January 2021 Newsletter Start using your gift today

January 2021 newsletter Start using your gift today

I believe that everyone has a gift. Some people are lucky enough to find their gift early in life, while others may not recognize their gift for a very long time. The great thing is that we all have a gift or the potential to develop one.

I am not talking about gifts that are beyond the reach of everyday people, such as being a world-class golfer like Tiger Woods or a master artist like Leonardo da Vinci. I am talking about having a natural talent that you may not recognize yet.

Have you ever thought about what your gift might be? Maybe you’re a hard worker who always wants to complete your job to perfection. Or maybe you are good at making other people feel like they matter and are important. Or maybe your gift involves managing people… bringing out the best in them so they can become as productive as they can be.

No matter what your gift might be, I believe you have a duty to find it, embrace it, and strengthen it. You will be amazed by what you can accomplish when you reach your full potential.

“Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” — John Wooden

Wouldn’t it be a shame to go through life without knowing what your gift might be or exploring how you could use it to help others? All of us are talented in our own unique way, and we need to recognize our talents and develop them.

When I think about what my gifts are, it doesn’t take long for me to recognize them. My gifts are a strong work ethic, an ability to make others feel like they matter, and a capacity to bring out the very best in others and to help them accomplish their definition of success.

I was not born with these gifts. Instead, I had to discover and nourish what I wanted my gifts to be. Even if we are not born with an unusual talent, we can recognize our potential and develop it so we can become the person we want to be.

“The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Business owners, managers, sales and customer service people, parents, sons and daughters, PLEASE don’t keep your gift a secret. No one can benefit from your gift if you don’t use it, but many people will benefit if you do. You will benefit also, because you’ll feel on top of the world when you are using your gift. Let’s all make using our gifts a top priority in 2021, because the world needs us now more than ever.

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