MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

May 2023 Newsletter You can make a difference

May 2023 Newsletter

You can make a difference

 

When somebody looks you in the eye and says, “You made a difference today,” how does it make you feel?

 

No matter how many times this has happened to me, I still get a lift from hearing that my words or actions had a positive impact on someone else. I believe that when we get up in the morning, one of our objectives should be to make a difference in someone’s life.

 

When you decide to make a difference, you are showing what is important to you. Most of the time it will mean making an extra effort to be kind to everyone you see or talk with during the course of your day. If you practice kindness on a daily basis, it will become part of who you are. You won’t even need to think about being kind, because that’s just the way you treat everyone.

 

 

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

 

I specialize in supporting the personal and professional development of people who are in sales and service roles or leadership positions. One of the most rewarding aspects of motivational speaking is that it gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my listeners. I get to be an outside voice that inspires them to become the best possible version of themselves.

 

When you choose to be a person who makes a difference, you are setting a positive example by showing people that you respect and value them. Sometimes this will mean paying attention to what they say and being an understanding sounding board for them.

 

 

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference. “ – Nelson Mandela

 

You can change the world by being kind to yourself and others, giving back where you can, helping others when needed, and volunteering for causes that are important to you, such as environmental protection or local charities.

 

Over the last 40 years, I have been able to make a difference in the lives of people who are buying or selling their home. How do I do this? By listening to them, understanding their needs, and acting accordingly. I show them respect, and I make myself available to them. One of the ways I show respect is by sharing my honest professional opinions with them instead of saying what they want to hear. Those are just a few of the things I do to make a difference in my customers’ lives.

 

You may find that when you are trying to make a difference in the lives of others, you end up making a difference in your own life. In everything I do, my purpose is to make a difference. I believe we can’t just hope for a brighter day — we must work for a brighter day.

 

Now I’m going to ask you a question. What are you doing to make a difference in the lives of the people around you? Think about all of the people in your life:

  • Neighbors
  • Co-workers
  • Your significant other
  • Family members
  • Your supervisor at work
  • Customers
  • Members of your church
  • Friends

 

And last but not least, what are you doing to make a positive difference in YOUR OWN life? It’s easier to help others if you begin by helping yourself. You’ve probably heard that in order to show love to others, you must first be able to love yourself.

 

I challenge you to make a list of ways you can start making a difference in your own life and in the lives of the people around you. Look at your list every day to remind yourself what you are capable of.

 

You have the God-given ability to make a difference while you are here on this earth. What are you waiting for? I invite you to join me in making a difference!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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