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Armonk, NY Real Estate News

By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
 How many of us start each day by tackling the biggest projects first.  Some do and those people are usually more successful.  Unfortunately many of the Westchester County New York business owners tell me that they put off the most difficult projects as long as possible. Putting off these projects does not make them go away. In fact, it makes them seem more insurmountable. The real problem here is a behavior we call procrastination. Procrastination is something that we all have to confront and deal with from time to time. It's only natural to procrastinate at times, but the way you deal with your procrastination patterns will determine what effects procrastination has on your life.Why is it that so many people start out with good intentions to achieve a goal but never achieve that goal?...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
There are many questions about coaching and I have found that people have many different ideas.  You may have an idea of what is by how it may be used in the workplace, for example. But it is much more than that. Here is some information on what coaching is and what it is not. Is it right for you?Coaching relationships vary considerably. There are life coaches, sports coaches, health coaches, executive coaches, and so forth. Here is some information on the nature of coaching, its benefits, and how it varies from other type of consulting.Sometimes people confuse coaches with traditional consultants. They might ask a coach for advice. However, a coach’s role is not to provide answers or solutions. Instead a coach helps the client develop his or her own potential. If you have ever been mot...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
I would tell anyone who wants to create a team, "Don't think about it unless you are willing to to do extra work." Creating a successful team requires right actions including careful selections and training and mentoring.  And then you have the challenge of retaining those high performers by keeping them engaged and producing results. Engaged agents will lead to loyal customers and loyal customers will lead to a sustainable business. In our business climate it is not enough to be good, we must exceed our customers’ expectations. But there is more.  There is no "I" in team so it does not help to have a bunch of self centered highly qualified but individual performers. You need cohesive and effective teams to make it happen, not people in individual silos. Everyone has different talents a...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Debbie Reynolds has challenged us to share an important lesson that we learned early in our business.  My lesson is really not much different than some of the posts that I have seen from real estate agents.  Let me start with the end lesson. You will be more successful if you represent value and not become a commodity. In the beginning of my business I had decided to make very generous  offers to show prospects my value.  I did a number of processes gratis.  My feeling was that those who accepted my offer would be very happy with the results and would bring me business. I was later told why that would not work.  Let me illustrate: You offer someone a development process that is highly discounted.  Everything works out great.  The client loves the process and wants to refer you.  Here is...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Do you, as a broker or team leader, ever feel that you can not find qualified people to work in your office? I hear it all the time. People say they cannot find qualified employees to take ownership yet they hold control and try to do too much themselves.  There is a better way and management teams in Westchester County NY have been working on changing from micro managing control to better method of empowerment and accountability. Clearly empowerment of staff creates better outcomes.Unfortunately, managers and executives find it very hard to let go and allow their staff to drive results. In some cases the need to be right prevents the manager from trusting his or her employees. If this fear of not being right is stopping you from letting go then you might want to ask yourself these two ...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
There are many different traits of a great leader but there is one thing that they all have in common--getting results. When I speak with my Westchester County NY business leaders about traits that make a good leader no one can agree. The only trait that is agreed upon is having empathy.  All successful leaders have the ability to set goals and achieve results.If you want to be a leader that get result you can have you own personality as long as long as you follow a model like the one that follows:   It begins with setting goals through your organization's strategic plan that are focused on your vision. In this process you define the desired results from your team members. It continues by aligning the people and the processes to ensure its realization. The goal is to have all of your op...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
I enjoy showcasing our Wampus Brook Park located in our beautiful Hamlet of Armonk NY.In response to Debbie Laity 's challenge for us to show our home for the Summer, I think this park is perfect to highlight the beauty and tranquility of Armonk.  The Wampus River flows through the park and you can see that the geese enjoy it.Cross the Bridge and you will be on Lion's Way.  That is a tribute to the Lion's Club who have given so much to the community and the park and sponsor their annual fund raiser here.The landmark for this park is the iconic Gazebo.  Many events and concerts have been held here.  It is a true landmark that was just rebuilt last year.  It now has handicapped access from the rear so that everyone can enjoy it.And finally there is a brick wall on either side of the gazeb...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Each year most people redo their business plans.  But it is more than putting together a document.  I needed to point that out recently when a Westchester County NY business owner asked me about the need for a business plan document so that the business could raise cash. But a smart business needs more than a document. It needs a strategic plan.A strategic plan will consider the business today, look into the future, and have the way set out to create the future. In order to remain successful a business must have that plan to be successful now and in the future. Here are some of the things I discuss when helping my clients with a strategic plan:1.        Make sure you know what business you are in. Whether you are in real estate, construction and contracting, graphic design, or consultin...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Each June the Armonk Lion's Club host's their annual fund raiser commonly known in the area as the Fol de Rol.  Incidentally, that is French for foolishness.  There will be lots of fun and foolishness in Armonk, NY starting on Thursday, June 9, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016. Seriously, the Lions Club has raised money for many worthwhile projects in town including scholarships for Byram Hills High School Seniors and the building of the iconic Armonk Gazebo.  And this year those Jersey Disc Devil dogs will be returning with their entertaining tricks along with the Robinson Racing Pigs.Admission is free so come out and support our Lion's Club and have fun.  For more information check www.armonklions.org.  Information provided by Grant Schneider, Performance Development Strategies.  Wo...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
The greatest obstacle to success is getting started.  Just Do It is the familiar slogan of Nike.  Why don't we just do it?  For most of us the biggest obstacle to getting things done is a self-limiting factor called procrastination. We create that obstacle by our behavior. Procrastination is something that we all have to confront and deal with from time to time. It's only natural to procrastinate at times, but the way you deal with your procrastination patterns will determine what effects procrastination has on your life.Why is it that so many people start out with good intentions to achieve a goal but never achieve that goal? When you procrastinate you simply fail to take action on the very things you know will bring you the rewards that you desire. You know you want the rewards and kn...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
How do you cut through all the noise and get your message--your value propostion--out there?   If you have a unique business you need to explain clearly how you help.  In the case of real estate, most people know what it is and the real question is, "Why should I choose you?"  In all business connections people do not buy what you sell.  They buy you.   According to the American Marketing Association, “Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large”. That is a complex statement. I would simply define as being top of mind when your prospect is ready to buy.Do you know your target customer?   It is important to define the parameters of you...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.  After the Civil War people would set this day aside to honor and decorate the graves of those who had fallen in the Civil War.  In 1868, the Commandor of the Grand Army of the Republic issued an order designating May 30th the day to do that.This holiday became known as Memorial Day to honor all those who died in all wars.  Then, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.  Many purists, including Armonk, continued to have their ceremonies on May 30th.  This year it works out for everyone since the last Monday in May is the 30th.This year's Memorial Day ceremonies in Armonk NY will be held at 11:00 at the American Legion Hall.  Details below:American Legion Post 109735 Bedf...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
How are your  communication skills? Are you getting the expected response? Your communication may seem clear to you but if you do not get the response you expect then your communication has failed.  If you are sending a message you must make sure you understand the receiver of that message.There has been much discussion on Active Rain about communication with Millennials.  This is just one case in point.  Communication can never be assumed with anyone.  Communication is a two way process.  The sender of of message whether in person, by phone, email, or text must be certain through feedback that message has been received.  If your message did not result in increased knowledge or prompt a specific action then your message was not received.You will not be successful in your communications ...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Knowing your core values and standing behind them will lead to success in your business and personal life. I think that is fair to say that real estate agents who know their core values are more successful.  But not everyone does.  Many people cannot articulate their vision or their core values. Your core values are important because they help create your WHY. Moreover, your why is much more important than the how. How many businesses can say why they are in business or articulate their basic business foundation? You might be surprised at how few really can. Any successful business needs to have vision—that is what the business will look like when it is successful. Your vision is your dream and as Walt Disney said, “you have to have a dream if you want to have a dream to come true.” You...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Do you feel that you are doing what you do best every day?  What about your team and your agents?  Can they say the same thing?You know the expression that you can't put a square peg in a round hole.  Forcing  it in will not lead to very good results.  But you might say I need them where I need them.  You and the team will be more successful, however, if you utilize the top talents of everyone.  Jim Collins who wrote, “Good to Great” refers to this as getting the right people in the right seats. Help your team use their strengths to push their performance to new levels. Unfortunately, many of us spend time trying to correct weaknesses. These old habits are hard for us to break. It probably began when we were kids. When a child comes home from school with his or her report card and it sh...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
So you have taken on someone new. Now what? There is much more than just bringing on the most talented person. You must now create an environment conducive to retaining your talent, engaging a new agent or employee, and inspiring all those on your team. But why is it much better to get a new agent engaged rather that having many who are just there?  If they are disengaged they are just waiting around to see what happens. On the other hand engaged workers have "bought into" what your organization is about and are trying to make a difference. This is why they're usually the most productive workers.Strong engagement produces successful business outcomes including a loyal customer base. And this leads to increasing sales and profits. The reverse is also true. Those who are not engaged have ...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Steven Covey wrote a book about seven habits of highly effective people.  I work with people who are leaders or want to become leaders.  There are many examples of what not to do.  Proper business leadership is crucial to the success of any business of any size. No company can be more successful than the effectiveness of its leaders. If the head of a company lacks positive leadership qualities, he or she will be unsuccessful motivating and leading the staff. This in turn will result in lost customers and business opportunities.Leadership is complex and what works well in one environment may not be a good fit for another. When a leader is focused on results he or she will adapt to the environment. However, just as there are habits of highly successful people there are also habits of high...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
 I have seen quite a few bosses who are totally frustrated that everyone does not do what they want done.  Assuming the right people are in the right seats the chief reason lies with connection and communication.  A boss has the authority by virtue of the position. However, the leader has the real power which is granted by those led. A leader communicates and connects. Perhaps you have noticed people who exercise influence over others although they are not managers. People have given them the power through respect of their opinions and advice. A boss has the authority but a leader has the power. The goal is for a boss and leader to be the same person.The leader’s power is earned through empathy for the team, clear direction, trust, and other factors. People are not born leaders. Leaders...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
You will exceed your customers' expectations when you under promise and over deliver.  People remember when they have been wowed in their experience with your company.  To wow your customer you must exceed their expectations. When you wow your customer by exceeding expectations your customer creates and emotional bond with your company and your services. They become loyal customers.  You have an opportunity to do this every day.But there is more to this. Sometimes you will disappoint a customer. You know how true that is in the complexity of real estate transactions.  No one is perfect and it may not even be your fault.  But how well you react to make it right can create an even bigger emotional bond.  Here is an example.Here is the way one of my Westchester County Businesses handled cr...
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By Phyllis Lerner call 914.438.7556, Corcoran Legends Realty
(Corcoran Legends Realty)
More Photos Do you need a separate office, exercise room, quarters for your nanny, or have extended family, then this house is for you! Totally renovated home in Armonk with separate studio and private entrance on over 3 acres overlooking pond. The main house itself offers 3 bedrooms with 1.5 baths plus a new eat in kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances leading to an over sized living room / dining room combo with fireplace. Door from kitchen out to large blue stone terrace in the courtyard. Full storage basement, with laundry and utility rooms, one car garage, plenty of additional parking in driveway. Across the courtyard terrace you find a large, separate apartment with private entrance. Ideal for office, extended family living, nanny or guest quarters. The apa...
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