Hi Everybody.
It’s me, Steph Davis.
Remember me? The one who used to update her blog regularly and not take off for weeks at a time. Remember?
Truth is, I decided to go on somewhat of a hiatus last week from Facebook, the Blogosphere, and Gmail. A social media/internet detox, if you will.
The result of my detox was a thorough ass-kicking of last week: One JV deal in the bag, another one being negotiated as we speak (this one is a non-REO deal that I will tell you about in my next post), and a slew of new buyers added to my buyers list. One of those buyers just flew in from NY today and I will be meeting up with him tomorrow to see if we can do some business while he is in town.
Needless to say, I’m quite pleased with my progress, and have no intention of slowing down. Although, I do pinky swear promise that I will start updating more frequently. You can hold me to that.
So anyway, let’s talk about this month’s Flip This Book Club selection (Get Off Your “But” by Sean Stephenson), shall we?
When I bought the book, I had never heard of Sean Stephenson and knew nothing about him or his story. It wasn’t until I started reading that I learned of his genetic disorder. For those who didn’t get a chance to read the book, Sean was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta aka Brittle Bones Disorder. He is 3 feet tall and permanently confined to a wheelchair. When he was born, the doctors told him it would be easier to count the number of bones that weren’t broken in his body. By the time he reached the age of 18, he had suffered more than 200 bone fractures.
Despite being faced with these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Sean has gone on to become an internationally known public speaker, a clinical psychotherapist, and a role model and inspiration to millions of people all over the World (including myself).
Aside from telling his remarkable life story, in Get Off Your But, Sean also explains how to conquer insecurities and self doubt, and end the cycles of negativity and self-sabotage once and for all. It’s kind of hard not to take his advice when you look at all he has achieved in spite of the struggles he has faced in his own life. Here’s a guy who had every reason in the world to sit around wallowing in self pity, but when given the choice of viewing his condition as either a burden or a gift, he decided to view it as a gift.
Definitely an inspiring read, and one that I will keep handy for the next time I am feeling down in the dumps and throwing myself a pity party. Sometimes a little perspective is just what the Doctor ordered. 
For those who read it, I’d love to hear thoughts…….
Oh, and also- this month’s Flip This Book Club pick is Crush It, by Gary Vaynerchuk! I’ve heard all sorts of good stuff about it, and have been dying to read it for the last several months. Hope you all will join me in reading this one- we’ll meet here on April 5th to discuss.
On March 08, 2010 at 7:31pm, Eric said...
Hey Steph,
That book is great I hear. I am going to read it. Just had to share…my mom started a golf tournament supporting the OI foundation which I am sure Sean Stephenson is familiar with. This will be the 5th year of doing it and they have raised over $100,000 since starting and this year her goal is $40,000. Anyway… it is tough disease and very sad to have to deal with. But these people like Sean are an amazing story to read about and makes me feel like eating my humble pie many a day.
Secondly… Gary V’s book is amazing… Reading his book really pushed me into the world of online branding. Of course in order to be successful at it, you need to find something you are passionate about. Took me a while but I think I have found it in REI.
Congrats on the kick arse week last week. Keep it up!
On March 08, 2010 at 7:41pm, Stephani said...
Hey Eric,
That is awesome to hear about your Mom’s charity. You should definitely check out Sean’s book when you get a chance- he is quite an inspiration.
I just picked up Crush It at Barnes and Noble this afternoon. Everyone I’ve talked to who has read it says it’s awesome. I will probably read the whole thing in one sitting.
Thanks for stopping by- hope you are doing well,
Steph
On March 09, 2010 at 4:48am, mobilehomegurl said...
Hey Steph, I’m back from the grave! (just kidding). I hear you on taking a break from the online world, it’s really nice to be away for awhile and take time off. I just got back into the “internet world” and started to blog again, too. Great to hear about the book club, I’ll have to check this one out. I’ve got Gary V’s book, it’s a good read. I’m also really excited about Seth Godin’s new book, Linchpin (I really like his stuff). Great to hear your update, have a good week!
On March 09, 2010 at 6:17am, Stephani said...
Hey girl- glad to see you back online! I was wondering if you were ever coming back.
I haven’t heard of Linchpin, but I’m a big Seth Godin fan, so I will have to check it out.
Thanks for popping in to say Hi!
P.S.
I’ll put you back up on my blogroll now that you are back in action.
On March 09, 2010 at 6:57am, mobilehomegurl said...
Thanks, Steph! I know…my online presence has been seriously lagging. I guess I just needed to get away for awhile. That’s so cool you’re a Seth Godin fan, too
Seth is awesome, I’m really obsessed with his stuff! If you get some time and want to check it out, here’s a video about him talking about Linchpin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et8dxr_–ec
Catch you later!
p.s. Thanks for putting me back up on your blogroll, you’re the best!
On March 09, 2010 at 3:16pm, Shae said...
Rachel, I have “Linchpin” on my reading list for this year…I’ve heard great things about it and agree that Seth Godin is awesome.
Steph, I missed last month’s book, but I’ll certainly have plenty to speak up on with Crush It! since I read it last year…maybe I should read it again! I’m trying to figure out which book I’m going to read next — I have about 7 on the bookshelf that I haven’t read yet
Shae´s last blog ..Bouncing back
On March 09, 2010 at 3:27pm, Eric said...
I was intrigued by everyone here and their attraction to Seth Godin. So I was watching a couple interviews of him online. He said something that didn’t sit well with me. I’d like to get your feedback on it. He said that Karl Marx had it right on some things. That scares me… because I really believe in Capitalism. Is he truly a fan of Karl Marx? Am I missing something…isn’t it well known that Karl Marx had some very bad ideas about economics and sociology?
Eric´s last blog ..My First REI Blog entry
On March 09, 2010 at 3:48pm, Stephani said...
Hi Eric,
Saying that he had it right on “some things” is a pretty broad statement. Did he say specifically what he was referring to? I could be wrong, but I doubt he was bashing capitalism. Maybe just agreeing with Marx on a certain issue..
Steph
On March 09, 2010 at 6:24pm, Eric said...
I am sure I read too much into it. Just thought maybe I was missing something. I just haven’t heard too many people of late say that Karl Marx “had it right”. Thought maybe there was more to it in some of his other publishing’s. I’ll check out one of his books.
Eric´s last blog ..My First REI Blog entry
On March 09, 2010 at 6:42pm, Stephani said...
This was the only quote I could find by him that said anything about Karl Marx- not sure if this is the one you were referring to….
“In my latest book, Linchpin, I’m saying the industrial revolution is over. This model that says you should do what your told in a factory setting is over. Karl Marx and Adam Smith said there are two teams, owners and workers. I’m saying there’s a third team now, people who own their own means of production. They own the factory and they’re a worker. That could be a blogger, or a designer. The argument of the book is that the linchpin is the one part that you can’t live without. It’s good news because now you can be somebody who’s going to step up and people are going to notice.”
On March 09, 2010 at 8:27pm, Eric said...
That indeed is the one I was referring to. Seems like he wasn’t praising Marx. Just saying he agreed with there being 2 teams prior to now.
Thanks for discussing…
Eric´s last blog ..My First REI Blog entry
On March 09, 2010 at 7:54am, Gene said...
I just finished Crush It and LOVED it! It’s right up your alley Steph.
On March 09, 2010 at 5:08pm, Chris Ranney said...
Hey Steph, I thought it was a great book.
“I would be a successful person BUT______(fill in the blank)” is such a great classic thought, but to hear it from a man like Sean makes it exceptional. He has overcome so much and came out such a genuine friend to so many people. I almost feel like I know him.
Its hard to pick which chapter was the best. Focus your focus was great. I must say that I have also been picking my friends more wisely. That is an important lesson to learn from the book.
2 thumbs up is my .02
Also Steph, I would encourage any of your current or future business partners to check out your blog here. You have always run a nuts and bolts operation. The best part is you also have a sense of humor ! Peace
On March 09, 2010 at 6:43pm, Stephani said...
Hey Chris!
Glad to hear you liked the book.
How are your offers coming along? Any bites yet?
On March 09, 2010 at 9:22pm, Julie Broad said...
WOOHOO!! Glad you enjoyed the book Steph. Have you checked out any YouTube videos of him?? He was the speaker from Engage Today 2009 that left the most lasting impression on me. He has a true presence. What an incredible guy!! Fabulous.
And not to be lazy … but I am …. I wrote a blog post when I read the book which is here: http://revnyou.wordpress.com/2009/12/12/is-your-big-but-keeping-you-from-investing-in-real-estate/
That’s my thoughts for this book of the month. Hmmm…. I like that … maybe we should do more books that I have read just so I can link to the post I’ve already written!!
Julie Broad´s last blog ..A Small Leak Can Sink a Great Rental Property
On March 14, 2010 at 12:14pm, Neil Uttamsingh said...
Julie, Steph, et al.
I am late to the party here as I have yet to read the book.
However, I just watched some of Sean’s YouTube footage. It is incredible! Truly incredible!
If any of you out there have not downloaded Sean’s YouTube footage, it is truly worth it!
Regards,
Neil.
Neil Uttamsingh´s last blog ..Business Life Story Part Two
On March 09, 2010 at 9:24pm, Julie Broad said...
Oh and PS – I’ve already read Crush It so I am AGAIN extra pumped because it’s not only a book I have but a book I’ve read. I LOVE your club when you pick books I have read.
Julie Broad´s last blog ..A Small Leak Can Sink a Great Rental Property
On March 12, 2010 at 5:38pm, Stephani said...
Well I’m glad I am picking ones you have already read- maybe you can send me a list of them and I will pick from those so you can join in every month.
On March 13, 2010 at 9:15am, Julie Broad said...
That would be great… after all this should be more about me than about your goal of reading one personal development book a month.
Let’s see … right now I am reading Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Cialdini. Other than a ton of real estate books I’ve recently read:
- The Power of Focus
- Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion (AWESOME AWESOME BOOK!!!)
- Predictably Irrational
- The Dip by Seth Godin (Another AWESOME choice if you ask me!)
I also reread Napolean Hill’s book recently … Think and Grow Rich. There’s some seriously out dated thinking in that book but overall a good read too.
That’s about it recently … not a lot to choose from you I don’t think. An awesome real estate related read is The Housing Bubbly by Kieran Trass. I highly recommend it for all real estate investors.
So hopefully that gives you some things to work with…
haha!!!
Julie Broad´s last blog ..Buying Real Estate in the US as a Canadian
On March 13, 2010 at 10:56am, Stephani said...
Influence is one on my list- maybe I will pick that one for next month….
I actually just finished Crush It, and I have to say I was a wee bit disappointed. It was good and all, but I kept waiting for some ground-breaking information, and it all just seemed pretty common sensical (is that a word?) to me. I’m the only person I know who didn’t love it, though, so maybe I am just missing something…..
Kind of like how I thought The Hangover wasn’t all that funny and the whole rest of the world thinks it’s hysterical….
On March 13, 2010 at 11:46am, Scott Costello said...
The old, “Built up way to high” syndrome. I don’t think there is going to be a book that has ground breaking information in it. What I loved about Crush It was the way he used social media to build his passion. He sort of gave a blueprint so how to go about doing it as well. This book was the closest thing I’ve read so far to how the modern day business can use current technology to explode their marketing. What’s amazing is that the book is only a few years old and social media has already advanced passed the level he was using it at. Facebook and twitter are so much larger now. In fact I say we are getting close to the next big thing. His book taught me to be looking for that next new social networking media outlet that will take me to the next level. Right now I feel twitter is going the way of Craigslist, to much crap, spammers to be useful. It’s not their yet though.
Anyhow, that’s what I got out of the book.
I just bought the book “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. Heard it was good. ANyone else read it?
Scott Costello´s last blog ..Book Review: Get of Your “BUT”! by Sean Stephenson
On March 13, 2010 at 11:47am, Shae said...
LOL! Steph, you must’ve forgotten our convo about Crush It from months ago.
It was good, and I took some solid nuggets from it….but….
Interestingly enough, I didn’t find The Hangover all that hysterical either. Don’t get me wrong..I laughed or at least smiled at several parts of the movie but didn’t find it nearly as funny as people told me it would be.
Shae´s last blog ..Relentless forward motion
On March 13, 2010 at 11:49am, Eric said...
I know we are getting ahead of ourselves here talking about next weeks book but oh well… I read your comment about “Crush It!”. I wonder if your disappointment is routed in the fact that you already know the techniques of building an online brand. I’m thinking hard about what I thought the book’s great points were. I think they were all routed in some new ideas or confirmations of how someone who has not built a personal brand can do so fairly easily. I think the other main thing that was cool in his book was driving the thought home of doing something you are passionate about and gave some little ideas on what he meant by that.
Seeing first hand that you have already experienced many of the ideas and things Gary V talks about in his book, I can see how you might have those feelings. Think back to all the people who have told you it was a good book and let me know if they were mostly personal branding rookies or newbies…
Have a great rest of the weekend people!
Eric´s last blog ..Bad News for Robert Kiyosaki
On March 13, 2010 at 12:07pm, Stephani said...
Hey Scott,
I’ve never heard of Start with Why. Let us know how you like it once you get through it.
Regarding Twitter and Facebook- well, you know my thoughts about Twitter, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Facebook. Well, aside from the annoying assholes who add me to their stupid groups and spam the hell out of me. Aside from that, I love FB.
Shae- I felt the same about Hangover- I laughed out loud in a few places, and would even watch it again, but I didn’t think it was THAT funny. Everyone I talked to was ranting and raving about it, so I was expecting to pee my pants laughing.
Eric- I think you nailed it. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of most of the stuff he talked about in the book. It was all good info, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t feel like I really learned anything new.
One part in particular that I liked was how he was brutally honest about how much work it takes to build up your business online. Most of the gurus out there make it seem like you don’t have put any effort into it, and that’s just a bunch of bs.
On March 13, 2010 at 12:23pm, Shae said...
Here are a few of the nuggets of wisdom I got from “Crush It”:
* Storytelling is by far the most underrated skill in business. If you tell your story and you’re good, people will come back for more and tell all their friends (and social media helps immensely with storytelling).
* When it comes to content, quality is a tremendous filter on the Internet. Cream always rises to the top no matter how many cups of coffee you pour.
* You can monetize any passion, but the level at which you can monetize is impacted by the size of the niche and your ability to differentiate yourself from competitors.
* Buy a Flip Cam – its affordable, decent quality, and allows you to deliver your message in an authentic way on the Internet
* Someone with less passion and talent and poorer content can totally beat you if they’re willing to work longer and harder than you are. Hustle is it. Without it, you should just pack up your toys and go home.
* The best marketing strategy ever? Care.
Like you said Steph, the other awesome thing Gary does it make it known that it takes hard work…consistent work…and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Shae´s last blog ..Relentless forward motion
On March 13, 2010 at 12:31pm, Eric said...
Shae and Steph, you ladies are spot on about story telling. If you can tell your story well, people will listen and continue to do so. The chore to getting that Story built and right is being passionate about what you are doing. People can sense the passion and caring from a mile away. That is how I was drawn to Stephs blog, Julies and Daves blog, Patrick Riddles blog and now yours
.
Keep doing what you guys are doing…someday I’ll have my own great story to tell. I just need to keep taking action and Hustling….
Eric´s last blog ..Bad News for Robert Kiyosaki
On March 13, 2010 at 1:38pm, Shae said...
That’s nice, Eric – thanks! I’ll look forward to reading your stories too!
Shae´s last blog ..Relentless forward motion
On March 13, 2010 at 6:44pm, Julie Broad said...
HEY!! Aren’t you cheating by saying this now… or are you thinking you want to change the next book for book of the month?!! Because this blog comment stream has turned partially into a Crush It discussion…. just saying …
By the way …. how’s Saturday night reader mail going?? Fighting with movie maker again or are you trying some of the new programs we talked about??
Julie Broad´s last blog ..Buying Real Estate in the US as a Canadian
On March 13, 2010 at 11:49am, Shae said...
Julie, I have “Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion” on my laundry list of must reads for this year too….glad to hear another great review on it!
Shae´s last blog ..Relentless forward motion
On March 13, 2010 at 6:43pm, Julie Broad said...
Thanks Eric!! You’ve put me in great company … thank you!!! Looks like you’re off to a good start with your blog!! Keep writing!!!
Julie Broad´s last blog ..Buying Real Estate in the US as a Canadian
On March 13, 2010 at 6:56pm, Stephani said...
Eric- you’re right on track- keep hustling and keep taking action. It’s a recipe for success.
Julie- no I’m not switching the book of the month for this month. I was thinking the same thing, though- the comments have turned into a Crush It review!
I’m taking the night off from Sat Night Reader Mail. Still using Windows MM, as I like to torment myself.
On March 13, 2010 at 8:10pm, Shae said...
LOL! Oops, I completely forgot that I was supposed to hold my comments until next month! My bad! There were so many comments on Crush It that I got carried away!
Shae´s last blog ..Relentless forward motion
On March 10, 2010 at 1:27pm, Chris Ranney said...
Hey Steph, REI is harder than it looks. LOL! 7 offers and I may have one tiny bite. This week I have looked at 21 properties just from the outside. I have narrowed it down to 11 that we are going into tomorrow. Most likely I will be bidding on 4-5 of those Thursday night. Then, while I am waiting for an answer from the realtor I will start my new search Friday morning. Rinse and repeat…
On March 13, 2010 at 12:09pm, Stephani said...
That’s the way to do it- rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat. You’ll snag one eventually.
On March 10, 2010 at 6:12pm, Scott Costello said...
This was may favorite book so far and boy was it inspiring! As I was reading the book I thought of all the time in my life that I didn’t do something because of a “but”. I lost track after about 20..haha. It’s also an eye opener on how your self image can hinder everything about your life from asking a girl out to a simple thing like going out and exercising.
One of the most incredibly stories in the book for me was on Halloween, Sean was so excited about going out tricker treating that he rolled right into a door jam. Because of his condition it caused him to break his thigh bone. At first I was wondering how they were going to pick him up and get him to the hospital without breaking any more bones because he is so brittle. Well, at my utter disbelief Sean had to lay on the floor, in the exact spot he broke his leg (not moving a muscle) for the next 6 WEEKS!!! They could not set the bone, or cast it. I’m still in awe over that. Great Book!
Funny you picked Crush It for the next book Steph. I had finished “Get off Your But” about half way through Februery and was looking for another book to read until you picked the next book. I happened to pick “Crush It!” FANTASTIC BOOK!
Scott Costello´s last blog ..What Motivation is the Key to Success in Real Estate?
On March 12, 2010 at 5:39pm, Stephani said...
I’ve heard great reviews for Crush It. I haven’t had much time to read this week, but managed to get through the first few chapters- good stuff so far…
On March 12, 2010 at 4:06pm, RJ said...
Whats Shakin Steph?
Ive been asking around to get a feel of what REO wholesalers pay realtors who bring buyers to the table.
Our standard fee is 25% if the assignment amount. What’s your take on this amount?
Too high? Too low? Just right??….
Enjoy your weekend
Cheers
RJ
RJ´s last blog ..How 2 Cell Phone Geeks Crush The Columbus Wholesale Market
On March 12, 2010 at 5:37pm, Stephani said...
Hey RJ,
I would just treat it the same as if you were working with another wholesaler. 25% sounds fair to me, though. Unless you can get away with less, that is.
On March 12, 2010 at 6:28pm, Neil Uttamsingh said...
Steph!
I am behind the 8-Ball. I haven’t read the book yet, however, I am going to pick it up this weekend.
Hope all is well.
Neil.
Neil Uttamsingh´s last blog ..Business Life Story Part Two
On March 16, 2010 at 3:10pm, Tony Zamberlin said...
steph,
would u continue selling other wholesaler deals or go after my own?? i work a full time job and don’t see wher i could do both. also i had an assistant for a whole 4 days marketing props and taking and returning calls and emails. was gonna pay her 30% when deal closes, but she walked yestearday.. I don’t see what i am doing wrong. she quit on me and this is getting frustrating!!! ?
On March 16, 2010 at 5:26pm, Stephani said...
I would say stick with whatever is working.
Not sure what to tell you about the assistant. Unless you are pulling in deals consistently that are going to put money in someone’e pocket, it might be hard to keep them around for long unless you are paying them an hourly wage.
I signed up for a similar gig back when I was just getting started, and ended up quitting after a week.
On March 16, 2010 at 7:20pm, Tony Zamberlin said...
ok so keep selling other peoples stuff even though only making 1500-2k a month?? not sure…. i wanna make the big $
On March 16, 2010 at 7:31pm, Stephani said...
It’s up to you, Tony.
If you aren’t making the kind of money you want to selling other people’s deals- then you should probably go after your own. Or sell more deals.