Steve Hoffacker's "Home Sales Insights"

Paying Hommage To The Legends Of The Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:39:10 PDT

NASCAR is not as young as some people might think.

As NASCAR announced its 5 new inductees into their Hall of Fame, the first name (Herb Thomas) won the season championship in 1951 and 1953 - before many of you reading this were born.

Back then, this was just a part-time pursuit and those were just regular cars modified for racing - hence the name "stock" cars. The drivers had other full-time jobs.

This is just the 4th class for the relatively young NASCAR Sprint Car (formerly Winston) HOF in a seasoned sport.

Congratulations to this year's class (actually the 2013 class): Herb Thomas, Leonard Wood, Rusty Wallace (55 wins and chosen in his first year of eligibility), Cotton Owens, and Buck Baker.

Just when you think all that hard work may have gone unnoticed, you get elected to the HOF.

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For more information about my sales training, consulting, and teaching programs visit my website at stevehoffacker.com. I also maintain a blog (Sales Quips) on the real estate network Active Rain. © 2012, Steve Hoffacker. All Rights Reserved.

Camping Out On Google Page One

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:58:18 PDT

Being listed on page one on Google is a goal many of us work toward. Sometimes it is so illusive.

Today was a remarkable day in that respect. Not only did I make it onto to page one, I essentially owned it for "Sales Books for Realtors." Imagine being on page one, and being #1 (out of more than 14 million results). Then add #2, #5, #6, and #8.

Thanks to everyone who has already begun using and enjoying my books. If you have yet to get one - or you know someone in real estate who could stand to improve their sales business - my books are available on my website and Amazon.

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Integrity Makes A Huge Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:40:37 PDT

Think integrity is important to our business dealings? It's everything.

When we have our integrity, we can hold our heads high. We can look everyone in the eye. We can be at peace with ourselves knowing that we are true to our values.

Consider this: "Wicked people bring about their own downfall by their evil deeds, but good people are protected by their integrity." (Proverbs 14:32 GNT).

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Miami Heat Get Back To Business

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:47:35 PDT

Miami Heat demonstrate grit. They fight back and win.

In tonight's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs in the NBA, the Miami Heat were struggling. It looked liked Indiana would have a commanding 3-1 lead going back to Miami on Tuesday.

Indiana took an 8-point lead into the locker room at halftime. In the 14 previous games this season when they had at least an 8-point lead at halftime, they had gone on to win.

Well, the 3rd quarter began the Heat's comeback. D-Wade and LeBron combined for 28 of the Heat's 30 points that quarter.

Miami went on to win by 8, and the pair combined for 70 of Miami's 101 points - a playoff record.

Big difference over the lackluster play in Game 3. Let's hope that carries over to Game 5.

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Check The Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:42:34 PDT

If you check the calendar, you'll notice there are still 11 more days until June 1st - the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic. So what's with Alberto being a named storm already? What's more, watchers are concerned about unsettled air in the Gulf that could develop.

I like it better when storms don't start until mid-late August.

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Take Time To Celebrate

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:15:03 PDT

When we have a goal or an objective - and earnestly work toward achieving it - and we get there, we need to reward ourselves with a little time off, a dinner, ice cream, or something special. It doesn't have to be expensive or particularly long, but it does need to be something. We need to acknowledge our achievement to ourselves.

It could be a graduation, competing a new book, cycling or running a specified distance in a good time, losing a certain amount of weight, winning a bid, making a sale, or anything that we have worked for and succeeded.

We just need to do something a little special to mark the occasion. Could be something as simple a quiet walk on the beach, a meal, a drink, or a golf game - alone or with friends, family, or associates. Could be a new outfit or jewelry.

In my podcast message today, "Take Time To Celebrate" I talk about the importance of commemorating an achievement.

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Showing The Way In Charlotte

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:15:04 PDT

Tonight. Jimmie Johnson joined Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jeff Gordon- very impressive company - as the only drivers to win 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup (or Winston before that) All-Star races.

While tonight's victory by Jimmie Johnson and his Lowe's Chevrolet Team 48 at Charlotte Motor Speedway did not count in the championship points for the season, it counted for the $1,000,000 prize money, and it counted as 2 wins in a row. Last week he won #200 for owner Rick Hendrick.

Tonight. he won the first segment and gained an incredible advantage that propelled him into the lead for the final 10 lap segment. His crew won the pit crew competition on Thursday, which also factored into the strategy tonight.

In the past 13 All-Star races, Jimmie had been the only repeat winner. Until tonight, there had been 12 winners in the past 13 races. Now, he repeats again.

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Coffee Wins Again

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:34:16 PDT

What's a dark liquid with outstanding aroma served and consumed several times a day in a cup? That's right. Coffee!

Coffee is a wonderful beverage, and every attempt to prove it ain't so comes up short.

There have been many recent studies trying to show that coffee increases cholesterol and blood pressure and that it contributes to other conditions. All ended up proving that coffee had substantial health benefits of one type or another. It is a great anti-oxidant as well.

Now we find, in the largest study on coffee ever done on some 400,000 people, that coffee - for reasons not totally understood - promotes longer life. That length has not be quantified as yet - other than it has been measured in general.

It seems that there are some 1000 different chemicals and properties in coffee - most of which have not been studied.

For now, let's just raising our cup or mug - and they say that 4-5 cups a day is a good amount - although less is OK, too. Just drink it black.

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Remembering Those Who Remember Us

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:47:56 PDT

A big, heartfelt thank you to all who served, to all who are currently serving, and to those who may someday put on the uniform.

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Historic Space Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:44:45 PDT

In a bold move for private enterprise and as a new chapter in manned space flight (potentially) SpaceX (a California-based aerospace company) is planning on launching its Dragon space capsule in just a couple of hours (before dawn this morning) from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The launch was supposed to take place a couple of weeks ago but was delayed. SpaceX is optimistic about the success of the launch but stopping short of guaranteeing a success.

The Dragon will go to ISS (International Space Station) and dock with the ISS. In the future it will carry supplies and equipment. Eventually, it can carry human cargo.

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Bring Your "A" Game

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:15:09 PDT

We can never afford to be less than our best. That sentence sums up how we need to act as professionals. We can never have an off-game.

Taking the lesson from the NBA playoffs, I note how sloppy and uninspired play can be by people who are supposed to be at the top of their game and in post-season, championship form. This is inexcusable and indefensible.

They forgot to bring their "A" game. Uninspired performance is never acceptable. We must be our best.

In my podcast message today, "Bring Your 'A' Game" I talk about the importance of always - yes, always - being ready to play and play well.

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Finally, #1 and #200

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:36:30 PDT

Finally, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season has produced 2 long awaited and very important wins - at the same race.

Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson and Lowes Racing #48. Jimmie lead the most laps, including the final one at Darlington Raceway's "Southern 500" tonight. This is Jimmie's first win of the season.

More importantly, it is Rick Hendrick's 200th win as an owner. Jimmie, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kayne, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Henrick's four drivers - have been close to victory this season, but this is the first win for the team in 2012 and the 200th win for the organization.

The only other team to achieve the 200 win achievement is Richard Petty.

Congratulations all around. Well done

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Blinders Have Their Place

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:47:30 PDT

We all need to focus on a task until it gets done if we want to be successful. It's so easy to get distracted.

That where blinders become helpful - not the literal kind but whatever we do to shut out everything but the work or task in front of us.

However, we will miss a lot if we never take them off.

Blinders have their place because they allow - or cause - us to look very narrowly at a task without interruptions until that task is completed, but there are times when we need to remove the blinders and take in as much as we can.

In my podcast message today, "Blinders Have Their Place" I talk about the importance of focus and also the need for a broad exposure.

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Help Me Win Photo Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:07:03 PDT

This is the photo I submitted for the Active Rain/RealEstate.com photo contest that is among the final 9 in the first round. Please help it make the cut by voting for it on Facebook.

It will be the background for their landing/search page.

The deadline for voting is tomorrow, May 9th.

Vote here!

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Vacation Is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:10:00 PDT

Vacation comes at least once a year for most people. Some would rather keep on working, but time off is important. The key is that we just can't let thinking about it become a distraction.

We all need a little getaway for our mental and emotional health. It helps us recharge. The only issue with planning for vacation is that it may distract us from the business at hand. It also is a major distraction for our customers and clients as they plan their own vacation time.

As it draws closer to June and the summer months, vacation planning takes a higher priority of most people's lists.

In my podcast message today, "Vacation Is Coming" I talk about the importance of vacation but also the distraction tht it is in terms of focusing on the now.

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Too Late Now

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:08:45 PDT

Today is May 1st, and as such, if you live in Florida and you operate as an LLC (or know someone who does), it's now too late to file your annual report and renewal without incurring a whopping, punitive $400 penalty (additional tax) - in addition to whatever the filing fees (regular tax) are.

I hope everyone who was supposed to file their report by last night remembered to do it.

Failure to file by today results in an automatic, non-reviewable, non-waiveable $400 penalty. Better to start over with a new company if that happens.

Hope no one got caught unaware on this one. May 1st seemed so far away when the notices came out in January.

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Four 'D's Of Success

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:40:14 PDT

To begin our success journey, there are at least four key components necessary - decision, desire. determination, and dedication. Notice all begin with the letter "D."

Once an opportunity comes our way or we identify one - and we are certain that we want to pursue it - we make the decision to go after it. Then we use that desire that we have to attain and accomplish it as the fuel for our journey. We dedicate ourselves to the task and remain determined to accomplishing it.

In my podcast message today, "Four 'D's Of Success" I talk about the journey to success.

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Just Say No

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:49:56 PDT

Tomorrow, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, in regular weekly session, will consider a "regular agenda item" on page 23 of the published agenda that will allow a ballot initiative to implement a ½-percent (not ½-cent) sales tax increase for transportation.

This was thought up by the staff as a way to create $103 million annually - nevermind the impact on the citizens or local economy.

This money is supposed to be for transportation issues - to subsidize the bus system that has very limited, and to make up for lost federal dollars for road and bridge maintenance

We had such a tax from 2004-2010 for school construction that was not successful. It was not renewed.

While many counties already collect this "local option" ½-percent additional sales tax, we don't need to be one of them. The County budget can easily accommodate whatever transportation expenditures are needed - if they really are needed and if they really have a higher priority than hiring extra staff, renting more office space, buying new vehicles, or paying benefits.

Time to face reality, Palm Beach County. No backdoor revenue increase in the form of a sales tax increase.

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Favorable Breezes

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:58:03 PDT

Springtime is great. It is so welcome after a long winter, and it is truly lovely. It's a great reward for enduring the winter. It is also quite motivating.

The great springtime breezes we are having make us feel good about getting out and making things happen.

Not to be confused with warm tropical breezes that we long for in the wintertime and that we use for relaxing at the beach or by the pool in the summertime, the cool, refreshing breezes of springtime encourage us, motivate us, and stimulate us to action. They energize us and make us feel good about working and accomplishing our tasks.

In my podcast message today, "Favorable Breezes" I talk about feeling good about getting back to business.

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Free Lunch

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:57:49 PDT

The only way anyone can get a free lunch is when someone else buys it.

It takes our own work product to make what we require to live and to have enough surplus to provide for others. When we sit back and take what others provide, we cheat the system unless someone intentionally treats us from their own labors and we accept.

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More Than Age

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:56 PDT

A centennial celebration (such as that for Fenway Park in Boston) is a chance to point out that it's not merely the passage of time that makes something valuable. It's what it has meant over the years and the impact it's had on others

Taking Fenway Park, Babe Ruth started there. Ted Williams played his entire career there. It's not the 100 years that have made the Park famous. It's what's gone on there.

It's not just the passage of time but the contributions and the value it represents that counts. That's the lesson for us as well.

In my podcast message today, "More Than Age" I talk about the contributions and impact that are made over time and not just the time itself.

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Finding New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:01:17 PDT

Springtime signals new opportunities, adventure, freshness, and discovery. We get the chance to learn about new things and incorporate new measures that will help us succeed.

During this time of freshness and vitality, this is the perfect opportunity for us to undergo whatever changes we might need in order to emerge more like the person or business that we want.

It's time to explore and discover new opportunities and new life.

However, they won't always just come to use or fall at our feet. We have to make the effort to look if we expect to find them.

In my podcast message today, "Finding New Life" I talk about preparation and dedication to success before it happens - so it can happen.

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Hitting Home Runs

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:30:44 PDT

Baseball is in full swing (literally) and many people are following it. We even have several baseball expressions that we use - struck out, out of left field, on deck, double header, bunt, squeeze play, and others.

Today, I'm using baseball to illustrate the importance of preparation, practice, focus, and dedication on our success. When we know that we are ready, we welcome the encounter.

Take another phrase we all know - home run. Home runs are one of the chief ways we measure success in baseball. While not every baseball player can be counted on to hit one, we still cheer for the home run. In business we don't just show up one day ready to make a sale. It requires hours and hours - even years - of preparation.

In my podcast message today, "Hitting Home Runs" I talk about preparation and dedication to success before it happens - so it can happen.

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Taxing Dedication

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:05:39 PDT

Two seemingly unrelated events are occurring – Tax Day and the Boston Marathon. However, in my podcast message I weaved the two together as far as taxing or demanding or pushing our abilities and limits to achieve great results like running a marathon or completing any other substantial accomplishment.

It takes us taxing ourselves and supreme dedication to want to do it that will get us to persevere through the pain and effort to get to where we want.

We must expand, tax, or demand more from our capabilities – physical, mental, and emotional – to reach a desired goal.

In my podcast message today, "Taxing Dedication" I discuss going beyond what's comfortable to get the desired result.

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Veering Off Course

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Hoffacker) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:27:00 PDT

We all have moments where we become distracted and lose sight of our goal. We drift off the path and need to refocus and sight on the target.

When we have difficulty staying between the lines and stray, drift, or veer a little to the or right, we need to recognize that this happens from time-to-time and that we need to bring ourselves back on course and aiming squarely at our target, goal, or destination.

Veering or straying is not willful conduct where we intentionally toss out our goals. These actions are just little interruptions or distractions - unless we allow them to totally disrupt and derail our progress,.

In my podcast message today, "Veering Off Course" I discuss temporarily losing our way and then coming back.

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