Ron Bridges: May 2009

The Economy is so bad.., You add the rest! But here are 11 to "prime the pump!"

These are great, enjoy them.  A little humor does us all good.

Via Michael Kelly,CIPS,CRS,SRES (Keller Williams Realty):

The economy is so bad--

1. I went to buy a toaster oven and they gave me a bank.
2. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
3. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

4. Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars are now trading higher than GM.
5. Obama met with small businesses - GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup and GM, to discuss the Stimulus Package.
6. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
7. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
8. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.
9. Motel Six won't leave the lights on.
10. The Mafia is laying off judges.
11. If the bank returns your check marked "insufficient funds," you have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.
 

 



 

0 commentsRon Bridges • May 25 2009 10:14PM

Moment of Silence at Lowe's Motor Speedway

The Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race is being run at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC.  At 3pm, President Obama had asked for a moment of silence to honor those military that have sacrificed for our country.  NASCAR decided to honor the request and completely stopped the race, had the drivers cut their engines off and asked the crowd to honor this request.  The link below is a clip of that time.  What a great tribute by all of those at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Sorry, could not find an embed at the NASCAR.com site.

Moment of Silence at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

7 commentsRon Bridges • May 25 2009 03:35PM

Social Media, Embrace It or Forget It

I've been reading with interest the pros and cons of social media and I feel like I need to put my take on the ongoing conversation.  I've read with interest the massive amount of praise for Twitter, Facebook, Linkdin, etc. and the ability to network and get clients.  I've also read as many "what the devil" is social media and "I don't get it".  So do we embrace social media or forget it?

Now here's my take.  I think social media is the wave of the future.  It may not be Twitter, Facebook, Linkdin, or any other current programs but there will be something.  So what are we to do?  We are to embrace the fact there is change and in technology, that change is moving at a fast pace and something new pops up almost daily.  Will it get clients today?  For some yes, for others no.  I haven't had anyone from any of the social media buy or sell through me but I have had good leads off of web sites.  Just 10 years ago that would not have even been thought of.  Social media will be the norm in just a few years if not sooner.

The old way of doing business is gone and those that cannot accept it will be left behind.  Sending out letters, postcards, and other "hard" media is still valid but is going away quickly.  The highly mobile, technical savy society of today is demanding information NOW and will not wait.  If you do not give them the info they want now, they will move on to someone that will.  So how does this all apply to social media?

We must be willing to jump into the unknown and learn how to use social media for ourselves.  I read how others have used social media, but it hasn't worked for me.  I will have to try and try again until I find that thing that works for me.  Many agents, including myself, still have success in the good old fashion way of personal interaction, but we must be willing to move above and beyond.  Agents must be willing to take hold of the changes and pull themselves out of the mud of "the way I have always did it".  How many times have you heard?  I don't like Facebook, Twitter, etc., and I won't use it.  Well, it's been nice working with you, will be the mantra in the future.

Today's challenge is to mix the art of personal interaction with the increasingly prevalent social media.  Our sphere of influence is quickly spreading out from our family and friends.  It now includes those we meet on Facebook and Twitter as well as people that email us, text us, etc.  How are you approaching the move to a mobile, technical society?  Are you working to stay with the trend or are you fighting it at all cost?  With each technical advance their have been those that refused to move on and have had to retire or leave the field.  Are you going to be one of those or are you going to take the challenge and move forward into the technological world?

4 commentsRon Bridges • May 25 2009 03:15PM

The Star of the Swan Lake Iris Festival

 Iris

The iris is the star of the Swan Lake Iris Festival in Sumter, SC.  The Iris Festival concludes today but the flowers will be still blooming for the next week or 2.  If you have the opportunity, visit Swan Lake and take in the beauty of the lake.  Swan Lake is located on East Liberty.

3 commentsRon Bridges • May 24 2009 12:51PM

Pink is My Favorite Color...or NOT

A request for help from a Realtor in Michigan.  Thanks.

Via Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor):

Pinked SlippedTuesday my husband was given a pink slip from Belleville High School. He is history teacher and social studies teacher. He is tenured.

I was shocked

The schools in Michigan are handing out a lot of pink slips including: Flint 257, Detroit 600, Pontiac everyone, Lansing 170.


Last year at Belleville High School, (where he teaches) they didn't let enough teachers go so in October after the enrollment count they had to redo classes.   Mike was not one of them.

When they change the class sizes some students go and some classes are dropped and it is disruptive. So this year they are letting 90 go and then hiring back.

If you are pinked slipped and hired back you can still be let go in October after the enrollment count.

Can you stay unstable?

 

 

I don’t want your sympathy but your advice, prayers and help.Boo hoo

I want to see if Social Media (which we all hail) can get my husband a job.

 In Tennessee

Most of you know I am from the South and we have hoped to move back there when we retired if not before.

So I am asking you if you know anyone in Tennessee, the Nashville Area to please pass along my husband’s name.  We have looked and there are 5 History teaching positions available in the Nashville, Williamson County Area, which he is applying for.

However, it is not what you know but WHO YOU KNOW.

A little bragging:

My husband is an outstanding teacher. Every year his classes fill up and if a student is removed for scheduling issues…mom and dad demand they be put back in Mr. Caulk’s class.

Mike does all of his lesson plans on Power Point, uses YouTube and the news this week by Uncle Jake.  He is a fun, and an engaging history teacher. Making the subject  come alive for his students. 

Everyday at school for 5 years, he would check out the over-head projector so this year, the administration bought him one.  I can count on my ONE hand the days he has missed in the last 6 years, even returning the day after he had stints put in his heart. 

Social Media is more than Twitter, more than FaceBook it is like attending a Chamber of Commerce meeting that extends outside four walls.

Can Social Media help find Mike A JOB?

They say if you want to adopt a baby tell everyone you know. So I am telling everyone I know.  Any help would be so appreciated, especially if you know anyone in the Nashville area that teaches, a principal or works in Administration. ( If you do I will email you his resume.)

When one door closes, another one opens so we are thinking and hoping this might be an open door to move and settle in TN. First of all we are believing God will open a door if we are to move forward with a job in Tn.  But, we know He works through people, so hence my appeal to you here on Activerain.

I figure if Jay McGullicuddy can find his birth mother and Brad Andersohn his brother,....

ALL things are Possible on Activerain.

AnnArborRealtor@gmail.com

 

1 commentRon Bridges • May 02 2009 03:42PM

Sumter SC Home - 3240 Tuckaway

This 3 bedroom/2 bath home is located in the Hideaway Subdivision set in a rural environment. Hideaway Subdivision is located about 10 miles from Shaw AFB and about 7 miles from Sumter.

This home features:
Large, fenced yard
Back patio
Underground sprinkler
2 car garage.

This is a must see home and is listed for $126,900.

0 commentsRon Bridges • May 02 2009 01:29PM

Sumter SC Home - 205 Planters Drive

This 3 bedroom/2 bath home in Pioneer Point Subdivision allows you to live in a rural setting while being between Shaw AFB and Sumter, SC. With only short trips from this quiet subdivision, you can reach Shaw AFB to the west and Sumter shopping and events to the east.

Listed for $134,500.

Other features:
Large level lot
Security system
2 car garage
Hardwood floors
Skylights
Fireplace
Large family room.

0 commentsRon Bridges • May 02 2009 01:08PM

The Item Snapshot - Charlene Baxley

Charlene Baxley was the focus of The Item's Saturday Snapshot today.

Charlene has been working for Ward's BBQ in Sumter, SC for over 30 years and congratulations on that accomplishment.  I have been to the East Liberty Wards and her smile always greets you and she works to get you the best service she can.  Thanks Charlene for the service and smiles you spread at Ward's.

Congratulations on 30 years Charlene.

 

0 commentsRon Bridges • May 02 2009 12:46PM

Robert Galloway - SC Truck Driver of the Year

Congratulations to the SC Trucker of the Year, Robert Galloway.  Robert has been driving for Sumter Transport for 52 years and has been recognized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and named the South Carolina Trucker's Association's Truck Driver of the Year for 2008.  Robert has had an accident free career and has logged over 4 million miles driving logging trucks.

Congratulations from Sumter Home Source.

1 commentRon Bridges • May 02 2009 12:33PM