OfflineHave you ever come up with thought provocative ideas while driving your car, or while doing some chore? Ideas that, if acted upon, may have created you more time, more pleasure, or even more wealth. I call them "brain farts." Everyday I have brain farts concerning my real estate investment career. I even wake up in the middle of the night and have to record them on a dictation machine before I am able to go back to sleep.
I intend to share my thoughts with you. You may swipe them and incorporate them in your investment career any way you see fit.
Today's Brain Fart has to do with what I noticed while driving on a busy interstate during rush hour.
Why is it, people stress themselves out going to their 9 to 5 each and every morning? I see them putting their lives at stake while trying to maneuver through a maze moving bump cars. I wonder what would happen if you asked your boss if you could change your work hours from 9 to 5, to 10 or 11 until 6 or 7. I know some companies allow flex time, but most don't. What if you worked from home during rush hour and then made the long journey to the office after rush hour? What if you worked from home "X" number of days during the week and reported to work on "Y" days of the week? These actions may help eliminate the wasteful use on gas and cut down on pollution. These action would help prevent needless deaths due to accidents.
What if....what if...
The point is, you never know unless you ask. Don't let current conditions dictate your future. Take action now and determine your own outcomes.
My thoughts for today. I hope they were of some help.
Nice thoughts again. I still like the golden rule of do unto others as you would have done unto yourself. Very similiar to this thought here. Nice of you to have brought this to attention of others. If you are going to be able to get to a professional then you have to think like them. I like it.
Billy
Brain Fart 2/28/10 – Problem Solving
There are many strategies for problem solving.
Problem solving is defined by Wikipedia as “is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills. Problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system needs to move from a given state to a desired goal state.”
And there are many suggestions on ways to problem solve. Try goggling “problem solving” and you’ll see what I mean. (I find www.artofproblemsolving.com to be a really cool site, especially if you have kids.)
I think the operative words in the given definition are “…moving from a given state to a desired goal state.”
Remember when the Rubik Cube was first introduced to you?
It was a block of colored, pivoting cubes. You goal was to align all the cubes according to color. The center cubes do not rotate, so by rotating the cubes, your goal was to align all the same colored cubes to the center cube of the same color. Hope this makes sense. Once someone solved the problem and printed the solution to the world, the Rubik Cube became less of a challenge to the curious. But the purists admired the genius and ingenuity represented by this small plastic cube.
Your success in real estate investing is dependent on how well you develop your skill in problem solving. PERIOD. In my opinion
1. You must have specific goals (both short term and long term);
2. you must recognize and acknowledge your current state and conditions;
3. you must determine which path to follow to reach your desired goal based on your current state;
4. you must understand the needs and goals of the people in need of your product or service;
5. you must deliver what they (the client) wants and when they want it (win/win) a.k.a “close the sale”; and
6. You must ask for referrals.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY--YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE AND PURPOSEFUL ACTION!!!!
Leave any of these steps out, and you’ll find it harder to achieve the desired goal.
You’ve heard these suggestions mentioned in Dean’s book.
The above my interpretation of the facts told from my viewpoint.
Anything to add? Leave your comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Also, don’t forget to register for the next conference call. Refer to “Volunteers Needed in Several States” journal.
A lot are asking how you can do these deals if you have no money, no credit, no (whatever). People don't seem to take you seriously (refer back to Greg story, I believe) and people believe that what you're trying to do is another one of them-there SCAMS.
Can you blame them? It's kind of far fetched that you want to do what, with what, along with no money, no credit. How can I trust you to do what you're saying you're going to do?
The answer to this problem is not so hard to solve as you may think.
I recall working as an consultant, moving from project to project. I would complete one task with one employer and seek another project with another employer. It was mandatory that each employer I worked for provide a "Letter of Recommendation" during and after I completed the project. My welfare depended on it. My family depended on it. MY future employment depended on it.
Real estate investing is no different. Success depends on credibility. If you don't have it as of yet, if you are new to this, you must lean on your partner's credibility. So, how do you accomplish this?
I find that if you develop you power team with this goal in mind, you can borrow their credibility until you establish yours. What am I talking about?
If you were on last night's conference call, you would have learned that I demand and I deserve "the best of the best" to be members of my team. While establishing these win/win relationships I simple ask for a recommendation. They know my business is in it's infancy and the odds are against me. I tell them this up front and don't hide anything from them. I need their support and recommendation in order to succeed. More important I ask how I may contribute to their success. My contributions depends on their desired goals and vision.
Hope this helps! To learn more, follow the "Volunteers Needed In Several States" journal as well as the "Homeless_In_MD" journal. You may just learn a new ingredient that will move your toward your desired goal.
Creditability,determination and action you cant be successful with out them.We also need and deserve to have those same quality's in our power team.If you want to be the best of the best you have to surround yourself with the best of the best!
"Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success"
Napoleon Hill
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/42379/...
Mike
Kalamazoo,MI
BRAIN FARTS – 03/02/2010
Have you ever noticed the resemblance between dog owners and their pets? Look closely. Do they swag in a similar manner? Do they wag in a similar fashion? Has the pet owner dressed the pet with a special bandana or is the pet wearing shades? Does the pet have on a special collar? Now look at the pet’s owner and see if there is any resemblance.
The same is true in business. Successful people tend to gravitate with other successful people. They look the same. Join the same clubs. Have similar interests, and so forth. If someone who was once successful drops from the limelight he must rely on the creditability of his associates to rebuild his reputation and credibility. So, what I trying to get at and how does this apply to you and your real estate investment career.
Once I was one of few in the limelight. I had it all, nice cars, a nice home, nice yearly vacations, and the good life by most standards. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but it was a lifestyle in which I was very comfortable. Whenever I tried to expand beyond this lifestyle I seemed to fail partially because of negative influences from the people I associated with. Now that I am starting over, only my true friends remain while others, I realize, were only there for the ride. You know, the “bandwagon” types there only when things are going great.
The problem I now faced was to determine how I was going to reclaim the lifestyle I had. Better still, how was I going to have an even better lifestyle? I have no money, no credit, and no home. How am I going to climb the ladder of success in the least amount of time? Like J.J. Wentworth says, “It’s your money and you want it now.” Well, it’s my life and I want it back now.
The answer lies in my and your ability to “borrow” the credibility of the people you associate with, your circle of influence. If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ll have heard me say that I want to associate with “the best of the best.” I want my realtor to be the best at what he/she does. I want my real estate lawyer to be the best there is. I want my CPA to be the best. I want my products and services to be the best there is so others seek me out.
Now when I approach new prospects they will never question my ability to deliver whatever product or service they are looking for. They associate me with a recognized and well respected real estate firm, or law firm, or accounting firm. They know I will deliver as promised, all because I borrowed the already established creditability of well recognized professionals.
Soon, I too will be recognized as the go to real estate investor. All because of the people I choose to associate with, Dean Graziosi, my realtor, my lawyers (yes there is more than one depending on specialty), my CPA, my contractors, my appraisers, the list goes on.
Also, I will always associate with my old true friends. However, I am only seeking new associates that can help me move closer to my vision and long term goal, my new circle of influence.
Like the dog owner and his pet, I want to look like success. Success looks like however you define it. My definition is mine alone. I encourage you to define what success means to you
Well said
"Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success"
Napoleon Hill
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/42379/...
Mike
Kalamazoo,MI
Successful in MD I am not sure how you can up with this disgusting yet integrating post but ...hehehe
...It's awesome in a weird sort of way.
I am also not sure how God got intertwined with BRAIN FARTS but so be it! Whatever it takes to bring His children together I guess
I came up with an acronym for BRAIN FARTS... sad but true...lol!
Bold
Realestate
And
Investing
Newbies
Finding
A
Road
To
Success
Each time you have an idea write it down! It could be the very thing that you need to pave your road to success. If you could see my desk area you would see sticky notes all over my walls. Each note contains an idea. I may not get to it right away but I will get to it. They are not forgotten little farts... they are just waiting for the time when they will all be combined together to form a BOOM!!!!...The sweet aroma of SUCCESS!!!! ( I cant believe I just said that...lol!) What is this forum turning me into...LMBO!!!!
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
http://realwholesaling.com FREE wholesaling tips and resources!
To your success,
Carol Stinson
Love the acronym. Mind if I swipe it?
Don't worry about the little accident that happened a few bleeps ago. We all do it. With all those sticky notes, it seems you've had quite a smell.
LOL
Thumbs UP to you guys!
Be well,
Joe
word from the wise MD.
Stuff happen in our lives where we have to sit and keep reminding ourselves that this will not happen again. The determination to resist is built on the actions we take to move forward. Leaving tomorrow in the past and designing steps for the future set the stage for where success will take us. To achieve our desired goals is all wrapped up in the strategies we put in place and the actions plans we take to have them realized. Anyone could be successful, but it depends on how much we won success. Sitting and doing nothing will not work. Dean Graziosians, remember this is the year of the DG Family's success. Let's go out there and make it happen. God Bless.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
You are so right. The worst thing someone can say is no but that no could be a yes waiting to be uncovered. It is almost like a wall or an obstacle. Find a way to go over it, under it or through it but that yes may right on the other side of that wall or obstacle. That is the way I want to attack my real estate investing career, find a way to turn as many no's as I can in to yeses without having the fear of asking for that yes.
Most people are in agreement--Don't let the man get you down.
So what's it going to take to be a successful real estate investor:
1. the right attitude (mindset);
2. A strategic plan;
3. a team of licensed, experienced professionals working with you; and
4. street smarts that comes from experience. You can't set on your assets and expect things to work in your favor.
Get ENGAGED. Take action. Success is but one step after another.
I am trying to locate how and where the conference calls are taking place ? Can someone please let me know.. I missed the first one and don't want to be shut out I am always looking for as much information and experience as possible. I find that the DG family helps keep me grounded and moving forward. Thanks, Lisa
MD, I totally agree with your point here.
It fact, personally, I believe mindset the most important. If one think there is no way out, one will never see the light on the other side of tunnel; on the other hand, if one believe there is always a better way or way out, it's a matter of time one finds it. The rest will fall in place.
Lisa, you got to pm MD of your info in order to the get the invitation.
Send homeless in MD a PM and leave your name ,email.and phone number and he will contact you.
"Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success"
Napoleon Hill
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/42379/...
Mike
Kalamazoo,MI
It takes a spark, a fire, heat to get the water in the kettle to change its molecular make up, which in turn results in the desired result, hot steamy water.
The same is true when it comes to achieving your desired results.
You need to get outside your comfort zone and create the proper change in order to make progress toward your desired result. Note - proper change and desired result are fundamental to successful achievement of whatever your goal is.
I would like to believe that I had something to do that sparked this community to start thinking differently. To open up with words of wisdom that weren't available before. More million dollar strategies that one may implement. Different ways to strategyze to achieve desired results, whether its concerning wholesaling or lease options. Coming up with specific short term goals.
My intent is not to violate or scrutinize anyone on this site. My intent is to spark change and open the doors for everyone, and not a select few, to achieve success through strategic planning, altering mindset, more importantly by taking immediate action, and allowing purposeful change to move and stimulate us to expand outside our comfort zones.
Wish everyone much success in 2010.
I know you are getting to other people making them think out side of the box. also you have lite a fire in me, you are helping me stay focus on my goals you are making me mone foward for that I am thankful. you will help a lot of people. so keep up on doing what you are doing it helps people like me who need focus. thanks MD
We are all here to help each other along this journey. Be sure to read the posts by Dean's superstars and coaches. Man I have read some amazing stuff over the past two days.
You don't want to miss any of it. Read, adopt what is said, and see if you can apply it with your present goals. If not start a notebook (such as a searchable database) and place these ideas into it for future reference.
Good ideas on this site!!!!
One of the things I enjoy about real estate investing are the road trips. You get to drive around on looking at properties and behold, you always come up with additional jewels.
On my trip today I noticed a number of abandoned homes that I would not have noticed if I stayed behind a desk all day. Secondly, I noticed a number of signs reading "I Buy Houses." Another investor to contact. Third I stopped by the library located in the area and picked up about ten free newspaper, all filed with potential partners, buyers, tenants, etc.
Man, there is only a few things more enjoyable than a road trip. One being closing. However, all step eventually lead to that closing.
Hang in there and enjoy the ride.
Are you one of those types that does drive-bys? No, not the negative pistol totting , I am taking about driving neighborhoods to study traffic flows, note open houses, note which investor(s) are putting out bandit signs, who is visiting the new homes for sale, etc.
By doing drive-bys you may be able to collect valuable info that will help you in your business. It may provide the missing ingredient to close that next sale.
I have been reading these posts and this is one question that maybe has been answered but I haven't seen it. How do you get an real estate agent, a lawyer, a broker, an accountant and all these professionals to work with you when you have no money yet to pay them. What do you say to them?
I have talked to a few real estate agents about me investing in real estate. Yes they do give me their card and yes I did ask them some of the questions. So do I now just start asking to look at some places?
I have read Deans books and am re reading them. I know I have to take Action. I have learned that through other endeavors but I must say I am having a hard time goal setting. Any help with that.
Just things that have been running through my head.
Also homeless want to commend you on all of this. I have never been homeless but I have had alot of things happen in my life but always got back up and kept going. Trying to do that with this.
I want a deal to prove to my husband and children that it can be done. They are all thinking I am crazy.
I have found that credibility goes a long way. One way to build credibility is through your local REIA clubs. They usually have a list of resources that are available to their members. The list usually contains real estate agents/investors, cpa/investors, title company(s), mortgage broker(s), etc. So you see it's really not that difficult to find these. Do you want them to work with you exclusively? Usually they won't. They are there to serve the masses, unless you've proven yourself as a real shakker and baker. I find this the easiest way to get started.
As you progress in your real estate investing career you are going to run into numerous other professionals. By this time you will have a proven track record and will have less difficulty persuading them to become a part of your team, provided they are well versed in what real estate investors do. You may have to show how this relationship will benefit the both of you.
As far as goal setting, try not to make it that difficult. Have you heard the old adage, How do you eat an elephant?" and the answer being "one bite at a time," the same is true when setting goals. What is it you want to accomplish and break it into smaller pieces. Suppose you want to acquire $120,000.00 in cash in the next 12 months. That means, on average, you need to generate 10,000 per month or 2500 per week or 358.00 dollars a day. Then concentrate on what activities will produce the 358.00 per day on the average. remember to be flexible in setting your goals and constantly tweak them to adjust to the current situation. There are numerous books written on goal setting and Dean speaks of developing short and long term goals in his material. Reference http://www.deangraziosi.com/category/book-resources/your-town-your-profi..., for further details.
Hope this helps.
REIA are a good source for networking, determining investment trends, gaining access to valuable resources, and meeting people from all types of backgrounds.can
It's also a valuable source for finding that first real estate agent who is investor friendly. Hint: some clubs have many, many agents who are also investors. Some work as part time agents, others are full time. I prefer one who is full time and get me the results how I want them and when I want them.
Today, I realized I was being reactive rather than proactive when I visited a local REIA to seek rehabbers and private money partners to add to my list. Shame on me. I realized something that everyone should try. here goes.
Why not contact the owner/presidents of the local REIA and ask them out for coffee or lunch. I have a very low, low (how low can you go) budget, so coffee is my thing. While at enjoying a fresh brew or beverage of choice, I will ask the REIA president who in the group are shakers and movers and if I may contact them and mention that you (the president of the REIA Group) recommended I speak with him/her. If the person refuses to give out the person name or email, give him/her yours and ask if he(the president) would forward your request to that specific person(s). Thank the president for his time and in helping you.
Point being, why wait until the next meeting. You should be presenting deals at the meeting. also, ask one contact if he would identify another person who may help you and so on down the line.
I hope this is helpful. I hate wasting time if it can be avoided.
Apartment building are starting to advertise more. Bandit signs are starting to appear more frequently. It's a good time for investors to visit some of the apartment buildings close to determine what size apartments are being leased, what utilities are included with the lease, and what other amenities are being offered. (price included, of course)
Now if I were find a home in the near facility of same size, quality, and nearby amenities, do you think I stand a chance of finding a tenant/buyer?
I would say my odds of doing so would be greatly increases if the tenant were qualified by a seasoned, professional mortgage broker and I was able to produce a positive cash flow each month.
Something to ponder and add to my tool box.
Thanks so much for the information. I will definitely look into everything that you said and check out the references you gave me.
By the way I have not been told yet when the next call is and where is it going to be archived. I had to work Sunday so I couldn't be on the call.
I am sorry for not postng any new farts lately.
My brain has been on fire lately and I can't control the outcomes. It's like when you have dia...... it's an uncontrolable oozing.
I'll share these with you soon. I promise.
hey homeless in md looking foward to the webinar tonight. had a realitor lose a realitor found a new realitor like you say I am staying focused.
can't weight for new posting keep me going in the right way.
thanks Steve G.
This is kinda in line with what DG mentioned within the past couple of weeks.
You take one step forward and then something happens that sets you back two steps. Well, you all know my story. My car is my castle. However, as luck would have it, I was involved in an accident a few days ago in which a very large piece of metal fell off the back of a truck several cars in front of me, and I was unable to avoid it without causing a serious accident.
I took one for the team and ended up damaging the front end of my car. I didn't have the dough to pay for a tow so I hobbled back to my camp ground at 30 MPH for about 25 miles. I missed my appointment to talk with a seller and possibly lost a deal.
I kept wondering why all this stuff was happening to me and I failed to realize the bright side of the situation.
My insurance company provided me with a rental, twice the size of my Ford Focus. I now have room to stretch. Man, I am now living in a Van and have my office/home on wheels all decked out to do business. I can roll up to a sellers house without being ashamed of my Yugo in disguise, and I have the tools to right contracts on the spot using my portable printer.
I received a call from the car repair today stating that it will take about a week or so to repair my car. Man, I told them to take their time.
Who would have thought that such an inconvenience would turn out to be such a blessing in disguise.
May all your misfortunes bring you closer to your success!!
You can replace the question marks with anything you so desire. I would like to share with you something I observed will fishing for dinner this past weekend. Something that reminded me of a tried and true strategy, but applied in a different fashion.
Last weekend I went fishing in three different locations trying to earn a few extra bucks and I was literally fishing for dinner. The first location was known for it's large fish and crowds gather there every week to catch the one fish that will make the trip worth while. State law say that a fish of this type had to be a minimum length of 28 inches in order to keep it. However, people were catching fish in the 18 to 27 1/2 inch range, falling short of the minimum legal size. Fun was being had by those recreational fisherman but to some of us fishing for dinner, we were quite disappointed. So, I decided to journed to location 2 where that same fish in the 18 - 28 inch range were legal to keep.
I arrived at location 2 after a four hour drive. It was much too late to begin my quest for the targeted species, so I sqandered the day away until later that evening. It wasn't until 8 or so that night that I began pulling in fish. However, these were not my desired catch. Another local fisherman ended up purchasing these fish from me. I continued to search for my desired catch. My filet migon, so to speak. It never happened. It was now 4 am the next morning so I decided to go to location 3 to try my luck even though I was able to put a couple of extra buck in my pocket, I still did not catch the fish I wanted for dinner and to tell the truth, when I don't catch fish, it's either beans and franks or p&j for dinner. That get's old rather quick.
So I traveled another 2 hours to destination 3 to try my luck. I arrived at sunrise and had the entire locaion to myself. No one to tangle up my line, and no one compete for my secret spot. I cast my line out and right away i hooked up with a small white perch. Not the desired catch but I knew I could use this fish as bait to catch the big Striped Bass I was after. So I baited one line with the perch and waited, and waited, and waited. In the meantime, a few other people started to gather at my favorite. One of these people was a small boy and his parents. The young lad cast his line and he caught a small spot. He jumped up and down with excitement, yelling and screaming, I caught a fish. "I caught a fish." His parents were so proud of him and they captured the moment using their cell phone camera. This happened several times before I realized how the small moments in life are a big deal.
Well, I decided to get in the fun and started catching small fish, like everyone else. It was fun but once again not my desired result. But something strange began to happen. I would catch several small perch and Spot, and every once in a while I would catch a rather large Perch. One about the size of my Xtra large hand or even larger. Perch don't taste as good as Striped Bass, but they sure beat p&j or beans. I continued to catch enough Perch to have a well desired fish dinner. Besides that, I had some extra cash in my pocket from my previous days catch, to buy additional fishing tackle and bait for my next trip. Can't really complain. Life is good.
The point I would like to get across holds true not only in fishing but in life and realestate investing. I think we all shoot for the stars and brass ring right from the get-go and we miss the true meaning of the journey. We need to slow our roll and enjoy the small pleasures along the journey. Every once in a while, a large fish may come our way. But let's not forget the smaller pleasures that we are presented along the way.
By the way. Homeless_in_MD is back. Sorry for the lengthly absence.
Wishing you the best. To your success!!