Convention

Hello all,

"Convention"

I am a big fan of going to the annual RE/MAX convention. You always come away with a couple of things that will make your business stronger and the amount of energy you come away with is amazing. There is nothing like being around 4,000 of your peers to get you going. We did not push convention hard this year for a couple of reasons. First, we understand there is a cost involved and the last couple of years we have not necessarily been saving a lot of money. Second, the 2012 convention had the feel of the 2011 convention. Most of the classes were the same, same venue... However I am planting the seed early for 2013! Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of RE/MAX and the convention should be over the top. From what we are told they are moving it to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, this will also be the last year in Vegas for a while. It should alternate between Orlando and Toronto after that for a while. Anyway, it is always in early March so if you can take a couple of pennies from each settlement for the cookie jar we would love to have as many of you as possible join us next year.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."

- Father James Keller (1900-1977)

GOT A LIGHT?

We all love a compliment.  Your manager says to you, "I noticed that your last sale was handled very smoothly.  Thanks for offering your customer such excellent service!"  Your wife or husband tells you, "I'm so proud of the way you encourage our children!"  Your grown child returns home for a visit and says, "Thanks for making it possible for me to get my degree!"  Those are "feel good" times, aren't they?

If you live a more or less normal day-to-day sort of life, compliments are always welcome, but aren't absolutely critical to your sense of well-being.  You don't have to get them to make it through the day.  If you are fortunate enough to enjoy high self-esteem, why not consider becoming a "candle" to others?

There are many around us each day, both children and adults, who suffer from mild to extreme "compliment" deficiencies.  They may have never been told that they are good, or attractive, or intelligent.  As children, they may have never experienced the exhilaration of getting a base hit, or making an "A" on a test, or receiving an "Honorable Mention" in art class. As adults, they may have lost a job, a spouse, or their health.  In short, many around us have never even had their "candle" lighted once.

You can become the greatest philanthropist of all time without giving away a dime.  All it takes to make a life-changing difference in someone's life is to share the light from your candle.  Each day, look for opportunities to encourage, compliment, or offer your knowledge to those who are "candle deprived."  Think back to when you were a child.  Was there some special person who took that time with you - someone you've never forgotten?

Sharing your candle by lighting many others can warm both hearts and souls.  Make a difference - starting today!