"By Paul Ott" Chairman of the Board

Dear Realtors, 

I hope that you are having a good month in your business. Numbers are up!!.....

I am going to talk to you about your Personal Security this month. Perhaps,
we do not mention it often enough. We are often so busy thinking about the 
moment that we forget to check on the space, the environment around us..

When On The Street... Trust your instincts.
Be calm and confident and know where you are going.
Walk on a side walk whenever possible. Should you have to walk on the street, walk facing traffic, that way no one can follow you easily. 
If possible do not walk, alone.
Always let someone know where you are.
Stay in well lit areas.
Always be aware of your surroundings and do not turn up the volume on your headphones so loud that you can not hear outside noise.
If someone tries to rob you do not resist, give up your property, do not give up your life.
If a carjacker threatens you with a gun-give up your car, not your life.

Use only a well lit ATM.
Never walk away from an ATM with cash in your hand.
When making an ATM transaction from your car, make certain your car is locked and be aware of your surroundings.

Do not make it easy for someone to steal your wallet money or valuables. A pickpocket looks just like everyone else. 
Usually they work alone, though sometimes in groups of 2 or 3. They never reach all the way into your pocket, they find the seam all pull out the contents quickly.
Men-target area are back pockets in pants and jacket and sport coat inside pockets. Placing a rubber band around your wallet creates friction within the pocket when someone tries to remove it.
Women-Do not carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a zippered pocket. Use a purse that is difficult to open. Place the strap across your body not just over your shoulder.

Do not leave your vehicle unlocked. Do not leave valuables in view, place them in your trunk.

Other Stuff-Change your passwords often. Memorize them, perhaps creating a system for remembering them.
Sometimes allowing a website to remember your password may not be a good idea.

When shopping on the net, check out sites that you use. do not give cc, ss or other info to someone or place that you have not checked out.
Watch your cc after handing it to a clerk or a server to protect from extra imprints being made with it.......
Keep a master list of cc's somewhere and 

Let’s talk about fun software that you could use....need to make a change on a PDF. There are of of expensive ways to do it. One that is not expensive and works well is PDF Pen for PC or Mac.
What about using Evernote for cloud computing and evernote on your cellphone. Seesmic lets you update all of your social networks from your cellphone easily
Have a great month and be careful out there !!!!!!... Paul

Paul Ott
paulott1@mac.com