We have lived in our present home for 21 years. When we bought it, there were 4 vacant acres in front of us that was zoned for 30 townhomes and we knew, one day,our feeling of privacy would come to an end. The front door actually is on the side of the house and we park by pulling in from the street in the 15 or so feet in front of the door. When we bought the house I asked the selling agent where the property line was and he pointed to some steps on the other side of where we were parking-about 20 feet from the front door. It was quite a surprise when a survey crew came out a couple of weeks after we closed and put some nails in showing our actual property line: 7 feet in front of the front door.

I was mad and annoyed. To be fair, I was the buying agent and should have done due diligence..but I also was a very green agent and it was a lesson that taught me to check such things for every client thereafter!

So for the last 21 years, we've parked our cars on "their" property-openly, notoriously and without permission. We even have a letter from about 15 years ago warning us not to put vehicles on their property. This actually referred to some other cars parked elsewhere on that vacant 4 acres (Bub collects cars like others collect kick knacks!). Some of you have guessed where this is going!

Now, the property has been sold. The nice young man who is excited about developing his new project with 30 townhomes came by to meet us and let us know what was happening. I was out of town the first time he stopped by and Bub told me of the visit. I immediately said, "well, now is the time for us to file an adverse possession claim." I felt we had been lied to initially and we were entitled to the other 8-10 feet that would give us the room to get in and out our front door easily and be able to park in "our" driveway. I spoke with others, including a lawyer and got a lot of agreement that we had a case.

Next time the nice young man came by, I got to meet him and showed him where the pin was for the property line and told him of the history and my intention to file an adverse possession claim. In the midst of this, Bub, my husband came out and began by saying an adverse possession claim was stealing.(Thanks, Bub!) I asked him to go back into the house! The new buyer only said that just because something "could" be done didn't make it fair, ethical or right.

I don't know if you ever get yourself into situations that are emotionally charged, you really believe in your point of view and relish the challenge of fighting for your rights, but I seem to find myself there frequently. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I was a young child when I made the determination that being right was very important and I endeavored to stand up for my beliefs to be a good strong person. As you and I face situations of negotiating for ourselves or our clients, these situations pop up, either with ourselves or with the party we are negotiating with.. My instinct is always to stand up for myself and what I believe in. The righteousness of it all seems important, after all, it is"the principle" of the thing.

As I have gone through life, though, I've experienced, more than once, that the more attached I am to something on principle, the more chance there is that I will take an action that in retrospect appears that I have cut off my nose to spite my face.

A defining moment in my life occurred over 25 years ago when I heard someone ask a man who was caught in a similar dilemma if he'd rather be right or happy. Whew....it was like a punch in the stomach. I lost my breath and couldn't breathe for several minutes thinking about the times I'd made the obvious, "I'd rather be RIGHT!" choice. And what it had cost me. So I started choosing my battles with more introspection.

Usually I can see my folly pretty quickly but this time, it took me a couple a weeks to decide not to file the claim and to live with the wall that will get put 7 feet from the front door. Right now my life is full of wonderfully engaging stuff and the distraction and drama to gain 8 feet seems a battle with a cost too high. Who knows it might make for a nice little private entrance.

Would I rather be right or happy??????? Is this a battle worth my time and energy or is it one to skip? Try those questions next time you are in a negotiation that is going nowhere or ask the questions of your clients!

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SAVE $100 INSTANTLY !

Make the leap to a  new tablet computer! Besides the small package, you'll enjoy being able to take notes or draw diagrams with the Journal program.The best part is being able to have the client sign the contract right there while you are still on site, instead of having to wait until you get back to the office.

Full featured, these computers have everything a laptop has in the way of power and memory and MORE!!!!!

To save $100, use my code jfmcc25 when ordering at www.redtablet.com.

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The 1st Quarter of 2005 has ended. New season is a perfect time to reassess.

If you are like many others, you might be feeling frustrated with the plan you were so excited about 3 months ago. (you did make one, right? If not, take some time to create one now -- it's never too late. An easy solution is available at www.joeann.com/ayp.htm )

1) Do you know where you stand? First, jot a list of all your business accomplishments since the first of the year. This may include total production, projects completed or begun, unexpected opportunities, new contacts and connections made, even brainstorms added to your "Someday/Maybe" list. You'll now have a grounded perspective on the progress you have achieved in the last 90 days.

In reviewing the list, do you see any patterns? When you focus on what IS working, there is often more energy and excitement for you. These impressions and feelings may be indicators of using your personal talents and abilities well -- and where you can leverage your future efforts for greater impact. This is what makes you different than everyone else!

2) Now turn to the year's plan you created for 2005. Review it to see what elements still are congruent with your overall business focus and interest, and what should be updated, tweaked, or even slashed right off that list.

Now, be brutally honest and re-prioritize if necessary. Is it time to take another road because you've hit a road block? Are there some new opportunities that would position you better in your niche markets? This quarterly course correction can make the difference between ending up on target because you have adjusted for the current conditions or falling short because you are staying committed to something that isn't bringing you the results you need.

COACHES CHALLENGE:

1. Set aside 3-4 hours on your calendar to work on your business.

2. Take a look at what has worked and what hasn't at the end of the 1st quarter. This will include:

• Are your production numbers on target?
• Have you stayed within your budget, both with business expenses and with your marketing budget?
• What marketing/activities has produced business?
• Which have not?
• What, if anything, has shifted in your market since you designed your 2005 business plan 3 months ago?

3. Now, decide the appropriate course corrections that will get you back on track by the end of the 2nd quarter.

There is plenty of time to create your best year ever! Are you game???? Play like your life depended on it!

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MASTERMINDING IS MAGIC:

Beginning on April 22, a small group of broker/owners will begin to meet on a monthly teleconference call to share ideas and support each other in having GREAT businesses.

To participate, you must be the working broker/owner of a small company. Only 2 spots available for this group.

When: April 22 at noon EST and then the 3rd Friday of each month, thereafter for 90 minutes.

Cost: $95 per month or $500 for 6 months.

For More Information or to participate, send me an email to joeann@joeann.com or call me at 520-744-8731.

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In his book, Good To Great, Jim Collins identifies the determinants of greatness by analyzing 28 companies that have made the leap!

Learn what type of leadership is needed. He says, "when you combine a culture of discipline with an ethic of entrepreneurship, you get the magical alchemy of great results."

If you want to differentiate yourself from the competition, this book will stimulate your thinking and give you solid ideas about how you can be the greatest in your marketplace!!!!

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Whether you need a keynote, like Staying Sane in an Insane World! Or you’d like to bring the Negotiating or Networking or Business Planning PMN Course in, I’d love to come present in your area.

If your group, association or company is looking for a high energy speaker with a fresh perspective, please contact me.….I am booking now for 2005.

For a list of my current topics, visit www.joeann.com/seminars.html

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