MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

April 2023 Newsletter A Leaders Mindset

A leader’s mindset
 

You don’t have to own a company, hold a management position, head an organization, or be a parent to have a leader’s mindset. Each of us can benefit from incorporating a leader’s attitude into everything we do. I believe having a leader’s mindset is a choice.

 

“Become the type of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.” – Brian Tracy

Having a leader’s mindset means you are always striving to be better. You are willing to make changes so you can become more effective in everything you do.

 

Being a leader is not…

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March 2023 Newsletter You can be The G.O.A.T.

 

YOU can be the G.O.A.T.
If you’re a sports fan, you know that “G.O.A.T.” means “Greatest Of All Time.” This category includes people like LeBron James, who broke the all-time scoring record in basketball, and Tom Brady, the greatest NFL quarterback in existence. But the G.O.A.T. concept also applies to high achievers in other fields. In the financial world, for example, Warren Buffett is a proven financial genius and true G.O.A.T. The list goes on and on.

 

My question is why not you? Why can’t you be the G.O.A.T.—the greatest of all time—at whatever you are doing? I’ll answer that question…

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February 2023 Newsletter The time is NOW

The time is NOW
 

“If not you, then who? And if not now, then when?”   

 

Most of my newsletters include those two questions, usually at the end. Today they are at the beginning because I want to focus on taking action NOW.

 

In all my years I do not recall ever seeing so much uncertainty in every aspect of life. As of the writing of this newsletter, we have already had around 40 mass shootings in the United States in 2023, and it’s less than five weeks into the new year. Our national debt is the highest it’s ever been. Some…

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January 2023 Newsletter Thank You

 

“Thank you.” This simple, two-word statement can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. When you say “Thank you” or send someone a handwritten thank you note, it could be the best thing that happens to them all day.

 

I have been saying “please” and “thank you” throughout my life, so it comes naturally to me. I have said “Thank you” to all of my real estate clients over the past 40 years. If I did not thank them, why would they continue to refer me? The same goes for my clients during more than 20 years of motivational…

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December 2022 Newsletter Focus on Fun in 2023

Focus on fun in 2023
One thing all of us have in common is that we like to have fun. We need to do things that make us happy, whether that means going on vacation, getting together with friends and family, or doing our favorite hobby. My point is that we need to be able to look forward to doing something that is fun. It might happen tomorrow, next week, or maybe several months from now. Regardless, we need to feel excited about getting ready to do something fun in the future.

 

I have always described my idea of having fun…

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November 2022 Newsletter The truth will set you free

The truth will set you free
 

How many times have you heard someone say, ”The truth will set you free”? Probably more times than you could count. It’s even in the Bible! John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This statement is also commonly heard in academic settings.

 

When you hear “The truth will set you free,” what does it mean to you? It will most likely mean something different to each of us.

 

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change

 

Today I would like…

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October 2022 Newsletter More compliments, please !

More compliments, please!
 

I am sure all of us have experienced problems with service over the last two or three years in just about every industry we encounter. I would put most of the blame on the pandemic, the labor shortage, and the lack of leadership in some companies. However, instead of dwelling on what has been missing, I want to focus on something positive: the wonderful people who are going above and beyond to provide excellent service.

 

Every day, people are working hard to make sure we have a great experience when we are buying something, no matter whether it…

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September 2022 Newsletter Believe YOU can

Believe you can

 

 

“If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it.” Napoleon Hill made this statement in his book Think and Grow Rich way back in 1937. The first time I read it was in 1983 when I started my career in real estate with only $500 to my name. It made sense to me then, and it still does today.

 

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.”  – Norman Vincent Peale

 

 

My biggest asset has always been my belief that…

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August 2022 Newsletter A presentation for everyone

A presentation for everyone
 

Can you think of at least one presentation that changed your life? Maybe you were listening to a motivational recording, watching a dynamic speaker on TV or the Internet, or getting energized by a mind-blowing presenter at a live event. I have experienced all of the above, and I hope to have many more life-changing moments in the future.

 

In addition to listening and learning from other speakers, I enjoy talking to individuals and groups. Nothing is more rewarding than finding out that my words have had a positive impact on someone’s life.

 

In my 25 years of…

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July 2022 Newsletter… The benefits of talking to yourself

The benefits of talking to yourself

 

I believe that if we do not listen to ourselves, then we most likely will not listen to anyone else. Do you agree? Listening to yourself is crucial because the person in the mirror is 100% responsible for your successes, your failures, and your overall outlook on life.

I have been talking to myself for as long as I can remember, but self-talk became a bigger part of my life when I became a straight commissioned salesperson at age 23. To this day, I still make affirmations, suggestions, and demands to myself out loud, describing…

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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