Rentals 'Going Through The Roof'

Sky News reported this morning that "the slump in the housing market has led to a boom in the rental sector as frustrated homeowners look to let out rather than sell their properties."

"The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said instructions to let properties increased at their fastest pace since its survey began during the three months to July. Overall, 43% more chartered surveyors reported seeing a rise in the number of new landlord instructions than those who saw a fall, up from 30% during the previous quarter. The group said the credit crunch, which has seen banks become much more reluctant to lend money, has had a dual effect on the rental market. Sellers are finding it difficult to get rid of their properties, because would-be buyers cannot get mortgages. As a result, people who would like to buy have been forced to rent instead - further boosting demand.

Tennant demand rose at its fastest rate since 1998, with 37% more chartered surveyors reporting an increase in lettings than those who saw a fall, up from 30% during the previous quarter. The group said demand for family homes was particularly strong, with 43% more surveyors reporting an increase in the number of house lettings than those who saw a fall, compared with 34% more who reported a jump in demand for flats.

This is a perfect time to approach Letting Agents regarding the business opportunity available to them in terms of maximising profits through their ever expanding property portfolios. For more information please call me on Freephone 0800 496 8111 or email esther@bills2big.com

The Power of Goal Setting

It’s been with true amazement, over the last eight days, that I have watched Michael Phelps, aged 23, win eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

Prior to the games the international press had speculated as to what the swimming stars main goal was to be. Michael hadn't shared this with anyone but his coach. In a press conference yesterday after having been decorated with his eight gold medal he shared with the world that this had in fact been his dream, his goal, an achievement that he gave his all to attain. He remembered back to his school days and his English teacher telling him that he'd never be successful. He smiled as he put that statement into present context.

Michael has over the last eight days raced in eight events, won eight gold medals, smashed seven world records and one Olympic record. A simply amazing achievement. One that has made a true mark on sporting history.

At times he faced adversity - his goggles filling with water during the 200m butterfly when he had to blindly rely on counting his number of strokes to gauge his turns to perfection.

Every second counted. His 100m butterfly saw him claim his gold by one hundredth of a second; when he had to push his body to its absolute limit in order to keep on track for his goal.

He relied upon the endurance of his fellow team mates in the team events. If there was ever a race to watch that demonstrates the sheer power of working as a team it would have to be the 4x100m freestyle final. Each swimmer giving their ABSOLUTE best in order to attain the common goal - victory! Pushing themselves and the performance of others to such a point that each of the eight countries taking part in the final broke the world record.

The games to me have been about this one man and his strive to reach his goal. He never gave up. He pushed himself to his limits and then went even further. He dealt with challenges and then moved on. He didn't get distracted by commentary or hype. He remained focussed. He has sacrificed the last four years of his life and more for this one day.

"Rather the pain of endurance than the pain of regret".

Michael Phelps I salute you!

Aim For The Top!

A transcript from my voicemail 12.08.08

First things first Express Day 2008. 47 days to go guys and counting. Most importantly have you booked your ticket? If you haven’t yet booked a ticket, you are either not serious about building a successful business or about making money. In fact you should perhaps put the phone down right now! This event will be a sell out I can assure of that and I would hate for any one of you to miss out on what’s sure to rock your business into 2009. And as if the line up couldn’t be any hotter, yesterday HQ announced that international speaker BIG AL will also be gracing the stage. You can’t make money and excuses at the same time folks– you’ve got a choice to make – its in your hands. And please do encourage as many of your team to attend as physically possible. The more of your team in that arena on the 28th September the more exciting your year is going to get.

So this week is week 6 of the Summer Sizzler and I am loving it. Why, because it pushing me. It is pushing me to achieve more than I ever would have had Jimmy not set this amazing challenge. Ask yourself, is it really pushing you? Are you happy with your results so far? Do you feel each and every day that you’ve given 150% effort? Most importantly are you proud of yourself and of your activity so far. 122 IDs and 601 customers have been gathered so far in the Challenge – in the last 5 weeks, which is absolutely awesome. But I know there is room for improvement for ALL of us taking part in the Challenge...

My team and I are really making use of every single customer gathering and ID sponsoring approach out there. Win a Mini events, neighbour letters, contacting existing customers and asking them for referrals, handing out shed loads of micro cards on a daily basis, day in day out, not stopping, texting business owners, calling in on business owners and asking if they would like a free analysis of their utility bills – no obligation, customer gathering parties, and ensuring that for every customer you ever sign you obtain at least 2 referrals. Just think what size your business could be if you packed each and every week with all of this activity. I think it would excite you!

Watching the Olympics always inspires me, but never as much this years games. And for one reason alone. Michael Phelps. Michael is 23 years old and I believe is about to make history. His goal is to be the first ever athlete to win 8 Olympic Gold medals in one Olympic games. Something that has never ever been done before. He has 5 individual races and 3 team events to deliver in and he has won three out of three events already. This guy sets goals ladies and gentleman and he is a monster when he gets in that pool. There’s not a drop of self doubt, there are no distractions, giving anything less than his absolute best is simply not an option. And every hundredth of a second counts. He is focussed, he is on fire and the more he tastes success the more he wants he wants of it.

I really do believe that If you can dream about something, then you can achieve it. Its a difficult question but ask do you believe in yourself, do you believe in your abilities, do you believe that you can go out there today, this week and be your absolute best. The best you’ve ever ever been. Not letting anything or anyone get in your way. I believe the answer is yes. Every single one of us can. We’ve just got to believe in ourselves.

When Michael Phelps yesterday won his 2nd gold medal as the USA won the 4 x 100m relay, all eight participating countries broke the world record. I believe that the tempo for that race, the destiny of success was set by the goal of one man Michael Phelps. What could you achieve this week, this year if you dare to believe in yourself and what you are really capable of.

Ladies and Gentleman the time for thinking about things is over. This week I challenge you all to step up to the block, give the Summer Sizzler Challenge your absolute best and aim for nothing short of the top. There’s nobody stopping you achieve great things but yourself. Go for it guys and have an absolutely awesome week.

British Gas Hike Gas Prices by 35%

Wednesday of this week saw British Gas hike gas prices by 35% as homeowners becoming increasingly aware of rocketing energy costs.

As a customer of the Utility Warehouse Discount Club I can rest assured that I will continue to receive great value for money when it comes to both my electricity and gas prices in line with the companies Triple Value Guarantee. I don't need a capped or fixed rate tariff for peace of mind - I'm simply a customer of the Utility Warehouse Discount Club!

And it get's better - I receive just one bill for all of my utilities including gas, electricity, home telephone, mobile, blackberry and broadband.