http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8&feature=fvst Ok I hope you watched that!? If you are in business, you really have to take part in this newest and fastest growing of "Branding". If not you will be left behind, I'm afraid.......
On another note, I am going to TRY to keep this BLOG current- UGH:)
Monday, March 08, 2010
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not." - Thomas Jefferson
*I pulled this from an email thread that has been circulating- It is a GREAT read/lesson*
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.
However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.
Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.
Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.
The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.
Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.
So where am I going with all this?
It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
Your boss
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.
However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.
Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.
Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.
The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.
Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.
So where am I going with all this?
It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
Your boss
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Where Is the Reward?
Reward...well we probably won't see one? You may ask for what, Jay....why should we receive an award? Well, you are probably like me and over 90% of mortgage holders in the U.S.. We, you an I, and the other 90+% of us....we pay our mortgages!
Our mortgages that we work so hard to pay to our lenders, many of which also have "other" customers....yes, you know the ones. These are the customers that don't pay their mortgage's, the same people that were approved a few years back (in the good 'ole days), of course through "no fault of their own". Of course they didn't know that a combined salary of $50,000 a year couldn't support mortgage payments on a home valued/bought for $600,000...of course they didn't realize that they along with deceptive loan officers and underwriters, may have "just mistakenly" slipped a "1" in front of the $50,000...in the application.I do understand that ARM's (not in the anatomical) in lending terms can be confusing on the surface, and maybe a thorough understanding of such a "magical" loan should have been explained/explored....maybe even read by the borrower? I understand there are/were less than professional real estate sales people, many unethical mortgage brokers...and a whole lot of home buyers that are now pleading ignorance/confusion/being "hoodwinked" and or all of the above.
Well, the government believes you, and we (the other ones...the ones that pay our mortgage(s), and pay our taxe(S)will support you ,all the while paying for the mistakes, lies, poor decisions, illegal practices of others.
President Obama, Speaker Pelosi....Representatives and Senators I...WE, ask where is our reward for playing by the rules?
Saturday, November 01, 2008
GoodNews....really?
We have been continuously battered from all sides with doom and gloom recently. So, as a firm "glass 1/2 full" kinda' guy, here is some real POSITIVE RECENT news:
-Corporate Cash Flows are at the strongest in 25 years!
-Interest Rates are LOW (below the 7.1% 8 year average)
-US Home prices are down to 5.7 times per capita income (the historical norm), which is down from the 7.3 times of Oct. 2005!!
-What took Japan over 10 years to implement, in fixing their financial problems, has taken us only 90 days.
-Money from overseas is flowing into US Treasuries because we ARE the engine of the world.
-Existing home sales are up...highest in a year (up 5.5% in Sept. from August)
-New Home Sales Up 2.7%
-Inventory of unsold homes fell (good for sellers) 7.3% - Largest monthly drop in 4 years)
-Libor Rates are dropping (affect mortgage rates)
-FHA Applications are up 160% over 2007!
-Oil Prices are dropping!!! $64 Dollars a barrel, down from $145 a barrel in July...that is $10 to $20 real dollars less to fill-up than two months ago!!!
-Every 1 cent reduction in gas prices saves Americans $3.4 million dollars a day! So, prices dropping $1.33/gallon saves us $447 million a day.
-The dollar is STRONG again!!
Now, stop with the negative talk, and start doing positive things, even if it means DON'T turn on the news, or talk radio and definately don't pay attention to political ads or wrangling.
Oh, and cheer on the Terps Thursday...maybe all the positive thinking will get 'em a win in Blacksburg! www.awisemove.net
-Corporate Cash Flows are at the strongest in 25 years!
-Interest Rates are LOW (below the 7.1% 8 year average)
-US Home prices are down to 5.7 times per capita income (the historical norm), which is down from the 7.3 times of Oct. 2005!!
-What took Japan over 10 years to implement, in fixing their financial problems, has taken us only 90 days.
-Money from overseas is flowing into US Treasuries because we ARE the engine of the world.
-Existing home sales are up...highest in a year (up 5.5% in Sept. from August)
-New Home Sales Up 2.7%
-Inventory of unsold homes fell (good for sellers) 7.3% - Largest monthly drop in 4 years)
-Libor Rates are dropping (affect mortgage rates)
-FHA Applications are up 160% over 2007!
-Oil Prices are dropping!!! $64 Dollars a barrel, down from $145 a barrel in July...that is $10 to $20 real dollars less to fill-up than two months ago!!!
-Every 1 cent reduction in gas prices saves Americans $3.4 million dollars a day! So, prices dropping $1.33/gallon saves us $447 million a day.
-The dollar is STRONG again!!
Now, stop with the negative talk, and start doing positive things, even if it means DON'T turn on the news, or talk radio and definately don't pay attention to political ads or wrangling.
Oh, and cheer on the Terps Thursday...maybe all the positive thinking will get 'em a win in Blacksburg! www.awisemove.net
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
1st Time Buyer Tips!
Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (http://www.hud.gov/) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate’s popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.
2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.
3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.
4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.
5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few year, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?
6. Failure to focus on location. Don’t just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it’s time to sell.Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Molecular Dislocation!
Ahhh, as a wide eyed youth attempting to become a muscular young man I decended upon the World Gym (long gone) at Wheaton Plaza. As I entered I was hit with the "clanging" of wieghts, bright colors of the gym clothes of the "era" (thank GOD they are long gone) and the distinct smell of a locker room et al. Anyway, I jumped in to the scene...of, molecular dislocation.
This is a term used by my favorite radio personality, or BOSS JOCK, the Greaseman"! Who as it turned out would ultimately join my new favorite place to hang out...World Gym.
Well, the ole' gym crowd was filled with "personalities"...not necessarily famous...just personalities. You had the hair plugged late fifties guys, the make-up laden house wives/or ex-housewives- spandex and all, the young aspiring football/baseball jock kids (me and friends), the actual fitness freaks spending hours on treadmills and aerobic classes, and the hero's of the day (sadly) the JUICERS....although at the time I (among my peers) did not no they were?
Anyhow, at the gym (I had become quite the gym rat) I had a chance to "spot" (term for watching/helping someone while they were lifting heavy wieghts) a man who was very nice and altogether familiar...his voice was anyway. I dared to ask him if I knew him and he said his name is Doug, but he is known as "The Greaseman"....WHAT! Are you kiddin me, unbelievable , I knew (me the teenage Jay...pimples and all) the freakin' Greaseman..."Nino" the BOSS JOCK himself...wow. And beyond all of this he was a cool, nice down to earth guy, who after the initial "wow" factor wore off became just a friend at the gym to me.
I worked summers in Ocean City, MD (my home now) and the Grease's Band played at a local bar...I went and met the Grease there...and what instant cred that gave a single summer cop that night? I don't need to say anymore. The picture is of me, The Greaseman and a good friend and old supervisor of mine Timmy Keane the night of the show.
How glad i am to hear the Grease is back "at home" with DC-101 on Saturday mornings! When I am in the DC area I won't miss his broadcasts....unique and creative....everything that is missing from all the other morning garbage shows nowadays. Thanks Grease you made an impression on an old gym rat now...when you are in Ocean City look me up...and we'll head over to 67th St...where I still workout at World Gym. Now, I am afraid to admit I fall into some kids list of "personalities" at the gym....
OH...GO TERPS!! Beat Clemson!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Gameday Approaches GO TERPS!
Well, as summer winds down here on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland...and students pack up and leave for college, foriegn workers pack up and leave for Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Nepal, etc....I will be packin' up to head to College Park- FOR TERP FOOTBALL!! Ah, the smell of sausages cookin' on grills, the snap of a cold beer being opened (no more kegs saddens me) , a sea of red clad people (old and young), did I mention the smell of sausage?
The season looks promising with a bunch of returning starters and a linebacking corps like no other in the ACC! Jordan Steffy will get another shot to start the season, and will not dissapoint...with the addition of James Franklin as the new Asst. Head coach and running the offence. The FRIDGE can do what he does best oversee the Team and Coaches and take the TERPS to the ACC Championship!
Bring on the Blue Hens, California, BC, FSU, Clemson and Virginia Tech...woooo weee what a schedule, it's gotta' be one of the toughest?
If you can't get to the games because you are in Ocean City, buying a great condo...here are the radio stations you can catch the games this year: WQMR 101.1 FM Ocean City & WTGM AM 960 Salisbury.
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