A YULETIDE GREETING …

Over the past year these weekly Mojos were intended to share a journey of reflection for the purpose of inspiring, questioning, and ultimately engaging in a conversation with you and those close to you.  As you gather your family and friends during this holiday season, I hope that in this moment you stop to reflect on the meaning of this holiday season for you and those closest to you.  Laying aside the trials and tribulations of the past year, find a place within that brings perspective in to your life … for most that will probably not be the job, money or material possessions, but the journey of the spirit and your connection with other like-minded friends and family!!  So as we track Santa (ah, the little jewel in this reflection for all of us who share this moment with little children or grand kids) this Christmas Eve, I challenge each of us to find our authentic self in the connection that has lasting value.  Not the meaning that others might place on this time of the year; but find a quiet place in your heart that connects to your ‘big why’. 

I hope that over the next couple of days, you are able to put the ‘to-do’ lists down and just observe those around you and truly cherish these moments!!  Beyond those closest to you, I also wish to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share these Mojos; for engaging in a conversation with me over this past year; and most of all allowing me to be a part of your life. 

I close each Mojo by saying “each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand” … for some these words may seem an empty prose that is an appropriate conclusion to each blog.  For me, these words summarize a feeling within that each person who crosses my path, engages with me on any level, challenges me, and who inspires me are gifts in my life that will forever enrich my journey.  There are no words that appropriately capture how significant for me your part in my life continues to be and how you shape my saunter through this life.  So at this time, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you AND wish you and your loved ones the joy, love, friendship and memorable moments that you so richly deserve!!  May your God bless all that you are and all that you hold dear in your life in this moment and beyond!!  Jim Peys

WHAT IS YOUR BIG ‘WHY’?

This past week I attended a real estate seminar on “lead generation” presented by Rick Geha.  Rick did a great job presenting a topic, although extremely important, has few new concepts that the roomful of realtors have not heard previously.  The big ‘BUT’ is the central message at the core of his presentation … mindset.  He posed a question that has me thinking … and I will admit that I’m struggling to identify my personal answer.

The question posed was – “What is your ‘big why’?  What is my ‘big why’ that will drive me through the boredom and repetition of consistent lead generation.  Another way to pose the same question is ‘what is my life’s passion?’  ‘What is my burning desire?’  I will admit that several answers came to mind quickly when he posed the questions.  My mind went through a checklist of possibilities – money; financial freedom; legacy; family; the creative process; to help people; and contribution, etc.  Although these reasons are significant for me and to so degree or another personal drivers, they are “little whys” not really THE BIG WHY.

I envy people who can rattle off their ‘big why’ with certainty and clarity.  But I’m not yet in that category, and so I continue to search for answers.  What is your ‘big why’?  What absolutely drives you when all else tells you just to settle or excuses not to do something seem easiest; but you make a different choice in the moment.  What is your burning desire or your life passion?

Okay a few of you might be saying … who cares?  Just do it.  Why does it really matter?  Well because life places obstacles in our path to challenge us and make us question just how bad we want it.  When events go against us, or boredom sets in or our results are less than we expect; if we don’t have a really ‘big why’ we might find ourselves unwilling to power through the difficult periods.  Rick challenged me to identify and become crystal clear on my ‘big why’ – that single concept was worth the day!

Simple right?  Now if I could only identify my ‘big why’.  How about you … let me know what your ‘big why’ is?

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider what your ‘big why’ is as we approach 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 your feedback and 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!!  Also, Happy Holidays to you and your family!!  Jim Peys

ARE YOU OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITIES …

As 2009 ebbs to a close, I wondered recently if I have closed myself off from new ideas, different ways of looking at issues, new technologies, opportunities, or new models, etc?  Am I truly open to a different way, or am I just settling for what I know or understand?  I realize this might be a rather obtuse thought as you prepare for the holidays; but hang in there with me for a moment and maybe I can clarify.

I am working on several different initiatives in my business; and consistent with the Keller Williams model I was discussing these concepts with a few realtors for clarity and to build consensus.  For the most part I was greeted with curious skepticism; however, in a half a dozen (keep in mind we have a couple hundred realtors) conversations the realtors reaction caught me by surprise.  Their reaction went something like … “don’t talk to me about any new ideas or business opportunities, I’m not interested in even listening” and furthermore, “I don’t even want to think about doing anything different than what I have been doing for years.” 

Intellectually I can understand this reaction; however, in this business climate and the dramatic changes occurring in the real estate industry these realtors don’t have this luxury.  Status quo and standing on ‘antiquated’ principles (‘antiquated’ not because of age, but because they are not where buyers and sellers are in today’s market) is risky in this ‘new economy’.  Then I began to wonder (as I often do), am I in some way closing myself to new ideas, concepts, opinions, opportunities, technology, models, etc?  When I was a teenager arguing with my dad about politics, war, business and modern trends my judgment was that he was just closed to anything new, different, innovative, etc.  I vowed not to be like him as I aged … and as I look out at the precipice of technological change and innovation I wonder …?

Regardless of age, education, experience or circumstances are you truly open to new methods, new ideas, opportunities, thoughts and evolving technologies?  Or, are you settling for the same old reliable methods because they are easier than change?  Or worse, are you deluding yourself into believing that you are open and trying something new or different because you are venturing into email, cell phones or even Facebook?  My guess is that we are all guilty of the latter to some degree because it can be unnerving to continue pushing your self to the edge and really giving serious consideration to true change.  Hell, consider how every year people rush to establish New Year’s resolutions only to break them by February 1^st. 

Don’t misinterpret my thoughts as suggesting that we need to consider change for change sake.  I don’t believe that is ever the solution; however, if we show up to the party closed minded we never give ourselves the chance to move past our own ‘box’ to see great opportunities or ideas when they smack us in the face.  Historically, this Country has been built on innovation and openness to new ideas, new trends, opportunities … essentially our greatness has been defined, in part, to the acceptance of our differences and not just settling for same old same old.  

Befitting with this tangent, I read a CNN article (click the CNN hyperlink to view the article) this weekend about 10 web trends to watch out for in 2010.  Admittedly, I don’t really understand the significance of every trend mentioned … yet!  But more important for me is to remain open to the journey (keep an open mind), and to explore their application or merit in my life, my business … because at the end of the day I just never know where this journey may lead me.  And that really does make the prospect of a new day and a new year something to look forward to … at least for me!

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

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