Jan O'Brien - Real Estate Coach

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2

1st Annual Charity Auction for Sunshine Kids set for Dec 4th
2007-10-09 08:06:00
Prudential Americana Group REALTORS, led by a highly motivated and caring agent-driven committee, is hosting a charity auction event on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 from 9 am to 1 pm at the West Sahara Branch. All proceeds will benefit the Sunshine kids Foundation - an organization dedicated to supporting kids with cancer. The Sunshine Kids Foundation works with pediatric oncology units throughout the country to provide trips and fun activities for children with cancer. Las Vegas Auction eer Guy Deiro has donated his professional services as the event's auctioneer. We are currently seeking donations for the event (gift certificates, trips, gift baskets, sports & entertainment memorabilia, art, jewelry, etc). Contact me directly (702.858.9191 or jano@americanagrp.com ) if you are interested in donating an item for the event. For more information download the following documents: Download SSKideflyer.pdf Download SSKDonationLtr.pdf The Committee has set a goal of $44,000 wh...
More About: Charity , Char

Recommended Resources for Real Estate Bloggers
2007-09-26 01:10:00
Indiana Sifuentes (Las Vegas REALTOR and up-and-coming blogger) emailed me this excellent article from Business Week:  Blogs Will Change Your Business - Look past the yakkers, hobbyists, and political mobs. Your customers and rivals are figuring blogs out. Our advice: Catch up...or catch you later.  The article, written in May 2005,  really drives home the power of why and how a blog can impact your business. "...you cannot afford to close your eyes to them, because they're simply the most explosive outbreak in the information world since the Internet itself. And they're going to shake up just about every business -- including yours." Some other recommended blog posts for novice and more advanced bloggers alike: From ProBlogger - Blogging Tips for Beginners From Bootstrapper - The Business Blogging Toolset: 100 Resources for Entrepreneur-Writers Must reads for Real Estate Agents - Blogs on Real Estate Blogging, Marketing and Technology Transparent Re...
More About: Bloggers

Team Blogging Concept - Sharing the Load
2007-09-21 08:59:00
Here's an idea to help you with more content, more often... have guest contributors on your blog.  In the real estate business, we naturally have a team of other professionals we work with.  Think about it, do you know an escrow officer, loan officer, home inspector, appraiser, handyman or other vendor who could contribute to your blog with useful, relevant information?  This is also a wonderful opportunity to cross-promote your team of professionals. Do you have an agent team?  If so, have you considered creating a team blog?  You may have hidden talent on your team - budding bloggers - just waiting to help you build a great blog and generate some leads.   What about a team blog where each member blogs about their specialty, niche or farm area?  There are several noteworthy "community" and collabrative blogs in our industry.  What I find interesting is the diversity, different voices and writing styles on blogs like BloodHo...
More About: Blogging , Team , Load , Sharing , Concept

How to Find Your Blog Voice
2007-09-12 07:55:00
One of the wonderful features of blogging is the experience of finding your own voice.  I am finding that the more I blog the more I get comfortable with the whole experience and the platform.  I've also been working on not being so technical and analytical about my writing - allowing my true personality and passion to start emerging.  It's a journey that takes patience and commitment. When I think about why I subscribe to various blogs,  I find that it's not only that the author has something interesting or compelling to say.  I have also discovered these things are also important to me: The author is writing on topics I like or want to learn more about It's not always what they say but how they say it - how they deliver the message The author gets the point across succinctly and the posts are well-written It's entertaining - makes me laugh - makes me think or ask questions or want to make a comment We all have a voice!  It may take a lit...
More About: Voice , Blog , Find

Top 15 Tips for Blogging
2007-09-03 01:40:00
1. Choose a topic you are passionate about! Clearly define your core topics and focus for your blog and stick to those subjects. 2. Find your voice.  Be transparent and authentic.  Write in a human voice.  Invite a dialogue.  Be clear, concise and conversational.3. Keep it Local!  Write about your neighborhoods, local market, what customers/consumers want to know about. 4. Write for the audience you want to have.  Know your audience. 5. Write your blog posts for web readers. Scanable, white space, shorter is better, package the content (lists, top 10…), use bullets and graphics.6. Adopt a mindset and awareness of how your experiences, questions from clients and comments on your blog can translate to content for compelling posts. Many of your posts when sanitized and timeless can build a library and knowledge base.  Consumers and prospects will be able to find you via keyword searches for the topics you've written about.  Also, you can send ...
More About: Tips , Blogging

How to Subscribe to a Blog Using RSS
2007-08-18 23:44:00
A common question for many newbies joining the blogosphere is what is RSS? It stands for Really Simple Syndication.  Simplest answer - it's a way to subscribe or choose the content, blogs, podcasts, news feeds you want to have access to, when you want it.  From Wikipedia, "RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually." Blog s, podcasts and some websites that update their content frequently will have an RSS feed on their site. This is the common symbol for RSS.  You may also see a button that says "RSS feeds" or "Feed Readers".   There are numerous "Feed Readers" - free websites where you can store and access all your favorite feeds to the blogs and other sites you want to read.  Step 1:  Choose the Feed Reader you want to use.  My favorites:  Google Reader and Microsoft IE 7 Feeds feature.  How...
More About: Subscribe , Subs , Scribe

How to Post a Comment on a Blog
2007-08-18 22:40:00
As I share my passion for blogging with others, I've realized that so many people are just becoming aware of blogs and curious about how to really participate.  So this post is all about the how and why of COMMENTS on blogs.  The comment feature of a blog is one of the primary differences between a website and a blog.  A blog is designed to be conversational - invite commentary, questions, two-way or multiple conversations.  Another reason to comment on blogs is you are able to create a link that can take a reader to your website or blog.  Linking is another powerful feature of blogs. Here's how easy it is to join the conversation!  Every blog post has it's own unique web address.  For example the URL or address of this post is http://www.janobrien.com/2007/08/how-to-p ost-a-c.html.  So one way to get to the comment area is to simply click on the Title of the blog post and you will be able to see the "Post a Comment " box.  ...
More About: Blog

NV Supreme Court Decision Affects Sellers Real Property Disclosure (SRPD)
2007-08-10 23:40:00
Welcome to Steve Kitnick - Guest Contributor: On July 26th, 2007 the Supreme Court of the State Of Nevada in Nelson v. Heer held that appellant Nelson "did not have a duty under NRS Chapter 113 to disclose the prior water damage or the possible presence of mold."  The reasons cited were as follows: " Under NRS 113.140, a seller of residential property is required to disclose to potential buyers only those defects of which the seller is aware.  NRS 113.100 (1) defines "defect" as "a condition that materially affect the value or use of residential property in an adverse manner."  Since appellant Nelson had repaired the prior water damage, it was no longer considered to be a "defect."  Moreover, since "she was not aware of the presence of any elevated amounts of mold," the Court held that "Nelson did not have a duty under NRS Chapter 113 to disclose the prior water damage or the possible presence of mold.&...
More About: Property , Decision , Real , Sellers

Recap of Real Connect San Francisco 2007
2007-08-06 07:35:00
What an amazing experience Bloggers Connect and Real Connect 2007 in San Francisco was!  I posted my 25 Top Tips & Best Ideas About Blogging on my Active Rain Blog.  I invite you to check out what I gleaned as the best comments from the panelists and experts at Connect. Here are key highlights from Real Connect 2007 for me: The conference answered the questions: What is Web 2.0, social networking and media, and blogging?  Why do we need it and how to integrate it into our companies and business models.  The event was also about networking and meeting peers, industry leaders and technology innovators. Brad Inman - the host, good interviewer - asked the tough questions.  His opening and closing remarks spoke to the interesting blend of two themes in our industry right now...The overall dismal market, mortgage industry dealing with the sub-prime fiasco and the buzz and excitement around the emerging technologies and the companies adapting to it as well a...
More About: Recap

Real Connect San Francisco - Connect Duets Provide Compelling Content
2007-08-05 04:40:00
One of the best features of Real Connect in San Francisco was Connect Duets .  This format paired two industry leaders with Brad Inman moderating the discussion, asking questions and inviting questions from the audience (even via text message!)Dale Stinton, CEO of NAR and Rich Barton, Founder/CEO of Zillow.com Stinton discussed some new initiatives for NAR and Realtor.com stating that "we are playing catchup and won't fall behind again."  He discussed creating a "consumer experience" and a national gateway of all real estate data for members. More from the Inman Blog. Barton talked about Zillow features:  Q&A, agent profiles, Easy Ads and brokerage feeds for mass updating of listings Peter Flint, Founder/CEO of Trulia and Russ Capper, President, Prudential Real Estate Services Brad Inman confronted the controversy over Trulia getting tossed from this year's Pruential Real Estate Affiliates convention in San Diego.  Capper handled it d...
More About: Content

Beer with Bloggers, Blogging Tips from Tisza and Project Blogger Winner Ann
2007-08-01 23:26:00
I'm attending the Real Estate Connect and Blogger s Connect in San Francisco and will be posting reports, updates and the best tips and ideas I gather from the various sessions.  The first social networking session was held last night at the Thirsty Bear - "Beer with Bloggers".  The place was jam-packed with bloggers and the beer was flowing.  I met several interesting people and was jazzed to have a great conversation with my Project Blogger pick:  Tisza Major- Posner of Route66Living.  Project Blogger was an online blogging contest co-sponsored by Inman News and Active Rain where novice bloggers and blogging coaches were matched up over a 4 month period with the goal of producing the most successful blog.  The contest was not without it's controversy - over judging continuity, etc.  Project Blogger Links - quick links to all the apprentices, coaches and their respecive blogs.  The contest winner was announced today at the Blogge...
More About: Tips , Blogging

How to Design Your Exit Strategy
2007-07-26 08:05:00
On my Active Rain Blog, I started a series of posts on how to Create a Saleable Asset and Design Your Exit Strategy .  Here's what I will be covering in this series: Determining the value of your real estate business The Essential Real Estate Business Systems Real Estate Team Building Systems - an overview Establishing metrics to measure your business health Exit Strategy - from training your replacement to buyout considerations Visit this first post for some ideas on how to determine the value of your real estate business.
More About: Rate

Another Reason to Join Active Rain - Referrals!
2007-07-26 06:02:00
On June 12, I posted Reason s to Join the Active Rain Real Estate Network .  At that time there were over 36,000 members (professionals from real estate, mortgage, title and related industries).  As of today, there are now close to 40,000 members.  In fact, a recent press release on Active Rain states: SEATTLE, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- ActiveRain, the world's largest social networking site for real estate professionals, marked its one-year anniversary today by surpassing 35,000 members and 120,000 posts, and projecting monthly double-digit growth over the next 12 months.  For the full report: World's Largest Social Networking Site For Real Estate Professionals Grows Faster Than Wikipedia In Inaugural Year Yesterday, Active Rain announced the launch of their newest feature  - a Nationwide Refer ral Exchange.   The system is really simple to use.  Just post your referral.  Interested real estate agent members can request your referral by c...

What Makes A Good Blog? How to Blog Series
2007-07-24 19:04:00
I subscribe to and read over 30 blogs.  My feed reader changes as I add new and intriguing blogs and delete those that I find have lost their edge, don't udpate often or simply don't interest me any longer.  In reviewing why I subscribe to a blog (and why I delete it from my reader) I formulated this list of common features of the blogs I feel are good or great: Author's true voice, honesty, passion and personality shines through the posts The blog is upated frequently with well-written, quality, compelling and interesting content Author is transparent about who is writing the blog and what it's about The blog author invites a conversation - a blog was not intended to be a monologue Posts are easy to read and convey clarity, brevity - and for me - either inform, educate, or entertain The blog has a clear purpose and topic (s) and the author delivers content that keeps me coming back for more! Next up: How to Post a Comment on a Blog
More About: Series , Good , Serie , Erie

2nd Annual Sunshine Kids Golf Tournament Raises over $32,000
2007-05-22 01:18:00
On May 3, 2007, Prudential Americana Group sponsored a day of golfing fun with proceeds benefiting the Sunshine Kids - an organization dedicated to providing activities, trips, and events for young cancer patients. 144 golfers played the course at Siena Golf Club and enjoyed refreshments and contests sponsored by local companies and individuals. A grand total of $32,396.75 was raised - up over $9000 from the previous year. Over 30 volunteers contributed their time and energy to helping make the event an absolute success! The Scintas gave away prizes which included: Closest to the Pin Longest Drive Best Poker Hand Top three teams Taking the top prize of Last Place Team ("Most Honest Award" ) was the team of Mark Stark, Ira Stark and Mason Harvey who posted an incredible 82. The Marty Mahoney Band – 3 piece band supplied music at the awards luncheon.  Dustin Ash – the up and coming race car drive was present and will join our forces next year in collectin...
More About: Shin , Tournament

Review of Group Coaching Sessions 1 & 2
2007-05-08 02:27:00
Here's an update on Our Group Coaching Session & Discussion Forum series.  In our first session, we covered Keys to Success in Team Building, the components of a successful business, and business & financial basics.  Outlined below are the key points on business & financial basics.  See the specific blog posts for details on team building theory and components of a successful business.  I am currently editing the audio of the second session on Real Estate Systems and starting a series of blog posts this week to cover each system individually. The five successful components of any business1. Know Your Desired Outcome 2. Measure & Track Your Results  3. Take Action4. Operate from a Physiology and Psychology of Excellence5. Ask for Help Business & Financial Essentials • Establish yourself as a corporate entity (including your license)• Begin establishing routine financials (Profit & Loss; Balance Sheet)• Utilize a recognized sof...
More About: Review , Sion , Sessions

Team Building Systems Overview
2007-05-07 03:59:00
Over the next several weeks, I will be completing a series of posts on how to establish effective team building and real estate systems.  The focus will be on how to first implement the system for your personal business. This information will benefit all real estate agents whether you are or plan on building a team.  I will also discuss how to create a team version of each system.  One of the keys to success in building a team is to have easily, duplicatable real estate systems that your team associates can simply plug in to - plug 'n' play - don't reinvent the wheel.  Here are the major systems we will be focusing on (one by one) over the next several weeks: Business Systems Assessment & Financial Essentials Team Vision, Mission, Values & UVP Team Branding, Marketing & Promotion Team Organizational Chart  Team Build ing Admin Basics Team SOI/Referral System Team Listing System Team Buyer & Escrow System Team Farming System Tea...
More About: Stem

Top 10 Team Leader Best Practices
2007-05-07 03:36:00
Mindset Adjustment – You Are Your Team ! Hire and retain a compatible, qualified Team Manager (TM) or be prepared to be the TM Hire talented office support staff and delegate effectively Use clear, concise Team Associate & Manager Contracts* Commission structure* Separation policy* Expectations Implement team policies and procedures (Customize the TA 90 Day Success Plan) Implement effective team building systems Communicate regularly with your team members (Scheduled team meetings) Attend office sales meetings to stay up-to-date with office, company policies, events and market conditions Review all contracts and paperwork for sales and listings Continually Educate Yourself and Your Team * Office and company training programs* Team training* Lead ership training* Broker Training Courses* Obtain the Risk Reduction Graduate (RRG) designation
More About: Leader

Las Vegas #2 on List of America's Best Jobs in Hottest Markets
2007-05-01 07:39:00
A recent article from Business 2.0 on CNNMoney.com ranks Las Vegas as the second best city in America with the best job growth forecast.  With a 2 year job growth forecast of 6.5%, Las Vegas is right behind Orlando, FL .   "Analysts say Las Vegas could end up topping Orlando in job growth, because it's uniquely insulated from downturns in ways that most major cities would envy. " Hottest jobs: Construction project manager ($78,800), IT project manager ($74,600), construction superintendent ($71,900), civil engineer ($70,000), executive chef ($65,500)"But almost in sync, another engine of the local economy went into overdrive: As the value of the U.S. dollar fell last winter, foreign tourists surged in, sparking restaurant openings and hotel expansions. MGM Mirage alone plans to hire 28,000 new employees by the end of the decade. Milken Institute economist Ross DeVol notes that Vegas continues to attract back-office operations from California's high-t...
More About: Jobs , Markets , List , Mark

The 5 C's of Team Success (RISMedia article review)
2007-04-26 20:21:00
I enjoyed this article by Paul Rutter from RISMedia today entitled, "The 5 C's of Team Success .".  The article adresses teamwork from the perspective of a company and how the management team can build a winning team using the 5 C's.  Of course, these principles apply to building success with your team - your own brokerage within a brokerage. Build COMMUNITY - This starts with the leadership team always.  A new member to the team/company must feel welcomed and feel a part of the group immediately.  Do you have a system of welcoming and acknowledging a new team member?  Some ideas:  a welcome card mailed to their home: get their bio and background and publish it in your next meeting agenda: introduce them at a sales meeting.  Assign a transition buddy to help with questions and orientation to the office.  Conduct a formal branch/team orientation. Encourage COOPERATION - Do you have common goals for the team/office and is everyone a...
More About: Article , Review , View

Revised dates for “Building Your Own Brokerage” Group Coaching
2007-04-22 21:08:00
Adjustments to the schedule for April and May.  Please note:Monday, 16 April 2007 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm (How to Implement Effective Team Systems) has been rescheduled to Monday, 23 April 2007 at Equity Title from 1:30pm – 4:30pm.  Monday, 14 May 2007 (Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining the Right Team Members) has been rescheduled to Monday, 7 May 2007 at Equity Title from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. “Building Your Own Brokerage ”Group Coach ing , Training and Networking Sessions for Team Leaders and Team Managers Coach/Facilitator: Jan O’Brien Location: Equity Title Training Center (4035 S. Tenaya Way - 2nd driveway north of Flamingo, behind Equity’s main building)www.JanOBrien.com (Real Estate Coach Blog) Register online www.CareerRealty.com or RSVP to Strategic Growth Division at 318-4043 to reserve your seat. 
More About: Dates , Rage

Three Types of People and How They Fit in the Real Estate Business
2007-04-20 20:56:00
This is my 15th year in the real estate industry.  During this second career, I have been a successful listing and sales agent and served as a sales manager, broker-manager, trainer and coach.  During my early management days I used to think I could ”fix” people.  I would hire 10 new agents to my office and just know that because my company had the best tools, training and support and that I cared and was a solid manger – I could get most of these new agents to be successful in the business.  Here’s the reality – you can’t fix people.  They are who they are!  Each person comes with their own degree of self-confidence, personality traits, behaviors and success characteristics.  Now they all have the dream and wish to be successful in the real estate business.  Success for many first year real estate agents is to earn $100,000.  Whenever I teach a business plan class and ask how much money do you want to make this year, inevit...
More About: Business , People , Estate , Real Estate , State

Mastermind Groups Part 2: Who and How?
2007-04-19 01:04:00
So now that we've covered the what and why of mastermind groups, let's discuss who it would benefit and how to get it started.  Who could benefit from participating in a mastermind group?  The short answer is everyone.  That is, anyone who is really serious and committed to the group and its purpose. Some established networking groups may also provide some of the benefits of a mastermind.  For example, LeTip and BNI are two business networking organizations that are primarily focused on giving and receiving qualified referrals and business tips.  Toastmasters is another excellent organization comprised of local clubs that develops your public speaking and leadership skills.  Brian Buffini Clubnet members can get involved in small group meetings. Locally, at Prudential Americana Group , REALTORS is Las Vegas, we have a major success story to share. The "No Excuses" mastermind group just celebrated their second year together at a recent lunc...
More About: Part , Master , Groups , Term

Mastermind Groups Part 1: What and Why?
2007-04-16 22:06:00
Joining or starting a Master mind Group is a powerful, creative and supportive strategy to implement for your business and personal development.  I highly recommend reading two excellent books that include information about masterminds.  The first book is the classic by Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich. Chapter 10 is entitled "The Power of the Master Mind."  Hill defines the master mind as "coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose."  Hill also discusses the two characteristics of a master mind - one economic and the other psychic.  The economic advantage is obvious... "Economic advantages may be created by any person who surrounds himself with the advice, counsel, and personal cooperation of a group of men who are willing to lend him wholehearted aid, in a spirit of perfect harmony."  The psychic characteristic deals with the basic ...
More About: Part , Groups , Term

Team Building Article from RISMedia
2007-04-03 23:13:00
This article entitled "Team Realities: After Advertising, Compensating and Training, Can You Stay Profitable?"  is about how one top agent thrives managing a team of 23. "Burnout was what nearly caused Leigh to quit real estate six years ago at just 30 years old. Deals were coming in non-stop; he was a new parent and something had to give. It was either get out or get help. Leigh chose to dig in and form a team to help him balance his book of business, and today he reports a team volume on the order of 320 units and $152 million in sales volume for 2006. " Ashley Leigh answers questions about: Why he built a team How he remained profitable How he compensates his team agents How he presents the team concept to his clients What he gets out of his investment in coaching and training Best ideas for holding an effective team meeting
More About: Building , Article , Build , Artic

Track your Goals and more at 43things.com
2007-04-02 22:56:00
I highly recommend using this innovative, interactive and fun website: 43things.  Just create your free account, share your 43 goals, find other people who share your goals, post your progress, and get inspired.  Your account also let’s you track 43 places you want to visit, 43 people to meet, and create lists of books, movies, music, places and mark your progress on each list.  An excellent example of social bookmarking, networking and the collaborative nature of the ever-evolving web!
More About: Goals , More , Things , Track , Rack

How to Write Powerful Goals, Pt 2
2007-04-02 22:54:00
Identify your goals What is it that drives you? What motivates you? What do you really want? What is your dream? What is the big picture? Goals need to be important to you – a burning desire. Create clearly defined, vibrant written goals in all areas of your life.  Download goals_worksheet.doc Write out your goals as if they have already occurred – present tense, in the affirmative.  Turn your priority goals in to Affirmations. Make your goals SMART Specific/Simple Measurable/Meaningful to you Attainable/As if Now/All areas of your life Realistic/Responsible Timeframe/Toward what you want Identify the payoff of reaching your goals.  To reach your goals you will always have to be making choices.  What is different, better about your life when you have achieved your goals? How committed are you to reaching your goals? In order to get what you want, you must be willing to change and grow – sometimes through discomfort. Are you wil...

How to Write Powerful Goals, Pt 1
2007-03-30 22:50:00
Many people start the new year with “resolutions” ranging from working out to losing weight to quitting a bad habit.  I, for one, don’t believe we need to wait until the dawning of the new year to get motivated and take action toward a desired goal.  I also prefer to use the term goal or outcome not resolution.  So, the first step is to set aside some quality time to work on your goals for the year.  Download this Goals Worksheet to assist you in writing your desired goals/outcomes.  Download keys_to_an_achievable_outcome.doc Here are some key questions to answer for creating achievable and powerful goals or outcomes. What specifically do you want?  Stated in the positive, present-tense, as if you already have it.  Clearly defined, vibrant, written goals in all areas of you life.   (Spiritual, Personal, Family, Business, Financial, Fun-Hobbies-Travel) Where are you now in relation to the desired outcome? What will you see, he...
More About: Write

5 Principles of Success
2007-03-26 22:47:00
1.  Know Your Desired Outcome.  Have a Plan.  A Written Business Plan with clearly defined, vibrant goals.  Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. S    Specific; SimpleM    Measurable; Meaningful to YouA    As if Now; Achievable; All areas of your lifeR    Realistic; Responsible/EcologicalT    Timeframe; Toward What You Want 2.   Measure & Track Your Results.  You can’t improve what you don’t measure.  Identify the method for determining achievement of your goal/outcome and track your progress.  An excellent tracking system will allow you to make necessary course corrections and adjustments as well as gage your overall success. 3.   Take Action.  Be willing to do what it takes to accomplish your outcome.  Master behavioral flexibility.  The Law of Requisite Variety states that the person or system with the most flexibility of behavior will control the system. 4.&nb...
More About: Success , Principles