Speaking in Honeyed Tones to Inspire Your Employees

By Dr.Madeline Frank

Have you heard the expression by Benjamin Franklin, "Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar"? Well it's true! When you want to work with others you need to be diplomatic. It's like the song Mary Poppins sings "A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down."

In my families Construction and Management Company, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest contractors for roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, carpentry, and other construction personnel for over 20 years.

In working with every individual it is best to remain positive, polite and courteous. In other words speak in honeyed tones. In one of the buildings I am responsible for I noticed water leaking down through the downstairs ceiling. I called the plumber, air conditioning specialist and the roofer to look at the problem.

I checked upstairs under the sinks and by the toilet and shower and did not feel or see any leaks. The plumber looked at the problem and even though it was nowhere near the problem he decided to put a new seal on the toilet. I thanked him, paid his bill but knew that did not solve the problem.

I measured from the wall downstairs to where the actual leak was, a measurement of 5 ½ feet and then went upstairs and measured from the wall, where the toilet sits to 5 ½ feet to where the air conditioning unit sits in the back of the closet. The air conditioning specialist verified that the condensation line was backed up and needed a wet/dry vacuum to blow out and clean out the condensation line which runs usually outside the house by the fan of the air conditioning unit outside. After cutting off the air conditioning we attaching the wet/dry vacuum hose to the condensation line and cleaned it out for about an hour and half. Then we ran upstairs to put water through the line to see if everything was moving smoothly through the outside condensation line. In the spring we will run bleach through the line to remove all bacteria from the line.

I thanked the air conditioning specialist and paid the bill. The roofer came and checked the roof and mentioned some shingle repairs and caulking that was needed around the vents on the roof. The roofer agreed with the air conditioning specialist’s findings and promised to repair the roof shingles and calking soon.


What are the three things you can do to have your co-workers, employees, and sub-contractors wanting to work with you?

1) Speak to them in honeyed tones with courtesy and respect and praise excellent work when they do it reminding them that they are problem solvers.

2) Encourage them to become leaders who accept responsibility for their actions and when they are wrong they will immediately correct their mistakes. Always correct someone in a non-condemning manner quietly not in public.

3) Encourage them to be problem solvers who are leaders and take action to find the solutions to their problems.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

http://madelinefrank.com/

Are You A Problem Solver or A Complainer?

By Dr. Madeline Frank

At work do you solve problems or do you complain and whine about them? Which one are you?

At our Company we have a dream employee, I will call A. When I have a problem I will discuss it with A. We will brain storm the problem for a few minutes and then we will each check out a few more facts on the problem and discuss our findings an hour later. At that time we will make a good decision on solving the problem.

A is an "indispensable member" of our team. A is intelligent, well- organized, is honest, full of integrity, fair- minded, always listens to others carefully, will always do the right thing and can be relied on to help solve problems and take responsibility for his or her actions at our company. In other words A is a leader.

Do you have a team member like A on your team at work? Wouldn’t you like all your team members to be just like our “team member A?”

Remember leaders take responsibility for their actions and when a mistake is made they admit it and correct it immediately. A leader takes a stand for honesty and integrity and accepts responsibility for his or her actions and does not pass the blame on to someone else. President Harry Truman said it best. "The Buck Stops Here!"

What are the five things you can do to solve problems and promote leadership at your company?

1) Be a leader who has the courage of your convictions, the honor, integrity, morality, is fair- minded, well-organized, listens to others, will always do the right thing all the time, has a code of ethics and a clear and decisive passionate belief in the right way to conduct business.

2) Always have a paper and pencil ready, where ever you are, in case you think of a solution to your problem. Think of yourself as a detective like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and look for your solutions at work or at home.

3) Every day give yourself time to ponder your problems. Be observant and a good listener. Start thinking how to solve your problems today! Have a burning desire to solve your problems and Never, Never Give Up!

4) Continue to increase your knowledge in your chosen field by taking continuing education courses each year to improve your skills in your chosen field and read books by experts in your field each month to improve your expertise in your field. Never stop learning. As Dr. Einstein says, “The most important thing is not to stop questioning.”

5) Surround yourself with experts your "Brain Trust", competent people who know your business and markets are of like mind, and have a strong firm intellectual capacity to help you accomplish your goals. When you have a problem ask your experts what they would suggest by going around the table and listening carefully to your experts. Then make informed decisions.

The next time you decide to whine and complain instead of being a problem solver I want you to ask yourself the following question: “If I take this action will it make me proud?” This is the No. 1 question I ask my children and my students to remember to ask themselves before they make a serious error in judgment.

So, train your team members at your business to be problem solvers and before hiring a new team member for your business ask them how they would solve a particular problem. What steps would they take to solve a difficult problem? Their response will tell you if they are the right person for your company, a problem solver, a leader.

Remember you want to hire problem solvers, leaders, who take responsibility for their actions.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget". If you need a speaker contact Madeline at:
mfrankviola@gmail.com

Difference Between an Asset and a Liability By Madeline Frank

Do you know the difference between an asset and a liability? My favorite definition is by Robert Kawasaki the author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” who says “Assets put money in your pocket” and “a liability is something that takes money out of my pocket.”

An asset is an investment that keeps growing for you. The idea is to buy assets that keep earning money for you to put into your pocket. My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, opened a savings account in the name of each of her children when we were very young. She taught us to put our chore money and our future paychecks into our accounts to start saving for the future. By the time I went to college, I had saved a nice nest egg for the future.


My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, taught me in my high school years to make a budget of my expenses, to keep a ledger of the money going into the bank and the money to be paid out for expenses. She also taught me to put my entire paycheck in the bank, to pay all my bills, and to take out only the necessary amount for food and spending money. The remaining money went into my savings account to earn interest and increase over time with compounded interest. This account was my first asset. As a college student, I always had a job to help me with tuition and my apartment rent in New York City.

You want to buy assets that keep growing to increase your bank account. For example, if you own a rental property that you rent out and your tenant pays enough rent to cover all the taxes, insurance and up keep of the property and you still have money growing in your bank account that is an asset. You always want a positive return on your money. You want your money to increase and make more money for you to save and invest.

Over time I learned from my Grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader, my Momma's Momma, and my Father, Dr. Robert J. Frank, about studying stocks for long term investing. You would want to read everything written about the stock to make sure it is a good investment. A detailed study is necessary to do this. I would only purchase a few shares and then I would do dividend reinvesting and just watch my investment grow. Your money grows over time with compound interest.

A liability has only one function, to take money out of your pocket. A liability is a bill that you pay. Your mortgage on your house or car or any other kind of bill that takes money out of your pocket is a liability.

You want your assets to increase and grow so you have more money in your pocket.

What are the 4 things can you do to build up your wealth, your assets?

1) Put your paycheck in a savings account connected to a checking account and let the interest on your savings account compound over time. Pay your bills on time and save the rest of your earnings and do not spend your money for unnecessary things.

2) Think and carefully check on all the factors of the rental property you wish to purchase. Is the location of the property in a good area of town? What is the condition of the property? Is the property well maintained? What condition are the air conditioner, heater, plumbing, electrical, drywall, roof, windows, doors, appliances, and insulation and how are the grounds surrounding the property maintained? Check on the ownership of the property, to see if there are any liens on the property or any past due taxes. You need to know everything before you can make a decision on buying the property. Remember a rental property should bring in enough money to pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for the property and leave extra money to put in your pocket, your bank account, to increase your assets.

3) If you decide to buy a stock do your homework and know all about that stock. Knowledge is the key to whether it will be a long time investment that will grow your portfolio into a nice nest egg for the future, your asset. Reinvest your stock dividends to help your assets to grow. Start small and think through your investments.

4) Think down the road about your retirement, IRA, Roth, and life insurance. Also decide on having a will or Revocable Trust to protect you and your family. Do your homework so you are knowledgeable about a product and how you can build your wealth, put more money in your pocket and build your portfolio, your assets for your future and your families.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

http://madelinefrank.com/





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Leaving a Legacy

My grandfather, Emil Ungerleider was born in 1904 in New York, N.Y. Grandfather's parents were immigrants from Hungary and he and his younger sister were born in New York. Later they moved to Detroit, Michigan where he worked at Ford Motor Company on the assembly line to put himself through the Detroit College of Law. He graduated at the top of his class in 1925 and Americanized his name to Earl D. Leader. He understood about hard work, good character, trustworthiness, and honesty. He established his law practice, Earl D. Leader, Attorney at Law, during the great depression helping small businesses be successful.

My grandfather was also a fine artist, poet, and sculptor and his beautiful works give pleasure to the many people that view his works.

My grandfather, Earl D. Leader was the lawyer who organized Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan by putting in his $1 and doing the paper work for free. He also worked as a lawyer for the composer Hoagie Carmichael. Earl D. Leader also helped many new businesses get started, and ran for local political office in Detroit, Michigan.

My grandfather, Earl D. Leader married my grandmother, Mary Chernick and they had their daughter Romayne,my mother, on May 28, 1929. My grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader worked as a secretary at the Boroughs Corporation, had a women's stock club where she taught other women how to study companies and invest in the stock market with little money to develop a nest egg. She also helped the Braille Society and sang and played the mandolin in a Mandolin Orchestra. She enjoyed reading and doing cross word puzzles and had a remarkable vocabulary which she shared with her daughter,my mother, Romayne.

My grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader was born on the lower east side of New York City to immigrants from Russia. My grandmother Mary's, father was an Iron worker and she had two older brothers born in Russia and a younger brother born in New York City. My great grandparents, the Chernick's from Russia taught their children the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity. They were taught to never give up until the goal was accomplished.

My mother,Romayne's parents, Earl and Mary Leader taught her the value of truth, honesty, hard work, religious faith, and service to others. Her parents discussed local politics and world affairs with her. During my grandfather's successful law practice in Detroit, Michigan he was the lawyer for many businesses and was the lawyer for many cases in the Supreme Court of Michigan helping small businesses. When Earl D. Leader sold his law practice in Detroit, Michigan he was doing the work of five lawyers and his health was in serious jeopardy. He had so many law cases that it was necessary to sell his firm to a group of lawyers. My grandfather, Earl D. Leader was dedicated to serving others.

My mother, Romayne Leader Frank became a lawyer like her father in 1963 and in 1990, my brother; her youngest child became a lawyer. At present the oldest grandson of Romayne Leader Frank, the great grandson of Earl and Mary Leader will be graduating law school next year.

My grandparent, Earl D. Leader and Mary Chernick Leader's, legacy is four generations of lawyers who have character, honor, integrity,, truthfulness, and a true desire to help others. Through these generations of leaders the goal was always the same to help others have a better life. I am also a legacy of my grandparents and parents teachings as I have shared the gifts they have taught me with the next generation. I am a teacher, businesswomen, author, and musician. The legacy that my grandparents, Mary Chernick Leader and Earl D. Leader started will continue with their great grandchildren. Their lives were dedicated to helping others and teaching their excellent example to their child, Romayne Leader Frank and by all the people they helped during their lives. Their legacy will continue on through generations to come.

What are three secrets my Grandparents, Earl D. Leader and Mary Chernick Leader taught about developing a legacy for the future?

1) Be willing to work hard, be trustworthy, honest, and be of good character and remember your name is priceless and protect it and your reputation.

2) Never stop learning and always continue to develop your mind by studying and reading to gain new knowledge every day.

3) Be compassionate and dedicated to serving others.

How to Keep Your Mind Sharp, Clear, and Vibrant On A Shoestring Budget

By Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

What do you enjoy doing for fun? What do you feel passionately about? What makes you smile?


When I was a music student studying in New York City at the Juilliard School I played for the 92nd Y Orchestra to help cover my expenses for school and met Herman Silver, a 75 year old amateur musician who felt passionately about making music. He introduced himself to me the very first day I came to play with the orchestra. He had more energy and enthusiasm than most of the other younger players in the orchestra. He always had such a zest for life too!


On Saturday nights he had chamber music parties where the best musicians in town amateur and professional, ages 20- 80, would come and play the most famous musical pieces in groups of quintets, septets, and octets. We played works by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven. One of the big attractions to go with the joy of making music was the wonderful food cooked up and placed on a long table during our intermissions. We all had such a good time together.


Herman loved to play music and it kept his mind fresh and vibrant through his mid- 80s. He enjoyed sharing his passion for music with others and Mentoring other musicians to continue his legacy.


My Dad, Dr. Robert J. Frank was a retired medical doctor, land developer and builder. He exercised every day through his mid- 80’s. He would say that he was going to the exercise parlor and that he did not like going but it kept him flexible and moving. He also enjoyed reading detective stories, thrived on solving problems, and enjoyed planting a garden every year.


Dad felt it was important to eat right, watch your weight, and to exercise regularly at least 3 days a week at the minimum.

I recently gave a Lecture /Workshop at the Veterans Hospital for the hospital doctors, nurses, and staff members. This was a Music therapy workshop to assist patient’s recovery. We went to see several patients. A gentleman in his late 60s to early 70’s was in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s. He was talking in gibberish when we walked in. I asked him to nod if he wanted me to play a Classical piece or to nod for me to play him a jazz piece. He nodded for me to play a Classical piece. I played the Meditation from the Opera Thais by Jules Massenet.


He began to move his arms to the music and then after a few seconds started talking in clear coherent sentences. He told me that he used to play the piano. He was so animated and happy. The Classical piece I played helped him remember. The music gave him a sense of self.


I explained to the medical staff how the patients would benefit from hearing the music they loved best to help them remember and jog their memories. I suggested listening to music for 30 to 45 minutes a day.


What are 7 things you can do to keep your mind sharp, vibrant, and clear?

1) Take a class at the local College, University, or Community Center at a reduced or free price for seniors. They offer courses in many different fields.

2) Learn how to play a musical instrument that you have always wanted to play by taking lessons.

3) Join a club for reading, writing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, dancing or speaking and meet a wonderful group of people who share your interests to stretch and sharpen your mind.

4) Share your expertise on a subject you feel passionately about by becoming a mentor or tutor.

5) Join a Health Club or Gym and exercise at least 3 times a week.

6) Do you enjoy listening to music? Play your favorite music every day for 30- 40 minutes to make you smile, improve your mood, and help you think more clearly.

7) Write a legacy article for you and your family to enjoy.


Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com.

Count Your Blessings

By Madeline Frank

How many of us ever remember to count our blessings? Do you give thanks for your blessings? How do you remember the people who have helped you, believed in you, and loved you over the years? Do you start the day with a positive attitude remembering the blessings you were given?

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I am thankful for a wonderful caring mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and Aunt –in-law. Do you give thanks for your blessings? Every year we have special days to remind us to give thanks. We should give thanks every day for our blessings.

My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank arranged her law classes so she would be home when my older brother and I got home from elementary school. She'd have milk and cookies on the dining room table for my brother and I and she would join us with her coffee. We would all study together every day after school. Momma had her law books to study and my brother and I had our homework from elementary school to study. If you had a question Momma would say very softly, "How about opening your book and looking for the answer?"

As a child of 8, I remember thinking that it didn't feel quite so lonely and awful anymore to sit and do our homework because Momma was right there with us doing her homework too. We worked together for three years until Momma finished law school at the top of her class. Momma, Romayne Leader Frank taught us to look for the answers to our problems. She taught us to think for ourselves.

Mary Chernick Leader ,my Grandmother, my Momma's mother,worked as a secretary at the Boroughs Corporation, had a women's stock club where she taught other women how to study companies and invest in the stock market with little money to develop a nest egg. She also helped the Braille Society and sang and played the mandolin in a Mandolin Orchestra. She raised a wonderful daughter my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, who learned from her patience, kindness, dedication to her family and caring about others.My Grandma Leader enjoyed reading and doing cross word puzzles and had a remarkable vocabulary which she shared with her daughter, my Momma.

When I was a child of 7, I remember Grandma Leader sitting patiently with me encouraging me to read. She had a Hershey’s Chocolate bar and a bottle of Coca-Cola on the table nearby and every page of the book I read to her I would receive the prize of a bite of chocolate and a sip of Coca-Cola. This was a big treat as both Momma and Grandma did not ordinarily let any of us eat candy or soda pop.


My Mother-in-Law, Pearl Neustein Berger was the 6th child out of 8 children born to Regina and Herman Neustein. My Mother-in- law, Pearl raised her two children, ages 5 and 13,when her husband Samuel Berger died of Cancer. She worked hard to provide for her children giving them good moral values ,taught them to study and work hard, and to care about helping others. She had them go to religious services every week. She worked hard to make sure both her children went to college and graduate school.

For many years she worked at B. Altman’s in New York City, a wonderful department store. I remember, shortly after my husband Allan and I were married, my husband had to register for his next semester of graduate school and he could not get off work to go to Barnard Baruch to register. I was working that day too. His Mom, Pearl Berger, had that day off from work and she said she would get him registered at the school. She was always willing to help her children and others. She was one of the most caring and honorable people I have had the pleasure to know. She was five feet one inches tall and to me she was one of the tallest and strongest women I have known because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends and helping others.

Pearl Berger’s sister, my Aunt- in- Law, Helen Neustein was the 7th child of the family. Helen also worked at B.Altman’s Department store in the shoe department. She was a wonderful person with a very big heart raised with the values of honor and respect just like her sister Pearl. My husband, Allan, remembers her playing baseball with him as a child. She was always patient and kind. Helen was also about 5 foot one inch tall but she seemed 6 feet tall because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends, and clients.

What are 3 things you can do to remember the blessings you have been given?

1) Start your day by remembering and writing down your blessings. Think of one person who has made a positive impact on your life and do something nice for them.

2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.

3)Think of the people who have made a difference in your life and honor them in some way by sharing those blessings with others by acts of kindness.

Remember to start your day by counting your blessings!

What have I learned from my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, my Grandma Mary Chernick Leader, my Mother-in-Law, Pearl Neustein Berger, and my Aunt-in-Law, Helen Neustein?


1)Be patient and persistent no matter how difficult the problem and keep working to find your solution.

2) Never be overwhelmed by adversity and stick to your course of action to solve the problem.

3) Remember that if we help others we will be helping ourselves at the same time.

"Stress Relief Through Time Management" by Madeline Frank

How do you deal with stress at work? Have you ever thought of organizing, prioritizing and managing your time?

It’s Monday morning at my job and work has just started to pile up on my desk. I’m beginning to feel the stress. I immediately start to make a list of my priorities. If I have any meetings or appointments I enter them on the list with the time of the meeting or the appointment and leave space to write or type in
my work projects. My most important work priority is listed first on my list after placing my meetings and appointments, with the due dates of the work and how long it will take for each project. I always allow a little extra time for difficult jobs. This is my “mapping out phase”. Then I set to work doing the work, meetings, and appointments that are due that day.

I begin to work on my first project and I am so involved in the work that my stress has been forgotten. From time to time I check my watch to stay on time with my schedule. When I finish that job I cross it off my list and start on the next one. At this point usually an hour or two has passed and I stand up stretch and reach for my bottle of water and take a sip. Then I reach for a celery stick, a carrot, or a granola bar. Then I continue working on the next item on my list.

When someone comes in and asks me to do something for them, I quickly decide if I can help them in 30 seconds or less or whether it will have to be put on tomorrows list. My priorities have already been established by my organized list, my map for the day. I have learned when it is necessary to say “no” or put them off until tomorrow.

If someone suddenly comes in and demands money for a job I have never heard of. I ask them to let me copy their original invoices or bills so I can investigate their claims within the next 48 hours. I will also ask for a phone number to reach them. I quickly make a copy and return their original to them. I look directly at them, when I speak to them, and reply calmly despite the nastily made demand for money. After the person leaves, I will write down what time the person came to my office and how they behaved. On Tuesday, I will verify if the work was done, how well it was done and if the bill is correct. I will also ask for before and after pictures of the job.

I recently joined a local Toastmasters club which gave me the skills and confidence to speak quickly and clearly in response to almost anyone’s tirade. At Toastmasters this impromptu speaking is called Table Topics. During our Toastmasters meeting a different question is asked to each Toastmaster member by the Table Topics Master. Each member speaks for a minute or two on the specific question asked. We do not know what the question will be so we have to think of an answer to the question within a few seconds. This is a wonderful way to learn to speak quickly on your feet. My Toastmasters club also teaches you how to prepare a speech and how to deliver the speech with confidence. Our members critique our speeches to tell us how to make each speech better. My Toastmasters club has helped me improve my oral and written communications skills and has made me a better leader.

So, what are the 3 ways you can relieve your stress through time management?

1) “Map out” all your work by scheduling and organizing your work on a sheet of paper or on your computer. Remember to “prioritize” your work. Think about which job is most important and when it is due. Also decide how long it will take you to do the work and add in a little extra time in case you run into difficulties. Place your most important job that is due that day as “number 1” on your list and continue filling out your schedule. If you have any meetings or appointments put them on the list with the time of the meeting or the appointment and move around the prioritized work to fit in your schedule. All work, meetings and appointments must be listed on your schedule, your map. When someone comes in and asks you to do something extra for them, quickly decide if you can help them in 30 seconds or less or whether you should tell them “no” or that you will put their request on tomorrows list. Remember your priorities have already been established on your organized list, your map for the day.

2) When someone comes in demanding money or anything else, copy all documents, look them in the eye, remain calm, and tell them you will investigate the matter within 48 hours. Ask for their phone number. After they leave, write down their name, what time they came in, and how they behaved. On Tuesday’s list verify if the work was done, how well it was done and if the bill is correct. Also ask for before and after pictures of the job.

3) Visit a Toastmasters club near you to see how you can learn to think faster on your feet and be more comfortable dealing with difficult people. Toastmasters clubs also teach their members to prepare speeches, to give speeches improving both written and oral presentations.

You too can manage your stress by using the principals of time management to organize and map out your work and your time.


Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Good Tenants Are Hard to Find! by Madeline Frank

In looking for a new tenant to rent your property what is the first thing you think about when you see a prospective tenant? What is your first impression of your prospective tenant?

My husband and I just received a thank you note from our tenants of 7 years. They said they “had a wonderful experience” at our property. They also wrote and thanked us “for always responding so quickly to their needs” when something broke down.

When we met them over 7 years ago they dressed neatly and cleanly to view our property. They arrived on time. Their cars were in good shape. Their cars were older models well maintained and in good condition. After viewing our property they looked us in the eye and told us they liked our property very much and would treat our property with respect if we chose them as our new tenants. They also said they had a history of paying their rent and bills on time and would be happy for us to do a credit and criminal check on them. We asked them to fill out a credit application and for the fee to cover a credit and criminal check. They filled out the application and gave us the fee. We submitted the application and fee and they came out in excellent shape.
What are the 3 questions you should ask yourself when you interview a prospective tenant or tenants for your property?

1) What was your first impression of your prospective tenant? Did he, she, or they arrive on time to view your property? Did they dress neatly and cleanly looking well groomed? If their children were with them were they dressed cleanly and neatly and did the children speak to their parents politely and with respect?

2) What kind of condition were their cars in? Did the car or cars have dings, dents, broken windows, broken mirrors, or any other problems like billowing smoke coming out of the hood of the car?

3) Did they look you in eye and tell you they paid their rent and bills on time? Were they willing to prove it by paying for a credit and criminal check?

If your prospective tenants do the following: Arrive at the time agreed on, dress neatly and cleanly, have their children also dressed neatly and cleanly, take care of their cars and have paid their past rent and bills. It’s a positive sign that they will treat your property with respect too!

First impressions are the most important impressions you can make.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or

Visit http://madelinefrank.com/

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Eye Ball to Eye Ball by Madeline Frank

Do you like to look people in the eye, eye ball to eye ball, to judge their honesty, integrity and commitment? Could looking eye ball to eye ball keep you alive? I have always felt that the eyes are "the windows of the soul!'


When I was living in New York City and attending the Juilliard School I went home one day at around 4pm in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day. I arrived at my 74th street walk up apartment building with my viola on my shoulder in its case, my purse slung over my right shoulder, and my apricot cookies hanging out of the back pocket of my jeans.

I opened the 1st door to the small apartment building into a tiny alcove about the size of 1 person and started to take my key out to open the next locked door when suddenly a nice looking well dressed man over 6 feet tall in designer jeans, shirt, and boots came up behind me.

At first I thought he lived in the building, but the next second he pulled out a machete and held it to my neck. It was a very tight squeeze in this space.

I was thinking to myself as I continued to look him in the eyes. Am I strong enough to get the knife away from him without cutting myself?

I decided he looked stronger then I was and if I cut my hands I would not be able to play ever again.

He said, "Give me the keys to your building?"

I said "No" and continued to look him in the eyes and said, "are you hungry?
Would you like an apricot cookie? I have them with me."

He continued to hold the knife to my neck and I continued to look him in the eye. He said "No" and then said "give me your wallet!"

I said, "Can you leave me some of the money in my wallet?" I had around twenty dollars in bills in the wallet.

He continued to hold the knife at my neck and said "Don't move. I'm going to leave in a minute and do not turn around." He grabbed my wallet and left the tiny alcove dropping my wallet to the ground. I pulled out my keys, grabbed the wallet on the floor, opened the door, shut it and ran up the stair case to the fourth floor.

I unlocked the door to my apartment and my roommate was standing there. I said "Do we have any wine or beer?"

She said, "You are under age and cannot drink!"

I said, "I've just been mugged and I need a drink! "

She said "we have cooking sherry and you need to call the police."
She poured the cooking sherry and we called the police.

The next day I went to the Police Station and went through thousands of mug shots and identified my well dressed mugger, but each address listed was false.

A few months later I moved to a building that had a smiling doorman and a well lit inviting lobby. I was always happy to come home from school into the cheerful lobby and smiling door man.

After this experience I became more alert to my surroundings. If I came home after playing a concert and it was late at night and I could not get a taxi I would walk home singing opera music. If anyone approached I would sing a little louder as most people do not want to mug a crazy person who sings Opera. They think you might be unstable!

When I look in the eyes of my co-workers, family members and friends I always look to see if they will continue to look me in the eye when they speak to me. I am always searching for the truth! When the person will not continue to look you in the eyes and suddenly looks away "I know something is up and they are hiding something."

In looking at my mugger Eye Ball to Eye Ball I know I saved my own life.
My motto is look at the person you are speaking to Eye ball to Eye Ball!

When I want to know if my children are telling me the truth I look them in the eye "Eyeball to Eye Ball" to judge their honesty and integrity about a given situation.

What are the three things you can do to keep from getting mugged while walking or going into a building?

1) Project confidence as you walk. Do not listen to your Ipod or talk on the phone when walking as you will be unaware of your surroundings. You need to observe and be aware of your surroundings. Always walk in well lit areas and do not wear expensive jewelry that a mugger can rip off of you such as a necklace, bracelet, watch or ring. Do not flaunt your wealth.

2) Guys put your wallet in your inside pocket. Gals make sure your purse strap is short and close to you or else a mugger can cut your purse strap and run with it. They can also cut the bottom of the purse and remove the contents that way. I have had this happen to me.

3) If someone gets in front of your face look them straight in the eye. Do not back down. Most people will not be willing to look you in the eye and hold the contact.

The next time you want to know if something is true or false about a given situation look the person in the eye "Eye Ball to Eye Ball" and find out if they are telling the truth or not.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is a speaker, bestselling author, business owner, and award winning teacher. She is an expert on helping businesses and organizations create a world class culture of customer service, leadership and motivation. Many companies and organizations have discovered the magic of Madeline's "Tuning Up Your Business" programs. Many companies and organizations have discovered better communication, reduction of workplace stress, and enhanced customer loyalty as a result of her programs.

To contact Madeline to speak to your organization go to mfrankviola@gmail.com
Madeline's web site: http://www.madelinefrank.com

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