7 Tips to Real Estate Agent?s Success: Tip #2 Embrace a Planning Attitude

As a real estate agent, if you don?t have a real estate business plan, then you are on some else?s plan ? usually the successful real estate agent. Most people place more value in planning a trip to the grocery store or a vacation than planning their lives either professionally or personally.

Think of a recent vacation or even a simple trip to the grocery store.

• How much time did you take to plan that special vacation?
• How much time did you spend in writing that grocery list?
• What happened when you left the grocery list at home?

Now think about taking that time and directing that time towards your real estate business.

• How much more successful could you be?
• How would you reallocate your resources if you had taken the time to adequately plan the use of those resources?

Consistent planning begins with an attitude. When individuals embrace a planning attitude, their behaviors will demonstrate the results of that attitude. Of course, attitudes begin within our belief systems ? those foundational thought processes that have evolved from all of our experiences.

Positive attitudes can be developed and maintained by understanding that we as individuals have total control over what we keep in our brains. If we think that planning is not necessary, then we will develop negative attitudes about planning and those attitudes will be demonstrated through behaviors that do not include planning. However, if we embrace positive attitudes about planning, then planning will be part of our behaviors.

Within the real estate business, planning is not new. Real estate agents enlist planning from showing homes to making offers to closing the sale. The challenge is to take those skills and integrate them into planning the business.

To infuse planning with your real estate business start with one bite instead of trying to eat the entire elephant. Begin by writing down short lists of what you what to accomplish each day and how best to use that time. Then, take the time to develop a strategic plan indicating who does what by when.

If you came into the real estate business from another profession that required you to work 40 hours, then you should be spending the same amount of time working in your business with another 5 hours per week working on your business.

The ON focuses on planning and execution with the desired results being as least as successful as you were in your previous professional life. Remember, no one plans to fail, they just fail to plan.

P.S. Read 7 Tips to Real Estate Agent?s Success: Tip #1 - First and Foremost YOU are a Business

Leanne Hoagland-Smith quickly doubles results for her clients from individuals (small businesses owners, entrepreneurs and young people) to large organizations by creating executable strategic action plans along with the necessary business skills to pull it off. By closing the gap between today's unsatisfactory performance to tomorrow's goals, limited resources are maximized with waste including time being reduced. Please feel free to contact Leanne at 219.759.5601 or visit http://www.processspecialist.com/ and explore how she can help you.

One quick question,if you could secure one new client or breakthrough that one roadbloack holding you back from success, what would that mean to you? Then, take a risk and give a call at 219.759.5601 to experience incredible results.

Mention that you read this article and receive the completed E-Book - 7 Tips to Real Estate Agent's Success

A Party in Oakland

Gent Tourist Information

General summary of city:


Gent, also known as Ghent, is an incredibly popular destination in Belgium. The word Gent is actually the Dutch spelling for the city of Ghent and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Gent is filled with exciting things to see and do and travellers will not be disappointed by the recreational offerings in Gent. Travellers can immerse themselves in the culture and history of Belgium by seeing the myriad abbeys, beguinages, churches, castles, historic landmarks, and museums strewn throughout the city of Gent.


Gent was, at one time, second only to Paris in terms of popularity and size. In the 1830s, Gent showed the significant signs of industrialization, as more and more factories were established within the city. Gent is a thriving city, one that possesses a population of well over 500,000 people. It is also estimated that well over 30,000 people travel into Gent each day, for work and social activities. Since 1950, the city has undergone a significant phase of revival: the canal has brought many businesses into Gent. Currently, with its transportation network and many working opportunities, the city of Gent continues to thrive and it is the capital of East Flanders, Belgium.


Places of interest:


The city of Gent holds so many things to see in do. Travellers can get the perfect scenic overview of the entire city by touring the Belfry or the Castle of Counts in the historic city of Gent. In fact, from the top of either location, other famous sites are easily viewable; sites that include the Veerleplein, the Vleeshallen, the St. Niklaas Church, the Library of the University, The medieval harbour, St. Michiels Church and Gent's shopping centre.


In the heart of Gent, travelers will also find St. Baafs Cathedral, a historic building filled with biblical artwork. The artwork in St. Baafs Cathedral includes images of Adam, Eve, and the Serpent in the Garden of Eden; the Tree of Life; the Holy Cross, and the images of the different counts of Flanders also appear in the Cathedral. Further, the cathedral holds the tombs of the Flemisch Bishops and houses four pillars that were a gift from the Tudors of Britain. Finally, the cathedral possesses some of the most stunning stain-glass art imaginable.


While in Gent, travelers shouldn't miss out on touring the fifteenth century canon, now a monument, located near the Vrijdagmarkt. The Vrijdagmarkt is a square in Gent, offering opportunity for the travellers and residents of Gent to get a taste of medieval life by viewing the existing medieval architecture.


Things to do:


While staying in Gent, there is certainly no lack of things to do. First, travellers will want to make sure they see as many of the churches and cathedrals as possible, because no two churches are exactly alike; each church holds its own unique artwork and architecture, thereby making each religious site seeing destination more difficult to pass up while touring the city!


The Sint-Baafskathedraal Cathedral was built in the fourteenth century. Sint-Baafskathedraal in St. Bavo's Square has no entrance fee, unless the traveller is looking to view The Adoration of the Lamb, a prized and cherished painting by Jan Van Eyck. The entrance fee to see Van Eyck's work is nominal, and the cathedral is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.


The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, at Sint-Veerleplein 11 was built by Philip of Alsace in the late 1100's. The word Gravensteen is actually Dutch which, when literally translated means castle of the counts. It is the very first stone castle erected in Gent. Prior to the Gravensteen, only wood structures existed. Finally, the Gravensteen has been restored to its former glory and a number of medieval displays can be viewed within the castle: offering viewing enjoyment for the entire family.


Food & Drink:


Those in the mood for seafood can dine at Vier Tafels on Plotergracht 6. The Vier Tafels is a bar and a restaurant, offering international delicacies, wines, cocktails, fresh seafood, salad, rice, salmon, Gambas, mussels and more. Vier Tafels is honoured for its universal cuisine, so there is something for everyone's palate.


'T Keteltje at Nederkouter 1 is the perfecting dining spot if one is looking for a romantic dinner while staying in Gent. Fully dressed tables and a variety of season dishes make the 'T Keteltje one of the finest places to dine in Belgium. Likewise, the De Foyer Brasserie at Sint-Baafsplein 17, is housed in the former Royal Dutch Theater. The De Foyer serves fine dishes like tomato crevettes, grey shrimp, chicken waterzooi, cr?me brulee, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, and tarts, among other incredible desserts.


The Chez Leotine Restaurant at Groentenmarkt # 10-11 also serves Waterzooi, Flemish Beef Stew, and frites. Waterzooi is a unique Belgium dish, much like Cream of Chicken Soup, that has chicken, carrots, celery and onions in the mix. After having your meal at the Chez Leotine Restaurant, travellers may find that the size of the servings offered there has left little to no room for dessert!


Hotels & Accommodation:

Minotel Gravensteen

Hotel Den Yzer Gent

Hotel Ibis Gent Centrum Opera

Holiday Inn Gent

Campanile Gent / Gand

Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere

Carlton

Entertainment:


Travellers looking for entertainment can enjoy the nightlife of Gent when they stop into the Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. The Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant at Groente Markt 9 offers a fine choice of beers, both guest and seasonal. Weary travellers can rest and relax as they sip at the beer of their choosing and take in the scenic view of the canal.


Families can also take in a little culture when site seeing at the Alijnhuis, a museum located at Kraanlei 65, that offers hours of viewing entertainment and enjoyment. With craft rooms, displays portraying medieval life in Gent; bridal artifacts and the like, the Alijnhuis proves entertaining for the entire family. Finally, some children's games are offered at the Alijnhuis.


The Friday Market in the city centre of Gent, is an outdoor market that gives travellers a chance to enjoy a day of shopping. Olives, fresh fish, sausages, chicken, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, breads, and bakery items are offered at many of the booths in the market. Further, travellers can purchase souvenirs, clothing, furniture, woodcarvings, knick-knacks and an array of items are sold every Friday. The Friday market surrounds one of the popular monuments in Gent's city square: the Jacob Van Artevelde, a monument to one of Gent's formidable political figures.


Biography:
Author: Meredith Booney Website: http://www.belgiumcities.info Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines. Belgium Tourist Information
About the Author

Biography:
Author: Meredith Booney Website: http://www.belgiumcities.info Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines. Belgium Tourist Information

TEFL and ESL Board Games For the Classroom

Classroom board games are probably one of the most effective teaching tools available. Here we see how to stimulate and motivate students, and provide a welcome change to more standard classroom teaching approaches, giving students a refreshing new focus to practice their spoken English.
A few important points to bear in mind when using board games, which will increase their effectiveness and get the students speaking in English are:

1. The first rule to establish is that the game is to be played in English. Give some input vocabulary such as 'Whose turn is it?', 'Pass the dice please' or for a bit of fun 'Hey, stop cheating!'. Then as the game progresses and you see other linguistic requirements, supply them, drill them briefly, and continue to play. I often have students keep a separate booklet for game playing vocabulary. The students motivation is strong, so take advantage of it!
2. Encourage students to speak in only English by establishing the second rule: not speaking in the target language forfeits a turn. This sounds a little dramatic and harsh, but you'll be amazed how well it works. It also creates an enormous amount of spontaneity of language, resulting in increased fluency and a reduction in response times.
3. Teachers usually think in terms of one-class time slots, whereby the material to be used is to be finished by the end of the allotted time. This can lead to unnecessarily self-imposed restrictions on the choice of materials. I often let a game run for 3 or 4 lessons in order to let the students become highly familiar with the vocabulary fields as well as letting them build up a sense of momentum to the outcome.
4. Students should 'earn' the right to take a turn to generate the motive for speaking. This would mean, for example, asking a team to answer a question before being allowed to take a turn. Depending on the the theme of the board game, you may also use relevant video clips, story reconstructions with visuals or maybe role play situations in parallel, which allow students to score points which in turn allow them to throw the dice.
5. Don't just limit yourself to the rules in the game. Feel free to 'play God' and adjust the rules as you find convenient to make the game move more slowly or faster. It's amazing how our knee-jerk reaction to a game's set of rules sometimes leaves us feeling powerless over how to play the game! Such changes may include giving new consequences to the value of a throw on the dice e.g. 'if a player throws a 5, then they get to throw again'. Wham! You've got a new dimension to the game.
6. Keep teacher talking time down! Let the students run the game - you just police it from a distance, supplying language as required. Because a board game generates spontaneous situations within a defined linguistic area, this is the perfect opportunity for the teacher to take back stage, and just give 'hot correction' when required. Error feed back and remedial work can be given at intervals as appropriate.

Adrian Allen is one of the co-founders of http://www.findateacher.es This is a bilingual search tool for private teachers to advertise themselves to students. It can be used either for free, or by paying a small subscription fee for better ranking in the database.

By Adrian Allen

Do You Know Who You Attract to Your Web Site?

Style and Grace Befitting Our Country

I watched today the ceremonies commemorating the death of our 38th President Gerald R Ford, and was stuck by the dignity and grace of Mrs. Ford during the Eulogies for her husband, whom she married in 1948 a marriage of 59 years. Most people may have known Mrs. Ford for her work after the Presidency founding the Betty Ford Center, but she is a strong woman, who has endured so much in her life, and lives today as a pillar of strength and courage for a country who has lost another leader. That power from a woman who at 89 years old still shows American?s everywhere that there is a special presence to the office of the President, and it?s relatively few occupants and families who have shared it. I was truly inspired and it is through her grieving eyes our country pays it final respects to the President.

A breast cancer survivor and a person who bravely battled the demons of dependency, from alcohol to pills. She is the living remembrance of a time forgotten by many, who helped lead the country back from a troubled time, and showed us today what she showed the country back then, a compassionate and caring woman, who has just lost her best friend. A person from the Midwest knows this instinctively, but today a new generation got to see it up close, and how fortunate we were to have Betty and Gerald Ford in our history.

It was not lost upon me as well, seeing her looking proudly on as her husbands casket was carried into the Capital Building. I have always thought of the Ford?s as more common people, having the office of President thrust upon them in 1974, and serving for only 896 days. I also recalled how only a few weeks after becoming the First Lady, she had a mastectomy performed on her. She demonstrated great courage through that and her other problems as well, and today though frail and older she showed us a new courage again.

I was never a big fan of Gerald Ford when he was our President, but through his long life after the Presidency, I was allowed to get to know Mr. and Mrs. Ford a little better. That time has made me change my opinion of Gerald R. Ford, and I believe much of that credit comes from his wife Betty Ford, through the many years after they left the White House and culminating with today?s funeral ceremony, Mrs. Ford I was moved watching you today and offer my condolences and deepest respect on this day we said goodbye to our President, and your husband. God Speed and may God Bless you.

Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises offers Information Articles and Library Articles on a wide variety of topics at http://www.Jam727.com

Real Estate Agent Courses

Online real estate courses are offered to potential and licensed real estate agents, real estate brokers, real estate appraisers and real estate investors. The online schools offer a wide range of services to their students, which include helping the students pass the licensing exams for each field. Different courses are offered to those who wish to become agents, brokers, appraisers and investors as each has its own specific areas of study.

Courses for Real Estate Agents

The major areas of study that the courses for real estate agents include License Laws, Real Estate Contracts and Law, Escrow, Finance, and the Principles and Practices of Real Estate Math. These courses are often delivered through various software, CDs and virtual tutorials that the online schools offer their students. These courses help the students have access to the most up to date state laws with regard to real estate in the areas where they wish to practice their profession and the most up to date techniques and skills that can help them help their future clients. The students also take exams on these modules as to assess their understanding of the different areas of their study.

Review for licensing exams and license renewal

In addition to the modules that these courses offer, one important service that these online schools provide their students are the reviews that the students can take to help them prepare for the State Real Estate Exams that they will take to become accredited agents. These reviews are often given to the students in the form of practice exams and supplementary reading that can help the student prepare for the exam.

Apart from offering their services to people who wish to become agents, courses are also offered to licensed real estate agents who need to renew their real estate agent licenses. Online real estate courses for agents provide high-quality, effective, and convenient classes to future realty agents, that not only give them the most up to date information on real estate but also the best preparation for the State Real Estate Exams.

Real Estate Courses provides detailed information on Online Real Estate Courses, Real Estate Agent Courses, Real Estate Appraisal Courses, Real Estate Broker Courses and more. Real Estate Courses is affiliated with Phoenix Real Estate Schools.