WHAT ARE YOUR REACTIONARY BOUNDARIES …

I recently read an interesting anecdote by Seth Godin regarding ‘Boundary Makers’.   When confronted with an issue or opportunity … what is your default reaction (your first reaction)?  Are you the type of person who looks for the loopholes or weak boundaries?  Or are you one who creates answers or solutions that operate within the rules or boundaries?  On the surface it would seem that both (remember, what is your initial reaction) can’t co-exist.

The first tends to look at demolishing the boundaries and starting over or removing the boundaries all together.  The other type of person looks to work or create solutions within the existing boundaries or parameters.  Which reactionary trait is better?  I tend to agree with Godin’s conclusion that either tact can be successful given the drive and initiative of the individual.

I hear people preach to their kids about getting along with others and playing within the rules, etc.  Almost preaching mindless conformity as a recipe for success.  I understand that all of us need to recognize boundaries and rules, or risk ciaos.  However, a better life lesson is to re-enforce (especially in our own mind and life) the critical thinking process AND the courage for taking the necessary action to effectuate the solution or opportunity – regardless of whether that means conforming or not?  Critically weighing when it is best to scrap the old and create new boundaries, new rules, new systems, new games; and then in other situations recognizing that consensus and change is built easier when you operate within the boundaries – tends to be less threatening.  Both are necessary for true innovation to occur; however, neither occurs without a call to action.

Regardless of your tendency, the real ‘punch’ is how you react to your issues or opportunities.  Your success regardless of either one will be determined on how you push and how hard you push that really makes the difference – your personal call to action.  So many of us do the first part of the equation - critically think through the issues (or rely on others to critically think through the issues); and then we tend to be more philosophical or passive in our implementation or follow through.  We take this ‘wait and see’ or ‘go with the flow’ attitude.  I’m still trying to figure out what that really means – yes, I get that life has a natural rhythm (thus ‘flow’).  However, an authentic ‘flow’ sometimes doesn’t show up with out initiative and a passionate push from a committed individual.  I was emphatically making a point to a friend recently about supporting innovation and buy-in; and I pointed out that leaders MUST recognize that ‘blink moment’ when an initiative could go either way – success or failure rests in that one instance.  Do you blink and let the moment pass with out speaking your mind; or do you take action?  Leaders and innovators oftentimes recognize these ‘blink’ moments and respond by picking up the rope and pulling with everything they have (they serve others), they endorse, cajole, inspire, and risk judgment from others.  Ah, the real message in this Mojo.  

So what is your reactionary boundary preference?  Do you find yourself questioning the merits of the ‘box’, or just wanting to scrape the ‘box’ altogether and build a better one?  Better yet, are you waiting to ‘get in the flow’?  Is it time for you to push your initiative, solution, plan harder, or even in some cases to ‘start living’?  Do you look for and recognize that ‘blink’ moment in each transaction, initiative or opportunity?

Typically my reaction is to put my head down and just push a little harder.  But … then again people accuse me of ‘flying outside the airplane’ more often than not.  Or, maybe it is that I have a blind spot for boundaries.  As for that ‘blink moment’, well that is an evolution in self learning … I am discovering that when I take my ego out and really listen that moment comes through loud and clear. 

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider how these questions may present opportunities for you today and in 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys

Thanksgiving ... What Is Really Important?

What are you thankful for this holiday season?  

Sometimes gratitude and crisis are interesting 'bed partners.'  Stories involving crisis bring an additional awareness into our life that provides space for gratitude.  I wish it were different especially as we approach Thanksgiving.  But then again certain events seal the images of family, friendships, health, and memorable loving moments - at least for me.  Although, I would prefer to skip these moments and just be grateful - some how life doesn't always cooperate until we choose to see it from a different lens.

Obviously there is something more I must learn or remember ... maybe I need to choose to be 'in a state of gratitude' all the time?  Ah, that would be a GREAT start!!  So in this moment what am I most grateful for beyond family ... friends who have lovingly impacted my life even in my uncertain moments.

I'm particular aware of 'friendship' as a long time friend awaits upon the next chapter.  I once reflected about this person in a book about my search for love and friendship.  Tonight as the family struggles to come to grips with her cancer fight I am reminded of a few verses of "The Healer":

"The Healer lies still,

Her body exhausted, confronting its own limits,

Hoping to wipe away the pain,

I am struck by her presence.

Her face radiates a divine love.

Her eyes dance with a vibrant energy.

Her smile lights a glow that embraces the stillness.

Her gentle touch assures the nerves left tattered.

I wonder who is offering comfort?

...

Freed from the clutches of my humanness,

Renewed in God's love.

And for that blessed moment,

I am forever aware of her presence in my life."

These words have never been more personally relevant than tonight.  I will forever remember her for sharing a divine love that embraced and accepted me even in my lowest moments.  Thank you my friend!!  I will forever remember your courage, inner strength and most of all your love!

As you gather your family may you spend a moment being grateful of those people who have crossed your path and made a difference in your life.  Those people who unconditionally loved you or who provided a mantel for you to lean on in your time of need.  May you be grateful for their friendship, guidance and willingness to walk with you in your journey.  For me, that is what Thanksgiving is all about - being present to all those people who have shaped me and loved the person that I am regardless of my blemishes.

Fitting in this moment I came across this interview of a person you probably recognize - Scott Hamilton (to view the interview click on Scott Hamilton).  Scott fought the ultimate fight against cancer and has persevered.  Maybe this will be the inspiration for you to remember what is truly important this season as you gather around family to enjoy your annual feast.  From my family to your family I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

If you wish to read all the other Monday Morning Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  Thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys

OUR PASSION … THE ENGINE BEHIND ‘THE WHY’

So what is your passion in life?  Are you pursuing or following your life passion?  If not, why not?  Three simple questions for you in this edition of Monday Morning Mojo … ok so I lied, they might not be so simple for most of us.  But really is there any thing more important than to regularly check in with ourselves to make sure what we are doing is what we are most passionate about?  If you listen close enough, oftentimes our successes and set backs, as well as the people around us are but reminders in our lives to live and share our passion.

This weekend I was reminded again in conversation.  Several people around me asked … so Jim, what are you really passionate about … and then the big ‘why’.  In our monthly networking meeting last week a guest (who I have never met) following the meeting asked me "what are you most passionate about?"  After sharing with her my response, she continued with ‘it would be great to bring people together based upon them pursuing their passions and not their day jobs.’ 

Gary Vaynerchuk in his book ‘Crush It’ devotes an entire chapter about pursuing your passion in life.  He sums it up by saying ‘passion is everything’ it is the ‘why’ and it is the vehicle that enables us to put the time, energy and effort into something to really make a difference.  The engine that allows for greatness!

Mike King in his blog about ‘Finding Your Passion in Life’ suggests a simple process to discover your passion.  Oftentimes the ‘what if’ gets in our way of finding our passions.  And for some of us we are not ‘wired’ to think this way; therefore, we never even ask the questions.  We are programmed to just get up and make a living … to plod along and provide for our families.  People get nervous when asked “are you living your passion” … why … well the obvious answer is probably that we are afraid the answer will come up … ‘no’!  Then what?  That ‘what’ is really ‘what if’ because the real fear is what if I pursue my passion and can’t make a living doing what I’m really passionate about.  The dialogue in our mind’s eye continues with arguments like … ‘what about the people who depend upon me every day?’  And about a dozen other excuses that prevent us from figuring out what is our real passion, and how can we live our passion.  It is that moment in time where we crawl out on the branch and discover if what we do has ‘real value’. 

Some of us believe that we don’t have to crawl out on that ledge.  That we can just join the work world and do our job.  And after a lifetime of ‘doing our job’ we get to retire, and then enjoy ourselves.  Personally that sounds more like a prison sentence than a real life.  But the other why is because we can only fake it so long; eventually everyone around us will know that what we are doing does not really ‘float our boat’ and we will probably find ourselves on the other side of the employment line. 

So like it or not, the questions of the day remain the same … what are you most passionate about; and are you living your passions?  My hope that each person reading this Mojo responds in the affirmative.  That would be really cool!!  But for those that in the personal confines of your own heart answer in the negative; then I hope you continue to ask and pursue these questions.  My hope is that you diligently engage in the process of self-discovery and never succumb to the ‘perceived’ easy way out.

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider how these questions may present opportunities for you today and in 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Monday Morning Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys

CRUSH IT TODAY ... A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Recently, I find myself discussing the role and viability of ‘social media’ (formerly ‘Web 2.0’ now ‘social media’ next just ‘media’ and then possibly ‘media channels’) in a business context.  People ranging from realtors, attorneys, accountants, consumers, teenagers, and business owners all seem to weigh in with the sentiment that they recognize that the medium is here to stay; and that in the future it will ‘morph’ into something that has monetary value in business.  But with varying degrees of resistance most people seem to hesitate at the specific value or utility of the social media platform as a comprehensive business strategy.  The size and scope of the numbers of people on the various platforms suggest that many of us are enjoying the social outlet and the ability to connect with family and friends.  Others are quick to admonish people on the business value of these platforms.

Even those who are fully engaged in the social media platform seem hesitant on a viable strategy and implementation plan.  What is your strategy?  Are you resisting this platform, why?  Or, maybe you have recently decided to jump in with both feet on faith ... but you seem to be asking what now, and where am I going with this?  Well … maybe we all need to take a closer look and consider our overall strategy again!  So, I am providing a few perspectives from an individual who is actively building a comprehensive 'brand' and who has figured out how to monetize the social media platform.  Hopefully this will get your creative juices flowing and allow you to overcome any resistance you might currently have ... or not, that is totally up to you!!

Gary Vaynerchuk released his book entitled “Crush It” in September.  Currently, it is number two on the New York Best Seller List.  Gary is passionate about this platform and business in general.  His regular media content is viewable at http://tv.winelibrary.com.  This ‘media channel’ (oh, there is that term again) is a source of entertainment, inspiration and yes even strategic business development content.  I am providing a couple of clips below in hopes that you will be inspired to re-think your strategy regardless of where you are currently, and to broaden your perspective.  In the end if you broaden your perspective … then WE have succeeded.  Enjoy!!

This clip discusses how 'social media' is really at the heart of all business ... it is all about customer service.  Gary delivers a different perspective on the medium.  Don't just listen to the words, notice the presentation (the frame, presentation style, energy, 'stickiness' of his site and the ability for listeners to engage in a conversation with him).  He delivers content embedded in a platform of high energy, 'MTV' flash and a clean user interface that encourages a two-way conversation.  As far as monetizing his brand, well he has several multi-million dollar businesses and brands solely created from the 'social media' platform.  In addition, he has expanded the market penetration of his wine store from a couple million dollars a year in revenue to over 60 million in revenues and growing.  Success is tough to argue with ...

Who said you can't market your service in an airport!



Another interesting perspective is how Gary is promoting, in part, his book - http://crushitbook.com/crush-it-the-experience/.  I watched the three videos contained in this link and what struck me was the novelty of his promotional strategy.  I don't know about you, but I have never seen this type of strategy implemented via the Internet (yes, buy multiple copies get a free gift is not unique; but notice again the presentation of the offer and how it delivers what his audience wants, how they want it and when they want it - back to total customer service and creating 'Raving Fans').

So I will leave you with this final thought and video.  Maybe this will be your inspirational message of the day to overcome any resistance you are having with this Mojo ...

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider how you will CRUSH IT today and in 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Monday Morning Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys

LOOKING THROUGH ANOTHER LENS …

Have you ever been at a cross roads in your life or business and for some reason you can’t find the answer, sometimes the forest is so thick you can’t even find the questions to ask yourself?  Then out from behind one of the trees a friend shows up and just gives you the answer you were seeking.  You walk away wondering how could they find the right path so easily?  How did they see the issues, options and answers with such clarity and purpose?  Over the years, I have been inundated with these moments – the walls seem to have no doors or windows, and then out of no-where someone beckons me from a door I never noticed.

This week I had the opportunity to be the observer observing.  During an ALC committee meeting at Keller Williams Coastal Properties (KWCP) we were asked to evaluate the options over a commission split arrangement regarding real estate teams.  As part of the ALC, our roles are to remove our agent/broker hats and view the issues from a Company perspective.  The issue at hand was the current policy by which every KWCP agent pays a commission split (a negotiated percentage of every deal) to the Company on every closed transaction up to a maximum of $19,500 per the agent’s annual anniversary date (date agent started at KWCP).  Once the agent closes enough business that the cap maximum has been paid into the Company, then every deal after that the agent gets 100% of all commissions with no offsets to the Company.  This commission split is the primary revenue for the Company to offer a platform of services, and to cover the risk for operating the business.  Agents desiring to build a “team” with other agents working under them have requested that the Company accept a ½ cap ($9,750) from these agents.  So in affect asking the Company to waive this revenue when an agent on the team closes any transactions over the ½ cap limit.

Agents argued that any modification to the existing ½ cap team policy would unfairly “penalize” teams if they paid an amount over a ½ cap when these agents never in the past closed a sufficient number of transactions to warrant owing the Company more than $9,750.  They argued that it would be a win if under the team these agents closed more than four deals (using an average price of $300,000 at 3% commission); and that if this happened the team would be responsible for creating the platform for the agent to earn sufficient money to exceed the ½ cap.  I contend that paying the split to the Company is not a “penalty” but a cost of doing business.  When an agent doing less than four transactions per year joins a team and closes over four transactions, then maybe the agent, team AND Company created the environment for that agent to perform at a higher level.  Furthermore, if the committee endorses a policy that permits this ½ cap scenario, then agents who are “full cappers” (agents/brokers paying $19,750 to the Company) would form teams just to reduce their costs of doing business.  Several agents quickly responded that “successful agents” would never join teams; that in fact, their experience is that as an agent joins a team and receives the value of the “rain makers” training, knowledge and systems that the agents leave the team and work on their own.  Their assumption is that successful agents WOULD NEVER BE PART OF A TEAM SALES ENVIRONMENT.  Under their assumption I agree – no successful agent would leave their own business to join a team just to avoid the “full cap” policy (because under their team model the agent would significant lose commission to the team leader/rainmaker – the team split).  But, what if you changed the team model?  Ah, what if the lens you look out from was changed?  The other people in the committee looked at me like I was an alien from another planet. 

Changing the lens or the platform in which we operate from is happening all around us at warp speed (whether we like it or not).  Maybe that is why so many of us are struggling to keep up.  The committee should critically look at every assumption and don’t assume that just because history may bear out evidentiary proof for their assumptions, that tomorrow will be the same – I would contend that every assumption is being stretched and challenged by the market place and the Internet.  In fact, I would contend that if we don’t challenge our assumptions (change the lens we look out of) periodically, then we will become obsolete, and thus irrelevant within the market place. 

Gary Vaynerchuk in his new book entitled “Why Now Is The Time To CRUSH IT” (allegedly the book is number 2 on the New York Times Best Seller List after just a month or so in the bookstores) states a compelling argument for the value of social media, the Internet and changing the lens from which we operate our business and life.  In fact, he makes a compelling argument that all of us should be working diligently to create our own ‘personal brand’ even if we are gainfully employed at a traditional Company.  Great book, I strongly recommend reading it!  Why is Gary’s book relevant within this conversation … because he is all about challenging the assumptions and changing the lens to build a massive market presence or personal following on a global basis (now that is changing the lens).  In his book, he systematically outlines how all of us can leverage the shifting sand underneath our feet to move ahead of our competition and crush it. 

Just this past Thursday, I was meeting with a successful realtor in Long Beach that currently works at a competitor’s brokerage company.  I was asked to meet with him as part of KWCP’s recruiting efforts with this gentleman.  He in fact operates a realtor team that operates from a different platform than the typical KW team model.  Yes, he has changed the lens and is extremely successful even in this market operating within a team model that has a different focus.  But having said that, when asked about this thoughts on technology in our industry he could not wrap his brain around the concept of a ‘media channel’ and how social media could be leveraged for anything but a social outlet.  He is struggling with understanding social media’s relevance in business, and how we can monetize these platforms.  I encouraged him to challenge his assumptions and look at it from a different perspective.  Will he?  I think given time this realtor will have no choice but to embrace the social media platform, however today … probably not.

In a recent teleconference, Tom Ferry asked Gary Vaynerchuk what is the one thing realtors must ask themselves today?  Gary responded that each realtor must ask themselves “whether they plan on being in business more than three years?”  “If so, you better learn how to leverage and monetize the social media platforms in your respective businesses or you will be obsolete and irrelevant” – otherwise you risk becoming a nonentity in the sea of change that is sweeping all businesses.  Do I agree with Gary’s prediction – three years or done … no, but at some point I think that his prediction will become our reality.  So where do we go from here?  Are you in the same situation … even worse are you in the same dilemma and you don’t even know it yet?  To some degree or another, I would contend that we are all in the same boat!  So the only remaining question is what are you going to do about it?

I encourage you to be aware of your assumptions; be aware how your patterns and choices of the past affect your assumptions.  Challenge them to see if they really fit with your goals; challenge them to see if a changing market will see your assumptions having any value moving forward; and then have the courage to consider viewing the situation from a different lens.  As a friend suggested that I do regularly … don’t be afraid to operate outside the “cockpit” every once and a while.  The change of scenery may just offer a different perspective that affords you solutions and opportunities that didn’t exist previously.  Just a thought or two!

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider how these questions may present opportunities for you today and in 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Monday Morning Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys