Friday, May 30, 2014

Think BIG. Win BIG.

Win1PNGIf you’re like most people, you think like most people. Perhaps that’s why you remain the same as most people, working the same ol’ hours and making the same ol’ money. All because you’re doing the same ol’ things and hoping something will change. It’s not going to happen.

Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So, if you really do want more money, more sales or more success, you have to do something different.

The problem however is that most entrepreneurs and business people I meet want to do the same ol’ things all the time. They are afraid to try something different. A case in point lies in a recent consultation I had with a real estate agent.

The agent wanted me to help them “farm” (build business) in a neighbourhood. It’s what most real estate agents try to do. And it’s the surest way to mediocrity.

It kills me to see real estate agents spend time and money trying to farm a neighbourhood – especially a neighbourhood that already has an umpteen number of agents on the prowl. And if there are already a number of agents in your target area, why on earth would you spend time and money to get a little piece of the pie.

If you’re going to spend time and money, put it to good use and don’t merely farm the neighbourhood, dominate the neighbourhood. Take no prisoners and get the most money you can out of the neighbourhood.

You’ve got to Think Big to Win Big.

There are more than enough strategies on how to dominate a neighbourhood by more than enough, self-professed Real Estate gurus out there. Who do you listen to? One will say, “Send out postcards every 2 weeks.” Another will say, put an offer on your postcard like, “Free market evaluation” to get a response.
Personally, I’ve spent over 25 years in the marketing/advertising field, which has taught me one thing: everything starts with your message. The wrong message will get you nowhere. Even worse, it will start to position you like every other real estate agent out there. And pretty soon, you’re simply a part of the pack. Welcome to mediocrity.

If you want to dominate a neighbourhood, you must differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd. As I always say, “Be different. Stand out. Get Noticed.” Here are some tips that can help you …

1. Niche yourself
To stand out from the crowd, you must find a niche. You can be condo man (or woman), or the king/queen of Forest Hill (put whatever neighbourhood you want in here). Whatever it is, just make sure you differentiate yourself from simply being a real estate agent. Don’t be the same as everyone else.

2. Socialize your neighbourhood

Get social. And that means social media in every form. Remember, people start their search for a home or agent on the internet. So, be there when they come looking. Build a small website (with links to your main site) on the neighbourhood with a blog about local events/people. Have a sign up form and offer prospects a community report on homes (for example) in order to capture their contact information.

3. Message your neighbourhood

Drive traffic to your new local website. And don’t, repeat don’t, send out a postcard with your photo and a headline on it like, “#1 in Sales in the Neighbourhood.” That message only serves to keep you looking and sounding the same as every other agent out there. And guess what? Nobody cares. Instead, try a postcard with a simple, teaser headline that arouses peoples’ curiosity. Perhaps something like … “Do you know how much money you’re sitting in right now?” And then place a link to a page on your website where they must go to get the rest of your message. Use the teaser to drive them to your website. Start to engage your target market.

4. Build your relationship

Become the number one source for information on the neighbourhood. Be cool and build that relationship with everyone. Send people a message every time you do something cool. If you sell a home, don’t send out a postcard with the message, “Just Sold.” Everyone does that. Remember, your message isn’t “You sold a home.” Your message should be how you helped a family realize a dream. Let them start thinking how you might help them realize their dream. Similarly, your message isn’t about you found a buyer a home, but rather, you welcomed new and wonderful people to the neighbourhood! Touch people’s hearts and your message will resonate forever. Got it?

J. Brett Abbey
The Message Master
 Check out website

Bike Month: Journey to Camaraderie Coworking by Jim Pagiamtzis (east) Philipp Schofer from the (west)

My bike ride starts at Mavety street. Past the old police station I quickly enter Indian Road which feels more like biking through a park on a Sunday afternoon than a busy work commute. For architecture ensuthiasts like me the early 19th century houses are a true delight.

I take Indian road all the way down to Bloor - the only really busy street on my route with some really nice graffity art next to Keele Station - just to pass into Alhambra Avenue which goes right behind the Camaraderie building. I enter Dundas St. at the height of Starbucks with conviently located bike locks right on the other side of the street.

Growing up in Heidelberg, Germany cycling is the way to move around that feels most natural to me. What I like most about it is how you get to know your neighbourhood and the hundreds of dollar you can save as opposed to taking the TTC or car.

 My tip for everyone trying to bike to work for this and maybe the next couple of summer months: try different routes and see what you like most. Try the fastest, then the nicest route. And pull through for a week or so to see if you can create a habit.

 If you need to tune up your bike check out MetrocycleTO, the owner is doing a great job and even offers mobile bike repairs coming right to your doorstep or work place!


--
PHILIPP SCHÖFER
Webdesign and Development

PERSPEKTIVE WEB + DESIGN // Max-Reger-Str. 6 · 69121 Heidelberg, Germany · +49 6221 73 568 73
ps@perspektive-web.de · www.perspektive-web.de



Journey to Camaraderie Coworking
It was the first day of Bike Month in Toronto so I decided to take a ride do Camaraderie Coworking at Dundas Street West and Bloor.
It was simple path across bloor street to Dundas Street west followed by short ride south. There two thing about Toronto you must know we have winter and construction!.
I started my trek across bloor I reach first area of construction with was 1 lane restriction each way for about 5 city blocks. Had to be careful to share the road with cars! As I progressed passed that the ride got smoother, Until I saw multiple arrow pointing right and then left, awesome obstacle course. As I neared Dufferin Street I was half way there, progressing I use my bell to ring to make sure I had people attention.

The biggest obstacle is watching for people who open the doors and don't look when they are getting out,commonly know by cyclist as "doored".
As I neared Dundas Street I approached to bridges which I had to go under. The first was simple the second was being repaired. It looked like I could possible cheat and under it but upon further review there was lost of big machinery being used and lots of metal all over the place.
I finally reached Camaraderie Coworking safe and sound. Check out the pictures
Heading back to Bloor and Christie I took a different route and a had smooth ride back. Did reach some construction and took advantage of going around a few pylons and jumped of some small sand hills! 
Moral of the story: Take you bike out for spin and enjoy the sites and sounds of the city. Be safe a wear helmet and have a bell!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Art of Marketing a huge success and the next day The Art of Leadership for Women


   It was an amazing day of learning, networking and winning some great prizes!

   Thanks to Peter Coyne for being awesome guest

     Check out review below I shared on LinkedIn:

   
Recently attended an event in Toronto presented by The Art of group. It was full day listening to leaders sharing insights, stories and experiences in the field of marketing. Below are some key points some of the speakers shared.

Scott Stratten Author of Book of Awesome shared stories on how not to use QR codes and the power of branding from logos to customer service.

Denise Lee Yohn Author of What Great Brands Do. She shared how brands have made huge errors in communicating their message of their products and the lessons learned on how they made them a better company moving forward.

Malcolm Gladwell Author and University of Toronto Graduate share stories of two amazing business owners who in the 1920's made decision that shaped and changed the future of transportation.

Matt Dixon Author of Effortless Experience shared insights on the importance of loyalty and and how businesses can create better engagement online and offline with their new and existing customers.

Marc Ecko Author of Unlabel share this inspiring story of he became an artist and evolved into an successful entrepreneur. Sharing is powerful formula of success he qualities of determination, persistence are important being are part of a longer equation of success.

For more information on future events got to Learn more


                                                 
Scott Stratten sharing insigth on QR codes

Malcolm Gladwell sharing some historical stories
                                                        


                                            
Denise Lee Yohn sharing insights on What Brands Do

                                                    
Marc Echo sharing on his book UnLabel


                                                  
Jim Pagiamtzis at The Art of and Detonate Group media wall

Jim Pagiamtzis at Tangerine media wall

Peter Coyne and Jim Pagiamtzis ant The Art of media wall

                                                          
Detonate Group Pin it to Win it Business Card poster

                        The Art of Leadership for Women
                                                      
Author Katty Kay sharing insights on her book Confidence Code

Wendy Mesley interviewing Martha Stewart

                                           
The Art of Magazine


                                                              

Email Marketing Spotlight using Constant Contact


Constant Contact
Join us on June 10th.
8:30am-12:00pm 

This half-day event will focus on answering your questions about how to improve the results of your email marketing campaigns. 

Lisa Kember Regional Development Director
Constant Contact

Newsletters & Announcements:
Leveraging Email & Social Media to Drive More Business
Javed HeadshotJaved Khan Authorized Local Expert and Owner, EMpression Marketing
Grow Your List Under the New Canada Anti-Spam Legislation: Practicing Permission Marketing
David Wojcik Executive Producer, BizTV & President, EKNA Production House
3 Things I Learned About Business Video from my Cat
Don't miss this day of learning, networking and improving your business results!

Monday, May 26, 2014

21 Connections: May 4th Edition Articles, Event and Special Interview


  Power of Focus event June 7th  Register
In This Issue
Events this month
Video of the week
Public Speakers Association
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on PinterestVisit our blog
Like me on Facebook
Gray




May 27th
Jay Fiset
Creation Catalyst
Learn more

May 28th
The Art of Marketing
Learn more

June 4th
Money Forum
Learn more

June 7th
Power of Focus
Learn more

June 10th
Donate & Learn
Learn more

June 26th
Public Speakers Assoc.
Guest Speaker: Tonya Hoffman
Learn more


June 18th
Microsoft Store: Mississauga
Small Business Power Meeting
Learn more

Aug 13th
Summer Networking Bash at Ontario Place
details soon..

October 23rd
Small Business Forum
  Learn more



 Every week 21 Connections  brings you new ways you Learn, Speak & Social to grow your network and business.

Can you take few minutes to fill out survey. Click here

Check out the side bar for events this week.
Articles of the week:

  Book Review:Living the Wisdom of the Tao
  Read more

  Book Review: Yes, Sometimes It Is About the Money
  Read more

   Business Franchise,Investment Expo & Conference huge success
  Read more 


Video: Life in Media 

                                    
Life In the Media (Matt Green documentary)
Life In the Media (Matt Green documentary)

                                                                                           
                            


 

Public Speakers Association in Toronto
Learn more 

 April Summit
 Power of Networking
 Listen

Camaraderie Coworking:
Office & Event space available
Schedule a tour!
Learn more 



Thanks for taking the time to read the blog, feel free to forward and share information with friends. They will appreciate it!

Jim Pagiamtzis
Founder 21 Connections
Visit 21 Connections for your free Checklist

Available for speaking Learn more

Business Franchise & Investment Expo & Conference a huges success!


  It was an Saturday after at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. Amazing afternoon of networking and learning from entrepreneur from various businesses.



                                                           
Daniel Hanzelka and Jim Pagiamtzis

Author Greg Turner and Jim Pagiamtzis

Jim Pagiamtzis and Ash Silva
Randi Goodman and Jim Pagiamtzis
            
                                                              

Jim Pagiamtzis and Victor Lamba from Investor Group

 Stephen Worobec Publisher of Coffee News Burlington

                                           
Dominic McKenzie Director of Business Development
                                                        
Ash Silva sharing on Leveraging Social Media

Eric Gilboord at Warren BDC booth

Book Review: Yes, Sometimes It Is About the Money by Steve Schulz

                                                                                                
     Insight into the journey of the determination and persistence Steve Schulz had to succeed in business success.

 It is a story of sacrifice which yielded success and lessons along the way, the business model that Steve shares is a viable and works. We all have goals we want to achieve and money is on important factor.

 As you read through his story you will be inspired on what other factor contribute to building a successful business and the team synergy that is created to make it happen!

 Learn more about Steve Schulz Click here
 Buy book

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

21 Connections May 3rd Edition: Articles, Events and Interview


  Public Speaker Association event May 22nd Register 
In This Issue
Events this month
Video of the week
Public Speakers Association
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on PinterestVisit our blog
Like me on Facebook
Gray




May 22nd (morning)
Canada Job Expo
Learn more

May 22nd (evening)
Public Speakers Association
Learn more

May 23rd
Cash flow game
Learn more

May 27th
Jay Fiset
Creation Catalyst
Learn more

May 28th
The Art of Marketing
Learn more

June 4th
Money Forum
Learn more

June 7th
Power of Focus
Learn more

June 10th
Donate & Learn
Learn more

June 14th
Sendout Cards event
 Authors:Steve Schulz and Jordan Adler
 Learn more

June 18th
Microsoft Store: Mississauga
Small Business Power Meeting
Learn more

Aug 13th
Summer Networking Bash at Ontario Place
details soon..

October 23rd
Small Business Forum
  Learn more


Every week 21 Connections  brings you new ways you Learn, Speak & Social to grow your network and business.

Can you take few minutes to fill out survey. Click here

Event of the week:

Thursday May 22nd
Public Speakers Association with special guest Anne Miner  PSA Director Cambridge
Register

 Bike month: May 26-June 26 Learn more

Articles of the week:

  Book Review: Multiply Your Business by Gerry Robert
  Read more

  Book Review: The Orange Popsicle
  Read more

   Journey to watching Godzilla 2014 version
  Read more
   


Videos:     

                                     
Enrolling conversations with Jim Pagiamtzis and Randy Ramadhin
Enrolling conversations with Jim Pagiamtzis and Randy Ramadhin

                                                                                             
                            


 

Public Speakers Association in Toronto
Learn more 

 April Summit
 Power of Networking
 Listen

Camaraderie Coworking:
Office & Event space available
Schedule a tour!
Learn more 



Thanks for taking the time to read the blog, feel free to forward and share information with friends. They will appreciate it!

Jim Pagiamtzis
Founder 21 Connections
Visit 21 Connections for your free Checklist

Available for speaking Learn more