Well now, isn't this the elephant in the room that no one is talking about. I've been wondering the same darn thing. I flew to SC. I submitted the video. I drank the proverbial cool-aid. And I've been patiently waiting to hear. And waiting. And waiting. My friends and family keep asking "what ever happened with that Charleston thing?" What am I supposed to say? I've got a good career. I don't need Trademark. So, at this point, I'd just like to know what the heck happened. And, I'd like to see some new shows. If the Area Partner this was all a bust, so be it. Just tell us what the heck is going on. This is ridiculous.
Regarding new episodes, I recall seeing a note from Ginger saying they were filming a new season through December of 2007. New episodes will probably air in the spring or early summer.
The area partners web site is still online and active which would suggest their expansion plans are also moving forward. Hopefully, TLC won't muck up a good show by letting too many of these whiney partners get involved in the program.
If you'll forgive me for saying so, ... I think all this online hand-wringing is ridiculous.
Do you try to resolve all your business communication issues in the public message boards?
yOU are beating a dead horse. I dunno if you followed through with any of the websights that were posted,. I know there was one that wasn't affiliated with Trademark At all.
Why would Richard need area partners? He already has more money than he will ever need. I think, so he can come in and try and make people look and feel stupid ( for the show )
I am already in the business. I don't need Richard, I don't want Richard. He seems like an OK guy. I don't want him in my back yard.
Originally posted by BobbySparkles: And jenraleeamiable, it's not like they can get answers anyplace else.
BobbySparkes, I really hope that's not true.
It doesn't make sense pursue a business opportunity with a partner who won't communicate or at least answer email. Trademark has a web site, a feedback form, published contacts. Seems to me if you want to know what's happening that's a logical place to start. There are also message links and comment forms on the video pages. Surely at least ONE of these potential partners has a blog dedicated to the project. Gosh, why not just pick up the telephone?
Now, the other side of the coin is that it doesn't make sense for Richard to pursue a partnership with someone who's going to jump on a message board and whine about every little wrinkle that comes up. There are threads here with people complaining about the trip to Charleston, the venue, the menu and probably even the weather.
The season finale was all about Trademark's expansion plan. It's a pretty a safe bet this plan and process will be a topic of future shows. Richard says 'Save the Drama for Your Mama!' but can he really resist the temptation to tease hundreds of thousands of viewers by dangling a "partnership" out there? (And actually I think he specifically says it could be up to 500 partners.)
Are y'all looking for a real business opportunity or just hoping to get an audition to become America's next 'Foreclosure Idol'?
With all due respect Jenralee, my concerns are not as trivial as the weather or the menu (as far as I know there wasn't one). I'm not trying to be dramatic either. Let me ask you; If you had a big question for a potential business partner that was met by silence for four months, would that qualify as a "communication problem?"
The facts are these: 1. Richard promised a book. 2. Richard promised a quick response to those which responded with videos. 3. Richard promised data to support his claims. 4. Richard promised 10 "area partners" up and running by the end of 2007. 5. Richard made a lot of other promises which I don't even care to enumerate, but I will, if you press me.
On the other hand, I think Richard is a good guy. I met him. I liked him. In fact, I haven't even met anyone who knows him that doesn't like him. The problem is that he hasn't delivered on what he promised. And honestly, I just want a litte closure on this whole thing. I don't even care what happened. We can only speculate. I just thought someone here might have a clue. If there is a forum somewhere where these questions are being addressed, please share it with us. I don't need or want your pity. I certainly don't need your theories either -- or a freakin' audition. I was hoping that someone might have some facts. So far, silence is all we've got from Trademark.
Sincerely; I don't mean to trivialize your concerns Veritas1. But I have to ask, if you don't want 'theories' from fans, why post in a public message board at all?
As for your question:
Originally posted by veritas1
quote:
Let me ask you; If you had a big question for a potential business partner that was met by silence for four months, would that qualify as a "communication problem?
Sure.
But if all of your business communication is written in the same passionate, baited, confrontational tone as your post, you better get used to hearing the phrase:
"Don't call us, we'll call you."
If you toss around words like "partner" and "promise" freely then ask for confidential or proprietary information that apparently isn't ready for formal release, you probably deserve the silent treatment.
I have never been to South Carolina- never met Richard. But if I wanted to learn from him, invest money in his business or even audition to be a clown at Ginger's next birthday party I certainly would not be sniveling online.
I agree with the posts ending in I'm already successful!!
Why would anyone in their right mind want to be a partner? If you're looking to buy real estate, most people go to century 21, ERA, ect..., why would they look at Team Trademark?
And for me personnally, if I were to look at Trademark, I would go into it with a preconcieved notion that it's a flip, and with a flip, there are quality issues, as well as money, if I know it's an investment for you, I'll try to push down the price! This may not be the case, BUT I know it's going to be the mind set.
Why spends tons of money in franchies fees and get less out of it then you could get on your own? Honestly, if he were really looking to get into the franchise business, then he should have conducted his business better on air.
"...he should have conducted his business better on air."
Actually, I think the problems started off air.
The season finale was a fine way to introduce the national campaign. Black Tie Event- candid party photos online. The ladies of Team Trademark in their fancy gowns!! The show itself seemed to generate a genuine buzz that was interesting enough to draw over 2000 people into Charleston for a visit. It also generated 4 or 5 topics and over 10 pages of posts here. Not bad for a little cable tv show.
True, Richard did use the word 'franchise' in the show which later changed to a more ambiguous term like 'partner'. But I had the sense watching the episode the he was simply expanding his business. Looking at an old letter from Ginger from Sept 2006 it seems pretty clear at one time there was plan to use the partners on the show: [Thanks TLCguru!]
Now, using YouTube was an interesting choice that could have actually been a brilliant move. Unfortunately, not one single partner seemed to understand how to execute a video 'reply'. Not their fault really. Also nobody from Trademark ever posted a single feedback comment (that I could find).
The Pros could have created some play lists. Somehow ranked the applicants in a fun or interesting way. A simple comment like 'Hey Thanks- we saw your video today.' would have required minimal effort and helped eased the sting created by overly vague and less than satisfying public messages they released. Posting a new video once in a while just asking a simple question about the local markets would also have given the more anxious (and probably less qualified) people something to do and more to talk about and helped keep the 'buzz' going in a positive direction.
Poor leadership? Maybe. Not everybody understands how to thrive in this new media mix. A foul ball in their first pitch at online execution isn't necessarily a good reason to dismiss the concept. I bet there are plenty of other people who have under estimated Richard before and maybe at their own peril.
... Why would anyone in their right mind want to be a partner?
That's a big question and (since others seem to shy) I'll gladly take a shot at it in another post but my short answer is....
You may be successful now but do you understand how to thrive in these turbulent times for the real estate market? Can you make it after the industry evolves over the next 5 years? How about 2 years out?
You agree technology, the mortgage crisis and current housing slump effects most earning a living in this field today in the same way 9-11 impacted travel agents- right?
The post ending in "I'm already successful" also said....
I don't want him [Richard] in my back yard.
I don't wonder why. - But then again, I'm probably not in my 'right mind' anyway.
I don't see how anyone can thrive in a market like this, unless they have tons of money.
Around me, you can not rent out a house for the cost of a mortgage, taxes, and insurance. I understand that it's a good time to buy, but you would need the capital up front, because the houses no longer pay for themselves, and honestly, good luck selling, average length on market is 6+ months.
My earlier point was that if you are making a good living investing or flipping, why would you get in bed with Trademark? They just don't seem to have anything to offer someone who knows what they are doing!!
As for having them in the back yard, who cares!! They aren't American Idol, no 30+million viewers, so I don't think there is even enough name recognition to worry about them.
But I must repeat, I do like the show, and I still think they were by far the best of the four groups on flip this.
I'm somewhat pleased that you seem to have come around on this thing, Jenralee. First, let me say that I wish everyone at Trademark all the best. Believe me. They seem like very nice, very well intentioned people. I'm now thinking that they simply could have done a much better job of informing all of us (all of us that were once interested in dealing with them)on their decision making process. At the very least, they could have sent a letter something like "Dear John, thanks for your interest, sorry, but we decided to go in a different direction." I'm pretty sure that it is common courtesy and customary in business. Jenralee, your speculation on confidentiality agreements and such is just plain weird to me. I didn't sign anything. I don't have any confidential information. I just went to a semi-public seminar-type thing. What the heck? Am I sworn to secrecy? Did you get that I don't care anymore? btw. Richard said in his last email that he was going to announce the 10 area partnership the following week....It's now 1/17/08. Did anyone get that announcement? Huh, I think not.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,
My earlier point was that if you are making a good living investing or flipping, why would you get in bed with Trademark? They just don't seem to have anything to offer someone who knows what they are doing!! ...[edit]... I don't think there is even enough name recognition to worry about them.
Very Telling.
Trademark is full service business. I don't pretend to know the percentage but flips are only 1 part of their business. The activity may dominate the show but it's not all they do and may not even be the most profitable part of what they do.
I do agree it's probably the most entertaining to watch.
Also seems pretty clear to me they were successful long before the show began. My take away from seeing them in action is that it is their community involvement and not the show itself that accounts for much of their success. Name recognition from the show could be helpful to new start-ups but reputation and performance are the critical factors that will make the area partners successful in the business.
It's certainly open to debate if the Trademark model can be easily replicated in the big cities outside of Charleston especially given the current climate in real estate. But what they offer just may be a genuine opportunity to innovate or even revolutionize their industry.
Originally posted by veritas1: At the very least, they could have sent a letter something like "Dear John, thanks for your interest, sorry, but we decided to go in a different direction."
No argument, professional communication seems to have been and continues to be lacking.
..your speculation on confidentiality agreements and such is just plain weird to me.
I was referring to your earlier post where you wanted information you felt Richard had 'promised'. Richard will share confidential information about his business plan, partnership structure etc. with selected partners or prospective partners at some point I'm sure. But this kind of information is always carefully guarded in a private company. It's considered proprietary and confidential. I did not see anything in the email from Trademark the leads me to believe any promises were made - nor broken.
All I'm really saying is you can't ask or expect to get these details until they are ready to formally release it. There are legal considerations as well as competitive issues. I also have no doubt there are production issues related to use of new people on the tv show. I never intended to suggest you were sworn to secrecy. I'm just saying that to answer the issues from your earlier post would require disclosing a lot of information that the company may not be able to publish for the entire world at this time. And your attitude toward 'secrecy' is exactly why releasing such information prematurely to every Tom, Veritas1 and Harry could create problems.
Business deals are *always* made in private and not on the message boards.
Richard said in his last email that he was going to announce the 10 area partnership the following week...
Yep, seems like another poor choice of words. Maybe he meant to say they were going to begin contacting people. Maybe he's now having trouble with some logistics. Maybe some of the original hopefuls have moved on to other things and he's had to begin contacting the second string. Maybe everything was all set to go but Ginger's dog at the homework!
And yes, I do get it that you SAY you don't care anymore.
-- Do you get that we all see some disappointment and hurt feelings in your posts?
-- Do you get that your 'sour grapes' do not substantially enhance the conversation but do make you sound like a rejected school girl??
Sorry you apparently did not make the cut. But it looks like Richards "Gut Feel" about you was probably correct. There will always be bozo's in the world who can and will criticize. Team players buckle down and push through the noise. If you'll forgive the cliche:
I'm very sorry my contributions to this discussion seem to have hurt your feelings.
If you will stop reading children's stories and spend some time with quality business publications or trade journals, your contributions to the discussion might be less subject to attack and probably require less rebuttal.
Speculation is often the first step to discovery and almost always required for a genuine financial break through.
Public Criticism, negativity and sniveling are definitely the first steps to failure.
...but I can see how these concepts might confuse you.
Originally posted by veritas1: The topic was: Any news on the area partners? What can you offer?
My dear friend, I thought you didn't care anymore?
What I have offered is...
1) the casual observation that the people who seek to publicly thrash Richard in this forum are most likely competitors or business rivals of some sort.
2) the insightful observation that this particular business opportunity also presents some unique and unknown challenges because at least one part of Richard's ..ahem.. empire is heavily invested in a TV show.
2) the sage advice that bad mouthing a potential partner and the process online before it has even really begun reveals more flaws of the detractor than it does about Richard.
3) a new thread about potential start up markets. Unfortunately, it seems that some would rather snivel here than try to discuss something that might demonstrate they actually bring some skills, expertise or market knowledge to the table.
I've said it before, I'm just a fan of the show. I have no connection to Trademark in any way, shape or form. As far as I know, this community has never even been used by anyone at Trademark and looking here for information is ill advised.
At one time, there were many potential partners posting who did a surprising amount of good research and shared that helpful information here. In their absence (or at least until they return) I offer a positive, uplifting voice reminding anyone who cares to read about it-- that very few things worth having are ever easy to obtain. I've tried to lighten the mood using a little comic relief and some genuine enthusiasm.
Hello all, I have read things here from time to time but never posted. I was in SC for "the event". I have also been sitting and wondering what is going on etc etc.... waiting, wondering. I fully expected NOT to be a first pick as I don't really have real estate experience. I do however have other business experience. I did put my "all" into even the slight possibilty of getting involved in some way with this. It cost me $ 1000. and a REAL hectic couple weeks to make my attendence possible. Soooo my point? I think veritas1 has some excellent points. I have been reading the tiff between veritas1 and jenraleeamiable. As I said he has reason to ask if anyone has heard ANYTHING. I don't think jen needed to ask the question .... "Do you try to resolve all your business communication issues in the public message boards"? Richard was very concerned with leaking info etc... also said how anybody could do this business model. So I can see him being tight lipped about everything. I also can accept the "rambling' presentation and the long line etc etc. But at some point it would be nice to get a little 411 even IF TO JUST SAY things are proceding. OR maybe things are behind a few eeks or whatever. ANYTHING would be nice. Just my 2cents.
Trademark has revamped its website and announced an auction event in Charleson on March 14. They have also indicated future auction events in the following markets:
So, there are your first 10 markets. My personal congradulations go out to those prospective area partners selected. Check out the Trademark website for further details on the Charleston event.
BigV: I could ask you the same question. Anyway, thanks for (finally) sharing something useful. For someone who doesn't care anymore, you are quite the little GadFly.
MikeV: Welcome to the conversation!
Sorry to hear you feel my question was inappropriate, but I'll stand by that post. Smart business people always hold their cards close to the vest so I think it was a pretty fair question.
Given the complexities in intra-state commerce, variations in real estate law and the business climate for local realtors it's no surprise that the launch has taken considerable time. There are also many, many issues that could have been discussed here without trashing Richard, complaining or sniveling. Calling the process "ridiculous" and "proverbial cool-aid" is where the conversation turned.
Now that we have some good news, maybe things can get back on a positive track.
Hold on there Jen. A real estate liquidation? Are you kidding? That's not what Richard rambled on about for hours lst July. Real estate auctions? Richard specificly said that he had a hedge fund and a system for identifing the right properties. I'm calling shinanagans! His video said that this was what he was waiting for, the upside down market after sev
No drama there. 
