I went to Africa...

(all names have been changed to protect the identity of those in the story)

I went to Africa……………

They keep asking me what was my main take-away from our Africa trip.  I can’t answer.  They say to write about it?  I am wondering what to write about a journey that captured my heart and my stole my soul; twisted my mind and confused everything I thought I wanted and needed in life. Words are just so black and white, strict and austere but the children and people of Swaziland are soulfully, emotionally and spiritually vibrant.

What do I write here? What do I do about what I saw, touched, smelled and heard? What do I do about this unrelenting African movie that constantly plays in my mind? What do I do about the children at New Hope Center who do not have parents, cloths, some day’s food or water? What do I do about the young women who has AIDS, with a small cut on her forehead that lead to an infection that now has completely taken the right side of her face, head, scalp and sadly her right eye due to low immunity.  She metaphorically represents the confusion in my heart and mind. She is one of the most beautiful young girls I have ever seen, soft, clear, radiant skin with a beautiful brown eye. But on the other side of her face she is being slowly eaten away by the evil of AIDS and a country that is challenged with poverty and disease beyond human understanding. What do I do about that? Do I write? If I write, then I have to wonder about Sara, whose throat was slit and left for dead. It was a miracle she is alive. She can only whisper when she talks now. Sara was the leader of the Church choir. She asked me, yes, she asked ME… if I could help her get her voice back. …. What the hell do I do about that?

And then there is the Grandmother (Go-Go) of a 10-year-old double orphan, who has been lying on the floor in a mud hut, unable to move for three years. I thought the 10 year old was being taken care of by his grandmother but instead he is taking care of her and his three younger siblings. None of the siblings were wearing shoes or pants when we visited and the sanitary conditions were the worst I had seen in Swaziland. We dropped off food, shoes and medical attention but what difference did it make. Seriously?

If I write about such enormous sadness then how can I explain the joy I witnessed and felt in these parentless children, their zest for life and the hope they have for themselves and their country. They brought me more joy and a sense of peace and PURPOSE than I know how to explain. Their hands in mine, their head on my shoulder, or the amazing love exchanged between my children and these young, sometimes tiny innocent human beings. To watch these children sing and praise God and to watch their caretakers work so hard and be so focused for the survival of a child is beyond what I can understand.  How can I feel such joy in such sadness?

They say to write…. Does anyone want to hear? Can I really describe it? Should it really be shared?  I do not know, all I know is, ….I went to Africa

Anyone tired of generational marketing, symposiums, webinars etc. Does anyone else feel like most of the information is common sense?  Let me ask you, do you want to be slotted into a group called a Boomer, X’er or Y’er or millennial. It sounds more like a chromosomal project than a marketing discipline. Personally, I love what all age groups with or without their generalized behaviors have to offer.  Ahh the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of age, and the opportunity to interact respectfully with all, are fundamental to business and human interpersonal growth. Now demographically we might need to know how many BB, Xer’s and Yers there are to build our products but not to build our relationships. To focus too much on categories of people is to generalize the populations and not the human relationship.

I am intrigued by the integration of people, processes and technology.  Categorizing age groups seems stifling to the creative energy of the mind. I happen to sit between two so-called marketing generations with young adult children in another. I get it; there are differences, except in the human connection side. I can show you 85 year olds on Facebook and young professionals who do not spend time on Facebook or Twitter. There are amazingly successful real estate agents who have never even registered for Facebook and agents who are actually making money with Facebook Twitter etc. The lines of all generations are fluid and ever changing. To over categorize will shrink your brain out of enlightening visions for our future.

I also find it intriguing when one generation thinks they have the edge on the “profession”.  Some agents may know more technology and can maneuver more quickly through the technology. Some agents who have been very successful in their traditional business models continually reject anything new and innovative. I for one am looking for wisdom that can be shared by all ages, the person who can see value across the generations. I am looking for the person who masters change with grace and enthusiasm, not inhibited to ask for help with new systems and willing to share humbly wisdom that only comes with experience. The current world is said to have a global social brain, making human connections worldwide; yet in real estate we are continually bombarded with generational marketing education.

It is curious as our technology rapidly changes; resistance to that change is almost over. All people and society will have the opportunity to connect eventfully and those with a current competitive edge toward technology alone will be more technicians than professionals in the future. Those who can integrate the technology, with processes and human relations will be our sustainable professionals. Lets face it; you can teach technology to anyone who has a desire to learn. Technology is a repeatable, non-sustaining competitive edge that will not last forever.  If you search the IT journals you will see more and more companies are looking for non IT people at the top of their technology division, people who can manage people and integrate processes into the bottom line. Curious that non-IT people can successfully manage a successful division of a company, why, because IT can be taught, but vision, integration and experience is needed for the execution of a successful business model.

Am I saying I will never go to another generational marketing seminar, no? What I am saying lets continue to learn and integrate our profession at all levels and ages. Lets not stifle creativity by over categorizing the human genome and put them in neatly wrapped boxes to be sold at the next convention.

Broaden Your Horizons...Read a Book or Two!

  Recently, I have been thinking about how busy life is. All this talk in business about becoming a better professional, a better parent, a better spouse, a better leader, etc. But how much can I really do, when I'm being pulled in so many different directions?

And how much can you really do when your focus is spread in so many different places? Seriously...You prepare the meals, maintain the yard, balance the checkbook, take the kids to basketball, wash the clothes, tune-up the car (so maybe not all of these things, but still!). You take care of all the daily needs of the family. So - is that your contribution to them, or simply a fulfillment of your commitment to them?

Our world today is frantic. As adults, our responsibilities are awesome. Our careers require long and odd hours away from family. Our children are lured by television towards needs and desires for more and more material possessions, i.e. logo clothing, "gaming" accessories, makeup, or cool vehicles. Our spouse wonders why there's never enough time for "us." Where will it all end? How can we slow down?

If your family is moving at the speed of life, and there seems to be no end in sight, maybe it's time to take a look at your commitment to all involved. A great place to start is time alone with your spouse - away from home. If possible, that means an overnight or weekend trip. It's a time to re-evaluate your values, your goals in life, and the direction you would like your family to take. Finally, it's a time to re-commit to the health of your marriage.

You may quickly realize that it's a time to simplify your life - and that of your family. That's easy to say yet attainable with a firm commitment. If you like the idea of simplification, there are three excellent books that can move you in that direction:

1. Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper

2. Sacred Obsession by Becky Tirabassi

3. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach 

Why not make a new commitment to your family, beginning today? Your contributions will be much more meaningful and enjoyable!

Can't help to think about all those folks who are moving from San Antonio and beyond to work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. What must you be thinking? After all San Antonio is an amazing place. And certainly the winters are milder in Texas. Well fear not! The Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus area have a lot to offer. Lets talk about the simple things first. The cost of living is one of the best in the country. The traffic compared to San Antonio is a piece of cake. The higher education system in and around the area is second to none. Wright State University, University of Dayton (great basketball) University of Cincinnati, University of Miami (Ivy League of the Midwest), Sinclair Community College and of course not too far is one of the best Universities in the country, The Ohio State University. You will hear Go Buckeyes everywhere you go. You should just go ahead and buy a scarlet and grey sweatshirt because you will need it. One important tip here, never say "go blue" (Michigan), it won't get you off on a good note with your neighbors.lol

Although the Downtown Dayton area has seen its struggles, there are many changes happening there also. Make sure you visit the 2nd street market, open on weekends, featruing homemade gifts and fresh produce.

Neon Theater - Dayton's only independent movie theater

Oregon Art District -restraraunts, historic homes and entertainment

Air Force Museum - National Treasure, everyone must go once or twice but that is enough for me.

Dayton International Peace Museum - have been her yet, but her it is great.

The Dayton Art Institute - Wow, a great museum with amazing artist like Monet

Schuster Performing Arts Center -- love, love, love this place. First rate Broadway theater and much more happens here.

Fifth Third Field - home to the Dayton Dragons Baseball. I have a blast here. It is a great family event

Riverscape downtown - awesome park on the river

This is just a start, (we haven't talk about Cincinnati or Columbus, or the suburbs). One of my favorite places to go to dinner, hang out or go shopping is The Green in Beavercreek. Tons of unique shopping, first rate restaurants, wine bars and entertainment. A great place to stop after a long day.

So those of you who are coming in for Brac 2, no worries, the Dayton and surrounding area is awesome and the people are wonderful. I hope to meet you soon.

New Housing Development between Dayton and Cincinnati Ohio! View the following video for more information. We had the explicit opportunity to interview the developer of Tara Estates.

A New Year, A New Life?

New diets, new fashion, new dreams, new gadgets.

As the New Year begins, so do our timeless resolutions. But is it really possible to change our way of living overnight? Can someone who wants to lose weight turn completely around at the beginning of a New Year?

Some answer enthusiastically, "Yes!" as they look at the glass half full. Still, others resound with a hardy "Noooo way! Are you joking? I have tried every New Year since I was born, and there is NO way that I can change." Regardless of how you feel, the first step to changing your life must be your level of faith. Do you believe that you are capable of changing?

Perhaps you have great self-confidence because of your successful past experiences; perhaps your faith in yourself is low because of your failures. Regardless of your opinion of yourself, the first step in changing is admitting that you WILL make mistakes. Then, your failures will not be able to make you stumble because they were predicted! Being able to accept that we are not perfect is very difficult and humbling experience, and yet essential for our personal growth.

Moving on from past disappointments, we now begin to map our path toward a brighter future. What plan do we have to change?

Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who told me they feared they could never become the person that they desired to be because of their feelings and inconsistencies. At the end of the conversation, we both concluded that apart from a supernatural intervention, we had no hope of changing. Why? Because we are not perfect. We will stumble and fall through this rocky journey that we call life. Some circumstances are beyond our control. Other people are unpredictable, unfaithful, and unlovable (just as we are!). So then, what are we to do? Give up? Throw in the towel?

The conclusion that I have made for my own life is one of resolute confidence that God must intervene in order for me to be a completely changed person---inside and out.

I encourage you to think about the place where your confidence and trust abides. Is it in yourself? Your family? Friends? Wealth, Position, or Possessions?

And is this place of hope affecting your decisions to help you change your life for the better? Are you satisfied with who you are now and who you are becoming?

I would love to hear your stories and struggles as we embark on this journey in 2011!

by Julie Beall

& Brandi Hoffer

WHO ARE YOU?

Who do you want to be? Which are the principles by which you want to live? Do honesty, perseverance, and wisdom define you? Are sincerity, generosity, and a caring attitude your trademark?

Having a vague idea of the benchmark traits you wish to exhibit is not enough. To be extraordinary, it is necessary to define yourself in specific terms. If you haven't adopted a precise set of principles, consider choosing from the list that follows: humility, diligence, moderation, silence, temperance, chastity, courage, resolution, justice, industry, faithfulness, order, tranquility, cleanliness, encouragement, frugality, generosity, sincerity, persistence, honesty, perseverance, or caring.

Choose five that most closely match the person you would choose to be. Next define what each means to you, and how you can adopt them as your trademark traits. Finally, begin acting like the person you would be. Ben Franklin kept a small diary and rated his actions each day by placing a checkmark each time he violated one of his personal principles. Over time, as the checkmarks dwindled for one principle, he would move on to the next.

It is very important to accept the fact that once you've adopted a credo, you won't do a perfect job of living up to it. When you find you've fallen short, ask for forgiveness and move on. Don't dwell on the past.

It is always beneficial to give some thought to redefining yourself. Being self-critical is the only way one can grow on purpose. And remember, in this great pursuit--what you chase after, you will become!

Julie Beall

WANT TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING REALLY GREAT?

Ever dream of becoming a U.S. Senator? Want to become an anonymous benefactor of youth programs in your community? Want to rise to the top 1% of your profession? Inspirational artist D. Morgan puts it this way: 

The impossible dream . . . isn't!"

So - how do dreams become reality? Once your dream becomes your passion, you can begin building the foundation that will support the eventual structure of your dream. Begin by reading and studying how others have achieved similar dreams.

For politicians-to-be, there are plenty of biographies that reveal the long road to election. For those who aspire to achieve peak earnings, mentors are plentiful. Hang out with, attend courses with, and "shadow" the real stars in your chosen field. Ask how they began their rise, how they blend their work and family, how they attract and retain clients and customers.

In most cases, you will find that the models you choose have also made hard choices. They have first adopted certain principles upon which their decisions are made. Their actions are congruent with those principles. They are not duplicitous in their dealings with others. Their "word is their bond." Their foundational character sets the tone for the structure of their dreams.

Finally, with the foundation in place - they just build. They create plans, they implement strategies to achieve those plans. They understand that their final success does not occur in one fell swoop. It is the result of many footsteps in the direction of their dreams.

So . . . go ahead and dream! Remember - destiny is not a matter of chance . . . it's a matter of choice!

Julie Beall

Dayton area home sales up for June

There were 1,080 transactions reported in June

June was a very busy month for our office here in Springboro, but it turns out that many real estate businesses were also closing deals left and right. We thought that the home sales would drop off in July, because of the end of the home buyer tax credit. However, they have seemed to remain pretty steady for us.

According to WDTN, June’s single-family sales activity rounded out a very encouraging first half of 2010 with five of the first six months sales totals topping those of a year earlier. There were 1,080 transactions reported in June, an increase of 19 over last June’s 1,061.

Why the increase? Well, obviously, I think the government's tax incentive was a great plus. But more than that, home prices are pretty low, and jeepers, have you seen the interest rates these days??? Last week I talked to a man who got a fixed rate at 4.1%. It truly is a buyer's market in Dayton, Ohio!

For more detailed information on Dayton Area Home Sales in June, please visit the WDTN online report.

-Julie Beall