you or they are getting upset (crossed arms, squinted eyes, etc.) Be very aware of what your customer is non-verbally saying to you.

4. Don’t Formulate a Response: As anyone talks to us, our mind is always ticking away with an automatic response. Almost anything someone says, we are formulating a plan on how to respond. When we do this, we aren’t actually paying attention to everything that is being said. Instead, listen carefully; you just may discover that your initial response wasn’t appropriate, because you didn’t hear the full details.

5. Talk in a Conducive Setting: It’s hard to communicate with anyone when there multiple distractions around you: phones ringing, people walking by or coming into your office, the office is cold or too hot, or you have distracting habits like clicking a pen, or jingling change in your pocket. These types of distractions makes anyone feel unheard.

6. Paraphrase: No, it’s not rude to rephrase what’s just been said to you, because this shows the client that you not only listened to what he had to say, but you also heard and understood what was said. Too many problems are unresolved, or too many mistakes are made because we didn’t understand what someone was telling us. By rephrasing what was said, the customer will either agree, or correct your interpretation. When someone asks, “Do you understand?” or “Does that make sense?”, rather than saying yes, a good way to respond is to say, “I want to make sure I understand you fully…” or “I think I understand, but let me just make sure…” and then paraphrase what the client communicated.

A good sales person knows exactly the right things to say to sell a product or service. But a successful sales person will gain valuable insight of what the customer wants by actively listening and then sells the customer-appropriate product or service.

For more great free training tools and tips and hundreds of free training videos go to CKGTV.com your resource for free online realestate agent and broker training.

Releasing the spiders

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:05:14 -0500

Technorati Profile

The Top 10 Mistakes When Doing a Business Plan

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:29:35 -0500

We are half way through 2008 and soon we'll be concentrating on next year’s plan. Perhaps this is a good time for a memory jog!

Statistics show only 3% of us operate with a written business plan. If you are part of that elite group, you are probably reaping the rewards that come from knowing what you want, where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Van Gogh remarked, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

If you've been part of the 97%, but are ready to face the new year with a resolve to raise your standard of greatness, spending time creating the plan for next year will be the best time you spend all month. I am not, however, talking about a perfunctory plan that you quickly create by just looking at your numbers. You are more than your numbers. Author David Kekich says, "An hour of effective, precise, hard, disciplined - and integrated thinking can be worth a month of hard work. Thinking is the very essence of, and the most difficult thing to do in business and in life. Empire builders spend hour-after-hour on mental work... while others party. If you're not consciously aware of putting forth the effort to exert self-guided integrated thinking... if you don't act beyond your feelings and you take the path of least resistance, then you're giving in to laziness and no longer control your life."

So let's take a look at some of the pitfalls that could trip you up on the way. Here are the biggest mistakes that I see in my coaching practice.

1. Not planning time to think and create a plan.

To fully design and create your plan for 2009, I recommend at least a full day. Many agents will plan a retreat with their team, or just go away for a weekend without distractions to focus. Working on it piecemeal when the time shows up is a sure way to fail. Time-block NOW an appointment with yourself to work on this. The time you need will not show up -- you must carve it out.

2. Failing to gather ALL the data from this year.

The numbers from this year must include more than just the total production and number of units. What was the SOURCE of each transaction? What was the cost of each listing? What was your NET profit? What was your close ratio on listing appointments? Each piece of information will inform you about where your strengths are and what untapped business is waiting for you.

3. Incrementally increasing your goal based on last year's results.

The normal method employed by agents to set next year's goals involves choosing a number that is somewhat above last year and then using some formula to tell them what their monthly and weekly actions should be. This is rarely exciting and energizing and usually results in having to work more, work harder or work faster.

4. Not factoring in reserve.

Most agents do not take into consideration that crisis will occur and stuff will happen. By figuring what needs to be produced to hit the goal and not allowing for reserve, they are always falling short and feeling that it is not going to work, or frantically running on adrenaline at the last possible moment to pull it off. Always assume you need 20%-30% more.

5. Not knowing the why.

This should really be #1. What is the reason you want to produce what you want to produce next year? If you attained your financial goal, or the number of units you want to close, what would that give you? If you attained that financial goal, why would that be important? Are you working to accumulate more stuff or to have a certain quality to your life that is joyful? The why is the key to your motivation and your willingness to be in action. Keep asking yourself, "Why do I want this?" or "what will getting this give me?" until you get to the bottom of what is REALLY important to you. These reasons are your values. Miracles happen when we know our values and our work reflects them.

6. Not planning in the personal first.

Speaking of the why-.there is also the "who." Your personal foundation must be deep and strong to build mighty structures above the ground. Does your plan for the year include time for yourself, your growth, your family and your interests. One of the first pieces of your planning should involve how much time off you will take next year and how your perfect work week looks. If you did nothing else this year but worked on your own personal development, I know you would probably have the best year ever.

7. Not looking for the new opportunities.

What gave you success last year or this year is not the key to your future success. In fact, if you aren't radically shifting the way you deliver your services and reach people, you may not be in business much longer. What new ways of marketing do you need to employ? How can you partner with others who may be interested in the same target markets and may help create a win/win? What new market segments or niches are, as yet, unserved? Who do you have an affinity with that is a perfect new niche?

8. Not designing strategies to leverage what you already have.

Are you leveraging your best clients and customers into your referral engine? Have you thought about how you can increase their loyalty and increase the value you provide them? The cost of finding new prospects is much higher than creating more business from folks who already know and love you. Get creative here!

9. Not making it a big enough stretch to get the creative juices flowing.

Thinking small rarely inspires. It's those impossible dreams, realized, that are able to stimulate our thinking and actions. When our goals become a game to play, rather than a measure of whether we are good or bad, we can let go of the attachment to a result and just find some innovative and fun ways of expressing our commitment to excellently serving our clients. The money flows when we love what we do and we have a big enough game to play. Boredom results in playing too small a game.

10. Not creating a structure for fulfillment.

Even with a good plan, not having a way to stay focused will trip you up. Do you have a partner to keep you on track? A coach who can see the big picture? If left to our own accountability systems, we are prone to sell out on ourselves. A coach actually knows you can do more than you think and reminds you of who you really are, instead of buying into the excuses that seem reasonable. Accountability and focus are both critical for the implementation of your plan.

For more great free training tools and tips and hundreds of free training videos go to CKGTV.com your resource for free online realestate agent and broker training.

The Secret's John Assaraf

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:10:12 -0500

You have seen him on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Larry King Live; now watch John Assaraf on CKG TV. To watch this video click here.

With all of the great new releases and the hundreds of videos on the site CKGTV.com is Real Estate's Premier Resource for Online Learning.

CKG TV Watch & Learn

11 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE MARKETING PLANS

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:45:16 -0500

11 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE MARKETING PLANS

1.Be Clear On Your Message. With lead generation it’s better to whet a prospect’s appetite than to try to feed the whole meal at once. If you get one or two main messages about your service across clearly, and at a glance, in a marketing piece (ad, flyer, brochure, sign etc.) you’re doing well.

2.Don’t Overwhelm Your Prospects. Too much information is as bad as not enough. Send information to let them know whom you are, what you can do for them, and why you are different from your competitors. Prospects are inundated with marketing materials. They do not have time to read and respond to everything that comes to them. Do you? (Sometimes timing dictates how much information goes out. If more is needed divide it into bite sized chunks.)

3.Timing Is Everything. Be careful when you send out your communication. Make sure you reach the target while there is a need for your service. Don’t market to customers when they’ve finished their buying. Unless you know when they will buy again.

4. Follow Through. Be prepared to follow through on the program. Don’t lose the momentum of your supplier, your staff or yourself. If you go to the expense of marketing (actual dollars as well as your time), don’t quit half way. Many good marketing programs have ended up on the back room floor because the Agent forgot about his commitment to marketing. "I don’t have time to send it out" is a popular reason for marketing not working.

5. Make Staff Aware. Educate your staff about the marketing program. Make sure they know who is getting the information, what the key message is and how to answer questions. The “staff/sales force wasn’t properly trained” to understand the program, use the material, or just follow through is another great excuse for a program not working.

6. Follow-up. If you are running a direct marketing program don’t sit back and wait for the calls to come in follow-up by telephone immediately.. Pro-activity is key.

7. Go Out And Get Feedback. Talk to your customers, prospects, suppliers and competitors. Find out what worked and more importantly what did not work.

8. Test Your Marketing. Test your marketing materials in small numbers. Adjust, massage, refine, and improve them as you learn. See what works and repeat it, see what doesn’t work and delete it. Modern technology has made it affordable for small business marketers to produce short runs economically. This means you have the opportunity to put out a marketing piece, monitor it, and refine it to increase results and then send out the new version.

9. Plan Ahead. Know what your next marketing program is before you finish the first one. There are efficiencies in producing materials all at one time.

10. Have Buyers. Make sure you have sufficient buyers in your database. There is nothing worse than making a sale (getting the listing) and not being able to deliver. Not only do you risk losing this sale but likely, future sales will be more difficult.

11. Above All, Have Fun. Prospects and customers want to do business with Agents that are successful, happy, productive and positive. Find your own marketing suppliers who meet these criteria.

The Above Blog was powered by CKGTV.com you resource for free real estate agent and broker training

The Reluctant Prospector

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:43:54 -0500

Every agent has a reluctance to prospect, and everyone has their own set of reasons why they don’t like this critical part of the business. Most people fear rejection or take the rejection personally, or they don’t know what to say. Some even feel that making these calls is beneath them or makes them appear “slimy”. Here are some other top reasons for the reluctance of prospecting:

* Don’t want to be considered a pesky telemarketer,

* Have a hard time picking up the phone or starting the conversation,

* Don’t know what to say, or don’t have a sales pitch,

* Don’t want to interrupt anyone,

* Don’t know who to call,

* Feel it’s a waste of time because no one ever answers the phone, and

* Fear of failure.

Prospecting is a mindset. If you tell yourself that this part of the job is going to be horrible, then it will be horrible, but if you change the way you view prospecting in positive way, it won’t be as difficult. Prospecting should be viewed as a way of “getting the gold”, which would be your opportunity to get a lead, client, listing or a sale. Instead, agents tend to look at prospecting in a completely opposite and negative way. Prospecting won’t be so hard and frustrating if you can follow these simple and basic tips on how to prospect effectively:

* Know your values: First things first: it’s critical to remind yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. Remember what your driving force is, whether it’s spending more time with your family, a vacation, or even the mortgage payment.

* Start slow: Don’t force yourself to make a hundred calls a day. Set aside a certain amount of time that will be dedicated to prospecting, or determine how many calls you want to make daily.

* Make it a daily appointment: Set a scheduled time every day for making these calls as if it were an appointment you can’t miss. Scheduling calls in the morning is a good way to get it out of the way.

* Have a purpose: Most people talk too long on calls because they don’t have a purpose or a motivation for the call. Know the purpose of the call before you make the call.

* Know your audience: It’s important to know who you are calling and how you will present your sales pitch. You wouldn’t use the same phrases for an “expired listing” client as you would for a “for sale by owner” client.

* Have a script: If you don’t have a script you will talk forever. Following a script helps you to state your purpose effectively, but once you’re off the script you may find yourself in never-never land. A good script (50 words or less) will help you to stay on track and say what you need to say to create a long term relationship.

* Make a written script your own: There are many prospecting scripts available, but you want to make your script your own. Practice your written script until it becomes your own, trying to use your own verbiage or dialogue.

* Memorize a script: Once you have made the script your own, memorize it so it doesn’t sound canned, but don’t forget to answer any questions that the client may have during the process.

* Smile: When you speak, smile! This sets the tone for your call and people can tell by your voice if you are smiling.

* Speak slowly and clearly: Make sure to pronounce your words fully and correctly. If you speak too fast, the message may get lost.

* Be assertive: Too many times, real estate agents are frowned upon because they come off like used car salesmen who are aggressive and pushy. There are effective ways to make a sale that don’t involve being arrogant and overzealous. Being assertive means saying or doing something in a polite and considerate manner.

* State your purpose: People want you to be straight and to the point. Begin your conversation with, “The reason I’m calling is…” This will allow you the opportunity to have a more direct conversation; otherwise you may come across as misleading.

* Pay attention: Be aware of your own tone and set the right atmosphere for your call by understanding where the prospective client is coming from. Some agents have even suggested “matching the client’s tone,” even if they are mad. You will then appear empathic to their resistance.

* Listen carefully: Now pay attention to the first words spoken from the prospective client. Do they sound irritated, or are they chewing food? This will be a good indicator if you are calling at an inappropriate time. If they are busy, ask them when would be a good time to call back, and then make sure to do so.

* Know how to answer questions: If you have a call that is going well, it’s likely that the client will have some questions to ask. Prepare yourself with a list of potential questions that could be asked, along with your answers.

* Don’t initiate major business: Try not to go into details about your marketing plan, commission, etc. Those details are better left for your face-to-face presentation.

* Avoid confrontation: Don’t take the bait if a prospective client is angry with real estate agents in general. Avoid any conversations that will place you in an unwanted battle.

* Tape your calls: Tape yourself and listen to your pitch. Be aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. This is a highly effective tool in seeing where you may have missed opportunities or gotten off track. By listening to your tapes, you may also realize that you ignored questions.

* Make the appointment: Ask open-ended questions that will lead you in the direction of getting an appointment.

Who Should You Call?

There isn’t one business in the world that hasn’t been successful without making sales calls, and as great as the internet may be, you can’t wait for things to happen off of those types of leads. Prospecting doesn’t have to equate to cold calling. Good places to start if you think you have no one to call are: past clients, friends, expired or withdrawn listings, just listed, for sale by owners, just sold, or rentals. One agent has a monthly phone blitz where her entire staff makes prospecting calls. She makes it a festive day with prizes for those who set up an appointment. The staff doesn’t mind making the calls because they know everyone else is doing it, too.

Overcoming the Fear

If after all this you are still feeling reluctant, try to visualize your success. See it, think it, and believe it. Always set result and activity goals, and don’t forget to reward yourself. Remember to concentrate on the client and to be prepared for any obstacles. And lastly, realize that prospecting leads to money in the bank. One agent hates to prospect and instead she claims, “I don’t prospect, I’m just on the phone all day.”

To Read more articles like this and to see hundreds of free training video go to CKGTV.com your resource for free online real estate agent and broker training

50 Ways to Find Serenity

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:36:47 -0500

Life has ups and downs that can wear you down. You work hard to succeed in your career, you try to be the best parent or spouse you can be, and all the while there never seems to be enough time in the day to find peace within yourself. The proverbial “life is a rat race,” catches up with us and we feel drained and overwhelmed. But there are simple and effective techniques that can help you feel a balance in your life and acquire serenity in the chaos. Some of these steps require action, while others are simply a state of mind, but all of them will surely help you find the serenity you need in life.

1.Ask yourself if you are being too hard on yourself? Are you constantly beating yourself up over little things? Are you putting too high of expectations on yourself?
2.Find out what you have in life that you can enjoy at this very moment and be thankful for it.
3.When faced with a problem or situation, ask yourself how important it is. Is it life threatening, or is it something silly and petty?
4.Trust your instincts! Listen to your gut reaction. It will never steer you wrong.
5. When setting goals and/or expectations, ask yourself if they are truly realistic. If not, you may need to modify or tweak them so they are attainable. If goals are unrealistic, you’ll find yourself frustrated that you were unable to reach that goal.
6. Consider all your options when having to make life-altering decisions, or even menial decisions.
7. Ask yourself: What can I do about this situation? Will it help or only make matters worse?
8. Turn to family members or friends for help. They love you. They are always there to help you however they are able.
9. Ask yourself: What about this situation can I actually manage? What can’t I manage?
10. Adjust your attitude and discover how doing so will help or change the situation.
11. A critical question to ask that is helpful in almost any situation is: Do I really want to do this?
12. When formulating your plan or goals, decide what needs to be done first.
13. Ask your friends and family for support and encouragement.
14. Believe that you know what’s best for you. It’s good to hear what other people have to say sometimes, but ultimately, you know what will be best for you.
15. Make sure your thoughts, feelings and actions agree. Check your integrity. If it seems out of whack, figure out how to change that.
16. Forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what we learn from that mistake that truly makes the difference. If you haven’t forgiven yourself, give yourself permission to be forgiven and evaluate what that mistake has done to you and how you will use it to better yourself.
17. Spoil yourself once in a while. It’s not weird to send yourself a nice card, or buy a bouquet of flowers for the most important person in your life: You!
18. Now forgive someone else. If you’ve been hanging on to anger and resentment, you’re only making yourself upset. It takes up so much energy being mad at someone (including yourself). Don’t waste precious time or energy hanging on to old wounds.
19. Enjoy what you have. Try not to think about what you don’t have, but focus on what it is you do have. Do you have a special pet who adores you? Do you have good health? A comfortable home? A good friend who is trustworthy? Take note of the little things you have. Life isn’t always about the big things.
20. Speak daily positive self-affirmations. “I am…”
21. Talk to a friend about what is bothering you. Don’t let it fester.
22. Call a friend or go out and do something you enjoy.
23. Pick up the phone and let someone know you’re thinking of him or her.
24. Go out to lunch, or coffee, or even a walk with a friend.
25. When you ready to blow: take 3 deep breaths. Hold it for 3 seconds. Exhale slowly. Do this 2 more times, or until you calm down.
26. Have fun and go to a movie, concert or play.
27. Call a friend for some extra support.
28. Find a quiet place and enjoy a good book.
29. Ah…it’s nice to indulge with a relaxing massage, manicure or pedicure.
30. Get connected through a club or organization, or volunteer for a charity you have a passion for.
31. Make a list of 10 things you’re tolerating and why.
32. Read something positive or that you’re interested in at least 30 minutes a day.
33. Make a list of the things you are grateful for, and then post it on your refrigerator.
34. It’s okay to say no. Learn how to say no without feeling guilty.
35. This is tricky but worthwhile: do absolutely nothing!
36. Sit still and listen to some enjoyable music with a cup/glass of your favorite beverage.
37. Rent a movie that will make you laugh.
38. Only you know if you need to slow down or speed up.
39. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to feeling good. And there’s nothing wrong with taking a cat nap.
40. Get up and exercise. Do what feels best for you: walking, dancing, jogging, bike riding, etc.
41. Indulge yourself for 30 minutes a day doing something you really love to do!
42. Purchase something you can afford that you’ve wanted for a long time.
43. Start a “To Do” list and mark something off each day. You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment just by seeing that item crossed off your list.
44. Find a quiet place to relax and reflect – even if it’s the bathroom. Focus on something positive.
45. Do something special for someone and don’t tell them you did it!
46. Draw or color. Discover what it felt like as a kid to just sit back and create something.
47. Find time to meditate or pray, either by yourself or with a group.
48. Never forget what your purpose in life is.
49. Keep in mind that NO ONE is perfect…including you!
50. Saying “no” to others means saying “yes” to yourself.

If you would like to download these points go to the free tools tools tab on CKGTV.com and download the 50 Ways to Find Serenity .PDF

Posted by Ken Goodfellow CEO and Founder of CKG International

Tune-in to Employee Needs and Turn up Morale!

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:17:43 -0500

Have you ever walked into an office and felt that elegant confidence that is produced by a team of individuals who enjoy their occupation, excel at their tasks, and perhaps most importantly, thrive within an industrious and creative community? A rapport like this doesn’t happen on its own. While every individual in an office may nurture it, skillful and humane management is the key to the creation of strong community and high morale.

Management style has changed dramatically over the last few decades. People used to expect to have very few jobs during the course of their lives. With this expectation primarily outdated, relationships between management and workers have clearly changed.

In many ways, employees currently have less loyalty to their companies than they used to. Whereas obtaining a lifetime of security through staying stationary in a sole company was once held in high regard, modern professionals are more interested in finding the best, most rewarding position for themselves. And they’ll stay on the move as their ideals evolve!

This self-interest is not necessarily a bad thing for morale, however. What it means for management is that in order to have the best possible employees or team members, workers need to feel as if they are in the best possible job. Employees will be motivated…and employers will reap the benefits of a happy, productive workplace.

It’s essential to realize that what motivates one group of people is not the same for another. These motivations tend to follow generational expectations. The motivation for a lifetime of job security, for example, is most common in depression era workers, whose morale is enhanced primarily by a feeling of confidence in the security of their positions.

Employees who are in the twenty to thirty year age group have very different expectations. They will simply leave if they feel as if their needs are not met because they do not have the same anxiety about finding another job. Because of these distinct generational differences in workplace motivations and expectations, it’s important to find exactly what it is that an employee needs in order to feel that he or she is in the uniquely right position. Despite the fact that people come from different backgrounds and respond to different motivating factors, fortunately there are some universal influences!

Say the word. One major way for employers to promote positive feelings of motivation in their workers is to let employees know that their presence makes a difference to the company as a whole. Empower your employees by letting them understand how their work positively affects the company. Ask employees “What makes a job perfect?” Sometimes simply asking is enough to let people know that you are listening, and that they are being heard.

Tune into the emotional needs of your employees. A manager of a successful company with enviably high morale shared a story of a valued employee who was part of a newly blended family. Summer childcare was something that she had never had to plan for in the past and consequently, she felt that she could not meet the demands of her work schedule. The manager listened carefully to her situation and proposed that she work from home every other week during these summer hours. The concept worked out wonderfully! The manager’s one simple act of empathy and understanding regarding the employee’s life situation produced a positive ripple effect. The employee reacted with even greater loyalty to the company, and morale in general improved as other employees observed this caring interaction.

Generate a spirit of gratitude in your office. Letting people know on a daily basis that they have done something both wanted and needed maintains a sense of your expectations on a platform of positive reinforcement.

Set and monitor the vibe. Unfortunately, one or two employees with morale problems can affect the entire atmosphere of an office. Sadly, when you walk into an office, even if you yourself are filled with enthusiasm, motivation, and high self-expectations, it is difficult not to experience a let down when another employee is engaged in negative behavior. It is the responsibility of a manager to keep a system in place that works against being undermined by the few.

Address change. Resistance to change and new authority is a common morale buster. When one employee is promoted and suddenly has authority over another who was previously a peer, managers need to address the shift immediately. Similarly, rumors and grievances that arise over changing personnel or procedures need to be taken care of quickly in order to focus the energy of the office on work, rather than morale problem solving.

Nothing personal. Sometimes an employee will have chronic personal problems and seemingly ingrained negative behaviors. This type of cycle is something that must be addressed openly, and if a solution cannot be reached, the employee may have to be let go. Otherwise, the constant negativity may create a whirlpool that steadily draws everyone into its current. Chronic complaining and defensive attitudes take their toll on morale, too.

In these cases, make sure not to become emotionally involved in an employee’s dramatic response. Stay calm, and carefully explain your expectations. Often when employers are clear about what they expect and offer boundaries, employees have the confidence to move beyond their habitual negative responses and on to creative solutions.

The best way to achieve good morale is for employers to create an environment in which promoting positivity is everyone’s responsibility. Managers are doing their best when they help all workers feel as if they are able to focus on what’s important in the office—great work everyone feels proud of!

For more great tips from Ken Goodfellow Founder and CEO of CKG Ineternational check out the Coach's Corner Section of CKGTV.com your premier resource for free online real estate agent and broker training

31 Day Sales Calendar

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:06:30 -0500

The Sales Calendar -- Building Monthly Success

Looking to make your month the greatest ever? Who isn't? Ask any successful salesperson the secret for having great months and they will all say -- positive attitude, creative preparation, and consistent performance. To succeed month to month, you must execute day to day. Here are 31 creative ideas mixed with fundamental sales concepts. Put them into your work life on a one-a-day basis, and sales are sure to follow. You can't add more days to the calendar, but you can make every one more productive. I challenge you to add these to your day -- each day.

Day 1. Establish your pipeline goals. How many calls, leads, appointments, mailouts, follow-ups it takes to exceed your sales dreams. Make a top ten list of people you want to sell. By doing this on the first of the month, you will have clear vision to the task ahead.

Day 2. Figure out your daily dose. After you establish the goals, figure out what you must do every day to make them a reality.

Day 3. Examine your tools. Take a hard look at the sales tools in your kit. Are they the best in the business? State of the art? If not, make a plan and a deadline to change them.

Day 4. Evaluate your image. Look in the mirror. Like who you see? Get someone impartial to give you an image once-over. Act on their recommendations as fast as you can.

Day 5. List the main reasons people deal with you… Don't be a fool and make the list without asking 10 customers. Use the list to re-adjust your presentation and your approach.

Day 6. Go network someplace where your customers and prospects go. Ask your best customer to attend their monthly association meeting.

Day 7. Breakfast a customer. Using meals for business is an excellent time management tool (and wallet builder).

Day 8. Lunch a prospect. You can get to real issues over lunch; a relaxed, neutral court.

Day 9. Dinner a small group. Combine a meal with a mini seminar. Bring interested people together to make a group sale.

Day 10. Get peer evaluation. Ask your co-workers to rate your performance once a month. Get honest feedback. Use it.

To Download the full 31 day sales calendar and many more free tools and Scripts go to http://www.ckgtv.com your premier resource for free online real estate agent and broker training.

Ten Ways You Can Increase Profitability —In Today’s Market

Jordan Goodfellow (CKGTV.com) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:51:45 -0500

Is your business making the profit it should? Many individuals continually strive harder to make their business more successful, but in the end—despite their grand efforts—profit still languishes! Like Sisyphus pushing the rock up the hill in Hades, this is the essence of a lose/lose situation. We recently heard of a hard working manager who, after assessing the cost for each of his business transactions, realized that each sale lost the company $261.00! If you are increasing the volume of your business, you must also increase your profit. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? How do you accomplish it? Here are the top ten requirements for any business to remain profitable.

1. Customer Benefits - Word of mouth business is the most profitable. Do not be overly subtle and clearly express the extras that only your business can provide. How about special promotions for past clients? A festive seasonal lunch, a weekend get-away or gift certificates? Extra benefits are what customers buy and their perception of your benefits will decide your success.

2. Extra Value - In our culture, customers don’t want a fair exchange – they want a bargain. You should under promise and over deliver. People perceive successful businesses as delivering more value than they charge for their service. Make value an intrinsic part of your image.

3. Superb Service - Have you ever heard of service that was too good? Absolutely not. Clients like to be able to reach a personal cell phone or be able to contact members of the team. Courtesies such as answering the phone on the first ring, having an eight hundred number, keeping customers informed, and maintaining impeccable guarantees provide an essential feeling of security for your customer. When they know you will take care of all the details, they will return.

4. Know your Audience - Take time to create a client profile. As you cannot be all things to all people, consider whether price, quality or reliability is most valued. Then live up to these expectations.

5. Location - Make sure your marketing message is heard! If you advertise in the yellow pages, make your ad is distinct and central. Be certain to work with your programmer to place your website at the top of search engines. Only market in the area in which you work, otherwise you are simply wasting time and money. Consider a local newsletter outlining market conditions in your area with an insert of properties for sale. Make the best and most visible use of the marketing you use.

6. Convenience - Make it simple for the customer to communicate with someone who has definitive answers. Though you cannot be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, be available as much as possible and find someone else to take calls when you are not able.

7. Innovation - Customers respect and trust businesses that provide the most modern technology. Email, voicemail, pagers and faxes are a minimum. Live chat, information sharing, lightning fast research and comparative information sites are better. One interviewed company implemented homefeedback.com. Highly effective, the site has generated additional business since its inception. Keep up with advances, educate your employees and sellers about any updates and always consider new Internet options.

8. Reliability - Your advice, your attention to detail and your follow-through are critical elements to your service. Ensure that your customer can rely on you and your company. Realtors, for example, would be well served to do daily home previews in order to do a better job of appreciating the advantages of various properties. This allows them to do a better job of handling incoming calls and the sellers appreciate the extra effort.

9. Planning - Are you in control of your financial destiny? Without a plan, you are subject to the fickle winds of fortune. Plan to monitor, influence and profit from change by creating strategies, and tracking profitability.

10. Communication - Perhaps you know that it is vital to have great communication between yourself and your clients, but what about the communication between yourself and your employees? Without clear internal communication, your employees will not have the benefit of your profitability plan which will seriously affect its usefulness. Bear these ten strategies in mind while calculating your financial plan. Remember, more work ought to equal more money!

For more free tips and For Free online real estate agent and broker training go to http://www.ckgtv.com