If you run a business, manage a team of people, or are charged with human resources in your organization you know how important it is to retain your best people.  So why do so many employee leave, or worse, why do they stay and become a drag on the organization? Here is a sobering fact.  Employees do not leave companies, they leave supervisors.  Many supervisors believe that if only the pay and fringe benefits were better their best employees would stay.  I would not deny the compensation is important.  However, people who are truly engaged with their company and their team have a sense of belonging.  They will not leave for a slightly better offer. On the other hand, employees who are disengaged with their workplace and with the work they do can drag down team performance. Employees wh... 09/25/2011

No one can deny that the last several years have been challenging for all businesses.  Many industries, professions, and jobs have been literally turned upside down.  Those who have survived did so because they had learned to do things differently.  As you have heard, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.   If that is the case, why do people resist change?  Why do people continue to do the same things and expect to get a different result?   I would like to suggest four reasons. As business owners, we need to understand why we and the people you work with may RESIST CHANGE and stay in the “Land of Status Quo.” So here are four reasons:   The first is FEAR. Fear is internal; it’s in our head. Fear is the great crippler of human ... 09/10/2011

If you live in the Westchester County, New York area you may have seen the article in the Journal News on Saturday, August 27th.  (I know, you may have been distracted preparing for Irene)   Three Inventors: Meet 3 people who used their career expertise to start their own businesses   I am one of the three; I have not met the other 2.  However, it is clear to me that they developed their businesses because they have passion and desire for what they do. If you are struggling in your business you should ask yourself some of these questions.   ·     Why am I in Business? ·     Why is my vision? (that is) What will I look like in 5 years or more as a successful business? ·     What makes me and my business unique? ·     Do I like this business?  It may not be easy now but am I passionate ab... 08/31/2011

Are you looking for flooring for your Westchester home in Armonk NY 10504? We know there are many choices..and sometimes the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking for hardwood floors, tile, carpet, laminate flooring, or if you just want to refinish your hardwood floors, Floor Coverings International can help make the process fun and simple. We are a shop at home service. Our tagline is "We bring the store your door." This is important because first, you can see the colors in your lighting and color coordinate with paint color, cabinets and furniture. Second, it allows us to provide a true estimate for you. And, third, of course it is more convenient this way. We provide guidance - Which is the best type of flooring for your environment and your budget? We'll help explain... 08/24/2011

Have you wondered whether you would benefit by having a coach?  Here is some information on what coaching is and what it is not.  Is it right for you?Coaching relationships vary considerably.  There are life coaches, sports coaches, health coaches, business coaches, and so forth.  Here is some information on the nature of coaching, its benefits, and how it varies from other type of consulting.Sometimes people confuse coaches with traditional consultants.  They might ask a coach for advice.  However, a coach’s role is not to provide answers or solutions.  Instead a coach helps the client develop their own potential.  If you have ever been motivated to act or energized by way of conversations you have experienced the effects of coach.Here is an example.  If a child asks you how to spell a... 08/22/2011

Please join me in welcoming Grant Schneider to Active Rain.  Grant is a business coach...he helps turn good businesses into great ones.  I've known him for years from BNI and he is a really helpful and insightful guy.    One of the great things about Grant Schneider is that he works on so many different types of businesses...so he sees lots of different practices and then can reapply them to other businesses.  Grant just joined Active Rain and took the plunge to write his first blog post on Networking.  Please take a moment to check it out and leave him a comment. 08/13/2011

Can networking really lead to more business?  The answer to that question is, "it depends".  Yes it will if you have a strategy and goals prior to your networking activities.  Unfortunately, many business owners and sales people have been to events with no plan and have don a poor job of networking, leading them to believe that networking is a waste of both time and money.  However, when done correctly, networking can bring you in a wealth of business.  Most sales people and business owners will readily admit that referrals are the largest part of their business. If you want to earn business at networking events, consider the following points.Create PartnershipsThose who are networking savvy go into the meeting with the intention of creating partnerships rather than simply getting busin... 08/12/2011

This is the market report for the Byram Hills School district (predominantly Armonk and parts of Bedford and Mount Pleasant) for the 2nd quarter of 2011. All information is for single family homes and is sourced by the Empire Access Multiple Listing Service.  For the second quarter of 2011, 23 homes closed with a median sale price of  $970,000.  For the 2nd quarter of 2010,  29 homes closed with a median sale price of  $940,000.  Things look pretty steady here, with prices up a touch amd transaction total down some.  31 homes are under contract with a median list price of  $1,250,000.  150 homes are active with a median asking price  of $1,272,500. Inventory is high, but pending sales look to carry on in a relatively healthy volume. Armonk is home to IBM and is also close to I-684 so it... 07/10/2011

This week, I was lucky enough to have 2 repeat customers.  They were very pleased with our work, and I'm so glad they called us for their next project. One of my customers in Armonk NY is so sweet.  Unfortunately, in January, they had a flood in their basement (water heater I think & thankfully covered by insurance).  The good news is that they weren't out of pocket and we used it as an opportunity for a new carpet...and importantly, one that was SOFTER vs. what they had before (same price, but better for the young kids who would sit on the floor of their playroom. Doubly unfortunately, one week after we installed this carpet, they had a major flood in an adjoining room.  I didn't find out about this until last week...because apparently in this room, they had all sorts of other issues (... 06/25/2011

Are you looking for tile flooring and installation for your home in Armonk NY? Whether it’s a kitchen floor, bathroom floors and walls, an entry way or mudroom, or even a Kitchen tile backsplash,we can help you at Floor Coverings International. We understand that it can be challenging to find the right type of tile for your floors, walls and backsplashes. What’s the right type of tile – ceramic, porcelain, tumbled natural stone, marble or granite? What’s the best style and color? What types are easiest to clean. Many customers seemed to get overwhelmed when they visit a tile store. Well here’s where we can help. Floor Coverings International makes it simple by “bringing the store to your door.” That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting and color coordinate with your cabine... 06/12/2011

When refinishing hardwood floors in Westchester NY, many of my customers ask me about water-based polyurethane. Sometimes they have heard about this because they want to go more green and use less chemicals; other times they ask about this so that the project will get done faster.     My general preference is to use oil-based polyurethane rather than water based poly and here's why:   1. Oil based polyurethane looks better than water based. It's hard to explain this until you see the two side by side, but oil based just looks like the way we are accustomed to wood looking - it has some sheen (you can adjust whether it's satin finish, semi gloss or glossy).  Water based poly is just duller - the color is a bit duller as is the finish.  Take a look at at the National Wood Floor Associatio... 05/16/2011

My 7 year old niece always makes me laugh.  She is very smart and very funny.  My mom (also known as grandma to her) is setting up a dinner for my dad (also known as grampy to her).  My niece recently got an email acct (only used among family members).  Here's the email chain:   My Mom: You are all invited to the Moderne Barn in Armonk on XXX for the 50th anniversary of Grampy, Dad, Paul’s 21st birthday. Here is a link to the place http://www.modernebarn.com/about-moderne-barn/ Me;  I accept. Is he registered anywhere? LOL. My niece (7 yrs old):  Are we allowed to bring guests aka beanie babies? (side note: the beanie babies are presents from Auntie Debbie) My Mom: Our guest of honor has no registry (Your presence is your present); Additional guests may attend as long as they are quiet,... 05/13/2011

Are you looking for laminate flooring for your home in Armonk NY? We know it can be challenging to figure out which flooring is right for your space and whether a laminate floor is right for you. Which wood species and color will look best? Which ones work with your budget? Who should you have install the laminate floors? What is a floating floor? Well here's where we can help. We make finding laminate flooring simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the way it will look in real life. We'll help you color coordinate with your paint and furniture colors. We'll explain what a floating floor is and, we'll help you figure out whether laminate flooring makes sense for you and your budget. If you want, we can even show you hardwood f... 04/13/2011

This weekend, we helped a family in Armonk NY who had a flood in their basement and needed a new carpet.  We've had a lot of calls lately to replace basement carpeting - I guess the snow and cold weather have caused all sorts of issues.  Usually, when the flood is caused by some sort of appliance (e.g. a water heater), your home owner's insurance covers it.  If the water is due to it seeping in from the outside, that is not usually covered unless you have flood insurance.  (Always check with your insurance agent). While having a flood of any sort is not fun at all and is incredibly inconvenient, in the end, sometimes it becomes an opportunity to make your room better.  This was a very nice family and thankfully, they had the professionals at Belfor Restoration in North White Plains.  Th... 02/13/2011

Are you looking for carpeting for your home in Armonk NY? Whether you're looking for carpeting for your bedroom, living room, family room or basement or even the whole house, we know it can be challenging to find the right carpet. How do you know which type of carpet is best for each setting? Which is right for your home and your budget? Which types are better for steps and high traffic areas? Which colors work best? Which ones last longer and which hide or repel dirt the best? Who should you have install your carpet? There's really a lot to consider and sometimes it gets overwhelming and more confusing when you go to a store. Well here's where we can help. We make finding carpeting simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the w... 02/11/2011

Are you looking for hardwood flooring for your home in Armonk, NY? Or, if you already have hardwood flooring, we can stain and refinish it for you. We know it can be challenging to find the right hardwood. How do you know which type of hardwood is right for you and your home? Which wood species and color will look best and last longest? Which ones work with your budget? Who should you have install the hardwood floors? Well here's where we can help. We make finding hardwood flooring simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the way it will look in real life. We'll help you color coordinate with your paint and furniture colors. We'll help you find hardwoods that stand up well to pets or work well in kitchens. Just let us know what ... 12/26/2010

ARMONK OUTDOOR ART SHOW Come and view some fine art at the popular Armonk Outdoor Art show in Armonk, NY. Located conveniently off i-684, and is sure to please all lovers of arts & crafts. THIS WEEKEND! Saturday & Sunday September 27-28th, 2008 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Map of Art Show Location CLICK HERE FOR A DISCOUNT COUPON FOR ADULT ADMISSION! Must do while your in town.... After you attend this fine art show, be sure to stop by our Open House just down the road. This special home will be featured in Westchester Magazines speculator home blog! Located on 2.38 rolling acres, original charm and detail throughout. 35 High Street * Join our Open House Sunday Sept. 28th from 1-4:00pm. Light Refreshments served.   ADDRESS: 35 High Street Armonk, NY 10504 PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 1:00 - 4:00 PM Offered... 09/27/2008

First Time, New Home Buyer Tax Credit Please note the new home buyer tax credit is a “Credit” and not a deduction. Deductions are often less valuable than a credit. The actual credit is really also considered a “loan”. It is interest free, but is payable back over 15 year installments. The maximum you can qualify for is the lesser of 10% of the purchase price of the home, or $7,500 ($3,750 for married couples filing separately). The credit only pertains to First Time buyers, defined as an individual who has had no ownership interest in a principal residence for a three-year period ending on the date of the current home purchase. Also, there’s a small window for this credit. It only applies only to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009. High-income homebuyer... 08/08/2008

Check out the following link to search for your Armonk NY dream home. http://livearmonk.com/search-the-mls/ or follow the link: http://www.mlsfinder.com/ny_wpmls/scottrichardson?action=newsearchsession&zip_code=10504&state=ny&single_family=Y&single_family_detached=Y Interested in Armonk NY history? Nicole and I are both from North Castle/Armonk area. Nicole's family dates back over 5 generations in the area. Check out: http://livearmonk.com/history/ to view a recent slideshow of Armonk NY monuments and beautiful scenic countryside Have a question? Feel free to contact us anytime! Find us on meebo here: http://livearmonk.com/ (right side of screen) or simply fill out the following form: http://livearmonk.com/contact-us/ for a quick reply! Our new blog discusses living in armonk, ny 10504... 08/05/2008

Hello & Happy August!The Richardson Realty Team Presents:YOUR ULTIMATE WESTCHESTER REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER *AUGUST EDITION 2008* Click Here to view Newsletter (link: http://rrteam.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/august-2008-newsletter.pdf) Also, Dont miss our new blog and website: www.LiveArmonk.com, where you can also view this newsletter at: http://livearmonk.com/newsletter/ This site discusses everything about Living in Armonk NY! Hot topics: Barron's Recent Cover Story: Are Home Prices about to bottom? Armonk, NY - town of North Castle, NY History, photos, real estate, and more information Enjoy! Thank you for viewing,Scott & NicoleRichardson Realty TeamKeller Williams NY & CT Realtywww.RichardsonRealEstate.org Richardsonrealtyteam@gmail.com 888 - RRT - KWRECell: 203-273-0055 If you know... 08/05/2008