Billy Florence Leadership Insights

Billy Florence - Tips For Buying A Home

Now is a good time to buy a home if you are ready and you don't already own a home that you need to sell. It is certainly a buyers market. There are plenty of homes to choose from and you can find a great deal as there are people out there who need to sell.

There are some good things you need to know if you are house hunting. I read this article from CNNMoney.com. I agree with most all of the points that the article makes. But there is one that I do not agree with. It says "not to worry" if you can't put down the usual 20%. I understand that it is no longer the norm to pay down 20% when buying a home but it is still a good idea for many reasons. You may have excellent credit and be able to qualify for a loan without paying the 20% but it is still a good idea to pay money down. And 20% is still best.

Here are a few points made that can help you as you are looking for a home:

Don't buy if you can't stay put.

If you can't commit to remaining in one place for at least a few years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. With the transaction costs of buying and selling a home, you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner.

Start by shoring up your credit.

Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. A few months before you start house hunting, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover.

Aim for a home you can really afford.

The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But you'll do better to use one of many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.

Do your homework before bidding.

Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood. So before making it, consider sales of similar homes in the last three months. If homes have recently sold at 5 percent less than the asking price, you should make a bid that's about eight to 10 percent lower than what the seller is asking.

You can read the complete article at CNNMoney.com:

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson8/

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Amway's Joe Markiewicz – Learning & Literature

I love this quote that Joe Markiewicz has shared from Mr. Andrew Carnegie.  He had so much wealth and was able to do so many things in his life.  But you can tell from this quote and others that Andrew Carnegie had a real love and passion for the simple act of reading and writing...

Joe Markiewicz, “Industrialist, Andrew Carnegie in this excerpt, expresses the true enjoyment of literature and an atmosphere of learning. His enthusiasm is contagious.”

Joe Markiewicz & Mary Beth Quick Quote Favorite

“Amid books, newspapers, pencils, pens and ink and writing pads, and a clean office, bright windows, and the literary atmosphere, I was the happiest boy alive.” - Andrew Carnegie

Joe & Mary Beth Markiewicz own Markiewicz International and are members of IBOAI.

IBOAI, the official trade association, leadership team includes Billy Florence, Jody Victor, Randy Haugen, Don Wilson Fred Harteis and Jim Janz. They serve and protect the business interests of independent business owners, (Quixtar IBO’s ) throughout North America.

The 2007 IBO Board of Directors Executive Committee Team includes Jim Janz, Chairman, Don Wilson, Vice Chairman, Bob Andrews, Brad Duncan, Kanti Gala, Randy Haugen, Bill Hawkins, and Kathy Victor. Governance and Oversight Committee includes Jody Victor and Billy Florence. Other serving board members include Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady.

© 2007 Joe Markiewicz Amway Quixtar IBO. All rights reserved. Reprint permission provided to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Quixtar Billy Florence - Financial Favorites

Money and finances can certainly be the source for many arguments in most American households. I don't know the exact percentage but I know it is a high percentage of arguments that trace back to money issues in most families.

Being on top of your finances is big relief for families. I don't mean just making more money. Having your finances in order begins with living within your means. Making more money can be very helpful but first and most importantly we must live within our means.

I thought I would share a few great financial common sense quotes...

Billy Florence - Financial Common Sense

"A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life." - Suze Orman

"People first, then money, then things." - Suze Orman

"Gold cometh gladly and in increasing quantities to any man who will put by not less than one-tenth of his earnings to create an estate for his future and that of his family." - George S. Clason

"Gold clingeth to the protection of the cautious owner who invest it under the advice of men wise in its handling." - George S. Clason

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Quixtar & Amway News site.

Billy Florence - Online Sales Double Digit Growth

This article was first published on http://www.e-quadnews.com/.

Online Shopping To Soar 18 Percent

The pundits forecasting internet sales saturation had it wrong – again. Online sales are expected to soar in ’07 by nearly 18 percent. According to a recent report, total 2007 online sales are expected to rise to $259.1 billion. Online purchases excluding travel will reach $174.5 billion. This strong growth will come off of an impressive performance in 2006. Total 2006 online sales last year rose 25 percent to $219.9 billion. Excluding travel, online retail sales rose 29 percent to $146.5 billion, representing six percent of total retail sales in 2006.*

*How retail is tracked and reported differs by reporting organization. Traditionally, retail sales are defined as excluding travel related purchases. Generally, retail sales statistics do include the following categories: apparel, accessories and footwear; computer hardware and software; autos and auto parts; home furnishings; consumer electronics; music and video; appliances and tools; office supplies; sporting goods and apparel; books; toys and video games; gift cards and gift certificates; event and movie tickets; food, beverage, and grocery; jewelry; flowers and cards; over-the-counter medicines and personal care; computer peripherals; baby products; cosmetics and fragrances; and pet supplies.

Although some continue to forecast stagnating sales numbers, other prestigious firms disagree. Sucharita Mulpuru of Forrester Research states, “Online retail is years away from reaching a point of saturation.” One indicator of a maturing market is its profitability. Expenses and revenue are both facts of online business life. More than eight out of 10 survey participants reported profitability. Three out of four are more profitable than they were in 2005. Retailers who offer quality customers channel choice appear to be in the best position to benefit in 2007.

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Quixtar's Billy Florence & Jody Victor - IBOs Helping Neighbors

I'm proud of the way Quixtar, Amway and Independent Business Owners in North America and around the world serve their communities by giving back. It is something that all IBOs should be proud of...

Billy Florence of the IBO Trade Association notes that giving and helping our communities is a way of thinking and living for many of our association member Quixtar IBO’s. “Helping people live better lives is something our members, do year round,” adds Jody Victor

In 2005 Americans contributed more than $260.3 billion to philanthropy, 6.1% more than in the previous year, according to the Giving USA Foundation. “Helping people live better lives is something our members, Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBOs), do year-round,” says Jody Victor of the Independent Business Owners Association International (IBOAI). “Whether through financial support or volunteering, Quixtar IBOs support hundreds of causes worldwide including the S.O.S Children’s Villages, World Vision, GrowersFirst, Power Soccer U.S.A., Habitat for Humanity, Operations Smile, International Aid and many more.”

“In addition, through the One by One Campaign for Children, Quixtar is a national sponsor of Easter Seals and joins IBOAI as a national sponsor of the U.S. Dream Academy,” says Billy Florence. “Founded by the Reverend Wintley Phipps, the U.S. Dream Academy is a nationally honored, values-centered after school program empowering at-risk kids to achieve their dreams.”

About the IBOAI “The official IBO Trade Association, IBOAI is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America.

IBOA leadership team includes Billy Florence, Jody Victor, Randy Haugen, Don Wilson Fred Harteis and Jim Janz. These Quixtar IBOs serve and protect the business interests of independent business owners, ( Quixtar IBO’s ) throughout North America.

The 2007 IBO Board of Directors Executive Committee Team includes Jim Janz, Chairman, Don Wilson, Vice Chairman, Bob Andrews, Brad Duncan, Kanti Gala, Randy Haugen, Bill Hawkins, and Kathy Victor. Governance and Oversight Committee includes Jody Victor and Billy Florence. Also serving on IBOAI board are Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Joe Markiewicz, and John Merris

© 2007 Jody Victor & Billy Florence Amway Quixtar IBOs. All rights reserved. Reprint permission provided to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Quixtar's Colombo DiSalvatore - Quality Reading

I agree with Colombo DiSalvatore.  We often talk about the importance of reading.  But WHAT we read is as important as HOW MUCH we read.  It is important that we develop the habit of reading quality books that cause us to think like Colombo DiSalvatore says here...

Colombo DiSalvatore, “There is a difference in quality of reading experiences. Popular novels of today would probably often be put in category as junk food for the brain, but literature that causes us to think and change for the better is the experience that Ralph Waldo Emerson describes.”

Colombo DiSalvatore – Wisdom of Reading Favorite

“A man who buys a book is not just buying a few ounces of paper, glue and printer’s ink; he may be buying a whole new life.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Colombo DiSalvatore and Karen DiSalvatore are members of the trade association, IBOAI.

IBOAI, the official trade association, leadership team including Billy Florence, Jody Victor, Randy Haugen, Don Wilson and Jim Janz serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners, ( QUIXTAR IBO’s ) throughout North America.

Billy Florence leads Team DCI and owns Bill Florence Enterprises and Equad News.
Fred Harteis owns Harties International.

Key words: Bill Florence, Colombo DiSalvatore, Don Wilson, Randy Haugen.

© 2007 DiSalvatore Quixtar Amway IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Don Wilson & Jim Janz - Customer Satisfaction High

Quixtar Independent Business Owners should be proud of this recent announcement.  Jim Janz and Don Wilson do a great job of updating IBOs on this great accomplishment...

Jim Janz, “IBO Trade Association recently announced that in the second annual customer satisfaction seasonal edition of the Top 40, Quixtar was ranked at number five. Outstanding online experience and quality products have resulted in Quixtar being ranked the leading online health and beauty retailer and 20th overall according to Internet Retailers Top 500 Guide to the Web,” continued Jim Janz.

Don Wilson added, “With more consumers shopping online, good service is crucial. This is great news for our members, Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBOs), whose businesses drive sales at quixtar.com.”

Background: The Top 40 Online Retail Satisfaction Index reviews categories such as Site Experience, Merchandise, Brand and Price. “With online sales projected to increase 13% – 14% during the next five years, it is important to ensure that our customers have the best possible experience finding information and ordering products,” notes Don Wilson.

“Through quixtar.com, IBOs offer shoppers exclusive brands such as ARTISTRY skincare and cosmetics, NUTRILITE vitamins and supplements, and XS POWER NUTRITION, as well as thousands of products representing brands such as Levi’s, Whirlpool, Reebok, KitchenAid and many more,” explains DON WILSON.

About the IBOAI “The official IBO Trade Association, IBOAI is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America.

IBOA leadership team includes Billy Florence, Jody Victor, Randy Haugen, Don Wilson Fred Harteis and Jim Janz. These IBOs serve and protect the business interests of independent business owners, (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America.

The 2007 IBO Board of Directors Executive Committee Team includes Jim Janz, Chairman, Don Wilson, Vice Chairman, Bob Andrews, Brad Duncan, Kanti Gala, Randy Haugen, Bill Hawkins, and Kathy Victor. Governance and Oversight Committee includes Jody Victor and Billy Florence. Also serving on IBOAI board are Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Joe Markiewicz, and John Merris.

© 2007 Don Wilson & Jim Janz Amway Quixtar IBOs. All rights are reserved. Reprint permission provided to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Billy Florence - Teachings from Norman Vincent Peale

Norman Vincent Peale was a great author.  He was also a great speaker.  I was just thinking of all the great books I have read by Mr. Peale.  He was a great man.  His teachings on attitude and enthusiasm have had a huge impact on my life and the lives of many others...

Billy Florence - Peale Favorites

"Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all."

"Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes up his mind to do. We are capable of greater things than we realize."

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

"Don't take tomorrow to bed with you."

"Drop the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. The world would go on even without you. Don't take yourself so seriously."

"Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds."

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.

Billy Florence - China Internet Purchases Up

This article was first published on www.e-quadnews.com.

China online purchasing is taking baby steps. Like any market in its infancy, they are experiencing growing pains. Twenty million Chinese Internet users made at least one online purchase last year, spending an equivalent of $20 USD (RMB157). Researchers report this is approximately 15 percent of their online population. The number of people shopping online and the amount they spend annually will follow an upward trajectory, forecasting to increase five times by 2010. How does this compare to US online shopping? In comparison, 66 percent of US online shoppers age 14 and older made a purchase last year.

Three of the speed bumps impacting the pace of market growth, according to CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center), are low credit card use, lack of reliable infrastructure for settling transactions, and delivery challenges. Only a quarter of the buyers in China surveyed by AC Nielsen used credit cards for their online purchase. Credit cards are the favored form of payment in America. The number one reason given for not purchasing items on line is concern about the security of the transaction information. These concerns explain why the favored payment plan in China today is COD (cash on delivery).

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Quixtar & Amway News site.

Quixtar's Kathy Victor: Commitment to Goals

This is great information from Jody Victor & Kathy Victor on the importance of goal setting...

Kathy Victor, “ W. H. Murray lived the life of goal setting and accomplishing goals in the face of enormous obstacles. That’s why we’ve selected this leadership insight for you. Learning from the example of accomplishment is highly relevant.”

Jody Victor and Kathy Victor About Goals

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.’”

-W.H. Murray, of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition

About – Jody Victor and Kathy Victor

Jody Victor is founder of Markerman Productions, a global technology firm, and is President of MMP. Mr. Victor has spoken to audiences all over the world about free enterprise and success.
Jody Victor and Kathy Victor serve on the International Business Owners Association International (IBOAI).

IBOAI, the Quixtar IBO official trade association, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners, Quixtar Ibo’s. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins

Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned by Alticor Inc.

© 2007 Jody Victor Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Quixtar & Amway News site.