We are pleased to welcome Kristen Hartnagel with Southwestern Consulting as our February guest speaker.  Kristen spoke about business coaching.  She believes one-on-one business coaching is the shortest distance between you and your goals.  Business coaching is like having your own business consultant – someone who knows where you are, where you want to go, and how to get you there - Someone who holds you accountable to doing what needs to be done to make your goals a reality.  She gave us insight on how to take our sales to the next level.

The future of real estate is now!  Our millennial focused panel featured 5 individuals making their mark on the West Michigan real estate scene in unique ways.  We discovered what has made these young agents successful early on in their careers.  We also had a millennial lender and title rep in the mix.  Our panel discussion featured Kate Bylsma/ Patriot Realty, Kelli DeHaan/ City2Shore RE, Ashley Dietch/ SVG Real Estate Firm, Jenny Vantubbergen/ Midstate Title, and Ryan VanDyk/ VanDyk Mortgage.  Larissa Frody/ City2Shore RE provided the inspiration.

The 17th annual golf outing was held at the lovely Thornapple Pointe Golf Club.  The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time!  The day ended with a nice dinner and give-aways for some fun prizes.

Shelley Frody Becomes the WCR Western Michigan Chapter President for 2014-2015
Lisa Coe is the New President-Elect 2014-2015

Former president Melanie Abraham announced that she would be stepping down as she has relocated to Austin, Texas in May 2014.  Melanie's resignation was forwarded to the governing board and was effective on May 7, 2013.  President-Elect Shelley Frody stepped into the role of president of the chapter a bit early.  We are deeply grateful for her desire to lead and for the supportive efforts of the current team of governing board members.   Lisa Coe was nominated and accepted for President-Elect for the remainder of the year and the full term of 2015.  Please join us in wishing Melanie Abraham all the best as she begins a new chapter in her life and career.  We thank her for her service on behalf of the organization.

Member Diane Griffin Purchases Keller Williams North, Grand Rapids
A big congratulations to Diane Griffin on her new venture in purchasing the Keller Williams Market Center North in Grand Rapids.  The original investor group is still involved, excited, and prepared for growth. This doesn't affect her current Griffin Properties Team in any way. This is a new business venture for her and she is excited to make the Market Center amazing and build on the solid foundation that was created.  Go Diane!

Members Lola Audu and Steve Volkers Speak at NAR Tech Edge
Tech Edge came to Detroit MI on June 6th, 2014. This cutting edge technology conference features some of Michigan's best & brightest when it comes to utilizing technology effectively in your business.  This event was a one day only, information rich technology training session produced by the National Association of REALTORS®.  Topics covered included social media, mobile devices and apps, photos and video, marketing, branding, and many more!  Featuring some names you know from Women's Council of REALTORS: Lola Audu and Steve Volkers.  Great job guys!

WCR Western Michigan has been busy as usual.  So what have we been up to recently?  Check it out!

APRIL LUNCHEON- "Mini Bootcamp with ZattaChat"
A powerful and productive event designed for those brave entrepreneurs who go out on their own and blaze a trail of independence.  Christi Pentecost of ZattaChat spoke to us about marketing and figuring out who our ideal client is, and how to target that marketing.  To those who want to make a difference for themselves, their families and their community, we say:    Go For it!  Miss the luncheon?  Watch the video summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3q5HHYZpbA.

MAY LUNCHEON- "Construction Panel- What You NEED to Know!"
With the inventory of homes for sale at historical lows, knowledge of new construction is more important than ever.   There were two panels, one of builders and one of Realtors, both with extensive insight on the process of new construction.  Our builder panelists for this great event were:  Bob Sorensen with Eastbrook Homes, Joel Peterson with Joel Peterson Homes, Matt McCollum with Forest Hills Homes, Rich Bloem with True North Homes, and John Bitely with Sable Homes.

JUNE LUNCHEON-  "Birgit Klohs with The Right Place"
For the  June Luncheon we returned to Charley's Crab for this special event.  Birgit Klohs from The Right Place spoke about business retention and creation around Grand Rapids and Western Michigan.  We as Realtors and residents of GR, can help do our part by making this a welcoming community.

Relationships are not only at the heart of the Western Michigan Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors, but also at the center of our every day business. Building relationships on a personal level develops the lasting qualities of a friendship such as honesty, understanding and trust.

How do you create lasting relationships?  The number one way to build personal business relationships is to be visible by being present.

* Take the time to attend networking events, mixers and luncheons. 
* Be helpful by offering relevant and beneficial introductions. 
* Stay connected by sharing what you have recently learned. 
* Be top of mind by reaching out to connect for coffee or invite them to the next event you are attending. 
* Make your self available to deliver only your best service.

The greatest relationships can start with a simple conversation and a handshake. The conversations that follow over time will be what creates the lasting bond.



Be Present | Get Involved | Stay Connected

For the  June Luncheon we returned to Charley's Crab for this special event.  Birgit Klohs from The Right Place spoke about business retention and creation around Grand Rapids and Western Michigan.

Miss this luncheon?  Watch this recap from Christi Pentecost with ZattaChat 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3q5HHYZpbA