I’ve read a ton of advice about real estate blogs and what you should and shouldn’t put on them.

You should have personal stuff. No you shouldn’t!

You should show your personality. You’re a professional – you shouldn’t have a personality.

Talk about your pet – you’ll connect with other pet owners. No don’t do that. People just want real estate.

Well my pendulum is swinging back a little. I used to put funny stuff like the video where the seagull is eating the chips he stole from the grocery store. Then I thought oh maybe I shouldn’t do that.

Well, since I read this blog more than anybody else I couldn’t resist putting up this video of my cat. Even people that don’t like cats love Bella. And although Melissa doesn’t really like cats and thinks this is disgusting even she loves Bella!

Last week I spent time talking to a guy in a networking group I belong to.  The conversation turned into an avalanche of life sucks.  He had left the mortgage industry for greener pastures and had a lot to say about how crappy things are.

I tried to lighten it up with:  I don’t think things are as bad as they seem.  It got:  Really?  I think they’re pretty bad.

Some people can’t be convinced.  I learned a long time ago that I can’t compete with Katie Couric or Brit Hume’s rendition of the sky is falling.

So next time you want to share some doom and gloom – don’t.  It’s contagious – like tuberculosis.

Now for some good news:

Housing Outlook Hopeful as Labor Market Improves

Cisco Adding A Few Thousand More Hires

photo credit

Because of this extremely competitive employment environment, it has never been more important for job hunters to be at the top of their game. That means updating resumes, learning the secrets of a good interview, and understanding social networking and other on-line tools to get in front of those who might be hiring. To help local men and women get a leg up on the competition in 2010, Jackie Speier is hosting a “Job Hunters Boot Camp” on Thursday, January 28 at the San Mateo County Event Center.

Some of our area’s most knowledgeable career counselors, CEOs and other professionals are generously donating their time and knowledge to help residents of the 12th Congressional District and San Mateo County.  In addition, stations will be set up to provide one-on-one consultations on how to craft a better resume and improve interviewing skills. Jackie will be there to give an update on what Congress is doing to create more jobs.

This event is for residents of the 12th Congressional District and San Mateo County.  Space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 650-342-0300.

Iris Hecker, Enrolled Agent
Independent Consulting Services

Iris brings years of experience to the subject of personal and business tax returns.

Join us as she gives us tips on year end tax planning and strategies for 2009.

Knowing what to do now and having time to take action before the end of the year may save you money!

Bring your questions. Bring your friends.

For more details and directions see our website!

Edna Soblin, Certified Handwriting Consultant, presents an interesting and informative presentation all about the importance of handwriting in your life.

Handwriting is a unique tool for creating change and for understanding oneself as well as other people. Edna will share some quick handwriting tips that can reduce stress, increase efficiency, and improve relationships with colleagues and customers. Let’s have fun and learn how just glancing at someone’s handwriting can provide clues into their personality.
So join us for frank and fun conversation, a raffle, roundtable and some good laughs.  Cost is $5 online or at the event.

For more details see our MeetUp page.

Spring Cleaning In September

Back to school can mean chaos and confusion but it doesn’t have to! Our expert will show you the top ten tips to getting organized in a hurry.

Anne Navach, owner of Anne Navach Organizing Services, came to the Professional Organizing industry by way of a career in Corporate America. With 30-plus years of Project Management and Organizational Management expertise and a degree in Behavioral Science, Anne provides confidential, non-judgmental assistance in creating systems that work for her clients, one step at a time.

She specializes in working in small businesses and home offices, with an emphasis on productivity, paper management, clutter control, and financial management.

Additionally, Anne is a long time San Carlos resident, having moved here back in 1948.

Join us for our exciting, first MeetUp!

Empowerment, freedom, and independence – these are all descriptive words of what your financial strategy should provide.

During this presentation, we will talk about the most common barriers to effectively managing your finances and guidelines you can use to break through them and reach financial stability.

Kirsten Weiss of SGC Financial will talk about something that can be difficult for all of us – our finances. She’ll help us avoid the 7 Ps which can create a devastating result.

So join us for frank and fun conversation, a raffle, roundtable and some good laughs.

For the next 60 seconds I’m going to pull out my hair and scream. Will that fix my blog?

Well, it seems the only way to fix the frustrating and crazy-making mistake I made on my blog was to reload the theme which will add a ton of work for me. And since there’s so much work to do I decided to change the theme to something easier on the eyes – adding a ton more work. So while I make changes ignore all the stuff that’s wrong with my blog. K? Thanks. Bye. I’m going to bed.

Rolando Rubio III - not the average paparazzi

Just ask me

Bill Silverfarb of the Daily Journal called yesterday to ask my opinion of the newest proposal by the state to resolve the budget issue – you know the one:  We have no money.

Not

One of the ideas that being considered is to withhold 3% of independent contractors’ wages. Ah, yeah – not. Bill reports, “Hill, however, said his office has been flooded by calls and e-mails urging him not to support the proposal.” Leland Yee’s getting the same calls but no matter – he loves the idea.

Does 3% Make A Difference?

Independent contractors and small business owners are suffering enough with the sharp dump in the economy. Taking another 3% will have dire consequences for those already being squeezed.

And I had to have my picture taken – which I hate.

Before I made all my posts into videos,  San Mateo Real Estate Blog was voted one of the best blogs in San Francisco.  We’re not in San Francisco.  But shhhh.  Don’t tell anyone.

I’m in good company with one of my personal favorites, Jim Minkey’s Absolutely Foster City.  Also not in San Francisco favorites are Living Well In San Mateo - Chris Williamson is one of the most creative people I know, in real estate or not; and Chuck Gillooley’s White Oaks Blog – focused on the most desirable neighborhood in San Carlos.

Thank you Relocation.com.  Now I’ve got to go see what Chris is doing.