How to Spell Success

Savoring the satisfaction of your reaction when you seal a hot deal.

uplifting your gifting of the world with ambition and precision.

creating a spirit, the world hears it, gets near it, endears it, cheers it!

caressing your blessing not stressing just dressing with style and professing love.

executing transmuting every detail with beauty.

standing tall and demanding that all unbelievers become achievers.

seeking victory wild and free loving every step of a divine journey.

For More tips go to http://www.RobertShumake.com

Posted via web from motivate's posterous

How to Spell Success

Savoring the satisfaction of your
reaction when you seal a hot deal.
uplifting your gifting of the world
with ambition and precision.
creating a spirit, the world hears it,
gets near it, endears it, cheers it!
caressing your blessing not stressing
just dressing with style and professing
love.
executing transmuting
every detail with beauty.
standing tall and demanding that
all unbelievers become achievers.
seeking victory wild and free loving
every step of a divine journey.

For More tips go to http://www.RobertShumake.com

Good News in the Third Quarter for Commercial Real Estate

Some good news for the commercial real estate industry. Things are looking up in the third quarter, but may be too soon to make any hasty statements.

Index shows rise in commercial real estate values

11:15 AM CST on Tuesday, November 3, 2009

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com

An index of commercial real estate sales values took a surprising higher turn in the third quarter.

Prices of properties sold by institutional investors rose nationwide by more than 4 percent in the quarter, the MIT Center for Real Estate said Tuesday.

It was the first such jump in commercial real estate prices in more than a year and the biggest quarterly increase in more than two years.

“One quarter does not a trend make, and we are still well below normal trading volume,” David Geltner, director of research at MIT’s real estate center, said in the new report. “Nevertheless, this is the strongest sign of a bottom that we’ve had in two years.”

Along with the increase in purchase prices, the MIT index also showed that prices investors said they are willing to pay were up a “robust” 12 percent – the first such increase in eight consecutive quarters.

The MIT price index tracks sales of commercial properties including shopping centers, apartment complexes and office towers.

The latest increase is first positive sign in a commercial property market that’s been battered by the credit crunch and recession.

Commercial property values at the end of the third quarter were 36.5 percent below their 2007 peak, according to MIT’s index. But that’s an improvement from the 39 percent value loss at the end of second quarter 2009.

Quote of the Week

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.
St. Clement of Alexandra

Robert Shumake, Spoke On Investing in Real Estate And how to Avoid Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage Fraud Victim Robert Shumake , Generates Public Awareness what to do to avoid be a victim of Mortgage Fraud

Investigations by the US Federal Bureau of claim mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the United States. Robert Shumake learned this the hard way, when he purchases property in Detroit. Only in his dreams was he to be the victim of mortgage fraud.

Robert Shumake went to sell a house that he purchased and rehabbed, he found out that someone had “stolen” the property and removed his name from the title with a fraudulent quit claim deed! The new owner had moved into the home and took out building permits to work on the property.

Shumake had no idea it would take him two and half years and nearly $60,000 in legal fees to resolve the matter. Mortgage fraud is hard to prove with signed agreements and documents in place and recorded. It is possible to spend thousands of dollars and still not get your property back.

The sad part is that almost anyone can be a victim of mortgage fraud, even a real estate industry professional like Shumake, who is the owner of Inheritance Capital Group in Southfield, Michigan. Mr.Shumake’s company manages and develops real estate. Robert Shumake experience led him to join with Michigan state officials to launch a mortgage fraud task force to aid victims of mortgage fraud and promote consumer awareness and prevention.

"Thoughts have power; thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break it by thinking."

Posted via web from motivate's posterous

Quote of the Week:

"One's mission in life is determined by one's actions."

Posted via web from motivate's posterous

Power of My mind

WITHIN MY MIND lies the power to win. I have the power to excel. My mind has the power of a champion, a victor, a leader, a fighter.

THE POWER OF MY MIND allows me to choose my destination. Success or failure. I chose success. A successful mind is my mind.

My mind is packed with knowledge of things discovered, invented, and accomplished by people; things that others thought were impossible for them to achieve.

THE POWER OF MY MIND defines my past, my present, and my future. My mind always informs me that, if I am to accomplish anything, it will be through THE POWER OF MY MIND.

Finding an Entrepreneurial Mission

Finding an Entrepreneurial Mission

Mission

The Mission is...
the will to press on long after others have called you a failure.
The Mission is...
to identify accomplishment in yourself when everyone around you exudes negativity.
The Mission is...
to look up from the valley to see the mountains.
The Mission is...
to continue dreaming when the world tells you to be for real.
The Mission is...
to believe in the unseen; knowing very well that insight has nothing to do with eyesight.
The Mission is...
to know that the God who has chosen you will keep His promises to you.
The Mission is...
to finally realize that the only mistake in life is in not having a mission.

My hamster used to amaze me as he’d run for hours on his little plastic wheel. Ben would sprint like there was no tomorrow; his dark little eyes looked intense as the pink pads of his feet raced like Fred Flintstone’s bare feet that made his prehistoric car speed away. But Ben never got anywhere. He could run for his life, but he was stuck. So, after awhile, he’d tire himself out, crawl into a nest of woodchips, and fall asleep. Watching Ben do this day after day, sadly, reminded me of a lot of people.

Many people are literally running on the wheel of life, but they will never reach their destination. Every morning they hurriedly get up and sprint desperately to win the race of life. But too many folks don’t even know where they’re going. And a whole lot of others don’t know how to get from Point A to Point B. So, like my pet hamster, they run in circles, tire out, and quit.

If you pay attention to the people who run in circles, you’ll hear a chorus of vague, noncommittal expressions such as: “One day I’m going to get my degree and open my business.” Or they say, “When I get myself together, I’m gonna be the baddest entrepreneur in the city. But we don’t believe their hype. Because they never take action beyond their false, grandiose promises to us and themselves. These folks need to watch Ben huffing and puffing in circles, day after day, year after year. That mirror image of their lives would make them see that they’re stalling on a vicious cycle of mediocrity. Why? Because they will not stop to reflect on their unique, individual mission in life. Only when one knows where one is going should one dash off to get there.

This reminds me of a friend who’s always talking about a particular business he should start. He’s forever telling me that he thinks it’s the business for him. But he never takes action.

That’s because he has failed to identify his own mission in life. And that leaves him without a clear and defined direction for doing what is required of a successful business man.

And how do we do that? First, go within. While I was watching Ben, I realized even his name has significance to this idea.

We have to know where we’ve “been” to understand where we are and where we can go. So if you don’t already hear your calling, sit down, shut out the noise of the world, and focus on these questions: “What am I supposed to accomplish and contribute to the world during my lifetime? What gifts has God blessed me with? How can I package those gifts and present them to people who will benefit from them?”

For example, if you make mouth-watering red velvet cake, blueberry muffins and peach cobbler, you could consider opening a dessert business. Start small, in your kitchen; advertise and prosper! If you’re a bodybuilder who knows martial arts and you love to protect people, perhaps a body guard business is your calling. If you love books, greeting cards and coffee, open a bookstore with a café—or a whole chain of them!

As you define your mission in life, ask yourself, “What am I passionate about? What do I love so much that I’d do it without getting paid? What skill do I have that can make people’s lives better?”

This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “If you help enough people get where they’re going, where you would like to go will surely follow.”

You should always remember that your mission is not about dollars or prestige. It shouldn’t be: “My mission is to own a company and make $20 million, then retire to Fiji.” A true mission is altruistic; it’s about doing something for the good of other people.

For the baker, it’s about sweetening people’s lives with baked treats. The bodyguard? Giving people that all-important feeling of being safe. The bookstore-café? Sharing knowledge and fellowship over coffee.

My mission, for example, is to raise enough scholarship money to give any, and everyone access to the cornerstone of success in life: an education. My childhood traumas of poverty and homelessness inspire this mission to enrich the minds of others so that poverty is never an obstacle to learning.

Search deep in your heart and soul to find your mission.

The answers you find will create a key to unlock a lifetime of happiness, prosperity and fulfillment for you. Your passion and purpose doing what you love will fuel your mission at turbospeed. You will never again be stuck on a wheel that’s spinning fast and furiously but going nowhere. Instead, you’ll be on a pleasure cruise atop the wheels of life as you speed happily toward your mission.

Find a Purpose

PURPOSE is knowing whose you are, who you are and what you are. Knowing what you are born to do propels you to persist until the task is complete.
PURPOSE finds an open door among many closed doors.
PURPOSE conquers failure.
PURPOSE measures itself by purposeful ambitions rather than aimless accomplishments.
PURPOSE does not accept the labels of others.
PURPOSE defines itself through self-affirmation and steadfastness.
PURPOSE finds power and peace!

I call them “Aha! moments” — those brilliant epiphanies when something quite simple illustrates a profound fact about life as an entrepreneur. Well, an awesome “Aha! moment” happened during a grocery shopping trip-gone-wrong. I had decided to surprise my wife by preparing dinner. So I stopped by the store to buy bread, eggs, cheese, flour, vegetables and a few canned goods. I also picked up chicken breasts and olive oil. But catastrophe struck my gourmet meal as I loaded the groceries into the car. An ominous crunch sound let me know I was in for a challenge. Turns out, the cans had crushed the glass bottle of olive oil; my groceries glistened in a slippery slick in my trunk. At first, the mess symbolized those moments in business when everything is going according to plan, when boom! something explodes and drowns everything around it in chaos. But suddenly, the symbolism spun far deeper. As I began wiping the oil off the cans, cheese and veggies, an epiphany illuminated my thoughts. The thick, aromatic oil reminded me of a Sunday morning church service when our pastor explained the intricacies of transforming olives into a precious delicacy. He said that in order to produce one drop of olive oil, each tiny leaf of the olive tree is pressed separately to maintain its purity. The leaves are ground, crushed and put through a complicated process before the oil reaches our grocery carts. In Middle Eastern nations, the process of producing olive oil is often painstakingly slow. Hours, weeks, months and sometimes years go into ensuring that it is processed to perfection.

I realized, you can’t rush perfection; pressing olive oil is a metaphor for the creation of an excellent entrepreneur. It takes many hours, days, weeks, months, and years to truly develop ourselves and our businesses into perfection. That idea takes on a spiritual depth because olive oil is an integral part of anointing in religious ceremonies. It is pure and worthy of such honor only because of what has gone into making it. It has withstood immense grinding and crushing to be used for its multiple purposes.

The same goes for us in business. Knowing our purpose enables us to submit to the process, knowing that it will produce superior products and services for our customers.

We often try to escape the grinding, but to grow, we must be pressed. The Pillsbury Dough Boy misquoted the wise men by stating, “Easy in, easy out.” The real saying goes something like, “Hard in, holy out.” Press yourself toward your purpose. You are ordained to do great business. Press on. And, keep pressing on so that you will experience an anointed, holy, miraculous outcome.

Knowing our purpose allows us the opportunity to be changed and expanded.

“Every person is born into this world to do something unique and something distinctive. And if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.” – Benjamin E. Mays, Educator

“One’s mission in life is determined by one’s actions.” – Robert S. Shumake

Young Entrepreneurs

Submitted By: Matt Bacak

Adolescence brings with it many challenges - for both parents and kids. Young people, still new to the world, are embarking on a journey to discover their passions, joys, and authentic self-images. More often than not, however, their journey more closely resembles an elongated stampede of enraged elephants than it does an innocent soul-searching endeavor. But no one said growing up would be easy.

And there are young entrepreneurs out there who see the world in a truly positive light. Sure, they have their ups and downs like most teenagers, but they are motivated, focused, and want to make a difference.

Who are these kids? How were they raised? What do they have in common with one another? At the risk of making some sweeping generalizations, I will paint the picture of the young, confident entrepreneur - with the knowledge that this over-idealized portrait often comes in many colors and hues.

While entrepreneurship was never common in my family, many young entrepreneurs had experiences early on in life that lead them towards an entrepreneurial path. In general, there are two possible ways young people feel compelled towards entrepreneurship: inspiration and avoidance. Both can act as powerful catalysts for taking action.

In the case of inspired action, the young entrepreneur most likely grew up in an environment where individuality, responsibility, and financial literacy were encouraged. Even if the parent made little money to support his or her child, the underlying message often centered around taking initiative and following one's own path.

On the other hand, in the instances where avoidance is the primary motivator, the child usually wants to avoid becoming like their primary caregiver, who was most likely a negative influence. Friends of mind who have exhibited this type of motivation often have a very strong drive to succeed, yet, in part, base their motivation on what they don't want to become - and must overcome even greater adversity in life.

In order to facilitate the spirit of entrepreneurship in your family, there are many steps you can take. While these steps are particularly geared towards entrepreneurship, they apply toward creating any harmonious relationship between parent and child:

-Teach your child in creative, 'outside-the-box' ways. In a recent article with 19 year-old CEO Cameron Johnson, he told a story about how his parents gave him stocks - literally, shares in a company - in his stockings for Christmas. There are many ways you can teach your child about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and individuality.

-Make self-awareness and wealth consciousness the highest priorities. This entails a significant amount of soul-searching. And while many adults are adverse to the concept of change, often letting go of fear and facing your demons can be the most inspirational model for your child. I have a friend who, after years of living in a fear-based reality, she learned to let go and allow herself to forgive and love others. She has never enjoyed better relationships with her children.

-If your kid acts up, stand in your truth. Don't beat around the bush or overreact. Of course, you want to be sensitive to your child's feelings and come from a place of authentic compassion. But when it comes down to it, tell it like it is - they'll appreciate it in the end.

-Give your child ample opportunity to discover independence for him or herself. It's critically important that your child learns the process of creating one's own experience of reality from a first-hand perspective. Sometimes this requires being more firm or lenient than one would like. Yet remember that you grew through making mistakes and so will your child.

If you see your child exhibiting entrepreneurial behaviors, make sure you show your support throughout his or her growth process. And if your kid is struggling to find motivation, don't worry - as long as you follow the guidelines above, you will instill the characteristics of greatness and, in due time, inspire the leader within.

About the Author
Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazine’s e-Biz radio show host is turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories. Discover The Secrets http://promotingtips.com

Article Source: www.isnare.com

Question & Answer with Robert

The title of the book is very interesting, how did you come up with it?

I thought of this title because entrepreneurs are faced with killing their dreams and ideas constantly. The up and down pressures of doing business successfully often challenges us to give up on our God given gifts and dreams. So, this book was written to encourage others not to kill their dreams.

Is the title reflective of how you were feeling at a certain point in your career?

Yes and No. For example, there have been days when I was not sure if I was going to be able to make payroll or have to shut down my business. But, even in those times I was motivated to continue to pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur.

What was the most important piece of advice you were given when starting out? Who was it from? When did you have to draw on it?

Evander Holyfield once told me that "sometimes you have to squat low in order to jump high." This piece of advice taught me that I have to constantly step back and evaluate where I am are trying to leap. You must build a foundation first and then spring forward! For example, as entrepreneurs, you have to be willing to do a lot of different things in order to succeed.

Who were your major role models?

• My most influential role models were my parents Robert and Deborah Shumake. My mother owns her own printing company and she had many other entrepreneurial efforts in her lifetime. My father taught me about a positive attitude.
• My aunt Phyllis Fletcher Ashford introduced me to the Real Estate business.
• My business role models include Willie Gary, Don King, Craig McCaw and Donald Trump.

What has been your toughest challenge as an entrepreneur so far?

Access to capital is one of the toughest parts about being in business, which is why I have included the funding resources in this book, For Entrepreneurs Who Considered Suicide When Business Got Tough.

With involvement in so many projects, how do you maintain professional and personal success?

I strongly, believe that the Creator does not give me more that I can handle. I stay focused on my goals.

You're realizing a great deal of accomplishment at a relatively young age, what are your future plans?

I plan to become an internationally renowned business leader as well as continue to promote educational achievement and scholarships for future entrepreneurs.

You give seminars at Detroit colleges and universities, are you available for speaking engagements across the United States?

Yes. If you are interested in booking, please contact me.

What prompted you to publish a book?

I wrote this book because of the many conversations I have had with people about how I got started. More importantly, I wrote this book in an effort to raise one MILLION dollars for The Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays which promotes entrepreneurship, academic excellence, and home ownership in the next generation of business leaders.

Homeownershipis the New Rap Topic For Robert Shumake

Just when you thought you heard it all, there is a new rap topic out there, its homeownership.

A rap CD about homeownership? Yes! Detroit-based, African-American real estate developer/investor Robert Shumake has produced Take The Land: Elements of Real Estate featuring many well-known spoken word and Def Poetry artists such as Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets, Big Proof of D12 and M-1 of Dead Prez. Shumake, who went from being homeless as a child to owning one of the top real estate concerns in Michigan, is passionate about creating homeownership in the African-American community. And being of the hip-hop generation himself, Shumake, 37, thought what better way to spread the word than through rhyme.

In all, there are 13 cuts each exploring different elements of real estate. The lineup of acts includes Jessica Care Moore, Prof. Griff of Public Enemy, and Abyss. All of the proceeds from the self-distributed CD on Iron Fist Records will go directly to the Robert S. Shumake Foundation. The foundation sponsors a U.S. sanctioned Track and Field Meet annually in Detroit where student athletes from the Midwest compete for trophies and college scholarships. This year the Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays will be held at MLK High School on April 29, 2006 The scholarships that his foundation provides are administered through the Detroit branch of UNCF.

A true Horatio Alger saga. That's what some might say about the life of Detroit businessman Robert Shumake. But that's just scratching the surface. Fact is, as a child Robert Shumake and his family were homeless, ultimately becoming squatters in a rundown home with no heat. But today Shumake owns one of Michigan’s top real estate development and investment firms, Inheritance Investment Group. And Shumake has yet to see his 40th birthday—he’s just 37.

But despite all this success in a relatively short time, Shumake, who company has grown into a multimillion business, wasn't satisfied.

He wasn't satisfied because he saw too few African Americans owning homes. Then though his work on the Board of Directors for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the second largest bank in America with $700 billion in assets, Shumake presided over the Affordable Housing Committees in Michigan and Indiana and helped boost homeownership by African Americans to record numbers.

Now, Shumake is turning his attention to encouraging more African-American athletes to get a college education. He has launched the Robert S. Shumake Foundation. His foundation sponsors a U.S.-sanctioned Track and Field Meet annually in Detroit where student athletes from the Midwest compete for trophies and college scholarships. This year the Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays will be held at MLK High School on April 29, 2006. The scholarships that his foundation provides are administered through the Detroit branch of UNCF.

In addition to this, Shumake is also encouraging young African Americans to think out getting into real estate. And being of the hip-hop generation himself, Shumake, 37, thought what better way to spread the word than through hip hop. He has produced Take The Land: Elements of Real Estate featuring many well-known spoken word and Def Poetry artists such as Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets, Big Proof of D12 and M-1 of Dead Prez. In all there are 13 cuts each exploring different elements of real estate. The lineup of acts includes Jessica Care Moore, Prof. Griff of Public Enemy, and Abyss. All of the proceeds from the self-distributed CD on Iron Fist Records will go directly to the Robert S. Shumake Foundation.

Dr. Robert S Shumake Biography

Dr. Robert S. Shumake is the founder of Inheritance Investment Group, a Michigan based real estate investment and development firm. As founder and president, Dr. Shumake invests, manages and develops commercial and residential real estate. Dr. Shumake has implemented policies and funding strategies to raise capital for small businesses, mortgage loans, commercial leasing and specialized financing. Dr. Shumake's vision is to expand housing opportunities for people dreaming the American dream of owning a home.

Dr. Shumake founded the real estate and business corporation, First Equity Holdings in 1996. Since then, First Equity Holdings managed and sold 85% of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) inventory in the state of Michigan with sales of approximately 80 million dollars. In addition, Dr. Shumake has developed, sold, or financed well over 100 million dollars in real estate. Based on the success of First Equity Holdings, Dr. Shumake received a White House appointment to the Board of Directors for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the second largest bank in American with 700 billion in assets. As a director, Dr. Shumake presided over the Affordable Housing Committees in Michigan and Indiana . Dr. Shumake was also appointed by the governor of Michigan , as a member of the Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons with responsibilities to regulate and license real estate professionals.

As a supporter of cultural arts, Dr. Shumake is a member of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, located in Detroit , MI . Dr. Shumake also served on the board of directors for the Lewis College of Business. Dr. Shumake is an active culturist, specializing in political and educational fundraising strategies. He has also served on national finance committees for not-for-profit companies and political candidates.

Dr. Shumake has written For Entrepreneurs Who Considered Suicide When Business Got Tough! for individuals looking to achieve their entrepreneurial and financial dreams. The book is a guide, based on Dr. Shumake's experiences as an entrepreneur, for building wealth. Packed with quotes and helpful advice, as well as interactive pages for recording your personal and professional goals, For Entrepreneurs Who Considered Suicide When Business Got Tough! is a must have resource for anyone on a journey to do business well.

In addition to being an author, Dr. Shumake hosts radio and television programs in the Detroit area. His radio show, "Necessary Business with Robert Shumake" airs weekly on WCHB-AM. "Take the Land" is a simulcast program that airs weekly. "Take the Land" can be seen on TV 68, TV 33 and heard on WHPR 88.1 FM in Detroit, Michigan.