What Was Your Take on the State of the Union Address?

I’m not bringing this up to irritate anyone.  I’m not bringing this up even thinking I could possibly make a difference as “one.”  The general feeling I have been hearing from others though is that of disappointment, the, “here we go again”, the “samo-samo talking heads”, the “how can services be lessened and we stay as the number one global power“? What do you think of the state of the union address?

I think back to all of the years as a single parent and how I struggled to make ends meet.  There was one point I even had to rent rooms to others to keep my house.  My heart just aches for the single parents now, who actually need to hold down 2 jobs to make ends meet – but can’t even find one.  My heart aches for the families who have lost their homes, have swallowed their pride, yet they still feel continue reading »

What Does 60 Minutes Have to do with Online Marketing?

Last night I watched 60 Minutes and the feature they did on Don Hewitt, the creator and executive producer of 60 Minutes.  Unfortunately he passed away in August of pancreatic cancer, but the legacy he left changed how people reported stories.  So what does 60 Minutes have to do with online marketing you’re wondering?  As Mr. Hewitt described his philosophy of telling a story of the people within the story, it reminded me how important it is to connect with your audience, especially marketing online when you don’t have that visual impression.

People can buy “stuff” from anyone, but they will buy it from you if they trust you, if you connect with them.  He changed how news was reported….his team didn’t just state the facts, they got into the story and showed us all sides of the coin, so to speak.  People tuned in and continually came back for more.  The team was known for it’s cutting edge techniques of getting interviews, and as importantly they were known to be continue reading »

Help for Haiti Just Takes a Text Message

Yesterday, Jay Kubassek of CarbonCopyPro sent me this message and video clip letting me know about a creative way the Red Cross has set up to donate easily to the Haiti relief fund.  All it takes is a text message from you…. it only costs $10, and it is charged to your cell bill.  How easy is that?  Please watch the video for more details.  Also, a BIG thank you to Jay & Aaron of Carbon Copy Pro – they donated $5000 to the support effort! These guys are amazing!

It just takes all of us making a little difference that will add up in a big way…. if you can, please help.

Until next time, J.

Impeccable Credit and Still Can’t Get a Loan

I’m sure that someone out there can explain to me why someone with impeccable credit can’t get a loan? I understand all the “talking head” stuff about the banks were too liberal and loaned money to anyone breathing…. I understand that processes are being implemented to ensure loans can be repaid…. I understand that sometimes the pendulum swings dramatically until it finds it’s center again….but geeze, aren’t we close yet?

Here’s the specific situation…. and I’m all ears to anyone who has alternative options to review:

• My husband owns a “bakers dozen” rentals (various states and lenders)
• When they were purchased numerous years ago, he put down a conservative 30% on each of them….people thought he was nuts to do so by the way
• Although housing prices have gone down he still has equity in these
• He has NEVER missed a payment, and has impeccable credit
• He now wants a loan on another piece of property
• However….not one lender will talk to him because he is High Risk – he has too many properties
• The magic number used to be 8, then dropped to 6, now he’s being told 4!!
• These institutions have actually suggested he sell all of his properties (except 4) in order to get a new loan

Now, what the hell would that accomplish?  Don’t we want responsible tax paying citizens? Plus, why sell now in a depressed economy…he’d probably have to give them away.

Does anyone out there have a constructive suggestion?  Looking forward to your replies.
Until next time, J.