Excellent Class

We finished up a super class last week in Dallas. I wish all the graduates well. Enjoy your jump into the dynamic world of freight brokering. Make your 50 calls a day, you will succeed. I’d value seeing you again in our advanced course. Thanks again for coming to our course and participating to the full. Here are some of the comments we were honored to get from this most recent class of freight broker training live.

Well-organized class. Students get both a good learning experience as well as the opportunity to network for potential agent positions. Definitely time well spent.
Krishna R-

Worth every dollar! Caring for each student’s success was evident. Speakers and teachers shared real life experiences. All extended themselves after class to answer questions. Audrey M.

I would recommend carriers take this class. Very informative! Provided understanding of the other side of the business. Albert. A

Covered every aspect of brokering freight with a variety of expert teachers. Excellent.
John H.

Thank you for allowing me to attend this class…we can do this. Jeff Roach is a great motivator and teacher. Dotty H.

Really enjoyed speeches by Krish Dhanam, Roy Meyers and Josh Allen. They all helped me understand the agent process better by giving their hands-on input. Jeff and Janis Roach went beyond their duty to ensure we succeed. Janice K.

Class surpassed my very high expectations. Speakers were very informative. I feel confidant that I know what I want to do when I grow up. This class was a spiritual moment in my life. Ron

If you have ever spoken to any group you know that hearing “job well done” from your audience is priceless. Our next class in Dallas is the week of November 10th. So come fill up with knowledge before you fill up with turkey.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Inspiring Courage

We train many disabled vets because our course is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission as a career training program, so this article caught my eye. I applaud the courage to overcome whatever debilitates. We all have things in our life that could paralyze us from moving forward. Learn to overcome those obstacles and you will always have success. True success is not counted in dollars but in accomplishments, in encouraging others, raising great kids, passing on kindness, teaching what you've learned to others...etc. Give and you will get back in ways you never expected.

Quadriplegic Veteran Plans Adventurous Trek


Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 21, 2008 -- Local veteran Paul Christian is on a mission...from his wheelchair. Paul will be spending the next eighteen months traveling America alone to meet with fellow wounded or ill veterans and other people overcoming disabilities. He will be blogging his preparations and the trip itself on his website, Seize Adventure (http://seizeadventure.wordpress.com/), as he speaks to veterans groups about the technology and benefits available to them, volunteers at the Disabled Veterans Summer and Winter Sports Clinics, and volunteers at both the 2010 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada. He also hopes to visit much of the American countryside and its people, whom he has spent so much of his life protecting as a soldier and defense contractor.

A quadriplegic due to his service in the Army as part of Operation Desert Storm in Iraq (1991), Paul is motivated by the challenges he sees the current generation of severely-wounded veterans facing. He wants to show them that debilitating injury or disease does not mean the end of independence and accomplishment. As he writes on his blog, "We do not have to lay in bed hating life...If you're willing to reach out and grab ahold, you can still Seize Adventure."

Paul's attitude wasn't always so positive. After he was paralyzed, he at first spent a lot of time laying in bed, unwilling to pursue the physical therapy that could improve his condition. He rarely left home, seeing himself as entirely dependent on someone else to go anywhere or do anything interesting. That perspective changed when a friend pointed Paul to the website of adventurer Ben Saunders (http://www.bensaunders.com/), who at the time was in the middle of a solo trek across the North Pole. On impulse, he emailed Saunders, who took the time to reply from his position at the Pole and encouraged Paul to get back to physical therapy in order to regain as much mobility and independence as possible.

Paul now considers Saunders a mentor and credits that email with a major shift in his life. He writes, "If it hadn't been for that message from Ben, I may not be in the position that I am now. While I am still paralyzed, that physical therapy was crucial in getting back a lot of movement and self sufficiency...Now I find myself on the cusp of this great adventure."

In preparation, Paul has worked with a number of individuals and companies to modify his vehicle, his equipment...even his clothes, so that he can completely dress and care for himself independently. He is also in the process of lining up sponsors, including Soldiers' Angels (www.soldiersangels.org), Kobold Watches, PerMobil Wheelchairs, and his local American Legion post, though additional sponsors are still needed. If he is able to get the rest of the sponsorships required, he hopes to seize his adventure beginning early in December.

For more information and to follow Paul's progress, see www.seizeadventure.wordpress.com.

ABOUT SOLDIERS' ANGELS

A volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, Soldiers' Angels provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. military and their families. Comprised of 200,000 volunteers in over twenty different teams and programs, its activities include letters, care packages and comfort items for the deployed, and support for their families at home. The organization also provides assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen, and immediate response to unique difficulties. See www.soldiersangels.org for more information.

Go Paul, we'll be cheering you on.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Class in Session

We started a new training class today. I love the week of live training. It is incredibly inspiring to meet people so excited about learning and about affecting their future in a great way. I get the great priviledge of meeting a variety of people. Some of our students have been in this industry for awhile:

I have been in the trucking industry for a number of years but this course was very entertaining. I learned a lot of new information. I really recommend this training to anybody wanting to become a broker or agent.
Solomon A.

Some students come with no knowledge about the transportation industry:

When I first came in I was a little nervous because I knew little about this business. I was amazed at the knowledge I accumulated in only a week.
Jim

Owner-operators enjoy this course:

As an owner-operator this class is the best investment I have ever made. The info is excellent not only for those desiring to be brokers or agents but also for owner-operators who would like to become carriers. This class opened my eyes to a whole new aspect of the industry.
Julio E.

Some choose to take the course online:


I thought an online course could never be as good as a live class, until I decided to become a freight broker. I looked through a lot of online courses and thought this one was worth the price.

I couldn’t have picked a better way to invest my money. Jeff Roach is the best instructor that I've had.

The way he teaches is incredible, understandable. It is like having a live class in your home. The course covers every detail. I never had a doubt or a question after each module. The narrative learning course is fantastic, and my favorite part is the fact that I only have to listen. I highly recommend the course for those who want to understand the Freight Broker Industry.
J.V.

We meet students from many nationalities:

Class gave me more knowledge about brokerage. I learned and understood about software and skills I will need.
Yan Ling A.

I meet fascinating people. I get to stand up and tell my jokes. I teach from what I’ve learned with my decades in the business. I get to work alongside my wife. And I partner with every graduate to encourage them towards success. I’m very sad when one doesn’t become successful as a freight broker but I’m glad by the number of students that tell me they gained much more than the how to be a freight broker. We purpose to pass on a message of inspiration and integrity. So even if one of our graduates decides not to pursue freight brokering I am confidant they gain knowledge that is useful for a successful life.

This class was fabulous, inspiring, wonderful.
Taneka N.

The testimonials quoted are on our website with a bunch more. I look forward to what this week’s students have to say about their experience. Go out and make it a great day.

Moving forward
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Working from Home

As a freight broker and trainer I have worked from home, rented an office, worked on a house boat, worked from other offices and hotels so I’ve moved around. I find a change of atmosphere is necessary for my sanity. (I have a couple of yappy Chihuahua that can get on my last nerve) I have always purposed to meet with mentors so I have outside input to bring reality to some of my crazy ideas I come up with while holed up in my home office.

Is working from home right for you? I found this article from Patrick Erwin quite informative. Enjoy:

Pros and Cons of Working at Home
By PATRICK ERWIN, CAREERBUILDER.COM WRITER

If you have traditionally worked in an office, the option to work at home sounds like paradise. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey indicated that 27 percent of employees telecommute at some point throughout the year.

But this perk has its benefits as well as its pitfalls, affecting both performance and career advancement. We talked to several people who work from home to get a sense of the best and worst aspects of their work arrangements.

The comfort of home

The flexibility gained from working at home is the biggest bonus. "This is truly the best aspect, as my husband travels quite a bit," shares Sandra Diaz, a publicist for TCI-Smith Publicity in New Jersey. "I have two children; I am here to spend time with them before school and when they get on the bus and off the bus."

With gas prices at a record high, avoiding a commute is another big plus. Tom Stanton is an employee of Jaffe Associates, a business development agency in Chicago. He likes the 10-step commute to his office. "With gas prices and Chicago winters, that's really valuable to me. Plus, it saves so much time that I'm able to get work done."

Some workers who find office environments are filled with distractions enjoy working from home to bypass those interruptions. David Wegner, director of communications, marketing and public affairs for McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, is one of these people. "I realized how much time is used up in the office by conversations about what a co-worker did the night before, a retelling of a TV episode or whatever; 20 or 30 minutes could go by with idle chatter."

The flexibility of working at home also appeals to workers in creative industries. "I find the organic movement in and out of the home space very good for creative businesses," reports Dr. Linda Seger, an author, screenwriter and script consultant. "From a creative standpoint, it allows the mind the variety it needs to think creative thoughts."

The Downside of Distance

Working at home may not be an ideal scenario for everyone. "It requires greater time-management skills and boundaries between work and family," declares Janet Scarborough Citivelli, a career development expert with Bridgeway Career Development. "Most professionals find themselves working more when they work from home if they don't take charge of their schedules."

Many workers feel that perceptions about their work -- and the value of that work -- are inaccurate. As writer Heather Corley notes, "Working from home doesn't seem as official to many people."

Wellness expert Beverly Beuermann-King agrees. "Others may not value that you are working just as hard. In a time where telework is becoming more and more valued by employees, company structures and attitudes have not adjusted to value output as much as face time."

These perceptions can have an impact on the career path of a home-based worker, who may miss out on job advancement opportunities as a result. A recent Workplace Index Survey, commissioned by office furniture manufacturer Steelcase, indicates that 64 percent of workers believe their lack of daily contact with their employers hinders their chances for a promotion.

Some employees feel that they miss out on the benefits of interacting with co-workers. Rob Graham, vice president of training at The Laredo Group, misses the feedback he gets from those interactions. "Without office mates to use as a sounding board for ideas, you have the tendency to become a focus group of one and start to believe that every idea you have is brilliant," Graham remarks. "It's not a bad thing to have dissenting opinions from time to time."

Home-based employees can also run into communication issues, making it very easy to feel out of the loop. "Phone, e-mail and instant messaging do an OK job of communicating business needs, but sometimes nothing beats the value of an office hallway chat to help pull things together," Graham says.

Avoiding the Pitfalls

Employees who work from home should take some steps to avoid drawbacks and capitalize on the benefits that this arrangement provides.

Keep the lines of communication with your managers and co-workers open, and use them frequently. Schedule a check-in time every day (or several times a day). Keeping everyone in the loop will help dispel any negative perceptions about your performance.

Avoid isolation, which can have professional and personal repercussions. If you are feeling constrained by the four walls of your house, vary your surroundings and hit the coffeehouse, park or zoo with your laptop.

When there are complicated projects or staffing shortages, consider heading to the office for at least part of your workweek. Striking the right work/life balance is a constant, ongoing process, and you may need to make adjustments to address demands in your professional and personal life from time to time.

Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com

_______________________________

Why Blog?

People ask, why do you blog? Does that help your business?

The real reason I started blogging is because my online marketing advisor told me I needed to. I was skeptical. But I’m not lying when I tell you it has brought students to my training class and business to my freight brokerage associates. Blogging gives me an opportunity to share information I find educational and inspirational. Blogging gives my readers the opportunity to know a little about who I am, what interests me and inspires me. I figure most people prefer to work with someone they relate to and who is giving. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you get what you give, you reap what you sew, and do unto others as you would have them do to you. A good teacher’s greatest accomplishment is the success of their student. I hope that my blogging helps graduates of Brooke Training to stay the course and find success.

I just previewed a few comments I received from my blog. One newbie told me my article helped inspire him to keep on plugging away at his calls. That encourages me. I truly started training because I thrive on helping others and raising the integrity level of this industry one student at a time. I know finding loads to move and trucks to move them is not a fast sell so it can get discouraging. Always think each call is a potential new relationship. They may become a customer, they may not but they all are people of value who have something to contribute.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com
www.transportationtraining.com

Educate

I read this on a blog forum http://truckisontheway.blogspot.com/ and found it quite compelling for our economically stressed times:

“It doesn't matter what type of business - they all require smart marketing and sound business fundamentals. Why is it that some plumbers, or flower stores, or restaurants, or printers or whatever are going broke while others are prospering beyond their wildest dreams?

Those that fail don't know their business skills, including market research and effective marketing. The more information a person can gather on their own, the more informed they will be. The more willing Freight Broker Training websites are to dish out FREE, honest and realistic information BEFORE collecting one single dollar, the more successful these trainers will be…”

There will always be a market for freight brokering until we learn how “to beam” products from manufacturing to distribution channels. I really like the approach this forum contributor praises. I’m an educator both in the brokering classroom and in the brokering business. You educate your carriers on how you’d like to help them keep their trucks loaded, moving and profitable. You educate potential shippers on how you assure them their products are moved from origination to destination. Sometimes you have to educate each end when something gets off schedule. So long as you keep everyone informed with the information they want to know, you will be highly regarded in this business. You will succeed if you make your calls, find your market, truckers to work with and products to move.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

You Influence Others

I decided to blog this prose I got from a friend. If I purpose to make the right choices even when I don’t think anyone is looking, I may influence others. Even if no one really sees, God sees. Remember most of what a child learns is “caught not taught”. Children are our future.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, I immediately
wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, I learned it is good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned we all have to help care for others.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn' t
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Sales Letter with Punch

How To Write An Emotionally-Charged Sales Letter
(edited)
From Mike Jezek, for About.com

Are you frustrated that your sales letter isn't getting results? Do you wonder how to improve your sales letter writing?
The solution to lackluster results: Emotion. Buying decisions are based upon emotion and later backed up by logic.
Legendary sales letter writer Robert Collier once said, "Appeal to the reason, by all means. Give people a logical excuse for buying that they can tell to their friends and use to salve their own consciences. But if you want to sell goods, if you want action of any kind, base your real urge upon some primary emotion."
Here are 3 ways to emotionally-charge your sales letter writing:
1. Stir Up Pain: Focus on how they have this problem (that your product/service solves) and that because of this problem, they're hindered, frustrated, troubled and unable to attain their deepest desires because this problem lingers.
2. Mesmerizing Stories: Stories evoke emotion. Weave stories into writing your sales letter that stir up hope in attaining a goal, avoiding trouble or achieving a dream. Fear of loss is more powerful than desire to gain for most people.
3. Use Emotional Words Instead Of Logical Words: It's no surprise that some words fire off stronger emotions than others. Words like abortion, pro-life, Soviet, or dictator have an immediate effect. Other less controversial words such as mom, dad, family, home, friends, sister, and brother have strong emotional impact. You need to evaluate your target market and find out what key words your market really reacts too.
Ideally you want to use many small, one syllable words that your prospects can relate an emotion to and subtly plant them throughout the sales copy to spark an emotional reaction.


Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.freightbrokertraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com