Real Estate Agents 101 – So You Wanna Be an Agent, Do You?
People will always need places to live. As such the real estate market has been around in some form or another for a long time, and is likely to be around for much longer. Because most people will buy or sell at least one home in their lifetime, potential real estate leads are EVERYWHERE, just waiting to be snatched up by an agent.That’s a good thing to know if you’re interested in becoming a real estate agent. If you think real estate is a money tree and converting real estate leads in clients is a piece of cake, don’t even BOTHER getting your license. The first thing to realize when thinking about a job in real estate is that it takes a LOT of hard work to be successful at converting real estate leads to clients. Of course that is counter balanced by the fact that there is almost unlimited earning potential in the field if you’ve got real estate leads and you know how to work them.The first step to becoming a real estate agent is doing your homework. Research the field, talk to other agents, get an idea of what you’ll be getting yourself into, because the classes you take to get licensed are simply to get LICENSED. They rarely tell you how to actually BE an agent.Once you’ve made the decision to go for it, start NOW. It can take 2-3 months to finish classes and get your license, but don’t wait until you’re licensed to start building your real estate leads database. Sit down and think about every person you know by face or name, get as much contact information as possible on them, and enter them into a database. There. You’ve just collected a bunch of real estate leads already!As you’re working your way to getting your license, there are a few other things you can do to prepare, so that you can start earning money with your real estate leads as soon as possible after getting licensed. If you’re going to be following up with all those real estate leads you compiled, you’ll need a cell phone and a car. Look into cell phone plans with unlimited minutes, because you’ll use them. Look for a reliable 4 door car that does great on gas mileage, because you’ll definitely be needing that as well. Don’t worry about getting a Beamer your first year – there will be plenty of time for extravagant spending once you’re a success. For now, you just want to be able to contact and visit your real estate leads for as little money as possible.It is also important to think about what kind of real estate company to go with even before you’re licensed. It’s best to find a comfortable mix of a company that will cover some of your expenses for a portion of your commissions, but doesn’t limit you on your marketing abilities. Some companies will provide you with tons of support and your own real estate leads. Others won’t. It’s up to you to find a good mix that helps you out but doesn’t constrict you too much. When you go into real estate, you’re starting your own business. Always think of it that way.Remember that list of real estate leads you compiled of everyone you know? While taking your real estate classes, it’s time to let those real estate leads know what you’re up to. Start giving them a head’s up that soon you’ll be a licensed real estate agent and though you can’t sell real estate at this MOMENT, you will be able to do by whatever date you get your license. It’s never to early to start building that sphere of influence and filling it with real estate leads.One of the best things you can do, if it is a possibility, is talk to a successful real estate agent. The only way to truly learn to be a great agent is to learn from the best! Build a rapport with a real estate agent and than offer to do their dirty work. That’s right – even if just for a day or two, ask them if you can help follow up with their real estate leads, just to get an idea of what the business is all about. Not many people would turn down free labor, and it gives you an idea of exactly what you SHOULD be doing to be successful with your real estate leads once you’re licensed.
Debt Relief For Consumers – Can Debt Relief Help Consumers Reduce Medical Bills?
Today, medical expenses are increasing so fast that they are causing a lot of financial strain for the consumers. Even an insured person is finding difficulties in affording a stay in the hospital or a long term treatment. Many consumers who are drowning into debts are filing for bankruptcy, if you are also suffering from sever medical debts and thinking of filing for bankruptcy, then you need to stop and take a look below.Fortunately bankruptcy is not the only option for you to eliminate your medical debt. Like other unsecured debts which include credit card debts, it can also be with the help of debt negotiation and debt consolidation loan. These are legal alternatives to bankruptcy and can help reduce your debts to up to 60%. So before you go for bankruptcy, you should try these options.Before you try to tackle your medical bills yourself, work with a medical bill reduction specialist like a financial advisor or an organization which provides valuable information regarding medical debt relief. If you hold multiple bills, then all of them can be combined into a single loan with a lower interest against your mortgage and with a long duration for repayment. This is called debt consolidation loan. On the other hand debt negotiation is a process in which the professional negotiator discusses your debt issue with the hospital, doctor or other creditors to reduce your debt. The discussion revolves around the topic that you would like to pay your debt in full, however due to your legitimate financial hardship you are not able to. In this case creditor would like to recover at least a portion of the debt rather than have their customers file for bankruptcy and potentially get nothing. So they agree to reduce your debt and pull through at least some amount from their bills.These are some of the most popular options. Other than them there are a lot of options thorough which a person can get rid of his medical debt. As the debt issue was becoming more and more common, due to the present recession of economy where everyone is losing jobs and inflation is so high, there came out many solutions to help people out because if the whole world would end up filing for bankruptcy then where do you think the economy of our State would go? So for the overall financial stability the government introduced many methods, grants and techniques like home equity loans, grants like Medicaid and Medicare for those people who can not afford the medical bills.
How to Get the Most From a Business Counselor
The one trait all successful business owners have in common is that they ask for help when they need it. And the good news is help is readily available. You can find a business counselor or coach in just about any location not far from you and sessions are often at no charge, especially if you’re planning to start a business.Whether you see a business counselor through a free service or choose a fee-based business coach, here are some tips counselors and coaches want you to know to get the most from their sessions.1. Come with something, rather than nothing. I recently had an ideal business client, at least that’s how I viewed him following our counseling session. He wanted to start a lawn care and landscaping business and was employed fulltime doing just that for a local municipality. He had already asked his supervisors if it would be OK to start a business on the side, one that he could do in the evenings and weekends. They gave him the OK, had him sign the necessary secondary employment documents and were pleased that he was making plans for his professional future (after all, jobs with government entities are not as secure as they once were).He already had his own equipment, a business license, name and business cards. He came to me to find out how to reach business owners in his local community. We talked about his target market, his services, how to gather the information needed to set prices, his competition, how to ask for business-a myriad of topics that ended in steps he would take to launch his business.He felt energized afterward, and I felt refreshed, thinking, “Why was that session so productive and how can I have more clients like that?” Here’s the answer. He came with something. He had experience in the industry, a current job and savings to fund start-up expenses, equipment, and an idea of his target customer. I contrast him with another client who came in recently wanting to start a business “to help women with things like housing, childcare, life skills, because I know so many women who really need help.” You get the point.2. Trust the counselor. Confidentiality is important and business counselors will honor it. If it makes you feel better for them to sign a confidentiality statement before reading your business plan or swear they won’t steal or share your business idea, fine. But trust me. Business counselors have been exposed to all types of business ideas and very little is unique to them. Even so, they’ve chosen a career as a business counselor and are not looking for a unique idea to pirate.3. Be open and honest about your financial situation. A business counselor can be a great resource to find funding and they can help you put together a funding proposal, but you must be open and honest about your financial situation and the earlier the better. A business counselor, especially in the first session, may not want to come right out and ask “How much money do you have to start this business?” or “How much do you have to put toward a loan?” but it’s important for them to know early to help you find appropriate funding resources. Vague statements such as “I should be OK in getting a loan,” or “I should have enough collateral to apply for a commercial loan” really doesn’t help. Provide details to the counselor and the earlier you do this the further along you’ll be.If you’re an existing business owner and the counselor asks to see financial records, avoid responding with, “My accountant takes care of all that, so we’re good there.” Financial records can reveal quite a bit about management of the business. Use the counselor’s expertise and tools for financial analysis. The counselor can save you money by examining your records.In additional to your financial situation, Warren Williams, head of Turning Point Business Coaching in North Carolina adds, “Be open to what the coach can teach you. A good coach truly has your best interest at heart, for they genuinely want to help you (as well as your business) be successful. Remain open to the opportunity to make your business better by making yourself better”4. Do your assignments. Business clients tend to disappear or play “hide and seek” once the counselor gives them an assignment. An assignment might be to do some market research. If you’re not familiar with what or how to do it, simply say so. Don’t nod as if you understand. Avoiding follow-up calls from the counselor or not responding to emails because you didn’t complete your “homework” just delays the process of reaching your business goals. Let the counselor know you’re having difficulty with the assignment and could use more guidance. No need to feel embarrassed.5. Understand the counselor’s role. As with any type of counseling, the idea is to help you discover solutions as opposed to telling you what to do. “Counselors provide a sounding board for you. They’ll challenge you and help you see situations in new ways. They’ll help you find solutions, not impose them,” says long-time North Carolina business counselor Maggi Braun. Don’t feel frustrated because you didn’t get the “answers” you were looking for.6. Be willing to consider many ideas. Whether you’re a new or established business owner, keep an open mind. This is closely related to the previous point. Think of your time with a business counselor as an exploration session. Many ideas or solutions may come to the surface. Be willing to consider them and then winnow out the best. If you have to do a pros and cons sheet to find the right one for you, do it. Being wedded to a particular business name, idea, process, procedure, etc. can keep your business from moving forward. Be willing to approach the business from a different perspective and be prepared to spend time after each session digesting the ideas discussed.7. Plan for more than one session. One session with a business counselor really won’t do justice to the counseling experience. At least three sessions will give you a good foundation on how to proceed. As mentioned at the beginning, cost shouldn’t be an issue because you can find free business counseling services at your local colleges and universities. Your local library, chamber, business license office, or even a web can provide a referral.Barbara L. Hall is director of the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury N.C. She is also currently enrolled in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Degree Program at Western Carolina University. Webmasters and other article publishers are hereby granted article reproduction permission as long as this article in its entirety, author’s information and any links remain intact. Copyright 2014 by Barbara L. Hall.
5 Empowering Tracks From Female Icons To Make You Feel Inspired
Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.
According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.
So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.
Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.
This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.
The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.
This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.
Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.
This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.
And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.
Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.
Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.
The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.
This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.
Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.
Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.
Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.
Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?
Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.
This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.
Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.