Crofton, MD. Monarch mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880 Tips for Getting Started
It may be true that knowledge is power, but knowledge without action is not very powerful at all. In fact, it is very common to see talent wasted because no action is taken to produce results. The following are a few tips for taking action, which is perhaps the single biggest key to success, in business and in life.Don't over-analyze tasks. Sure you need to think things through, but you can over-think them too. If you worry too much about getting it perfect before implementation, you can lose momentum, lose your window of opportunity, or worst of all...never do it at all. A good strategy is to be sure your idea is ethical and legal. Then, if you think your chances of success are at least 70%, implement your idea. Successful people tend to make decisions quickly and change them slowly, where many unsuccessful people make decisions slowly and change them quickly. Be a part of the first group and implement your ideas.Break a large project in to bite-size pieces – your action steps. If a project or plan that you know will improve your business just seems too large or overwhelming, break the plan down into manageable steps. Determine what action needs to be taken first, then go ahead and do it. After all, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. And the same concept should apply for large projects. Don't procrastinate. Easier said than done, right? But the truth is, the longer you wait to do something, the less the chance you will ever do it. Rather than putting it on your endless list of "to-dos," do it right away – right now if possible. You will impress your clients – they will love it! Don't you love it when you are the customer and you get service right away? You may even impress yourself and start getting into the habit of "doing it right now." Believe in yourself and the power of taking action. Did you ever think of a great idea at night, only to talk yourself out of it in the morning? Worse yet, have others talked you out of it, ultimately denying you your dream? Believe in yourself...take chances...go for it. Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about the task that it becomes daunting. Don't think about it. Go ahead and get started. Just do it!It doesn't matter how many great ideas you hear or see. It doesn't matter how many great plans you come up with for yourself, your business, or your life. What matters is how many of these ideas, plans and dreams you actually put into action and make a reality. Do you have something that's been on your to-do list for months? Do you have a great idea you've been kicking around? Do you know the next push you need to move forward in your career or your life? Grab it right now – don't wait another day. Take a step, make a decision, put your plans into motion and enjoy the rewarding feeling of having taken action!
Give me a call. Let's take action to increase our production and grow our businesses.
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
Friday, October 17, 2008
Proactive or Reactive?
Crofton, MD. Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880 It's up to You
Everyone makes choices. Their outlook on life, whether at home, at work, behind the wheel or at the theater, directly correlates to the decision to be either positive or negative. In essence, it's as simple as whether you see the glass half full or half empty. As author Stephen R. Covey puts it in his much publicized book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,* you can choose to be proactive or you can choose to be reactive. He takes his theory a step further, saying that a proactive stance leads to greater success and contentment. From that perspective, a reactive person is sabotaging himself or herself.Covey contends that every single day, people have 100 opportunities to be proactive or reactive. Let's say you're in your car on the freeway and an overly zealous driver is practically sitting on your tail in the fast lane. You're driving at the speed limit, actually a couple of miles faster than the law permits. But the motorist behind you thinks he's at the Indy 500. You can stay where you are, infuriate him and possibly get rear-ended. Or, you can move out of harm's way, to that opening in the right-hand lane and let him pass. He's in the wrong, and there's no question about it. Will you follow his lead? Will you be proactive or reactive? It's up to you.It's very empowering to look at life from Covey's point-of-view. If you moved to the right lane, the reckless driver didn't force you. He didn't win. A vehicle can be a deadly weapon and you made the sensible, mature decision that shows why you deserve a driver's license and the other driver belongs on roller skates.At work, you can be proactive if you take the time to learn about the principles of nature - in this case human nature and people interaction."If you ignore the principles of human effectiveness, you (can) work very hard, but still not get what you want," Covey says. Say that you've been working with a prospective client for the past three weeks, really putting a lot of effort into the new relationship. Then you learn, through some mutual acquaintance, that this would-be client ended up going to a competitor for the same service. It happens, and you don't have to necessarily blame yourself. But, you should take time to reflect on the past three weeks. Were you really proactive or were you reactive? How did you interact with the client?Covey says principles are "natural laws that govern the world." To attain a proactive mind-set, he emphasizes one must create beneficial relationships, build trust and commit to self-renewal."To be trusted, you must be trustworthy over time," Covey asserts. As for self-renewal, he says renewal means "preserving and enhancing your greatest asset - yourself.”
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris Bill vourazeris
Everyone makes choices. Their outlook on life, whether at home, at work, behind the wheel or at the theater, directly correlates to the decision to be either positive or negative. In essence, it's as simple as whether you see the glass half full or half empty. As author Stephen R. Covey puts it in his much publicized book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,* you can choose to be proactive or you can choose to be reactive. He takes his theory a step further, saying that a proactive stance leads to greater success and contentment. From that perspective, a reactive person is sabotaging himself or herself.Covey contends that every single day, people have 100 opportunities to be proactive or reactive. Let's say you're in your car on the freeway and an overly zealous driver is practically sitting on your tail in the fast lane. You're driving at the speed limit, actually a couple of miles faster than the law permits. But the motorist behind you thinks he's at the Indy 500. You can stay where you are, infuriate him and possibly get rear-ended. Or, you can move out of harm's way, to that opening in the right-hand lane and let him pass. He's in the wrong, and there's no question about it. Will you follow his lead? Will you be proactive or reactive? It's up to you.It's very empowering to look at life from Covey's point-of-view. If you moved to the right lane, the reckless driver didn't force you. He didn't win. A vehicle can be a deadly weapon and you made the sensible, mature decision that shows why you deserve a driver's license and the other driver belongs on roller skates.At work, you can be proactive if you take the time to learn about the principles of nature - in this case human nature and people interaction."If you ignore the principles of human effectiveness, you (can) work very hard, but still not get what you want," Covey says. Say that you've been working with a prospective client for the past three weeks, really putting a lot of effort into the new relationship. Then you learn, through some mutual acquaintance, that this would-be client ended up going to a competitor for the same service. It happens, and you don't have to necessarily blame yourself. But, you should take time to reflect on the past three weeks. Were you really proactive or were you reactive? How did you interact with the client?Covey says principles are "natural laws that govern the world." To attain a proactive mind-set, he emphasizes one must create beneficial relationships, build trust and commit to self-renewal."To be trusted, you must be trustworthy over time," Covey asserts. As for self-renewal, he says renewal means "preserving and enhancing your greatest asset - yourself.”
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris Bill vourazeris
Increase Your Business Through Networking, Part II
Crofton, MD. Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris Communication Is Key
This is Part II in our series of networking tips based upon the wisdom of Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder and CEO of the world's largest referral organization, Business Network Int'l., and best-selling author and expert on the subject of networking.Previously, we examined Dr. Misner's first two strategies, which were to Diversify Your Networks and Develop Your Contact Spheres. Here are three additional strategies which are sure to help you build your business: 3 – Acknowledge Those Who Refer Others Your WayDr. Misner has found that this step is the one that's overlooked most often when networking, and it may also be the one which does your business the most good. He is very careful to point out that he is not recommending a payoff in any way. Actually, his research has shown that one of the best things you can do when someone refers an individual your way is to send them a hand-written thank you note. It costs almost nothing, takes very little time, and is so personal and genuine that it helps to keep the referrals coming. 4 – Learn the Techniques that are Appropriate to Your Networking GroupsNetworking techniques and protocols differ from group to group. What may be appropriate at a local chamber meeting differs from what would be suitable when networking through an online organization. One humorous example Misner cites is that you would never randomly hand out business cards in the middle of a wedding. It's important to understand the boundaries specific to a group and most importantly, always honor events appropriately. Another piece of advice Misner offers is that when you're participating in groups known for being strong contact networks, it's important to use what he calls the LCD, or lowest common denominator technique. In other words, talk about your business in terms of one specific idea or facet per meeting. He states that the more specific you are, the more likely it is that someone will remember the details of your conversation, giving you the best chance of obtaining a referral. 5 – Networking is about "Farming" not "Hunting"Cultivating relationships takes time and consistent nurturing. It used to be that professionals would attend networking events with the idea that whoever collected the most business cards by the end of the night "won". In order to succeed in business today, it's important to develop quality relationships where you're constantly bringing value to those around you. Not only will this create good will and repeat business, it will also encourage referral partners and clients alike to share their good experiences with others and refer them your way. I hope you enjoyed Dr. Ivan Misner's 5 strategies for increasing your business through networking. Please call me if you’d like to explore these ideas further. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss them with you!
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
This is Part II in our series of networking tips based upon the wisdom of Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder and CEO of the world's largest referral organization, Business Network Int'l., and best-selling author and expert on the subject of networking.Previously, we examined Dr. Misner's first two strategies, which were to Diversify Your Networks and Develop Your Contact Spheres. Here are three additional strategies which are sure to help you build your business: 3 – Acknowledge Those Who Refer Others Your WayDr. Misner has found that this step is the one that's overlooked most often when networking, and it may also be the one which does your business the most good. He is very careful to point out that he is not recommending a payoff in any way. Actually, his research has shown that one of the best things you can do when someone refers an individual your way is to send them a hand-written thank you note. It costs almost nothing, takes very little time, and is so personal and genuine that it helps to keep the referrals coming. 4 – Learn the Techniques that are Appropriate to Your Networking GroupsNetworking techniques and protocols differ from group to group. What may be appropriate at a local chamber meeting differs from what would be suitable when networking through an online organization. One humorous example Misner cites is that you would never randomly hand out business cards in the middle of a wedding. It's important to understand the boundaries specific to a group and most importantly, always honor events appropriately. Another piece of advice Misner offers is that when you're participating in groups known for being strong contact networks, it's important to use what he calls the LCD, or lowest common denominator technique. In other words, talk about your business in terms of one specific idea or facet per meeting. He states that the more specific you are, the more likely it is that someone will remember the details of your conversation, giving you the best chance of obtaining a referral. 5 – Networking is about "Farming" not "Hunting"Cultivating relationships takes time and consistent nurturing. It used to be that professionals would attend networking events with the idea that whoever collected the most business cards by the end of the night "won". In order to succeed in business today, it's important to develop quality relationships where you're constantly bringing value to those around you. Not only will this create good will and repeat business, it will also encourage referral partners and clients alike to share their good experiences with others and refer them your way. I hope you enjoyed Dr. Ivan Misner's 5 strategies for increasing your business through networking. Please call me if you’d like to explore these ideas further. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss them with you!
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
Increase Your Business Through Networking, Part I
Monarch Mortgage
Crofton, MD
Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
Crofton, MD. Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris reaching Out To Your Community
The best way to increase your business is by mastering the art of networking. Nobody understands this concept better than Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network Int'l. (BNI), the world's largest referral organization. BNI has over 4,100 chapters with 82,000 members in 26 countries worldwide. In 2005 alone, the organization generated over 3.3 million referrals, translating into $1.5 billion in business.When it comes to the art of networking as a means to build your business, Dr. Misner has identified five key strategies. In this first of a two-part series, we'll examine two of Dr. Misner's recommended tactics: 1 - Diversify Your NetworksIt's no secret. You're not going to meet people by being a "cave-dweller" who sits behind a desk all day. In other words, good business people put themselves out into the community. Misner takes the concept one step further by recommending that professionals diversify the groups they associate with. He suggests that individuals select at least three different groups to pursue, since networking with just one group is the business equivalent of putting all of your eggs in one basket.Good examples of organizations to network with include local chambers of commerce, Rotary and Lions Clubs, country clubs, churches, temples and schools. Misner says that even though some of these groups aren't known for business networking, trusted relationships are built and referrals do take place. As long as you properly honor the event you're attending, there is no harm in networking.Dr. Misner goes on to say that a good networker is someone who wants to help people. Referral opportunities arise every day, but in order to recognize them we must first learn the language of referrals. These opportunities begin with phrases such as, "I need", "I don't know", or "I can't". In order to be prepared for such events, it's a good idea to carry a business card file containing your favorite referral contacts and pass a card along in an appropriate situation. Another idea is to write the referral contact's name on the back of your card and have the recipient email you for the contact information. Most importantly, teach your referral partners to do the same for you.2 - Develop Your Contact SpheresA "contact sphere" is a group of professionals who work in non-competitive businesses which could potentially lead to symbiotic relationships. As an example, a loan officer's sphere would include real estate agents, financial planners, CPAs, insurance agents, landscapers, handymen, etc.Citing his philosophy of "breadth versus depth", Dr. Misner emphasizes that sheer numbers are not nearly as important as the quality of relationships within one's sphere. He points out that strengthening these bonds is about more than simply referring business. It's about your ability to help someone however you can, which may be through the offering of advice or the sharing of ideas. Just remember the "Law of Reciprocity". What you contribute to others will eventually come back to you.Look for the remaining three strategies in Part II of this series. Until then, if you'd like to discuss Dr. Misner's strategies further, please call me! I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about them.
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
Crofton, MD
Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
Crofton, MD. Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris reaching Out To Your Community
The best way to increase your business is by mastering the art of networking. Nobody understands this concept better than Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network Int'l. (BNI), the world's largest referral organization. BNI has over 4,100 chapters with 82,000 members in 26 countries worldwide. In 2005 alone, the organization generated over 3.3 million referrals, translating into $1.5 billion in business.When it comes to the art of networking as a means to build your business, Dr. Misner has identified five key strategies. In this first of a two-part series, we'll examine two of Dr. Misner's recommended tactics: 1 - Diversify Your NetworksIt's no secret. You're not going to meet people by being a "cave-dweller" who sits behind a desk all day. In other words, good business people put themselves out into the community. Misner takes the concept one step further by recommending that professionals diversify the groups they associate with. He suggests that individuals select at least three different groups to pursue, since networking with just one group is the business equivalent of putting all of your eggs in one basket.Good examples of organizations to network with include local chambers of commerce, Rotary and Lions Clubs, country clubs, churches, temples and schools. Misner says that even though some of these groups aren't known for business networking, trusted relationships are built and referrals do take place. As long as you properly honor the event you're attending, there is no harm in networking.Dr. Misner goes on to say that a good networker is someone who wants to help people. Referral opportunities arise every day, but in order to recognize them we must first learn the language of referrals. These opportunities begin with phrases such as, "I need", "I don't know", or "I can't". In order to be prepared for such events, it's a good idea to carry a business card file containing your favorite referral contacts and pass a card along in an appropriate situation. Another idea is to write the referral contact's name on the back of your card and have the recipient email you for the contact information. Most importantly, teach your referral partners to do the same for you.2 - Develop Your Contact SpheresA "contact sphere" is a group of professionals who work in non-competitive businesses which could potentially lead to symbiotic relationships. As an example, a loan officer's sphere would include real estate agents, financial planners, CPAs, insurance agents, landscapers, handymen, etc.Citing his philosophy of "breadth versus depth", Dr. Misner emphasizes that sheer numbers are not nearly as important as the quality of relationships within one's sphere. He points out that strengthening these bonds is about more than simply referring business. It's about your ability to help someone however you can, which may be through the offering of advice or the sharing of ideas. Just remember the "Law of Reciprocity". What you contribute to others will eventually come back to you.Look for the remaining three strategies in Part II of this series. Until then, if you'd like to discuss Dr. Misner's strategies further, please call me! I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about them.
Monarch Mortgage Bill Vourazeris 443-618-2880
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