"Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile spring soil. The first seed said, “I want to grow! I want to send my roots deep into the soil beneath me, and thrust my sprouts through the earth’s crust above me . . . I want to unfurl my tender buds like banners to announce the arrival of spring . . . I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my face and the blessing of the morning dew on my petals!” And so she grew. The second seed said, “I am afraid. If I send my roots into the ground below, I don’t know what I will encounter in the dark. If I push my way through the hard soil above me I may damage my delicate sprouts . . . what if I let my buds open and a snail tries to eat them? And if I were to open my blossoms, a small child may pull me from the ground. No, it is much better for me to wait until it is safe.” And so she waited. A yard hen scratching around in the early spring ground for food found the waiting seed and promptly ate it.

Moral Of The Story:
Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life.

By Patty Hansen from Chicken Soup for the Soul Copyright 1993 by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

I love Spring! (Do you think that has something to do with the fact that my birthday is on the first day of Spring?) The warmth of the sun and days that are lengthening always give me renewed energy.

As the 1st quarter of the year draws to a close, I like to see if I am on track for my goals, if I am having enough fun. How are you doing? Are there some course corrections needed? Based on the first months of the year, do you need to do some restratigizing or are you experiencing a nice momentum and right where you want to be?

Last month, during the FSBO Game, one of the participant's Fran Thorsen with Realty World in Bethlehem PA created a goal of 28 transaction sides for the month of Feb (4-5 transactions had been her average last year). I had encouraged people to take a risk and go for a BIG goal! Some people say your goals should be reasonable...I say phooey! Let's talk ACHIEVABLE not REASONABLE! The result? She ended the month with 18 !!! Way to go, Fran!!!!

So, are you playing big this year? Spring is a good time to review your goals and make sure they are big enough to excite you and get you into action!!!! Examine what support you need or what shifts you'd need to make to make 2006 EXTRAordinary.....You know....it's up to you!

That sage philosopher, Robin Williams said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party'!"

Testimonials are one of the best ways for you to communicate your value to your prospects. A third party endorsement always carries more weight than you tooting your own horn. I find many agents pass up opportunities to build their testimonial pool.

Here are some suggestions to leverage your results in this area:

1. Listen for the testimonial. When someone says something in praise of your efforts, ask immediately if you can use their wording. Say something like,"I'd love to be able to quote you. We like to let others know how committed we are to delivering superior service."

2. If they say yes. Just jot down what they said and ask them to sign it. Marilyn Urso, of Long Island Village Realty in Syosset, NY uses the time at settlement when the copies are being made to ask for a testimonial. She builds her advertising campaign around these endorsements.

3. Or if it is a phone conversation, send them off an email confirming what they said asking their permission for you to use it as a testimonial.

4. Create a book with all the testimonials in it. Take this on your listing appointments.

5. Pull out testimonials appropriate to the prospect you are wooing. Send these in your pre-list package. People with similar needs or status will give you more bang than someone in a much different price range or situation.

6. Post testimonials all over your website. It would be fine to have one on every page relating to the topic of that page.

7. Use pictures. Gary Scott with John Hall and Associates in Phoenix tells me he calls them picturemonials! Put the client in the picture!

8. Even better, record what they say. If you are carrying your laptop or tablet computer with you, take advantage of the built in microphone and let them say it themselves. This can be posted in a wav file to your website or sent in an email!

According to the 2005 Home Buyer and Seller Profile from NAR, relationships account for 71% of seller choice of an agent and 55% of buyer's choice! You'll find you build trust by using the experiences of real, live people and it will be easier to build relationship with the new prospect. Make it easy for people to know what you do well and why they should work with you! Plus, doesn't it just feel good having people say nice things about you?