MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

SOLD OUT!

September 2024 Newsletter

Be memorable

When you want to do business with someone who is choosing between you and three of your competitors, you need to stand out from the others. Let’s say your competition has a product or service of equal quality, a comparable price, and basically everything else is the same as what you have to offer. Why would they choose you? Well, I can tell you why they might not choose you, and that’s because you were not memorable. You didn’t stand out. You did everything the same as the other candidates. Do you want to miss out on an…

Posted 9-1

August 2024 Newsletter More Passion, More Sales

More passion, more sales

Would you agree that it’s way more enjoyable to purchase a product or service if the provider likes their job? I personally prefer not to purchase a product or a service from someone who is not passionate about what they do for a living. Notice that I said “I prefer not to” instead of “I will not.” I understand that not everybody is going to be excited about what they do for a living, and if that’s the case I hope that they’ll find something that they do love. I do know that when I purchase…

Posted 7-29

July 2024 Newsletter Demand more from yourself

Demand more from yourself

Are you happy with the progress you’re making toward your goals? If you feel like there’s room for improvement, I have a question for you today: What would your life look like if you started demanding more from yourself? What changes would you see in your career, and how would it affect the people around you?

I happen to own this space. I’ve been demanding more from myself every day for the last 41 years. If you want to raise your personal standard of excellence, you need to know what defines you and what you’ll accept (and…

Posted 6-30

June 2024 Newsletter Prioritizing your time

Prioritizing your time

How do you prioritize your time? Do you have a process that works for you?
As you know, I enjoy writing newsletters and recording podcasts about my experiences so other people can apply what I’ve learned. Prioritizing my time has been a work in progress for me throughout my entire 41-year career in business.
More than likely, you are an entrepreneur or someone who wants to move the needle forward and get the most out of your life. My goal today is to give you some tips that will help you prioritize your time more effectively.

When you have multiple…

Posted 5-31

May 2024 newsletter The importance of every position

The importance of every position

What is your position at your company? Are you the CEO, a mid-level manager, the receptionist, an admin, or maybe a janitor? All of those people play equally important roles in running a successful company.

I recently had a great conversation with my good friend June Mayher, who was one of my classmates at Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. June works at the accounting firm where I am a client. When I dropped off some docs over there a few days ago, June and I talked about the importance of her being the “everything person”…

Posted 4-30

April 2024 Newsletter Replace fear with BOLDNESS !

Replace fear with boldness

Do you feel like something is holding you back from doing what you really want to do? If so, you’re not alone. Luckily, there is something you can do about it.

When I entered the real estate business at age 23, I was nervous about being on straight commission. To bring in enough money to feed myself and pay my bills, I waited tables part-time. I knew what I wanted to do, but fear was holding me back.

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home…

Posted 3-30

March 2024 Newsletter Think and grow rich

Think and grow rich

In today’s world, it’s easy to find reasons to feel discouraged or down. This usually happens when you start focusing on things you can’t change. The good news is that there will always be one area where you have total control, and that is your outlook on life.

If you need a mood lifter right now, I highly recommend reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It was first published in 1937 and is still the best-selling self-help book ever written. It will teach you how to attain wealth and success through positive thinking, persistence,…

Posted 2-29

February 2024 Newsletter Show us your greatness

Show us your greatness!

If you’ve been reading my newsletters for a while, you know that I end each of them by asking, “If not now, then when? And if not you, then who?” My reason for asking you these questions is to create a sense of urgency to accomplish things that are important to you. No matter how small or how big your goal might be, there’s no better time to start working on it than right now!

“Greatness comes by doing a few small and smart things each and every day. Comes from taking little steps, consistently. Comes from…

Posted 1-31

January 2024 newsletter Tips on building a sustainable business

Tips on building a sustainable business

Did you know that 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses are considered small businesses by the federal government? Currently there are about 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. Even though 80 percent of small businesses consist of only one person, small businesses employ 61.7 million workers – almost half of all U.S. employees.

If you didn’t know these things, you’re not alone. It’s probably because the nation’s largest corporations get most of the attention.

I started my first business in 1993. After being involved in real estate for ten years, I figured I was seasoned…

Posted 12-24

December 2023 Newsletter Become someone’s miracle

Become someone’s miracle
In December, most of us are making goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. In addition to doing this, why not also make plans that will benefit others?

What would it feel like to become someone’s miracle in 2024? The definition of a miracle will vary for each of us. For me, being someone’s miracle means making a HUGE difference in their life by being intentional and laser-focused on making things happen.

“I know from personal experience how fear and low self-worth can cripple one’s ability to succeed in life. But with a little support, caring, and inspiration, miracles…

Posted 11-29

1 2 3 … 9 Next

REQUEST VAN FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor