I had lunch with Jim and I noticed  his desire to create and maintain a firm that is  small enough to provide personal attention to each and every client  and and create an atomosphere where a client is not a number and there is a personal relationship with each and every client. That detail would make we look for clients that want personal attention  and have a high need for interaction with their attorney.

Kelly's information was about CTH - Cost To Hold - for residential real estate.
She clarified that delayed maintenence errodes equity, because the repair is going to have to be done, or a discount given, at the time of sale.

I hear a lot of promotion about first time buyers throwing away money on rent - and comparing the cost of renting to a mortgage.
That leaves out Cost To Hold.  Not having the money to replace a hot water heater, or get a plumbing issue fixed, is unrealistic.

A friend was comparring three homes. The one his family wanted had an indoor pool (yikes!) and three zones of HVAC.
He said, "I can afford the house, I need to be sure I can afford the expenses."  Now I know that's called CTH.

The Kindling Question this will give me, when speaking with a buyer, is "Have you compared the Cost To Hold?"
The problem with this is, if they're already evaluating, who are they a referral for? They already have a real estate agent and a lender . . . I'll do some pondering on this.

1. Karen Williams - the divorce lawyer seat on our team...
2. I remember Karen explaining how she revamped her business to make sure it was working more efficiently, reiably, and productive. It meant new staff, new technology, etc.
3. It's nice to know whoever I refer to Karen to will be taken care of and that she will do whatever it takes to take care of them and get them the results she needs. 

Several weeks ago Joe gave an example of a business that was for sale.  Amazing how a price can go up based on the tasks that no one wants to peform.  But he gave a great example of how a sales price is calculated.  This further showed us the need for a business to be caught up with all their back office tasks including their accounting and taxes.

Knowing a rough guide on how a business is priced will help future clients who are tempted to either sell their business or maybe pass it on to an employee or family member.

I had lunch with Brandon a couple days ago.  He told me that if he could have lunch with any person from history, his choice would be Lou Gehrig.  When he was a kid, Brandon read Gehrig's biography multiple times.  He was inspired by Gehrig's excellence, work ethic, and humility.  Brandon has sought to personalize those traits and apply them to all of his work.  And, in my opinion, Brandon has succeeded!  Knowing more about what motivates Brandon will help me emphasize these outstanding traits to anyone I recognize who needs his services.  

In a recent 7-minute presentation, Chris Airhart was talking about the damage done by "flushable" wipes to septic and sewer systems, which was in the billions of dollars.

This detail prompted me to go home and talk to my wife about her use of these products, and she is no longer using them.

Also, when I'm in people's bathrooms, I'm looking for the wipes and spreading the word.

In a recent Seven Minute, CPA Scott demonstrated how to get control of a client who believes everything is a write-off – in this case a fancy car. Using his superior knowledge, Scott (semi) patiently worked through the example and showed how the write-off rule would be shot down by the IRS. This was a helpful reminder to me about how to separate the sheep (good clients) from the goats (bad clients) at the beginning. Don’t waste time on those who don’t listen to superior advice and knowledge!

Hi subbed on the North Gwinnett team and Tommy Stapleton did a 7 minute on Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Single best thing was that I learned that Medicare Advantage really should be called Medicare DIS-Advantage! It really helped me thing about my older clients and friends who are nearing the age to need a referral like Tommy.

Eric did a 7 minute presentation on searching for commercial space to rent.  I noticed how easy he was able to key in what a client was specifically looking for within a specified radius.  Through his app, he was able to he to show the client actual view, Specifics and full details Without giving his laptop.  He just knew the right questions to ask.

I was at a PowerBrew with Rodney.  He mentioned his daughter is a nurse and how many lives she touches.  He has had clients at closing mentioned the nurse who assisted them at the delivery of their baby.  Turns out it, it was his daughter!  This helps me recognize good referrals for Rodney are people who are new parents or are starting their families.

Darren

One of the most interesting things I learned is that roofers can earn professional certifications—and that certain credentials place them among the top percentage in the industry.

That matters because when someone needs to repair or replace something as important as their roof, they want the best person for the job. Knowing Darren has certifications that place him in the top 1% is a strong signal of quality and expertise. I’ve also worked with Darren personally, and I believe in him—especially his integrity and the way he treats people.

It also helps me spot referral opportunities faster: if someone mentions roof work and wants a trusted, highly qualified professional, Darren is an easy recommendation.

Often when I think about home health care support I think of the elderly or hospice type situations. Although that is a big sector of the population, it isnt one that I deal directly with all that often. Kendra Cloud has done a great job giving several real examples of how her company helps people of all ages. Be it recovery from injuries or accidents and help after surgeries, these infominutes opened my eyes to a larger pool of potential referrals.  

What I learned from Rodney: 

Since I have a mortgage background, I enjoy connecting with Rodney when a mortgage situation to ask questions and gain clarity for potential referrals.

I met Zachary at a recent Power Brew, in this case "Power Bowling". He is a Financial Advisor but specializes with families who have children with special needs. I thought this was unique and set him apart. Having dealt with children with Autism in the past I know how they were concerned with their children's future when they would not be here to take care of them.  I believe this is not only his vocation but his mission.

Lisa. From her 7-minute when she discussed new tax laws and changes, specifically about being able to write off the care you provide for your parents if you are their care giver for over 50% of the time and they meet certain guidelines with the IRS. I work with many pre-retirees and retirees of which may or may not have to deal with home health care. It was a great spark to remember that tax advantage if a prospect or client is in that particular situation with their parents.

It's the small things that move people. Kelly mentioned it several weeks ago: iThink Financial will put a debit card in their hand right as a client opens an account, right there at the branch, before they've had time to clear out their wallet. A small fact. The kind that quietly changes what's possible.

I've learned to hold onto those facts. When a client sat across from me recently, worn down by the particular indignity of paying Chase ten dollars a month for the privilege of keeping his own money somewhere, I knew what to say. I walked him through it, step by step, the way you'd walk someone across unfamiliar ground. And I told him: you'll leave with a card in your wallet. It'll be done.

He stopped at a branch on his way home. By dinner, it was.

That's the thing about the right information at the right moment. It doesn't push. It simply opens a door, and people walk through it on their own.

Darren

The specific detail that stood out to me was that roofers can actually be certified, and that certain certifications place them among the top percentage of roofers in the industry.

This matters because when people are looking for someone to repair or replace something as important as their roof, they want the best possible professional. Knowing that Darren holds certifications that place him among the top 1% of roofers signals a high level of quality and expertise. That detail will help me recognize referral opportunities when someone mentions needing roof work and is looking for a trusted, highly qualified professional.

1. Scott 

2. Be reliable and over communicate with members and prospects! If you lose trust from a member than it's unlikely you will receive referrals.

3. A PowerCore member's trust is extremely valuable. Being reliable and over communicating will build trust in you within the team and produce results and referrals down the line.

Wrx- during his first 7min he brought up something with mortgages I've heard about prior, buying down points. Not truly seeing why people may do this before Wrx explained a few different reasons. Working with some real estate investors, having this knowledge can help me refer possible clients over! 

Scott

Recent InfoMinutes Scott has consistently shared data on TikTok influencers giving bad accounting advice. At one point Scott mentioned the percentage of bad advice and how much it has cost consumers and it was staggering.

I am able to confidently tell people that when they hear something on TikTok it may not be true and instead I refer them to Scott and tell them to get off Social Media.

The single best thing I picked up recently was from Steve Hamlin who told us about the various coverage available for a Medicare Recipient.

I always thought that when you turned 65 years old, you were automatically enrolled in Medicare; however, this detail from Steve made me realize that anyone I know who is over 65 years old could use Steve's assistance to ensure they are fully covered as they age.

At a recent PowerBrew with Greg, he shared a line that really stuck with me:

“Don’t let someone not on your plane decide what fuels you.”

The funny part? He had no idea that comment was exactly the encouragement I needed for something I was already working toward. It reminded me that our connections in PowerCore aren’t just about referrals. Sometimes the real value is simply showing up, listening, and encouraging each other along the way. Because you never know when a simple conversation might be the fuel someone else needs to take their next step.

Several weeks ago Zach our roofing gury mentioned that with the Ice we had in January/Febraury one thing to mitigate that is to put a small bag/sock of salt, which helps to melt the ice. I think thats a great thing for those not afraid of heights. 

I met with Rebecca a few weeks ago. She explained how companies bring her in to build culture where sometimes none exists. We talked about how it is important for companies to get clients, keep expenses low, etc. However, a bad culture can bring down even the biggest organization. Rebecca has a very specific process from meeting with the employees to explore gaps, creating a specific process for the client, down to implementation for Leadership. In the future, the kindling questions I will ask are-

Have you noticed a high turnover despite competitive pay?

Do you feel like your team is just going through the motions rather than buying into your mission?