VOLUME
17
JANU A RY 2 0 2 0
Ho meServices NE. co m
S et go a l s
Learn Something New Each Day.
Be Active!
Read More Books.
Turn Off Your Phone for 5mins.
Get a New Lead Each Week.
Post On Social Media Once a Week
Make Your New Year Plan S.M.A.R.T.
Brush Up Your CRE Skills
Stop Procrastinating.
Enjoy the Little Things.
Be Kinder to Yourself.
NELDA HUNT was always available and went above and beyond to make sure my house had the best chance of getting sold quickly and for the best price. She is professional, hardworking, understanding, and fights for her clients best interests. Marion Max (seller)
TOM SCHWINDT is a great agent to work with when buying a home. He always answers your calls right-a-way or gets back to you the same day. He’s willing to show you as many houses as you want or need to see. He’s got a kind, friendly personality. He gets you the answers to your questions. Mickey Damian (buyer)
Keep up the good work testimonials
COURTNEY ROLF did a fantastic job of communicating with my husband and me from start to finish. She cared immensely about helping us out with getting a good deal, and she was very available to us throughout the whole process. Nathan & Laura Groninger (seller)
GAYLE COFFIN was amazing! She was very patient with me in explaining everything that was going on throughout the process. There were times when she really went to battle for us regarding some of the buyer’s requests. I wouldn’t want any other realtor to represent us! Hannah & Shelby Prusia (seller)
SH A NNO N’ S S NI PPE T
T
ime to reset the countdown and start over with a blank slate. What do YOU want to accomplish this year? And more importantly, what are you COMMITTED to doing to get there?
In This Issue
01
Start this year off by checking out what’s going on around Lincoln!
02
MMM! Looks What’s cooking. Also, WELCOME to the team.
03
Check out these events coming up, classes, and more.
04
Marketing corner, The Key + Marketing Center/Hub!
05
MoveEasy + Rental Program updates!
06
Larabee Class Schedule
07
Larabee Class Schedule
08
Updates + Congrats
09
Wow! Check this out.
10
Celebrate + Innovation.
The first of the year is a time to jump in, assess the previous year’s successes and failures, and plan your path forward. Successful people have written goals! WHAT ARE YOUR F-5 GOALS? (Family, Faith, Friends, Fitness and Finance) WRITE THEM DOWN and put them somewhere you will see them regularly. In addition to particular goals, many people choose a word(s) of the year – something that serves as a shortcut to what is most important that year. I like to choose a word(s) that remind me of what will move me in the right direction. Honestly, sometimes I end up with a phrase or two instead of just a word, but you get the drift...My words and phrases for 2020 include: Clarity, Coaching and Connection. WHAT ARE YOURS? In the spirit of my “coaching” word, I encourage each of you to truly spend time, money and emotional energy on bettering yourself – sign up for Ninja this April, come to our HomeServices Convention in Kansas City and take full advantage of in company skills and accountability groups. My goal, and that of the leadership team, is to support your success and provide every opportunity for you to grow. But that takes commitment on your part as well! So, here’s to kicking off a year of great partnership and growth; success and betterment. AS YOU GO OUT INTO THE WORLD EACH DAY, REMEMBER OUR WHY: Bettering lives, building dreams and positively impacting our communities. It is this joint purpose that supports our culture, gets us up and keeps us motivated as we move through the months and years ahead. I’m honored to work with you every day. Thank you for all you do, and will do, to live out our WHY this year.
Shanon R Harner, CEO • One family, One team, One goal
JANUARY 2020 01 01
02
03
02 •Trivia
8p–10p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
1 MONTH
03 Stars vs. Omaha •LNK 7:05p @ Ice Box
•UNL Men’s Basketball vs. Rutgers
COUNTDOWN AWARDS 2020!
04
04 Women’s •UNL Basketball vs MN
5p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
7p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
•Ice Rink Skating
12p–5p @ Railyard Lincoln
•New Views:Shapeshifters 12p–5p @ Int. Quilt Museum
05 05
06
06 •Comedy Open Mic Night 7:30p @ Duffy’s Tavern
07
08
07 •Boingo Boingo Boiler Bingo
08 •Sleeping With Sirens 7p @ Bourbon Theatre
7p–9p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
09
10
09 •Trivia
8p–10p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
•UNL Women’s Basketball vs WI
•UNL Men’s Basketball vs. Iowa
7p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
8p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
•Woods Bros All Company Meeting
11
10 Fever •Cabin Antique Show
11 Fever •Cabin Antique Show
•LNK Stars vs. Sioux Falls
•LNK Stars vs. Sioux Falls
4p–8p @ Lancaster Event Center
7:05p @ Ice Box
9a–4p @ Lancaster Event Center
7:05p @ Ice Box
8:45a @ HSNE Preserve
12 1 2 •Wedding Show
12p–4p @ Embassy Suites
13
13 Mardi Gras Mask •1/2 Workshop 6p @ Marriott Cornhusker
•Comedy Open Mic Night 7:30p @ Duffy’s Tavern
14
15 15
14 •Boingo Boingo Boiler Bingo
7p–9p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
16
17
16 •Trivia
8p–10p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
17 & Game Expo •Deer
3p–9p @ Lancaster Event Center
•Fry Street Quartet
•Cornhusker Wedding Experience
18
18 & Game Expo •Deer
9a–7p @ Lancaster Event Center
•LNK Women’s Expo
7:30p @ Lied Center
10a–5p @ Lancaster Event Center
•UNL Men’s Basketball vs IN
5:30–7:30p @ Marriott Cornhusker
3p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
19
•Deer 19 & Game Expo
10a–4p @ Lancaster Event Center
•LNK Women’s Expo
10a–4p @ Lancaster Event Center
•Toy & Buckle Show
20
•Comedy Open 20 Mic Night 7:30p @ Duffy’s Tavern
21
22
•Boingo Boingo 21 Boiler Bingo
•UNL 22 Women’s Basketball vs Purdue
7p–9p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
7p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
23
24
•Trivia 23
8p–10p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
•LNK 24 Stars vs. Sioux City 7:05p @ Ice Box
7:05p @ Ice Box
•Modern & Black Powder Gun Show
•UNL Women’s Basketball vs MI
TBA @ Lancaster Event Center
4p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
26
TBA @ Lancaster Event Center
•LNK Ice Bowl TBA @ Tierra Park
8:30a @ Innovation Campus
•LNK Stars vs. Dubuque
•Martin Luther King Jr. Day
9a–3p @ Lancaster Event Center
•Modern & Black 26 Powder Gun Show
25
•Introduce A Girl To 25 Engineering Day
27
•Comedy Open 27 Mic Night 7:30p @ Duffy’s Tavern
28
29
•Sean 28 McConnell, Garrison Starr
•Blue 29 Man Group 7:30p @ Lied Center
7p @ Bourbon Theatre
•UNL Men’s Basketball vs MI
30
31
•Blue 30 Man Group
•Blue 31 Man Group
•Trivia
•Boat, Sport, & Travel Show
7:30p @ Lied Center
8p–10p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
7:30p @ Lied Center
12p–9p @ Lancaster Event Center
6p @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
•Boingo Boingo Boiler Bingo
7p–9p @ Boiler Brewing Co.
HSNE PRESERVE LOCATED AT
7811 PIONEERS BLVD. #200, LINCOLN, NE
Leadership. Gratitude. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation. | 1
INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick + 1 stick), divided
or 1+ tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed 2 tablespoons garam masala 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 tablespoon ground ginger
To our NEW +
RETURNING agents
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce Basmati rice, for serving 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, or to taste for garnishing
1.
To a large skillet add 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), onion, and sautĂŠ over medium-high heat until the onions begins to soften and caramelize about 5 minutes; stir intermittently. It does not have to be fully caramelized before moving on.
2.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is done; flip and stir often to ensure even cooking.
3.
Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir frequently.
4.
Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (does not make it spicy but adds depth of flavor), and stir to combine.
5.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter and heat until it has melted; stir frequently to encourage melting.
6.
Add the heavy cream, tomato sauce, stir to combine, and allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. Taste and if desired, add additional salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, etc.
7.
Add rice to the serving plates and top with chicken and as much sauce as desired.
8.
Evenly garnish with cilantro and serve immediately. Dish is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.
SOURCE averiecooks.com/Indian-butter-chicken
ANDREW RILEY MIDTOWN
TAYLOR ERPELDING COUNTRY CLUB
MARY HARDER GRAND ISLAND
2 | HSNE SCOOP
VIEW NE REALTORS® - 2020 EDUCATION SCHEDULE BIT.LY/2020EDUCATIONSCHEDULE
Leadership. Gratitude. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation. | 3
MARKETING CORNER /
Quality Content For Your Clients THE KEY
A
s an agent, a solid newsletter is crucial _to getting a potential client’s attention. If done well, newsletters can do wonders to help keep your business top-of-mind, and nurture leads that are already making their way down the funnel.
Q&A
“The Key”- An exclusive newsletter with local and trending content, not to mention great design, exclusively created for and offered to agents in the HomeServices of Nebraska network.
NEED US TO TAKE THE STRESS OF PRINTING AND/OR MAILING TO YOUR DATABASE?
Not actively farming? No problem! Whether you are reaching 5 households or 500 – “The Key” offers a turn key solution customized to any market. For only $12.50 per month, agents receive a digital AND/ or printed version of “The Key” which is customizable and branded for you.
Use one of the email addresses below + be on your way to unlock success!
Home: mc@homerealestate.com Woods: mc@woodsbros.com
No problem. Your marketing coordinator will work with you to determine the best option for you, provide pricing for printing and mailing [ BEFORE you commit ] and work with you on a monthly basis to ensure your newsletter is benefiting your successful year. COST?
DECE MBER
2019
BER DECEM
“May the Spirit of the Holidays
the Holidays Spirit of “May the
(Additional printing costs & postage costs will apply - depending on method of delivery)
througho be with you
be with you through
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
2019
out the New Year.”
Year.” ut the New
12.50 plus printing costs & postage (depending on delivery method) QUANTITIES?
UPCOM DEC 1–30
ENT ING EV
Christm as Starry Nights & G ala Tree Festival
Zoo Lights
DEC 1
by will illuminated LES, the Zoo of Powered by this event one lights, making will over 250,000 This new experience in Midwest. lit animal the largest tree, over 30 ft. Christmas hot cocoa, include a 34 path lights, one mile of lit tree that silhouettes, and a 40 ft. a light tunnel train rides, dances to music.
elaborate Christmas is treated to Workshop The community a Children’s with Santa, free holiday trees, pictures crafts and activities, attendees will with creative . Festival entertainment trees, purchase treats, and to bid on the have the opportunity and enjoy raffles. wreaths, by: sponsored Santa Station
Village Speedway y Circle 345 Speedwa
s Zoo Lincoln Children' Street 1222 S 27th
UPCO
Zoo L ig hts
S
DEC 1–30
Ice Railyard Rink Skating DEC 8 – FEB
28
to skate. Open and friends and your family Come with party rentals, with private ages. Every 7 days a week, is free for all Admission skate hut to group rates. the ice rink check in at skater must receive a wristband of liability and Rentals: $5 sign a waiver the rink. Skate 12+ before entering $10 Adults Children and
Powered by LES, the Zoo will illuminated over 250,000 lights, making by the largest this event in Midwest. one of This include a 34 ft. Christmas new experience will tree, over silhouettes, 30 lit animal one mile of path lights, train rides, hot cocoa, a light tunnel and a 40 ft. lit tree dances to that music.
Lincoln Children' s Zoo 1222 S 27th Street
Lincoln The Railyard Street 350 Canopy
AGENT PICTU RE
Name Last Position
Name
DEC 1
EVENT
Speedway Village 345 Speedway Circle
Any desired amount
S R ai lyard Ic e R in k Sk ating DEC 8 – FEB
28
Come with your family and friends 7 days a week, to skate. Open with private group rates. party rentals, Admission and is free for skater must all ages. Every check in at the ice rink sign a waiver skate hut of liability to and receive before entering a wristband the rink. Skate Rentals: $5 Children and $10 Adults 12+
The Railyard Lincoln 350 Canopy Street
WILDE RNES S HIL LS
AGEN T PICTU RE WN MIDTO
MING
St ar r y Nig hts C hr istmas Tre e Festiva l & G a la
The community is treated to elaborate trees, pictures Christmas with Santa, a Children’s with creative Workshop crafts and activities, treats, and free holiday entertainme nt. Festival have the attendees opportunity will to bid on the trees, wreaths, and purchase enjoy raffles. Santa Station sponsored by:
Estate, we HOME Real nals As part of team of professio have a whole buyers and sellers. to help home HOME-to wn service our Best That and been voted are why we’veyears in a row! 21 of Lincoln
Name Last Name Position, Etc.
At Woods Bros Realty, Nebrask we know a home buyers and the local real estate sellers and we’ve been market. After all, here for homeow six generat ners. Let ions of us make house and selling your finding your easier, faster dream home and a lot more fun.
CAN I EDIT THE CONTENT?
Yes, please feel free to select a
market snapshot neighborhood, events featured on front, and articles within the newsletter. You are responsible for letting your Marketing Coordinator know of any changes CAN I PICK WHAT MONTHS I WANT TO RUN THIS NEWSLETTER?
The process is similar to other newsletter subscriptions they may be familiar with. It’s as easy as just signing up. Agents will be billed monthly until they unsubscribe. Agent’s also have the opportunity to “sit out” for a month or more, and just need to notify their marketing coordinator to take them off of the list. They will conveniently be billed on their agent bill on the following month’s invoice. IF YOU WANT TO SWITCH AWAY FROM READY-TO-GO?
You may contact Ready to Go Newsletters in the following ways to unsubscribe: 877-976-6368 OR help@readytogonewsletters.com
DID YOU KNOW that according to Real Satisfied only 32.5% of HSNE clients report being return customers of the company or agent? How are you staying in touch with past clients?
A NEW LISTING PROGRAM /
Automated Marketing Package Receive professional, versatile marketing pieces for your new listing within 24hrs, any day of the week! These custom marketing materials include postcards, flyers, cover photos, and social media. Best of all, no need to worry about compliance since we have made it impossible for you to violate the set regulations. So get ready to impress your sellers and entice potential buyers effortlessly! The centers will update at 7a, 12p, and 7p so your new listings will be the most up to date for the flyer or social media graphics past the times listed above.
4 | HSNE SCOOP
CHECK THIS OUT /
MoveEasy
Level up with M oveEasy L AU N C H DAT E : January 15th, 2020
A
fter you’ve finished opening up all your Holiday gifts, we’ve got one more for you! On January 15th, 2020 we’ll be launching a brand new toy we think you and your customers will love... MoveEasy! WHAT IS MOVEEASY YOU MIGHT ASK?
MoveEasy is an online platform and concierge service that makes the process of moving easier! Through MoveEasy, clients can coordinate moving services like; moving companies, storage, car shipping, home security, Tv/Internet, utilities, driver’s license, transfer mail and much more... all in one place. AND they get a real life personal concierge to help them.
TOPIC: MoveEasy Webinar WHEN: 1.10.20 9AM (CT) REGISTER IN ADVANCE:
Zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ n4JepD8tT5WpxtXAFI7ZeA
You’ll have an agent branded MoveEasy site where you can customize moving checklists, load your preferred vendors, invite clients and more.
TOPIC: MoveEasy Webinar WHEN: 1.14.20 1PM (CT) REGISTER IN ADVANCE:
AND... it’s FREE!
Zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ tuy3q9dqQrGKrFrXHco-fQ
As in, no cost to you. No cost to them. Free. That kind of free. The one where you don’t exchange currency for goods or services. You just get the goods and services and walk away.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Videos will be available if you are not available at the set times.
You’ll be able to invite clients manually, or let nature take its course. MoveEasy invites are automated through Skyslope. When your customer goes under contract, they’ll receive an automatic invite on your behalf and instant rock star service. * You’ll have the ability to disable the invite or opt out completely if you want or need to for any reason.
RENTAL PROGRAM / HSNE Rental Concierge Program
O
ur brand new Rental Concierge program is designed to provide rock star treatment, agent assistance, area tours, and full moving support to customers needing to rent. (Basically, take all the perks of working with an agent, mix in some relocation toys, and add renters into the mix.) Short term, long term, renter/buyer on the fence... we can help!
PROGRAM OPTIONS 1 TIER ONE / FREE / Basic rental
guidance. We send them our rental information guide, enroll them in MoveEasy, answer questions, and set them up for success in their search.
2 TIER TWO / $125 / Enhanced
online rental guidance. We set them up with our rental concierge team, enroll them in MoveEasy, research homes, contact landlords, answer questions, and work as a teammate in their home finding process.
3 TIER THREE / $250 / Premier
full service rental guidance. We set them up with a licensed real estate professional who provides all the home finding service bells and whistles we are known for only for the rental customer. We enroll them in MoveEasy, research homes, contact landlords, provide area tours, go on showings, answer questions, and work as a teammate in their home finding process.
CONTACT JASON SCHMIT CELL 402-202-4084 EMAIL JASON.SCHMIT@HOMESERVICESNE.COM
Leadership. Gratitude. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation. | 5
C LASS SC HEDULE S & SIGN UP AT
LarabeeSchool.com JAN SCHEDULE ( COURSES THAT CAN BE USED TOWARDS A BROKER’S LICENSE ) Nebraska License Law 0047R 4 Day Classes (No Class Monday due to Holiday, T–F 8:30am–5:00pm) (1/21/20 through 1/24/20) Instructor: Dede Mau | Cost: $275.00 This class focuses on the knowledge most critical to Licensee training in Nebraska License Law. This is separate from the National portion of the licensee exam. In addition, this course is designed to develop effective classroom training. Approved for Broker and Salesperson Pre-License requirements. *PLEASE BRING the Nebraska License Law Manual that you received in the packet from the Real Estate Commission.
Farm and Ranch Brokerage 0108 Class will be Friday’s & Saturday’s (Jan 31–Feb 1 and Feb 7–Feb 8) (1/31/20 through 2/8/20) Instructor: Ben Kramer | Cost: $275.00 This 30 hour pre-license course will help you gain an understanding of the basic agricultural land brokerage process, farm policies, farm management, mineral rights and other insights on how agriculture is affecting real estate in Nebraska. A great addition to students working in rural Nebraska and/or students working to gain a brokers license.
Real Estate Appraisal 0002 4 day classes (M-TH 8:30–5:00) (2/17/20 through 2/20/20) Instructor: Brett Raasch | Cost: $275.00 The fundamentals of Real Estate Appraisal are explored in this course which includes relevant information on historical information, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, environmental issues, green building, internet resources, cost data and interest rates. The course also covers the basic procedure requirements for the Appraiser Qualifications Board.
Nebraska License Law 0047R 4 Day Classes (M-TH 8:30 am-5:00 pm) (3/2/20 through 3/5/20) Instructor: Dede Mau | Cost: $275.00 This class focuses on the knowledge most critical to Licensee training in Nebraska License Law. This is separate from the National portion of the licensee exam. In addition, this course is designed to develop effective classroom training. Approved for Broker and Salesperson Pre-License requirements. *PLEASE BRING the Nebraska License Law Manual that you received in the packet from the Real Estate Commission.
Real Estate Finance 4 Day Classes (M-TH 8:30 am-5:00 pm) (3/16/20 through 3/19/20) Instructor: Amy Gewecke | Cost: $275.00 This class discusses the essentials of real estate finance, emphasizing the importance of our credit-based economy, supply and demand and how the relationship between the local financial market and the national secondary market affect real estate. In addition it discusses processes in individual transactions important for the successful real estate agent to understand. Approved for Broker and Salesperson Pre-License requirements.
6 | HSNE SCOOP
EXAM PREP
( COURSES TO HELP STUDY FOR THE BROKER EXAM )
LIVE EXAM PREP CRASH SESSION! PSI EXAM PREP! (1/31/20 through 2/1/20) Class starts on Friday at 8:00 am through 5:00 pm and again on Saturday from 8:00 am through 3:00 pm. With a 1 hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 pm, or at the discretion of your instructor. Instructor: Debbie Mitchell | Cost: $165.00 INCLUDED: Your books! *PLEASE BRING the Nebraska License Law Manual that you received in the packet from the Real Estate Commission. Items that make you comfortable such as; snacks, a pillow to sit on, (sometimes chairs are hard), and we strongly suggest you dress in layers since we cannot control the room temperature to everyone’s preference. In addition, you should bring highlighters, pens, pencils and maybe a notebook to take notes. Students are provided with a self study map to help prepare them for both exams. It is recommended to study for your exam while the information is fresh in your head.
LIVE EXAM PREP CRASH SESSION! PSI EXAM PREP! (3/13/20 through 3/14/20) Class starts on Friday at 8:00 am through 5:00 pm and again on Saturday from 8:00 am through 3:00 pm. With a 1 hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 pm, or at the discretion of your instructor. Instructor: Debbie Mitchell | Cost: $165.00 INCLUDED: Your books! *PLEASE BRING the Nebraska License Law Manual that you received in the packet from the Real Estate Commission. Items that make you comfortable such as; snacks, a pillow to sit on, (sometimes chairs are hard), and we strongly suggest you dress in layers since we cannot control the room temperature to everyone’s preference. In addition, you should bring highlighters, pens, pencils and maybe a notebook to take notes. Students are provided with a self study map to help prepare them for both exams. It is recommended to study for your exam while the information is fresh in your head.
V I E W LO C AT I O N O N
LarabeeSchool.com
Leadership. Gratitude. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation. | 7
CONTACT UPDATE /
HomeServices Insurance
Tim Stevenson ACC OUNT MANAGER
651.602.5676 | tims@homeservices-ins.com
COMMIS S ION QUESTIONS QUES T IONS ?/ COMMISSION
CO M M IS S IO N Q U ES T IO NS? Outside Listing Agent? Please contact listing agent, AFTER 7 Days AFTER 10 Days, please contact your manager. In-House Listing Agent? If submitted to Finance by 2PM, Checks should be available by the end of the day. If submitted after 2pm, please anticipate that the check will be available by end of the following business day.
8 | HSNE SCOOP
HOLIDAY SPIRIT! /
CONGRATS! / Happy Retirement
Susan LaDuke !!!!!
Thanks for giving this holiday season!
A
ll offices gave back in various ways this season. Thank you for doing your part and spreading the holiday cheer!
Leadership. Gratitude. Excellence. Integrity. Innovation. | 9
B I RTHDAYS + A N N I V E RSARIE S HOME BIRTHDAYS 1-2 Chuck Larsen 1-7 Mary Stull 1-11 Rick Downing 1-12 Anne Meyer Cook 1-13 Steve Heironymus 1-13 Katy Manning 1-13 Gregg Boosalis 1-15 Gary Dominguez 1-16 Vern Sorensen 1-17 Roger Schreiner 1-27 Melissa Nielsen 1-29 Ted Glaser ANNIVERSARIES 1-1-95 Jim Thomas 1-1-78 Jeanine Curtis 1-1-76 Bernie Divis 1-1-76 Gary Helman 1-1-01 Vern Sorensen 1-1-16 Rhonda Rogers 1-3-18 Newlyn Zimmerman 1-3-19 Andrew Hanna-Ransom 1-4-16 Aaron Wagner 1-4-11 Adam Wiekamp 1-4-11 Deb Raatz 1-4-17 Julie Tallichet 1-6-17 John Kalogeras 1-6-92 Chuck Larsen 1-6-17 Nicole Shoecraft 1-7-11 Talli Kratochvil 1-7-13 Megan Ourada 1-7-02 Bob Tallichet 1-7-16Daria Springer 1-7-16 Daria Springer 1-10-14 Jake Grasmick 1-12-12 Eric Brown 1-15-15 Shannon Meysenburg 1-16-14 Gary Hardt 1-23-14 Shannon Williams 1-25-16 Marsha Artz 1-25-18 Kristi Reins 1-27-94 Sherri Walker HSNE BIRTHDAYS 1-3 Joe Starkey 1-8 Mike Hasemann 1-9 Ben Dinger ANNIVERSARIES 1-11-17 Jen Gruber HOMESERVICES TITLE BIRTHDAYS 1-29 Mary Sejkora
COUNTRY CLUB BIRTHDAYS 1-5 David Rasmussen 1-5 Dory Marsh 1-11 Marilyn Christensen 1-14 Nicole Zotto 1-29 Tafe Sup Bergo ANNIVERSARIES 1-1-15 Megan Yank 1-2-98 Bruce Hahn 1-4-12 Ruslan Babahanov 1-10-17 Jessie Heldenbrand 1-20-14 Dave Boeckner 1-26-17 Shelby Carney 1-29-80 Dick Young 1-31-14 Tyler Reynolds HOLMES LAKE BIRTHDAYS 1-5 Darlene Starman 1-18 Melissa Buck 1-21 Kevin Burklund 1-26 Kim Wiedenbeck 1-30 Monica Hansen ANNIVERSARIES 1-28-88 Darlene Starman 1-28-98 Jim Adams 1-2-03 Mark Tvrdy 1-6-03 Beth Scholz 1-6-03 Rita Dinger WILDERNESS HILLS BIRTHDAYS 1-11 Tammy Peter 1-15 Sandra McMurry 1-27 Steve Meyers ANNIVERSARIES 1-1-07 Linda Kuhlman 1-1-04 Mark Graham 1-7-85 Joe Mara 1-10-03 Dean Lesoing 1-12-04 Amy Rose 1-15-79 Sandra Harder 1-15-18 Sandra McMurry BEATRICE ANNIVERSARIES 1-22 Tracy Hartley GRAND ISLAND ANNIVERSARIES 1-1-03 Chris Schwieger 1-29-14 Julie Wasem YORK/SEWARD ANNIVERSARIES 12-1-06 Frank Chapman 12-1-06 Glen Coffey
INNOVATION / SEEING CHANGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY---NOT A THREAT.
I
nnovation—what is it? For many of us the word brings up a myriad of images and predetermined notions. But did you know that being innovative has just as much to do with our mindset as it does our ability to create and implement? Innovation is responding to change in a creative way. It’s about generating new ideas and improving processes or revamping products and services. How you perceive change whether as an opportunity or a threat can greatly effect your ability to innovate. As your market evolves, innovation can become a key strategy to attracting and retaining your customers. It can provide you with a means of competing. If your business doesn’t innovate, it risks falling behind, loosing customers, and becoming nonexistent. SO HOW DO I ALIGN MY MINDSET TO INNOVATION? 1. Stop saying “I can’t” and start saying “I can.” You are only as creative as you allow yourself to be. Be bold in your thinking and share your ideas. Even if your idea isn’t whole, it may be a piece to a bigger picture, or bring about new considerations. 2. Problem solve. Don’t wait to be confronted with problems before coming up with solutions. Look for what isn’t working well and improve upon it. 3. Take risks. A certain amount of risk-taking or failure is inevitable with any innovation. Don’t give up or penalize yourself when an idea doesn’t work out. The important thing is that you learn from it. 4. Let your mind wander. Give your brain the creative freedom to lead you. Find a relaxing and inspiring spot that will help you think uninterrupted. 5. Write it down. Keep a notebook and always jot down your ideas as they come to you. Every thought, tip or inspiration may be the start of something exciting. The goal of innovation is to provide better solutions to meet the needs within your market. One of the most dangerous phrases heard in business is, “we’ve always done it that way.” Don’t let fear of change threaten you into standing still. Don’t be left behind. Innovate! WRITTEN BY JENNY SMITH