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DIY: Don’t Cut Corners – What to do When You Can’t Finish the Basement (Video)
December 16, 2014
In this week’s DIY video, Andrew explains the importance of finishing the basement. Basements are common in many areas of the country. Many use the basement as a storage space and therefore leave the basement unfinished. Don’t make the mistake of cutting corners! Go the extra mile and clean up that basement space! It could be a deciding factor for some buyers. ...
read moreThe 7 Deadly Sins of Leadership: Sin #1 – Relevancy
December 16, 2014
Most of you reading this are familiar with the phrase, “The Seven Deadly Sins” as they are commonly referred to. Such sins include: greed, lust, gluttony, pride, wrath, sloth, and envy. I do not wish to compose an article about those sins. Rather, over the course of the next several weeks, I am going to address another list of deadly sins – The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership! Such pitfalls are ones that a great leader must avoid. There are many leadership mistakes that are worthy of mention but are survivable…and then there are the ones I consider “deadly.” We learned that General Motors was recently forced to issue a massive recall of hundreds of thousands of vehicles, yet, it’s stock is strong and there is no concern for GM’s or their CEO, Mary Barra’s future. Now, compare that negative news with Donald Sterling, the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. All of those years of successful ownership status were instantly washed-away by an indiscreet and undisciplined tongue during private conversation. Or, consider the former CEO of Mozilla, Brendan Eich. He was considered a smart and highly successful leader of his company. His mistake was writing a $1,000 check in support of California’s Proposition 8. No one knows, no one cares, right? Wrong. Once the mainstream media caught-wind of his fiscal support for Prop-8, he was forced to resign. The modern age of hyper-political correctness can be extremely toxic for today’s business leaders. Leadership in the modern business-world exists in quite a toxic environment. My goal is to help keep those toxins from poisoning your future, so let’s go! The first of seven deadly sins of leadership is RELEVANCY. General Motors CEO, Mary Barra’s position is safe and secure. She admitted to the faulty ignition switch that can inadvertently turn-off the passenger’s side airbag. It’s been reported that more than a dozen deaths have resulted from that faulty ignition switch. However, Barra was hailed as a competent leader and was even praised for her handling of the crisis. The recall will cost GM hundreds of millions of dollars and several dead costumers. Yet, she keeps her job with praise! Compare that to Brendan Eich’s sending $1,000 check to a cause he privately supported in which no one was killed or injured, yet he was tossed out of his job. So why the dramatic contrast? One word – RELEVANCY. Mozilla is not in the business to form or persuade public opinion with respect to gay rights or gay marriage. And the thousand dollar check revealed a breach in relevancy as perceived by the stockholders. You may wonder, how do you stay relevant? 1. Know your focus. Know your business, your customers, your bottom-line, and especially your job! 2. Stay away from the flash points that stoke the emotional fires on both sides of your customer base. I’m not advocating a “non-involvement” status. A leader who serves meals regularly in a soup kitchen for the homeless will be perceived as both a responsible and compassionate leader by insiders and outsiders. That is a win/win situation. But political activism or using one’s clout to go against the flow of public opinion – even if the public is wrong – only brings unnecessary strife and the charge...
read moreFathers Day 2014
December 16, 2014
“The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” – Tim Russert Last month, I had lunch with a man who had been recently released from federal prison. Rather than call him by his real name, let’s refer to him by his prison nickname, “City.” He is a 43 year old African American from the rough streets of Chicago. “City” happened to also be an upper-echelon leader in a prominent prison gang. He had spent the last decade incarcerated for drug trafficking. Our paths had crossed because of a mutual friend, Leonard. Leonard is a dear friend of mine in his 70’s. “City” is smart and possesses a warm and genuine personality. Youthful in his curiosity to learn and an eagerness to please our mutual friend, Leonard. Leonard had also become a mentor to “City.” It didn’t take very long for me to recognize a father-son type of bond between these two men. As time passed during lunch, my interest was piqued. I asked “City” about his background, specifically his youth. His story, though unique to him, is not, unfortunately, unique to our modern society. “City” grew up in a single-parent home and raised by his grandmother. His home was a government-funded apartment located in the “projects” of Chicago. His father had abandoned the family when “City’s” mother became pregnant. The daily trauma of violence, shootings, rapes, drugs, and bloodshed inoculated the boy from developing the normal and traditional underpinnings of a more stable, modern family in America. Yet, “City” knew deep down inside that there had to be a better life…somewhere out there. As a young teenager, he turned to the local gangs for protection. Those same gangs quickly introduced him to the drug culture. He told me that just in his one apartment building where he lived, over $100,000 of drugs were sold daily! The money he soon earned by selling drugs allowed him to purchase his grandmother a house far away from the projects. The gentle woman did her best to rear him as her son, but like so many millions of those living in poverty, the “streets” became his family. He quickly moved up the ranks but eventually, “City” was busted by Federal Agents for conspiracy and drug trafficking. Leonard happened to be visiting another friend in prison when he was introduced to “City.” Over time, they became friends and Leonard would become his mentor. Once “City” was released from prison, the bond he had shared with Leonard was strong. Leonard had assured “City” that as long as he did his time and kept his nose clean, he would help him with education and a job. Every day, “City” reads out loud to Leonard to practice his English, vocabulary, and reading skills. “City” is aspiring to learn an honest trade and Leonard is eagerly helping. I chose to relate this story for Fathers’ Day for many reasons: 1. The journey from immature boy to mature manhood is nearly impossible without the aid of a strong father or father figure. Regardless of the modernity of the culture or the politically correct view, Dad’s are as much needed today as they have ever been, perhaps even more. Both sons and daughters need the example of a strong loving father...
read moreIntroduction To: The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership – Series
December 16, 2014
“Leadership: the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower This week, I am pleased to announce a new 9-part series entitled: “The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership.” Thousands of readers pursued our most recent blog series “The 8 Steps to Sure Success”. It was so successful and popular to our readers that it motivated me to begin composing another multi-part series. This week’s article is a brief introduction to the impending series about the Seven Deadly Sins of modern business leaders. I’m confident in my opinion that most of us have, at one time or another, worked for a “bad” leader. I can recall several situations in which I literally despised my boss or “leader” at work! I employ a veteran of the US military and he once told me about a quote. One of his drill instructors barked at the recruits during recruit training. The drill instructor told his platoon, “A good leader never requires his troops to engage in work that he is not willing to do himself.” How many times has your boss given you a directive that you know deep down that they would never do themselves? I can think of countless times this has happened through the years! Nothing loses respect of subordinates like a boss that barks orders. Especially ones they’d never do themselves if the roles were reversed! Being a leader is probably the most difficult challenge any of us will ever face. At least during the course of our professional careers. It matters not how long we work at it, but practicing the proper behaviors is a never-ending task. Knowing and evading misguided behaviors is also never-ending. Therefore, over the next several months we will discuss the Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership and how to avoid them! Peter Drucker was once quoted as saying that “management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Great leaders possess sensational social intelligence, the drive for change, and above all, a vision that grants them the ability to set their sights on the issues that truly merit attention. It would be irresponsible if we didn’t at least try to include these skill sets in our leadership quiver! So be sure to check in next week as we discuss the first Deadly Sin of Leadership – RELEVANCE. ...
read moreMemphis Invest, Home Depot, and Andrew Cordle at Graceland
December 16, 2014
“Relationships are all built on different foundations, but the ones that last are built on trust and open, honest conversations.” – Nishan Panwar I wish that I received a dollar for every time that someone has told me about the importance of building and nurturing professional relationships. By now, I’d have a pocket full of cash! However, so often in the real estate industry we hear about those that can’t help but sermonize about the importance relationships. Unfortunately, a large number of those people only “talk” about it but don’t seem to actually practice what they preach. Through the years, I have learned that building and nurturing relationships is paramount to success and longevity for my business. For example, my relationship with The Home Depot and Memphis Invest has grown leaps and bounds over the last 12 months. Consequently, our relationships are both profound and rooted in sincerity. I have found out recently how important it is to not only maintain important professional relationships, but to nurture and grow them. In the long run, both parties find that the relationships that are deep and sincere tend to work in the favor of all involved. It’s rewarding to have great conversation and brain-storming over coffee or a good meal. But what about a trip with industry leaders to the home of Elvis? Have you ever visited Graceland, the home of the “King,” Elvis Presley? Recently, my wife and I were blessed to spend a day at Graceland with executives from The Home Depot and Memphis Invest. We had a wonderful time that was full of laughs and lengthy conversations. All about the present and future of the real estate industry. Frankly, it was confirmation that our companies are all on the same-page and share the same values and goals for the very near future. We discussed many different topics but most importantly, we were all in agreement as to the desired future of our companies and their place in the industry. We will be working together to increase profits, build our businesses, nurture our professional relationships, and advance the progressive evolution of real estate investing. It is hard to overlook the importance of relationships in all of our professional endeavors. Having solid relationships creates less stress. It also promotes increased productivity, improves efficiency and benefits our labors in virtually every measurable way. Like anything of great value, solid professional relationships don’t just evolve on their own. In order to create and build lasting, meaningful relationships, one must do their part. They must take responsibility for their actions and do the things that will result in mutual benefits for all parties involved. While there are many things one can do to nurture relationships, there are several things that you can do – right now. And, when done consistently and with sincerity, each will help you nurture and grow the professional relationships we all yearn for: 1. Make it a priority – We’re all busy but to grow relationships. One must prioritize and do the things that promote growth. 2. Care – People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. 3. Connect – Networking is the life-blood of business. 4. Trust – Will you be disappointed sometimes when others let...
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