December 2020 Newsletter Don’t tell me…Show me

Don’t tell me… show me

I hope all of you are surviving this very challenging year. For some of you, I know that 2020 has been devastating. My heart is with you. For others the pain has been less intense. Nevertheless, we have all suffered or are suffering in one way or another. But the New Year is almost here, and with it comes renewed hope for a better future.

Some of us will proclaim resolutions affirming our intention to become better at certain things or to make great things happen in the New Year. Well, let me tell you mine. I actually started working on this several years ago, and in 2021 I am making it a priority.

A person’s actions will tell you everything you need to know

I want to be a person who doesn’t just say “I RESPECT YOU.” I want to show you.

I want to be a person who doesn’t just say “I LOVE YOU.” I want to show you.

I want to be a person who doesn’t just say “I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU.” I want to show you.

Ladies and gentlemen, now more than ever we need to SHOW our respect, our love, and our gratitude towards others.

If you agree with me, there is something I want you to do. When you make a statement like “I am grateful for you” to someone, think of a way you can show them instead of just telling them. We have all heard that actions speak louder than words. When I think about it, I know this is one of the truest statements I have ever heard. A successful person could never accomplish what they want to achieve without putting their words into action. In my early business years in Texas my co-workers had a great way of describing a person who talks about doing something but never does it: “Big hat, no cattle.”

Actions prove who someone is, but words just prove who they want to be

Maybe your New Year’s resolution could be “I want to be a person of action!” There is no limit to what you can accomplish with this attitude.

Words are nothing. Actions are everything. Don’t tell me — Show me!

If you love someone, care about them, respect them, and are grateful for them, it is not difficult to translate these feelings into actions. I tell my gal I love her and am grateful for her all the time. However, when I show her, it makes her feel happy and it makes me feel the same way. She is a sixth-grade teacher, and even bringing her a flavored coffee at school during her break can make her day. The littlest of actions can make a huge impact. I believe love is shown in your deeds, not your words.

“If you walk the walk… the talk isn’t necessary.”

— George Akomas, Jr.

People who care about others use words to express how they feel. People who care MORE use their actions. Let’s all make a conscious effort from now on to show, not just tell. We all have the God-given talent to be a person of action if we truly want to be. Everyone wins if you are a person of action, and most importantly you do. You will be the envy of everyone around you, and you will encourage, empower, and inspire people in business and your personal life because you are A PERSON OF ACTION!

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

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