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Special Symposium Edition! Written by Barb Schwarz, ASPM™, President StagedHomes.com It’s my joy to share with you all the wonderful things that happened during our ASP 2006 IAHSP Symposium. The letters of excitement and gratitude just keep pouring in and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results and all the wonderful feedback. Thank you to all of you who attended! It was my goal to bring us together for education, information, entertainment and the camaraderie and enthusiasm that we all share as we work together to grow our businesses and further the Home Staging Industry. It is clear to me that we’ve accomplished this goal and I’m so grateful to all who participated by attending the symposium, volunteered your time and served on committees. Thank you to the Staging Committee who worked so hard throughout to keep the event looking fresh and beautifully Staged! We began with an honorary luncheon attended by all who volunteered and included chapter presidents, vendors, sponsors and staff. It was my opportunity and pleasure to honor all of you and I appreciate each and every one of you. We had a great lunch, gifts were passed out, and were entertained by some fantastic Hula dancers too! The Vendor Faire was a huge success! I was so pleased with the variety of products and services in attendance. We are working with some great companies to bring quality service, products and DISCOUNTS to all of you! Many of the sponsors have said what a great group we are and how pleased they were with the outcome. They are ready to sign up for next year in Chicago! Watch for more information about these companies soon…all great things to come for all! I kicked off the Symposium opening session by rolling into the convention floor in my Barb Bug filled to the top with ASP balloons and Suzy Stager in the passenger seat! Thank you all for the wonderful warm welcome. The excitement in the room, led by our handsome MC, Dan Skoglund, gave me goose bumps! Our Realtor Panel and break out sessions were a hit! Thank you to all the wonderful speakers who were dedicated to educating our ASPs. Each session was filled with informative useful topics with great presentations that will have a positive impact on our ASP’s Staging businesses. I’ve gotten so many compliments about each of you! The message was clear, attend the symposium and you will receive valuable information to grow your business. Way to go guys!!!! Stage It and Take It sessions were held by some wonderful demonstrators who brought inspiration, creativity and fun to the group. ASPs were given ideas on creative marketing using postcards, the use of Wondervases® as a convenient and unbreakable alternative to traditional glass vases for Staging, creative uses for wallpaper when you’re in a pinch and need to fill a space on a wall or presenting a unique bid, and some really inspiring napkin folding ideas. The Meet the Pros sessions were the biggest hit of all. Our attendees were so grateful for the chance to talk with others about different topics and there was so much information shared, keeping in the spirit of our ASP family! I’m so glad I was able to have included this session for everyone. I'd like to hear from any ASPMs interested in participating as a "Pro" for 2007; please send me an email if you are interested. We had some great entertainment and food throughout the symposium. Barbershop quartets handed out roses to the ladies during our vendor faire, we laughed as a comedian joked about Staging during the Black and White Ball, and we danced and sang together at karaoke night. We even had a hula hoop contest! I closed the symposium, speaking about the future we are building together as ASPs, followed by a silent auction with some lovely donations that raised money for our IASP Foundation. Thank you to all who donated and bid on items to benefit our World Wide Staging Service Day in September. You are making a difference!!! Our Black and White Ball was a bittersweet ending in a beautifully Staged tent, as we said good bye to each other and celebrated our common bond as ASPs. It was so great to have each and every one of you there with me, taking photos and sharing stories. I’m so pleased to see and hear of all the great networking and friendships that evolved. As you read through this special edition of the newsletter, please do commit to attending next year in Chicago. Each year I strive to take us to a new level of education, so each year outdoes the year before. Even though we have received nothing but rave reviews for 2006, next year will once again go to a higher level too. Mark your calendars for the last week in April and start planning now. If you are serious about your business then come to the convention. This is something you truly can’t afford to miss! With joy and gratitude for each of you, Barb Happy Staging!! Barb Schwarz, ASPM™, RLS, ABR and the entire staff at StagedHomes.com |
Greetings ASPs and ASPMs!
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We will hold our annual convention in Chicago, IL April 25-28th in 2007. Please plan to be there as each year it gets bigger and better. If you are interested in speaking or serving on a committee at the next convention or know of sponsors who would like to participate, please email Gina@StagedHomes.com. Download the PDF registration form now!
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Congratulations Colleen Mc Linden, ASPM! You are the winner of our 2007 Free Symposium Registration drawing!!
Congratulations Nelda Liles, ASP! You are the winner of the kitchen towel Staging contest. Our judges loved your "use what you have" approach!
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I wanted to write to my fellow ASPs through our newsletter and share that I am truly honored and humbled by your bestowing the 2006 Barb Schwarz Staging Award of Excellence on me at this year’s Symposium! There are many deserving ASPs that work hard each day to do their best and represent our designation with dignity and excellence, and for you to gift me with the acknowledgement through this award, is very special. My husband children are thrilled – and bringing home a beautiful trophy was lots of fun for them to see. As I shared at our Symposium YOU are all my family – and the experiences we share that tie each of us together are lifelong and heartfelt. So from my heart to yours, I thank you and look forward to hearing from you, sharing experiences, and seeing you again next year!! With humble appreciation,
And I meant that. You all INSPIRE me, to be a better Realtor, a better ASPM, a better person, a better mentor, a better me. Thank you for that. The topics from my "Meet the Pros" session at symposium and the Realtor Panel will make up the future newsletters so we can embellish them and so that some will hear for a second time things that clicked for them, and for those who couldn't attend, you'll get the good info too. First to the many at "Meet the Pros", thanks for your contributions. I received many tips and ideas that I will share and the credit goes really to the participants at our table. The markets in various parts of the country are different, and we all learn from the challenges and successes of each other. Tip-As an incentive for a Realtor (your client) to give you alot of business, create a Top Realtor or Preferred Realtor Club or Group. Give your preferred Realtors perks for giving you their business. Example, for 10 stagings in 6 months, I will stage your Holiday Client Party. Giving them perks for their clients and/or discounts only benefit them (and you) in the short term. The carrot of the Holiday Party staging will inspire them and keep you in their mind all year long. The Realtor Panel was awesome. The wonderful, experienced Realtors made me look good. One of the highlights and surprizes for the ASP's was the "Realtor Menu of Services provided". It was a detailed report illustrating the 84 hour time commitment of Realtor activity during the time in preparing for the listing appointment until the listing is sold. And another detailed report of 93 hours illustrating each activity during approximately a 30 day escrow period until closing. This was hugely eye opening for the ASP's and their understanding of what a Realtor's job really is like. It can be utilized to illustrate to Realtors why they don't have time to stage and need the services of you,,,the ASP. Many Realtors don't really keep track of all they do. Wow, I could go on and on and that is material for future newsletter. Hope you enjoyed these highlights and tips and see you next month in the news. Gratefully, Terrylynn:-) For more ideas and tips, email me at terryshomes@astound.net
Truly the midnight hour.... What a great location for our out of SF ASP's. As a Trainer I loved seeing my students at the Symposium...............we really got to visit quiet a bit. Some were 'reporters' for their business or new chapters. It was great to identify with the changes in real estate and of course Staging. ASP's got to share how much our industry is the same...and yet different.............the key thing being, we are only our website away. Ladies............talk to each other.
Blessings, from Sunny California,
Dear Fellow Stagers, A second year of Staging convention and life gets even better, I am so proud to be a part of such a dynamic community and it truly was a blessing to be able to participate at the round table discussions and impart Staging experience. Opening ceremony was great, loved all the new information, and so impressed how the convention flowed so smoothly and professionally, and I never cease to be amazed by the new products coming to help our faithful Sellers and us. The marketing brochures and the entire printing of marketing pieces will catapult us individually to the top, which was certainly my favorite. Our chapters are growing and I so appreciated the first night with Jennie teaching us more about IAHSP and our state Chapters, and how we approach setting up new chapters and leading existing chapters. I have received many emails and questions regarding my 11 second commercial I shared during Bill Hickman’s coaching presentation, Bill was talking about networking and introducing yourself, and I gave my 11 second commercial (time in an elevator to say hello and what you do to attract responding questions) on me that I use during networking events to succinctly tell who I am, what I do and qualify that statement. I learned this during a 12-week course on non-profit leadership and management through a local college of quickly explaining who I am and what I do and what I need or can offer. After the initial meeting, I follow up with Barb’s 60-second commercial of “Let Me Tell You How I Work” in person or over the phone. Bill is right, Networking is the name of the game, and I want that Realtor or Seller to pick me!
Kelly McFrederick
Barb, The Symposium in San Francisco was over the top. I have attended conferences in the past that were excellent but THIS one blew me away. It is astonishing that so much knowledge and fact sharing can be crammed into 4 days. And it was FUN! The quality of the content of the information was excellent. Topics that are relevant, timely and valuable were openly presented. It is still sinking in. If an ASP is serious about taking their business to the next level, the only way to accomplish that is to attend your symposium. All of us can take with us the confidence that we are better than our competition because of our training and the wonderful staff of stagedhomes.com who are willing to do what it takes to assist us. Customer service is not a department but a way of life it seems. Hats off to them for their work to provide the ultimate symposium. All roads lead to Barb. It is because of you, of your dedication to the staging industry and your level of excellence that ASP designation is recognized as premier. Thank you, Barb, for providing the platform for all of us to come together and share as a sisterhood [and brother too] of ASP stagers. WOW! Can't wait until April in Chicago.
Colleen McLinden
Dear Barb, Thank you for the FANTASTIC and ENLIGHTENING symposium, your book, the Staging Bag, all of the other goodies, for spreading the love and for helping us all turn our dreams into reality through helping others turn THEIR dreams into realities!!!!! Thank you for honoring my personal desire to speak to you more about television and print and inviting me to lunch with you and Dan. Please let me know when my unique past experiences and talents can further assist you in obtaining your personal goals!!!! I am here to help! All of my love, energy and great wishes to you!
Tracy Griffin
Barb, Lorrie and I are in the process of working through all our notes and sending you some feedback on the fantastic Symposium but I wanted to personally write you regarding something you said in one of your last messages to us... You commented that we have the "honor" and privilege of working in peoples "homes" and how significant that is; being in the home... Since becoming an ASP, I've been on a "journey" where God is truly transforming me as I (with the talented help of Lorrie!) help others to transform their homes! I first heard about Staging from a Realtor friend of mine who read an article two years ago in a Realtor magazine and mentioned it to me. I was struggling with my husband's urging me into some kind of "job" and my desire to be "home" and be available for my four sons and grandson. The same week I heard about Staging, another friend told me about this new "Staging" thing and that she she thought I might be good at it. Two instances of Staging (when I hadn't heard of it before) in one week, caused me to start praying! About that time, Lorrie Witt moved back to the Chicago area and I remembered that she was creatively talented with her home. We both prayed and felt God leading us into this business together. Several things have happened over the two years we've been working together that have shown us that God's hand is guiding us...one awesome example is when we were frantically searching for a "logo" for the business so we could print up materials for a trade show. After praying specifically for a logo, the word "butterfly" came into my head. "Butterfly, Lord, why a butterfly?" (I felt Him answer, because it is a symbol of transformation and as "I" transform lives, you two will be transforming homes). Then I needed to tell Lorrie & (as only God can do) she had been going through some business cards from a networking group we belong to looking for ideas. She came up with two cards she liked (out of 40) and one of them had a butterfly on it! Our Staging business has been tough but exciting for me personally. I had the FEAR thing going (thank you so much for addressing that with all of us!). I am a competitive and pretty Type A--take charge person. I let that (& a fearful image of my creative limitations) hinder our "partnership". I won't go into it all but suffice it to say that God has been working on my character! The other day, I felt like I almost audibly heard him say to me, "Linda, the butterfly was for YOU; I am transforming you through this business". OK, finally, back to the "honor" of being in homes...I was fighting the going back to "work" thing because I've always loved being a homemaker and being in the home; being available to mentor young moms and being available for my kids. My sons are growing up fast; Tim (youngest) will be graduating next year and when you said what you said about the HOME, I felt right then God telling me that I haven't left the home for a career, I am still in the home; it's just other people's homes and it IS a privilege and an honor! Lorrie and I feel like we've "ministered" to many people in guiding them through the process of readying their homes for sale. Thank you, Barb, for being an instrument of God for me, personally. From some of the other ASP's stories, it seems that God is truly using you through Stagedhomes.com. I have and will continue to pray that you will always follow Him and His guidance both for your life and for Stagedhomes.com. Here are a few verses I've collected since we began our ASP Staging business: Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." Eccl. 4: 9-10 He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33
Thanks again,
Hi Barb, Thank you so much for a wonderful IAHSP Symposium. I came back to New Jersey Sunday pm, Staged a house Monday morning which sold 4 hrs after it was put on the market. I'm exhausted and excited and I again thank you so much for this incredible business.
Brit Brown
Dear Mama, :-) Once again, thank you so very, very much for everything you're doing for us. The Symposium was a larger than life experience for me. Since I am at the very beginning of my ASP Staging career, I cannot even begin to tell you how valuable And for that I Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Monika Mangrulkar
Barb, You picture on the site is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love your hair, very soft and beautiful. I enjoyed the symposium last week. What a week!
Thank you for everything.
Barb, Thank you so much for all of the hard work that the company did for us at the convention. My partner Julie and I got so much out of it. We split up at the "meet the pros" and got two times the amt of info that we would have gotten if we had stayed together. WOW tons of info on how to better our business, we love it!!! On Tuesday when we got back, we did a presentation in front of 40 realtors. Using all the information that we learned, we nailed it!! They want us to come back to do a full training on staging!! We love this business!! Thanks again, and we can't wait for next year in Chicago!
Cheers!
Dear Bette, Thank you for being one of the "Meet the Pros". You gave me some good input and helped me realize that I "let them off the hook" too easily when I hear an objection. My goal is to apply some of the principles you talked about and be more assertive! I know it was a long day for you; you all deserved angel wings! Also, I believe you were the artist who donated the bracelet I bought at the silent auction. It was the grey fresh water pearls with the shell clasp. I love it! What a multi-talented individual you are!
Thank you.
Hi Barb, Thank you for your generosity of spirit. The symposium lifted me up to where I knew I should be, but was struggling to get there. I came to this symposium very gun shy, as I have been in real estate for two years and was ready for more of the same as far as marketing the broker. What I took away from this awe inspiring week will be with me always. The education, round table discussions, speakers, award dinner was beyond my expectations. I've was given the book Abundance by Jonathan Price and it speaks to the very same philosophy that I believe I heard from you this past week. Our Divine Source comes from within. This is the source of all abundance and we can manifest all that we desire. Thank you for the confirmation. I know I'm where I'm suppose to be. Looking forward to a long relationship with you Staged Homes.com and all your phenomenal dreams and mine come to be!
God Bless,
Hi Barb, Thanks once again for the scholarship to attend the symposium. I had such a wonderful time, and met such wonderful people there. It was a super time and life-changing experience. I feel as if I have met long lost friends. I am honoured to be a part of your wonderful organization, and I will do everything I can do to promote your company here in Canada.
Sincerely,
Hi Barb- I saw the new photo on stagedhomes.com- how wonderful! I wanted to send you a quick email to thank you very much for the excellent Symposium. Once again stagedhomes.com has exceeded my expectations! I walked into the Symposium looking for business tips and walked away with so much more. I feel as if my emotions were validated, which will help me become a better person and a better businessman. Thank you very much for the opportunity to meet you and talk with you- I am truly honored to be an ASP Stager and look forward to contributing, helping and building a strong Staging community. I LOVE THIS BUSINESS!
All My Best,
Hi Barb, Great new picture—love the hair. Just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I enjoyed the symposium. Lots of helpful information. I appreciate all of your hard work. Also, I came up with a new Barb saying—at least I think it is new—you never know about the ol’ subconscious. “Be smart—stage from the start!” Hope you are having a wonderful day and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Karen Noonan
Dear Barb, First of all, the symposium was fabulous! I am so glad that I made the "investment" to come to California and that I had the opportunity to experience this annual event so soon after receiving my ASP in April. I WILL be in Chicago in July. I met some great people too, some that I know will be friends for a lifetime. p.s. your new picture is great!! Keep up the wonderful work that you're doing, especially by encouraging all ASPs to conduct themselves in an unselfish and professional manner. I am so excited to begin this new career (the third act as they say!) after many years in the nursing field. I won't forget the nurturing and caring inherent in that
Sincerely,
Good morning Barb. I hope you've had the opportunity to get some rest following your convention last week. I was at our table for the Vendor Faire and I heard lots of great comments from your ASP's. I'm sure you know that they loved the whole event. Michelle Keller had a wonderful time as our "Pro" and she is still excited about the feedback she got regarding our furniture and our program. Thanks for making this opportunity available to us! Barb, I would like to help get our Southern California group up to speed on working with your organization, so I'm interested in knowing who I should talk with. We have locations from Los Angeles to San Diego and it would be wonderful to have a contact name for that area. Will you direct me to the appropriate person? Again, thanks for your personal commitment to our great partnership. Sincerely,
Barb, I was so great to see you again this week! Once again I am blown away by the things you have been working on, and your great passion. It was a great convention, Andrea and I learned a great deal from you, and are both looking forward to getting so many new thing implemented in our business.
Sincerely,
Hi Barb, I am just getting back from The ASP 2006 IAHSP Symposium. What a fantastic program you and your staff put together. It was my pleasure to join you for the first time. Your generosity along with your true human compassion is very hart warming. Thank you for making me feel comfortable and at home while I was there. Your symposium will remain a top highlight of mine as I travel and attend many other conferences. Barb, you truly are a hart warming individual. May the wind always be at your back. God bless you always.
John Shinkle, Nationwide Floor and Window Coverings
Hi Barb, WOW! WOW! WOW! Just back from Symposium 2006! I'm so excited look at the time i'm sending this message. What an invaluable Life experience. And if only we could apply your philosophies like second nature to all aspects of our lives. We could truly be all that God intended us to be and recieve for our creation here on earth. You are such a blessing in my life. You've help me change my thinking of myself. THAT"S HUGE!!!! I tell you, all you have to do is come back and those messages come creeping back. Because we 're so conditioned by the negativity here on earth. And Now BECAUSE OF YOU I CAN RECOGNIZE THIS AND HELP MYSELF TO STOP IT IN MY LIFE!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT ON !!! THIS IS NO ACCIDENT. LOOKING BACK AT MY LIFE, IN MY LIFE AND I LOVE THIS BUSINESS!!! I LOVE YOU !
Hi Barb Back to the grind…….but hey…….I just love this business!!!! I just logged on to Stagedhomes and saw your new picture, I love it, you look fabulous. The other picture did not do you justice. I also wanted to thank you for a wonderful week of learning, sharing and inspiration. I was pleasantly surprised about the symposium, I had not expected half of what you did for all of us this past week. And I most definitely plan to be there next year. The symposium gave me new found confidence to grow my business and the belief that I am worthy at what I do. You are a wonderful speaker and I thank you for all the motivation you past on to me this past week. I hope Kirk, Roxy and yourself are taking the time to have some quality quiet time as you really out did yourself this week. Thank you again for a life altering and memorable week. I will take all that I have learned with me to Canada.
Warmest,
WOW! Symposium was fabulous - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Additionally, thank you for putting the marketing items together for us, especially the print materials!
Take Care and thanks for all you do!
Good morning Barb: I had a wonderful time at the symposium and learned so much from you, Dan, Bob and all of the other wonderful people who volunteered their time and energy to make the symposium not only educational, but inspirational and just plain fun! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Our (Great Lakes) chapter is still in awe at how youthful and gorgeous you looked! (Please make your next book on how to retain youth both externally as well as in our hearts and minds….you are living proof that it can be achieved at any age.) Also, I enjoyed seeing your little VW bug sitting in the hotel parking lot with barbies in the window ( :
Lucy Carleton
Hi Barb, I can not thank you enough the the opportunity to me to attend this years sympoium. I am eternally grateful. Not only did I learn so much about how I am going to be successful in my staging business, and everytime I listen to you talk about your approach to life it always reminds me where I came from and nothing can stop me but me. I have to move myself out of the way and let the universe guide me. I love the place you come from. You are truely one of the best role models I've met. Bless you Barb for your endless love you share.
Warm regards,
Hi Barb - I just got home from the convention, had to leave a little early unfortunately, but wanted to let you know how impressed I was this year. You did a fantastic job from the hotel accommodations (the most comfortable hotel bed I have ever slept in), the food was wonderful, and I LOVED the format this year. There was so much information as there was last year, but I liked the way it was presented in different formats. Especially loved the round table discussions. I got exceptional information from every table I was at, even the ones I would not have picked on my own. I am blown away by all the products you are providing to ASP's to help us in our business. I can't imagine doing this on my own without your support. I will get a good night's rest and then begin to organize and digest all the information I received and start to put it to work in my business this year. Thank you for your tireless energy and all the gifts you give to all of us. You are truly an amazing woman! I will be coming back to take the class again soon and am going to bring a friend of mine who just got her real estate license. You and your team did a fantastic job and I just want to thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of it.
Sincerely,
Dear Barb, Please accept my sincere thank you for "staging" that wonderful symposium. I am new to staging as of April. I have been deeply depressed since the death of my son in December, and coming to San Francisco was a very difficult decision for me in many ways; when you shared the information about your daughter, Andrea, it truly touched my heart. I just have to say that my attendance there has been the best thing that I could have done for myself. I am in awe of you, and your positive energy and sincerity could only have inspired me and lifted me up, which it truly did. I've met so many wonderful people and made some new friendships and am extremely impressed and astounded with your vision and your dedication to Stagedhomes.com. The talks, classes, hotel accomodations and food were fantastic. You are truly a remarkable and giving person. It is an honor to know you. My goal is to take the ASPM course with you. I live in Michigan and would be honored to help you in June, if you need me in any way. I am looking forward with pride to my association with Stageshomes.com. Again, I thank you and applaud you. Sincerely,
Hi Gina and Barb, You did an awesome job on the convention! What a lot to organize! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this convention so we can learn and be better stagers. I know each year that I've come I always learn and love making new friendships with my fellow sisters! I also loved the Biz photo people who took my new pictures, they turned out great. The people who didn't take the time to have photo's done really missed out on a fabulous opportunity to have their makeup done by Nancy who has done makeup for Christopher Walken, Joaquin Phoenix, Mera Sorvino and many other actors. She was such a nice lady. I was having my photos done when Barb's Book was passed out so I never received it. You had too much going on last night at the Ball for me to bother you with it. Hopefully you can send me one along with the color wheel that they ran out of. Shell said one would be sent out and she took my business card but I was hoping you could send both at the same time. Also for next year I would love to see more staging ideas, maybe have everyone bring their favorite staging idea/item either in person or pictures. I am always looking for new ideas for kitchens and baths, so it would be great to see what others have been doing. Barb, I'm working on a large new custom home that will be on the same street as the Street of Dreams event that will be going on June 20- Aug 15. The Street of Dreams is a very large event that happens every year in our area. This year it is in the exclusive Dark Horse Golf Community north of Auburn, CA. There are 4 homes ranging from 4400 sq ft. to 10,000 sq ft. These will all be decorated to the 9's by professional interior designers and high end furniture. I will be staging this home on June 2-6 and having Donna Tanfani, ASP of Folsom come and help me with the Floral arranging (she's a professional floral arranger too!)as well as new ASP's that are volunteering to come and help to gain experience. Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated. I want to get the new ASP door mat (They ran out at the convention) and put it at the front door, and use ASP ribbon on towels, candles etc. I really want to promote the ASP logo so everyone in our area will know what it means. Barb, I hope you have a nice vacation, try to relax, take a deep breath and know that you are making a HUGE difference in the lives of all of us stagers. I love the spirituallity that you have and know that it's really all about God and his plan for each of us. I have totally put my faith in him and everything seems to work out, jobs come when needed and when I ask him for help he always answers me. Remaining positive in difficult situations has been so beneficial, it doesn't matter what I want it's what God wants for the good of everyone. Everything you said on Saturday afternoon was so great, and inspiring and I know you have the same heart and belief I do.
I love you,
Dear Barb, I had the pleasure of attending the convention for the past several days in California and wanted to personally thank you and the staff of stagedhomes.com for a wonderful educational experience and networking opportunity. It was fun, exhausting, invigorating and motivating all at the same time! Thank you for this fantastic opportunity. I am looking forward to next year and am thrilled that you have moved closer to us on this coast. I related very much to your stories about your Grandpa Sam since I grew up in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania and was raised with similar values. I think our Grandpas have probably met in heaven! I loved that touch to the convention and your stories. Anyway, the first “big city” I ever saw was Chicago and it changed my life! Other than changing planes at the airport, I have never had the opportunity to get back (I have lived in practically every other city except Chicago), so I am thrilled to be coming there next year for the convention. I just can’t wait. Also, Barb, I wanted to ask if there was anyway I could be of help when you are in New York for the Today Show in a few weeks. I am in Westchester County just outside of the city and would love to be involved, even behind the scenes. Since you are away from your home base, I wanted to offer my assistance. I carry my own inventory, so please let me know if you need anything for the project. I thought you might need trees or candlesticks….or towels….or any of the many things we use in our work. Just let me know what you need and where you need it delivered to. Please do not hesitate to call if I can do anything to help anytime you are in New York…..and if you ever just want some quiet time, my home is your home. You are welcome anytime….and from one country girl to the other…you know I mean it! Thanks again, Barb, from the very bottom of my heart.
Best regards,
Dear Barb, Once again I walk away from your seminar with great admiration and appreciation. In the passed I felt lost in my life and with the tools you've given me I feel like I can truly make a difference for myself and others. I want someday to feel as comfortable about myself as you do yourself. It amazes me the way that you have given over your lifetime reflects in everything you do. I told Wanda that I want to be the Ambassador for Indiana for our September event of giving back. I need that for me soul. I'm searching hard to make sense of so many things in my life that giving sometimes is the only that makes me feel good about myself. I hope you understand that when I grow up I want to be like you. Once again, Thank you from the bottom of me heart!
Warm Wishes,
Hi Barb, I'm an ASP in Rhode Island. I just got back from the symposium yesterday afternoon. I enjoyed reading your book on the plane ride home and showing off my new ASP photo tote bag. It was a bumpy landing but a rainbow greeted me as I crossed the Newport Bridge. I think it was a sign that I've found my pot of gold! I want to personally thank you and all of your staff for putting together such an amazing experience. My head is just bursting with ideas and information and my heart is full of admiration and inspiration. The new programs that you have all been working on are truly amazing. The convention was top notch from the food to the staging to the information and of course all of the wonderful staging family members that I had the pleasure to meet. I came not knowing a soul and having fear of failure and fear of success. I left knowing that I will be a better and more profitable stager and feeling like part of a family. I will never forget the teddy bear story and the pole vault story. I was touched by how genuine a person you are too. I just can't put into words all the special and wonderful gifts and talents all these stagers possess. It is awe inspiring! And I am changed forever!
Sincerely,
Hi Barb, WOW...WOW... I was also delighted to hear that the 2007 Symposium will be in Chicago. I will definitely plan to attend next YEAR!
Fondest regards,
Barb, I love you dearly. I was originally going to send you a hand written note, but I couldn't wait that long to tell you how grateful I am. Words truly can not describe the pride that I feel being part of an organization that is so powerful in spirit, yet mindful of everyone. StagedHomes.com has an atypical company model and the corporate world would be a much better place if they took pages out of your book! This past week has been so wonderful. The love and the joy that I felt this week is overwhelming. Many fellow ASP's have sent me notes of congratulations and heartfelt warm wishes. I have never felt so much from so many is such a short period of time.
Love P.S. I LOVE the new picture on the website, you look marvelous!
Hi Barb, I want to thank you so much for a great IAHSP Conference! I appreciate you so very much for your upbeat and inspiring approach to staging in particular and life in general. I experienced wonderful sharing opportunities, great moments of networking, wonderfully generous food and that fun dance!!! What a riot! Meeting the Pros and the Realtor Panel were especially informative. I am awfully glad I came anyway! I am inspired to go forward with a lighter step!
With much appreciation,
Barb, I want to thank you for putting on such a great program at the symposium. I think everyone had so much fun, and we learned so much to implement into our lives. I have great respect for you because you are living proof that if you are passionate enough about something that does not yet exist, you will create it. You are a true leader because you inspire others. The collective positive energy at the symposium was really fantastic! I met many wonderful new friends and several of us have decided to return each year as our “friend’s reunion”!
Thank you so much for all that you do.
Hello Barb: My name is Jennifer Gibson and I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area. I am a member of our local IAHSP Chapter and completed the ASP training course taught by Wanda Hickman this past March. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Symposium. I did not have a clue what to expect. But I came away with a wealth of knowledge and information to jumpstart my business in the most professional way. Most important were the opportunities to meet so many wonderful people in this organization and bond with my fellow chapter ladies. There were several people who made a lasting impression on me. One person in particular, Judy Taylor, is the epitome of grace and beauty. She is a compliment to the professionalism and class you have built this company to exemplify. Thank you for your hard work and continued dedication to this business. It was so nice to me you! Sincerely,
Hello Barb: This is Delbert & Derin, of GLACIER FLAMES. We would like to thank you so much for having us as your guests in Foster City. We felt blessed to be part of your organization along with your Hospitality and wonderful gifts, everything was greatly appreciated. You truly are a CLASS ACT HOST in every aspect of your Symposium. Barb we are looking forward to offering our service or affiliate opportunities that may benefit all of your accredited Staging Professionals and there projects. Please let us know what you would like us to do or provide you with, to become an active part of your Great Organization. Thanks again Barb.
First - a very heartfelt Thank you for such a great Symposium! I have not stopped raving about it since returning home. I have told my Chapter Members that it is not an "option" next year, it is a "Must". Second - Thank you for adding Dan and Bob to the "family". They are truly helping to bring us to the "next level" as a business. Third - I definitely caught the virus from you at the Symposium. Fourth - Wishing all of you well this weekend on what I know will be a great Today Show!
Love and Hugs, |
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Book Kudos! A book review by Robert Bruss of Inman News, the nation's leading independent real estate news service, states, "On my scale of one to 10, this excellent book rates a solid 10." Here is an exerpt from the review:
If you want to earn the maximum sales price for your house or condominium, first read Barb Schwarz's new book, "Home Staging." It reveals with words and pictures how to show prospective buyers the potential your home offers with proper presentation. The author, a professional home decorating stager, shares her secrets for making a home listed for sale show its best. In other words, her goal is to make your ordinary home into a model home. Read the full staging book review here!
A couple of times in your life you may need to sell a house. If you do, try to remember the advice in this book. It could be worth several thousands of dollars for a few hours of your time. The message is simple: when it comes time to sell your home, strip it of all the things that make it a personalized home, and turn it into a bland product that can be personalized by someone else. This book, the best of about half a dozen on the same theme, provides simple ideas on how to reduce your home to a house. The same philosophy also applies to rental property. Kevin Kelly, Author, kk.org
Haley M. Hwang, of REALTOR® Magazine Online, writes: An important distinction between staging and decorating a home is that the goal of decorating is to personalize a space, whereas the goal of staging is to depersonalize it. The smart real estate professional understands that staging a home before placing it on the market will help sellers fetch top dollar...
In the Miami Herald, Robert J. Bruss writes: If you want to earn the maximum sales price for your house or condominium, first read Barb Schwarz's new book, Home Staging. It reveals with words and pictures how to show prospective buyers your home's potential with proper presentation.
After reading the reviews posted by readers, I ran out and bought this book. It was the last one on the shelf! Now, that tells you something! There are other companies out there that want to charge $97.00 for an ebook, but I got this book for under $20, and it was worth every penny! Immediately after reading this book, I decided my home needed staging. Barb suggested to use an Accredited Staging Professional, but I wanted to see for myself. I did some research on the "staging" business, to see what the difference between an accredited staging professional and one that is NOT accredited could be. I read the reviews and noticed that all the negative reviews had a common thread. They were woven in green thread-Green with envy that is! This group of "me toos" are giving negative reviews while trying to promote their NON-accredited, generic, staging businesses. How tacky is that? One word sets an ACCREDITED Staging Professional apart from the other so-called staging companies....Can you say "PROFESSIONAL." I know who I am going to choose to do my home staging. After you read this book, you will too! Dave O |
Mark your calendars now for the 2007 IAHSP Symposium!
THANK YOU!
Hi all, I am just overwhelmed and honored to have been the recipient of the 2006 Accredited Staging Professional Spirit Award at the Symposium in May. The best and more rewarding is that it was voted on by my fellow ASP/ASPM's who attended the convention. As I said then, "I get so much more from you all than I could possibly give".
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How Staging a Home Helps to Sell It For More - Christian Science Monitor
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Hi Barb! In class in Irvine and 2 of the students came from hearing John Tesh on his radio show telling listeners to go to Stagedhomes.com to be trained as a home stager! How great is that!!! Love U,
The link can be found on http://www.tesh.com in the "Turn your hobby into a job" section!
We have some wonderful news to share with the Stagedhomes.com family. ABC's Good Morning America was in town last week and followed Nuances (myself and Thomas Holmes-LaFever; both ASPs) as we staged a home. Ron Claiborne was the ABC correspondent and his crew came last Wednesday to shoot the "before," interview the homeowners and the Realtor. Then on Friday they came back for the big reveal! It was an amazing experience for Nuances! The segment will air this Sunday April 16th. Check your local listings for time and channel it will air on. Feel free to let all the other ASPs know. I have attached a picture of Ron, myself and Thomas from the shoot. We both look forward to seeing you at the convention next month! Best,
Hey Barb, I got a consultation from the client watching you on Today, I was working at a home that was sooo dirty and cluttered I didn't think we would ever get done, and my cell phone rings! The gentleman said he had just watched you and your team stage a house, he went on the internet, punched in FT. WAYNE IN. and there I was! Yours in Staging, P.S. I just returned from a class in Indianapolis, I was a CE there, Jane Ellen is super.
If you would like any TV Spots or recorded content added to the StagedHomes.com site , please mail the content on a CD or DVD to: |
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Our Federal Tax ID number for the foundation is 20-3158964
World Wide Staging Service Day Event Saturday, September 16, 2006 “Through the IAHSP™ Foundation we provide vision, service, scholarships, community service and carry out our mission of changing our communities and people around the world through the world of Home Staging.” To help accomplish this mission one current member of each IAHSP™ chapter is chosen by the chapter to represent their group as the Ambassador to the IAHSP™ Foundation. This role is so important for many reasons…As a chapter Ambassador, you will lead your chapter for the Foundation’s charity and fundraising events, and you will be the point person for gathering information, coordinating with local sponsors and recipients, encouraging chapter member participation, and seeing the projects through. We are asking EACH chapter to please choose an Ambassador ASAP. The primary responsibility of the Ambassador is to coordinate the World Wide Staging Service Day Project in September. Last year’s event was so rewarding and helped so many local organizations and community members. If you’d like to see last year’s reviews please visit http://www.iahsp.com/9-17-05Reviews.htm. This year we will take it up a notch by having more sponsors locally and nationally. We need your help to work with us and make this an even bigger success for 2007. At Symposium in May we accepted applications from 10 Ambassadors across the country. Another 15 have requested applications since then and another 20 who served last year have agreed to serve again this year. This is so exciting! With approximately 90 local chapters coming together from around the US and Canada on this special day, we are truly changing lives with our Staging and commitment to our communities! It’s time to make a difference in your community. Won’t you please step up to the plate and volunteer to coordinate this wonderful event? Thank you to all of the ASPs who have already submitted an application to hold this very critical position in the local chapters. Anyone who wants more information should contact Wanda@StagedHomes.com. Click here for an Ambassador application and submit to Wanda Hickman. With gratitude and joy,
$19,351.00 in Donations! Dear ASP’s Greetings, I hope you are doing well. I know some of are still trying to recuperate from the Symposium! It was so great to see all of you. It’s nice to put a face with the name. I wanted to take a quick moment and tell you the Silent Auction was a great success! The auction started at 6:00pm on Friday, May 20th. All Symposium attendees had on their tuxes and gowns and the bidding started. We had about 42 donated items from different chapters and individual ASP’s. The donations varied from themed gift baskets, books, art and many more. We really had a great selection of items. After the bidding was done we all retired to the tent for the Black and White Ball. After dinner the winners were then announced. All donations were bid on and sold! Thanks to all your kind donations and bids the Foundation made a total of $19,351.00! Wow! All proceeds from the Silent Auction will go to the IAHSP Foundation which in turns goes funds our World Wide Staging Service Day that will be held in September 2006. I want to thank each chapter or ASP who donated an item and each person who bid on an item at the Silent Auction. You have made a difference! Thank You, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year in Chicago!
Darcy Noble
News from ASP Services The ASP Services team in Chicago unveiled many new and exciting products and services at this year's Symposium in Foster City, CA. And we got great feedback from the attendees for the development of future products and services too! Over the last year, our team in the ASP Services Division has been involved in developing new products and services that help ASPs in the field market and brand their businesses. One of the concepts we rolled out was called ROSI or "Rosie". ROSI means Return on Staging Investment. We say, "Paint a Rosey (ROSI) Picture to your Clients about ASP Staging" What that means is Staging is all about the financial return on the Staging investment that you provide. ROSI Products, like the new Staging Value Wheel, communicatie the value of your Staging Investment. Its now easy to show a client how much money they can make by Staging their property. We believe that the Staging Value Wheel will prove valuable for Stagers, RE agents and home sellers. We also discussed the need to " ASP brand yourself" so that your client recognizes your business with the ASP designation..... The top designation in the industry. Branding products like the magnetic car door signs allow you to professionally market while you drive or Stage. And ASP Branded literature holders for your clients' brochures and listing sheets. We are also looking to bring many new apparel items to the shopping center too that have style, and are especially branded for the ASP. Everyone should revisit the ASP Shopping Center www.aspshoppingcenter.com to take a look at the available new products. If you have any ideas, feel free to email either Dan or Bob at Staged Homes.
Bob Kenehan and Dan Skoglund |
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ASPs have been mentioned in some very high profile publications lately! Click on a link below to view the article!
Barb,
| Tool of the Month |
| AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
Attention all ASPs...starting today you can purchase co-branded ASP Linen's N Things gift cards at a discounted price from http://www.lntrewards.com/. Staged Homes has signed a contract so that all our ASPs can associtate themselves with one of the country's largest bedding and bath retail chains. How can I use them in my business?
How do I order my cards?
How long will it take to get my cards?
Remember, if you already have the MBNA ASP Home Advantage Card you'll also get 5x bonus points if you use it to purchase your LNT rewards cards! For more information on the ASP Home Advantage Program go to www.ASPHomeAdvantageCard.com We are really excited to be able to bring this program to you and we are working on several other relationships that we will be announcing soon to help you build your business. Wishing you continued success, Dan Skoglund
Also, be sure to check out some of the new products in our Shopping Center:
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As part of my continued commitment to grow the IAHSP association as well as encourage participation at the local level, it’s my joy to announce some great new changes I’ve made to foster the growth of IAHSP membership. As the founder of IAHSP and the creator of the ASP course, I’m so excited to build great teams of ASPs and IAHSP members. We are bringing on more trainers soon and that means adding more ASP courses and watching the number of ASPs grow too! As most of you already know, each ASP 2006 IAHSP Symposium attendee has been given a 1-year membership to IAHSP. Each existing IAHSP member who attended has received a 1-year extension to their current membership. I encourage each and every one of you to find your local chapter and join locally as well. Get involved! Our local chapters need your support and are ready and eager to welcome you as you work together in many ways to grow your businesses, share information and network to build relationships. Beginning with all courses after the symposium, I have added a new benefit added to all who take a three-day ASP course. Because I feel so grateful to have a professional association that will benefit each of it’s members, I wanted to encourage new ASPs to join and see for themselves how beneficial joining can be. I have raised the ASP course investment and included a 1-year membership to IAHSP for all who attend the three-day course as an ASP Stager. We have put systems in place to notify each chapter president of the names of new ASPs. Please talk about this at your meetings and devise a plan and assign a membership roll to someone in your local chapter who will contact each new IAHSP member. Welcome them to attend your next meeting and ask and encourage their participation. We are the benchmark of success and working together we are stronger in numbers…we will continue to be the “best of the best” all while enjoying the rewards of sharing information and working together for a common goal! If you don’t have a local chapter in your area, I encourage you to think about starting one. You can find some basic information on the Staging Forum and direct any inquiries you have to our Director of IAHSP Chapters and IAHSP Vice President, Jennie Norris. Jennie@stagedhomes.com Thank you to all of you who work to make our chapters a success. There are great things ahead and as chapter members and leaders I honor you by being certain you are the first to know and hear of all to come!
Hugs, Barb The annual investment of belonging to IAHSP is only US $150.00 |
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Here is this month’s tip from the StagedHomes.com Business Coach: Every single day you are presented with opportunities to talk about your ASP business. What do you say? Take a moment right now and say out loud the first two sentences you use to introduce yourself and your business. Go ahead, I’ll wait…. So, how did it sound to your ears? Was it smooth? Did you hesitate? Did you stumble over words? Did you rush through it? The whole point is that you have one and only opportunity to make a first impression. These very first words out of your mouth ought to generate interest. Did it? If not, try answering two simple questions: What problem do you address? An example might be, “I work with real estate agents to help sell homes faster and for more money.” What solution do you offer? An example might be, “I do this by turning the home into a house that can be envisioned by potential buyers as their home.” By focusing on the problems you solve for your clients you may find it much easier to start the conversation. After all, isn’t that what you want to do?
Bill Hickman, ASP |
Dearest ASPs, Have you updated your Feature Page lately? Your Feature Page is such a valuable marketing tool and with approximately 3 million hits a month to StagedHomes.com, you should be sure to keep your Feature Page up-to-date. I have asked our Tech Department to add a PDF link with instructions to creating or modifying your Feature Page. You will find the link on the ASP Edit Page just below the Create & Edit Your Feature Page red button in the Staging University. Of course, if after reading these instructions you still need assistance, please contact Staff@stagedhomes.com and we will be happy to assist you! Hugs, Barb |
| Keep Us Informed! |
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Please make sure you let us know if you change your email address, as it is also your log on ID for the Staging University and it is how you receive important updates from us! |
There was a story in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel yesterday. I copied the part about my client to send to you for some stats. Suzan and Steve Crane had their Weston house on the market for six months before deciding to hire stager Sandra Holmes. She suggested they paint, take down wallpaper, add granite countertops and buy stainless steel appliances. Their $9,000 investment netted a contract a week later for $940,000. I also wanted to let you know that I have contacted Barnes and Noble to see what dates are available to do a book signing here. They will be getting back to me. I told them I need at least a month’s notice. Thanks again for putting together the wonderful symposium. There aren’t enough words to say it all except “WOW”! It was great to finally meet you and all of the staff and ASP’s from all over. I can’t wait until next year.
Sandra Holmes |
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Rachel Cheeney has done a great add for herself and ASPs everywhere! ~Barb Schwarz
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| Our Online Forum |
The forum is a great place to network and share ideas! Here is a recent post - why not log on now and share your ideas with other ASPs all over the world!
Have you unpacked yet?
Margaret Innis -------------------- See you ALL in Chicago - and remember - each one bring 5!!!!
All the best, -------------------- I had such a great time, it was wonderful to meet so many people who I have spoken to on the phone or conversed with on the Forum. A fantastic opportunity to share and learn. I can't believe that we have to wait a whole year! I truly miss you all, I thnk your for your kind words and look forward to next year.
Hugs -------------------- Symposium was a great time! It was great to meet so many fellow stagers. I learned so much that will be invaluable as my business grows. Getting the assistance of veteran stagers is very helpful in avoiding the common pitfalls we face as we move forward. I loved the sense of commaraderie and true willingness to share. I will definitley be looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago next year. Thanks to all who helped to put this great event together.
Trish Pachak |
MAKE THE “WRITE” COMMITMENT Symposium 2006 was the best ever! The camaraderie, motivation, education, and inspiration were palpable! We learned and we had fun! I enjoyed meeting so many of you that came – what a joy that was to see many new faces and to reunite with ASPs from the past and from classes I had the privilege of teaching this past year. We are already making plans for IAHSP™ Convention 2007 in Chicago where I know many more ASPs will enjoy another fabulous time! I want you all to make a commitment to get to Convention next year. Right now – write it down! Yes – that means as you are reading this – STOP – get out a piece of paper, and write down in big letters, your commitment. Put it on your desk and on your refrigerator where you will see it every day! “I am attending Convention 2007 in Chicago” – and then with that goal in mind, set financial goals that match so that you can attend. Set aside the funds each week or each month. I calculated that it is only about $5.00 per day to save up for airfare, hotel, and our ticket. Those that can drive, your daily commitment will be less than that! We have time to save, time to plan, and I know when you are committed to business growth, you will find a way to be there! Five dollars per day is a Starbucks and cookie. You can earn the money to go easily by doing Staging work – one vacant house job or several reports, and you are there! We all have families, loved ones, business jobs, and other responsibilities that we have to address – and yet there are some that come and others choose not to – and it is a choice. I have gotten to the place in where I want to challenge those that offer up reasons for not doing something that will move their business forward. Help yourself by Committing to Convention 2007! If you just want to go along with the status quo, then coming to Convention is probably not for you – but if your goal is to continue to be the best in your industry, to continue to set the pace and be the one that raises the bar of excellence, then you HAVE to be there! It’s not an option! Choose to grow your business and remain at the top of your field of Home Staging. Make a commitment to always remaining current on the site, for exposure, leads and so that you can participate in IAHSP™, and so that you can attend our annual Convention! I look forward to seeing all of you that want to attend and remain the industry leaders at our Convention 2007 in Chicago! Write your commitment and then share your commitment with another ASP™ – and hold each other accountable! I am so proud of all that make the commitment and decision and choice to be with us – you are the leaders for the future! Go and grow!!
Jennie Norris
If you were to ask me what I expected at symposium having never been prior to this, I would not have come close to how wonderful it truly was. I walked away enlightened, inspired, rejuvenated and energized. To me, it’s the synergy the whole creates together. It’s the power in numbers and the vision and insight of the genius minds that leave me awestruck. I learned so much from so many. Barb’s energy is always electric and recharges me. She is truly blessed to motivate others and I feel it such a privilege to be able to work with her on such a vision whose time has come. It’s so exciting to see what’s taking place on such an enormous global scale. How could anyone not want to be part of this great concept and ride the wave as it comes into shore. It is up to all of us to continue to enlighten and educate those around us of the importance of becoming an ASP. It is through the recognition of this branding that we all grow and become more and more successful. 
Cindy Pelland
Hola Fellow Stagers! What a great experience to share… Staging continues to explode, expand, and encompass all the wonderful people that expand their horizon and know there is a better way to sell Real Estate! I had the wonderful privilege of wonderful Stagers inviting and hosting me on the wonderful Island of Puerto Rico. A talented Real Estate agent, Ana Stahel of Palmas Del Mar Real Estate in the city of Humacao and her talented and savvy broker Diane Marsters, asked me to assist them in setting up Staging in their real estate office. Palmas del Mar is the most complete master planned community in the Caribbean and is now reselling many of its’ villas, homes and condominiums that sold as new builds. This skilled office of experienced Realtors®, speaking many languages with diverse traveled backgrounds graciously opened up their office to see what Ana was bring back from the States!
Appreciating what is takes to set up a Staging Business or following thru on the intricacies involved in creating the set-up of incorporating Staging into your real estate business we began in earnest, and that meant start by taking your SHC books out of the trunk from the training class and filling them up! (I caught Diane removing hers from the trunk for the first time since class ended, with am sheepish grin!)
Diane Marsters getting ready to set-up! We spent a day and a half setting up profiles, feature pages, pricing structures, while concurrently learning and compiling career books; Diane and Ana.
The next step was to educate Ana’s co-Realtors and explain the benefits of Staging listed homes and “Let Me Tell You How I Work.” We hosted a Saturday morning office meeting to share Staging and teach how Staging is incorporated into their listing and what it can do for them. I was so impressed by the passion Ana shows for Staging and how respectful this highly experienced group of Realtors enjoyed learning a new way of marketing.
During this time, we found a villa to Stage and from the morning meeting we caravanned to the villa and began a Staging project with Ana’s colleagues who could not believe we could “Stage” this unit!
What a gung-ho group…as I tried desperately to brush up on my Spanish, they picked up Staging fast and felt a relief that this was a true profession where they could do to a house what they have wanted to do for years. The Staging was a great success, they were amazed by the results and felt very comfortable in the house when finished…learning as well that Staging is an emotion and “Buyers only know what they see, not the way it is going to be.” We came back later that day with a wine party to see and celebrate the finished unit, and share our success-it truly was incredible…
Chloe, my daughter, enjoyed our visit as well, the surf at our back door, the local cuisine and the giving and great people we met! It was a privilege to educate and share our passions… Adios, Kelly
Kelly McFrederick
WOW! What a convention we had and IF you missed it, you missed a lot of great opportunities to learn, to grow personally, to grow professionally, and to add to your Staging knowledge. The convention this year was jam packed with fun, food and meeting new people. There was the Stage it and Take it which offered practical applications from Staging a bid sheet cover to flexible vases. Meet The Pros was my personal favorite because of the wealth of knowledge that was shared from people who have experienced successes and failures and were willing to share what they have learned so that WE don’t have to make the same mistakes. Then Barb shared where Stagedhomes.com was going and the ongoing services that is provided to our ASP’s at no charge. New products were rolled out like the new ASP magnetic signs for our vehicles. What a great reminder to us to take advantage of the ASP branding, because when we do everyone wins! I am so excited to take all the great new information to our Houston IAHSP meeting in June and let those who were unable to attend know all the great things happening at Stagedhomes.com If you missed this years convention make plans now to attend next years event. Even if you have to forego the Starbucks each day to save the money it will be well worth the investment! As we start to gear up for the IAHSP Community Worldwide Staging Community Service Day™ remember to do your part in helping this years event a real success. It is such a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community where you live. Contact your local IAHSP Chapter Ambassador and see what you can do to help! 
Judy Taylor
WOW!!! You know that factor we all strive for in our Staging projects? Well, we really walked the walk with the 2006 Symposium. What an event. One of the highlights for me as a trainer is when many of the students from past classes came up and shared their success stories with me. We are all about creating and sharing success. I have a great poster in my office about success. Here is the sentiment: S Start with a dream ... And then Start working U Understand first ... Then be understood C Create your own opportunities C Courage, character, caring, communication E Embrace challenges E Expect no less than your best S Simplify and maintain focus S Success is not the key to happiness ... Happiness is the key to Success! I never saw a happier crowd in my life, which means Success is everywhere! Can't wait to see you all in Chicago next April! 
Wanda Hickman
Symposium 2006!
Education! Education! Education! Realtor Roundtable: Education! An eyeopener for all of us, Stagers and Realtors. Answers to the questions of how can we help Realtors? Analogies of how Realtors are similar to farmers! Harvesting the crop, seeding the fields, drought, and more! How can we Meet the Pros: Education! Understanding the bid and conultation, how to get the bid, the importance of business insurance, storage ideas, safety, using our Career Books, and more. Synergy! Stage and Take: Education! Creative solutions that show how you and your service are so much different from all the rest! Trade Show: Education! New products available for ASPs! Door solutions! Power Wash solutions! Fireplace solutions! Pure Ayre! Bling! and more! Personal Contacts: Education! The synergy of meeting hundreds of ASP Stagers with the ideals and passions for our life style. Meeting and brainstorming with fellow ASPs makes all of us stronger and better. Karoke: Education on hold and kick up your feet! Black & White Ball: A wonderful evening! Thank you for a fabulous Symposium!
Margaret Innis
Rate It Number One In The Industry!! In my 21 year corporate career with Sprint, MCI, and BellSouth, I attended many conventions, yearly meetings, and ProClubs. Since these are huge companies with lots of money to spend on these types of events and a big staff dedicated to making sure theirs are successful, you would think this would put StagedHomes at a disadvantage. However, I'm here to tell you, the 2006 Symposium was right up there with these top companies. The organization of events and decorations were impeccable, the programs were so professionally done and a keepsake, and all of the speakers were the best of the best!! I stayed until 10:30PM for Karaoke night where the ASP talent was plentiful. And last but not least, so many new friendships were formed and memories made and isn't this part of what makes an event like this a success too? I heard over and over again from so many men and women they couldn't believe how much the Symposium had to offer beginning with Barb's kick off of the event to the guest speakers, "Meet the Pros", Realtors Roundtable, and the hands on activities. Those who didn't come to the Symposium really missed out on the event of the year for Stagers. We hope that next year, everyone will be able to come. So start saving your money now and put it on your calendar......... Chicago is the place and April 25-28, 2007 is the date. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Thank you Barb for your dedication to making the ASP designation #1 in the Staging industry and for your insight into the future of this business.
Bette Vos
WOW! And WOW! And then WOW! And more WOW!! The WOWs started the best symposium/convention ever with “La Barb” driving in and popping out of the cutest little yellow VW Beetle aptly named the “Barb Bug”. The excitement grew after her opening session and continued to escalate after each of the following sessions. A number of firsts brought this convention to a higher level again: simultaneous break-out sessions allowed more intimacy and time for questions, the Make It and Take sessions gave everyone a chance to let the crafty self try out some great, easy, and inexpensive items, and the Meet the Pros session answered a lot of nagging questions in a frenzied throng. Personally, I tried to hook up with a number of friends made over the last few years from various classes. The time went so quickly that I wasn’t totally successful. I did, though, get to meet more fabulous new friends! OK everyone; let’s plan ahead of time to meet the first evening next year for a drink! I truly mean it when I say, “You are sabotaging your own business by not attending the premier, and only, networking and educational convention presented for your chosen profession.” Start preparing now for next year by putting all your change at the end of each day in a BIG jar. Soon, you’ll have enough money for the investment to attend. I truly want to see you all there! Look for me as the Chair Person for the Young ASPs Camp!
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Let me start by saying thank you to Barb for her idea for me to write this column. Barb’s great ideas don’t stop at just Staging! 
Here are two comments which Abby Laughlin, the developer who hired me, emailed me:
| Staging Quote of the Month |
"We create wealth for our Clients... We deserve to get Paid!" - Barb Schwarz, ASPM, CSP |
BARB'S WORDS OF THE MONTH CLUB With Love to You from Barb….. The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. "Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
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  Dear ASP/ASPM's:
I've heard about many of our ASP/ASPM's children who have been Staging with their Moms or Dads. If your children are involved with your business and Home Staging and/or Real Estate in any way please share the below with them. Your/our children are the future of our world. They are the future ASP's and I care about them as I do care about you...With Stager, our dear Yorkie's, disappearance and possible passing, I have felt his presence and have decided to leave him on the site as our ASP Mascot forever and also to share his page with our dear children. On our ASPs in Training page, children may send their stories, pictures, drawings, ideas for Staging and anything they want to share so that we may 'brag' about them and have them see themselves on the number one Home Staging/Real Estate Site in the World too!We will only post their first name so that they are also protected and we can also put your first name and designation such as: Mary, JR. ASP in Training, daughter of Sally, ASPM, TX |
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Welcome to our Chicago Baby Mascot, Miss Roxie Heart!
Sincerely,
Dear Ms Barb, Our entire family has believed in Staging since our own house was Staged to sell 1 1/2 years ago. We did everything recommended to us by the ASP and even though it sold in only 5 days, we kept the house in Staged condition until the day we moved. My mother, Michelle Beste, became and ASP soon afterward. Now my brother Cameron and I have been assisting her on Staging projects as often as we can. Since I am 17 and he is 13, she hires us mostly for our muscle. We load & unload furniture from storage, to vehicle, to truck, and back again for de-Staging. We work as quickly as we can, saving her a lot of time so she can focus on the Staging process. We sometimes do yard work and have become excellent packers too! We also promote her business to the various people we meet and keep her business cards in our wallets, ready to hand out. We also point out houses she should visit that are for sale and obvliously NOT Staged. Life is different now with mom's office at home. Her storage unit is in our garage and our phone lines are geared for business. The house decor used to always stay the same, now we are constantly adding & removing items, or changing the room they're in. Cameron and I are developing our own ideas about Staging techniques and offer our opinions sometimes. Dad helps out too with a lot of the computer and technical stuff. Sometimes he uses his truck to drive a 2nd load for a large job. He can pack a vehicle or storage unit like nobody else! Being an ASP allows my mom to be with us more often and for us to do more as a family. We like working together and are good at what we do. Plus, the pay is so much better than the typical teen jobs! We call ourselves the Beste Boys, because our family makes the Beste team! Sincerely,
Hi Barb, I finally received the your book today, thank you so much. It looks great and I started reading it already, love it. Happy staging!
At the symposium you asked us to write and tell you about our junior ASP's in training. I have a few. And I know they would love a certificate to show their friends. First, my fiancé has been working with me for a couple years now, and he is planning to get his ASP in Chicago this summer. We are blending families...my daughter, Alanna is 12. His kids are Chadel 14, Cierra 13 and Brandon 9. They have all helped me with my staging business in many ways. I pay Chandel ($10 each) to type consultation reports for me every night (after her homework is done.) She has also helped me stage vacant homes. Cierra has helped me stage vacant homes as well and has helped me select just the right throw pillows and accessories for our own house. Alanna helps me fold brochures, take messages, pack for staging jobs, and is a great critic of my work. She lets me know what I need to change! Brandon is learning to help us and participates in helping us carry our props and shop for new ones. Today, the kids helped me at our own house stage the new furnishings we bought - helped me carry the large sofas (2), which we now need for our growing family...they helped me sort through props to bring in just the right accessories and helped me place the furniture in the best way possible. Our house feels more like a home - and it is uncluttered, comfy and classy. All with the help of my kids. I think we will have an entire family of ASP's when they finish school. Just wanted to share our story and photo with you. I also had them wash my work truck today, which of course ended in a water fight...that explains the wet hair!!! Thanks again for creating a career path and way of life for all of us ASP's both present and future! We love you! Diana Palm
  
Hi Barb, I had a great time at Brooks on Thursday…..what a great way to network. Also, thanks for your input regarding how to handle an overpriced staged home. As promised, I am sending you pictures of my brand new granddaughter, Zoe and her big sister Trinity. Karen Noonan
Dear Miss Barb, My name is Nicky and me and my little brother Kalen are at Grandma Wanda’s house today. We are helping her Stage stuff on the porch so she can put it in her vancar tomorrow and teach some other people how to Stage too. It’s lots of fun to move stuff around. She let us help move furniture in her fambly room except I got real tired and went to watch a movie. Staging is hard work. But, grandma says hard work is good for me. I have to think about that. I hope you don’t get too tired Staging. I love your doggie roxie she is real cute. That’s all. Nicky Woolwine (6 years old) | ||
Fellow Stagers; Ask ALL your friends and relatives to call you whenever they find 'bargains' that they think you could use for staging. My friends have called me flea markets to the clearance depts in the finest stores. Today I got a call that a store [Unclaimed Freight Store] just marked cardboard tables down to $1, and they were going fast. There were 2 sizes, bedside table and end table. Throw cloth over it and it's ready. I bought a case of each. $12 total. We can use all the eyes and ears we can get to spot deals. As good as we are, I haven't figured out how to be 2 places at once but with scouts on the look out for us it's almost better than being in 2 places at once.
Colleen McLinden
I use sleeping bags to transport pictures. Children's size work great for smaller pictures and I have folded adult sized bags and re-sewn 3 sides for my really huge frames. I pay no more than $4 at the local goodwill store (donated goods store) and garage sales and they do a great job of protecting them. Cindy Young
I'd never thought of adding WD-40 to my toolbox but after reading a few of these uses, I just may add it. We Staged a very large, expensive house that had decals and stickers ALL over it. We could have saved ourselves some time with WD-40, it seems. (we do NOT clean house....but some of these suggestions could come in handy while staging) 2000 uses for WD40 - partial list here....... . Home/Garden The uses of WD-40 described on this website were provided to WD-40 Company by end-users of the product, and do not constitute recommendations or suggestions for use of WD-40 by WD-40 Company. These uses have not been tested by WD-40 Company. Consumers should exercise common sense whenever using WD-40. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the WD-40 packaging
Nelda Liles
Staging idea... I didn’t have a headboard for a guest bedroom so I bought two $7.95 woven rope welcome mats and nailed them up for an instant headboard (see attached photo). They come in natural and black… Barbara Fleischer | ||
Hello ASP's! We've added a few new features to StagedHomes.com that will help increase everyone's online exposure. One of the features is a mini-site for the new Staging book: http://stagingbook.stagedhomes.com There is also a new Staging Blog! The Home Staging Blog is the official weblog of Stagedhomes.com, with news of new products, events and glimpses of life inside the home staging industry. What is a blog? Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site. It is an online version of a diary. We would like to hear your comments and suggestions: | ||
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Dear Barb,
Dear Barb,
Hi Barb. 
Hi, stagers,