Category: Family and Business

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Steven Taylor on the coming Holiday Season in LA: Will it Be Merry and Bright?

At the time of writing this article, Steven Taylor will realize that December really is just around the corner! And when December comes, that familiar holiday season is also sure to come next too! 

Steven Taylor is excited about the upcoming holidays. Truly, December really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s because, during these months, Los Angeles shines up like a diamond especially under the night sky. It’s the time of the year where parks are decorated with outdoor Christmas trees and sparling outdoor lights. 

It’s not just the parks that will be shining throughout the night; even Steven Taylor’s neighborhood will also be decorating their homes, in anticipation of the coming holiday season.  

Steven Taylor’s heart is indeed filled with excitement, but it is also filled with worry. That’s because not everyone is going to enjoy a merry and bright holiday season.  

The current pandemic has left many homes devastated with the loss of lives and the loss of jobs. The economy is currently recovering, but as long as the pandemic continues to threaten everyone, businesses in LA remain on edge. You also have the tired front liners; the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who are giving it their all, sacrificing their precious hours to make sure that those who got the disease are given the best of care. 

This is why Steven Taylor believes that even with all the anxiety, the scare, and the economic pressure that everyone in LA is experiencing, there is still hope. Hope that everyone in Steven Taylor’s community will get through this pandemic with bright smiles on their faces. Steven Taylor and his family are doing what they can to help and support their local community and make sure that everyone has the means to get through this time of hardship and anxiety.  

And it’s not just Steven Taylor who is giving back to the LA community; numerous business owners are also giving back to LA with whatever they can spare or muster. The local government is also doing its best by pushing for everyone in the community to get vaccinated and by helping the families of medical front liners through incentives. All in all, the whole city of Los Angeles is filled with hope, thanks to wonderful people who are willing to help each other out, all in the name of community and love. 

And with that, Steven Taylor still believes that this year’s holiday season in LA will still be merry and bright!

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.blogspot.com.

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Steven Taylor on the Top Best Things to do in LA during Thanksgiving

If there’s one holiday during the year where Steven Taylor is most excited about, it’s always during Thanksgiving. 

Well, apart from the delicious food and the warm atmosphere, Steven Taylor enjoys having a really great and fun time together with his family and friends. Especially since he lives in Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in the United States and one of the most fun places to visit during Thanksgiving too. 

Everyone has their plans on how to celebrate Thanksgiving. Steven Taylor, LA native also has his own plans too. But for those who want something different for this year, join us in celebrating Thanksgiving here in the City of Angels. We promise that you’re going to have a really great time wandering around and exploring the sights and the sounds! 

Here are top best things that one can do while in LA during Thanksgiving: 

Encanto at the El Capitan 

Location: El Capitan Theatre Hollywood 

Visiting LA with the family? Then Encanto at the El Capitan might be the perfect distraction for the kids. Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the Opening Night Fan Event opened last November 23 and will continue until the 5th of December 2021. The event promises a fun night of music, laughter, and fireworks display. 

Turkey Trot Los Angeles 2021 

Location: Downtown 

The Turkey Trot returns this year as a live event. Set on the 25th, participants are expected to make their turkey ‘work out’ before the festivities begin. What the workout means is a scenic course throughout downtown Los Angeles.  

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train 

Location: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange CA 92869 

After Thanksgiving, it’s always our favorite time of the year! The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train opens on November 26 and will continue to operate until December 24, Christmas eve. This is Irvine Regional Park’s annual event, so everyone is invited to participate and enjoy the wonderful Christmas ride. Apart from the train ride, there are other wonderful activities for the kids to enjoy too, like storytime and coloring activities.  

Hikari – Festival of Lights 

Location: Tanaka Farms, Irvine CA 

Ever wondered how it felt like to witness and be surrounded by hundreds of lights? Well, this coming November 26, prepare to experience the meaning of Hikari or “shine” with this Festival of Lights. Enjoy live music, food, photo ops, arts & crafts, and some cuddle time with barnyard animals. Santa is also there, ready to entertain guests and talk with the kids about their presents for being good little boys and girls.

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Expert Steven Taylor of LA on How to Market Yourself as a Real Estate Agent

Expert Steven Taylor of LA on How to Market Yourself as a Real Estate Agent

In all my years as a real estate agent, probably the most important skill that you need to pick up is the ability to sell yourself as a real estate agent.  

It’s what separates the men from the boys, so to speak. You are ever only recognized as a professional real estate agent if people know you as someone who sells properties. As if selling real estate properties is easy in the first place! 

How to Market Yourself 

Marketing yourself to other people may sound intimidating, but I swear, it’s not as nerve-wracking as it once was. 

Back in the day, real estate marketers had to work on several different skills in order to get people to take notice of them. You have communication skills, negotiation skills, building contracts, and the works. You also need to know several people, such as contractors and the property owner who is commissioning you to sell their property. Today, most of those individuals are still important in building up your reputation, but thanks to technology, the ability to contact these people is now easier. 

I’m talking about social media and mobile phone technology. Nowadays, it’s easier to talk to people when you need to; all you need is their mobile number and you can make a call and get in touch with them. For social media, people have Facebook and Twitter accounts. The same can also be said with contractors and property owners, so if you’re unsure about a fact or information about a property you’re selling, you can easily get in touch with them. 

The Unique Ways to Market your Skills 

Marketing yourself can be easy if you know exactly what you are and where you’re good at. 

So for example, if you’re very good at presenting the property while in the property site itself, then you should take that advantage to use. People have different skillsets and your first job in order to market yourself properly is to determine what those skills are. 

Once you’re able to determine your skill set, then it’s time to get to work: 

  • Create unusual partnerships with local businesses – Local partnerships can actually do wonders for your real estate business. This type of partnership is perfect for getting prospective clients and for marketing your skills out in the open. While building local partnerships is one thing, getting partnerships with businesses that are not always approached by real estate agents could be a huge advantage for you. Why not take the time to approach these companies and ask them for a partnership? 
  • Holding a Contest – One of the best and easy ways to get people to know you is to hold or sponsor a contest. I know I did with the community in Los Angeles. After a contest or two, everyone in the community already knows my name. And the same can happen to you too if you take advantage of it. And it doesn’t have to be a big event; it can be anything, from a simple bingo night in the community or a local dinner in your community’s favorite restaurant. The possibilities are endless! 
  • Becoming a Storyteller – It may seem like a boring subject, but telling your story to an endless audience online is also something that you can consider in selling off your skills as a real estate agent. Simply create a blog post online and you can start writing about the things you did and the things that you’re going to achieve. Sure, you and your blog may not gain as much attention at first, but with a little perseverance and some luck, people should recognize you and your story! 

Continue on Improving Yourself 

The road to success is long and full of sacrifices and surprises. But don’t give up! Keep on dreaming and improving until you’ve reached your goals. If you need to improve as a real estate agent first, then you can join seminars and meetings. If you want to learn more on how to market yourself, then take your time and learn from the best.  

I surely didn’t become a successful real estate agent in just one night. I also had to work hard for whatever success I am enjoying right now. My advice for all aspiring real estate agents out there is to treat your successes and failures with respect. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your victories, one at a time. But most importantly, be confident when talking about yourself and the property that you’re trying to sell. Only then will your buyer treat you with the same amount of respect that you are giving him. Steven Taylor, LA 

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Steven Taylor – Los Angeles at a Glance – Things to Do in LA in 2021

Steven Taylor , Los Angeles CA

Even in the midst of a pandemic, Los Angeles is full of things to do. If you are looking for safe activities for a date night, family outing, or solo adventure, there are plenty of fun options to explore. Whether you’re interested in checking out LA’s extensive dining scene, getting out into nature, or discovering new art, there’s something in LA for everyone. Many of Los Angeles’ best landmarks are still accessible to locals and visitors. Here is a list of 4 fun, affordable activities you can do in Los Angeles in 2021.

  1. Take a drive around the coast .

One of Los Angeles’ defining features is it’s close proximity to great beaches and coastal scenery, but many locals don’t take advantage. If you’re looking to get out of the house, head over to the coast and take a cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu or Ventura. Steven Taylor Los Angeles native, recommends LA residents and tourists alike check out the Palos Verdes peninsula, where you can see beautiful oceanfront views, winding coastal roads, and dramatic bluffs. Soak up the scenery, and check out some impressive real estate along the drive!

  1. Experience the Los Angeles dining scene from home.

Los Angeles is known for its diversity, culture, and creativity, all which contribute to the city’s top-notch dining scene. While restaurants are still closed for indoor dining as of January 2021, plenty of LA’s best restaurants are open for to-go orders. Chefs are getting more and more creative, and many spots have multiple course tasting menus available for those who want to step up their dining-at-home game. The LA Times is even hosting virtual dinner parties that are a collaboration with local chefs and celebrities. Just because you can’t dine out doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best food experiences LA has to offer.

  1. Take a bike ride.

If you’re feeling cooped up inside, getting out to take a bike ride can be a great way to reset. If you don’t own a bike, there are many places to rent along the boardwalk in Venice. If you’re looking for a city ride, you can venture into downtown Santa Monica to ride along their well-developed bike lanes. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can bike the Strand, a twenty-two mile bike path along the Marvin Braude Trail, which traces the coastline. Start at Will Rogers state beach, and make your way all the way down to Torrance if you’re ready for a workout! Los Angeles native, Steven Taylor, likes to explore the tail with his kids, making it an event for the whole family.

  1. Experience a drive-in movie.

Due to the pandemic, many people are missing the experience of going to the movie theatre, and tired of watching movies on the couch. The good news is that the Southern California area has several options for drive-in movie theaters that make for a great family outing or date night. Drive in movies are affordable, fun, and can be a nostalgic throwback to simpler times. Lucky for you, LA Magazine put together this comprehensive list of current drive-in and outdoor movie options.

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Having a Work Life Balance Increases Productivity

Steven-Taylor-landlord-with-his-family-at-the-walk-to-end-alzheimers

Importance of Work-Life Balance

In modern western society, driven individuals wear productivity as a badge of honor. Have you ever caught yourself humbly bragging about how little you’ve slept, how many hours you’ve worked, or how packed your calendars is? As the value we put on performance continues to rise, employees are spending increasing amounts of time in the office. While you may think you are plunging toward your goals, studies show that overworked employees are less efficient. Longer working hours reflect increased stress levels and distractions. Neglecting to nurture a healthy work-life balance can actually be detrimental to your success.

Most of us equate ambition and hard work with productivity. Many entrepreneurs feel shame for taking time off to rest. But one of the key components to a productive mindset is allowing the body to refuel. You achieve more during work hours when you take effective time off to connect with family, relax the mind, and handle personal matters away from the office.

Stop Always Being Available

Somewhere along the line, entrepreneurs became associated with always being on the clock. This expectation that we must always be available is counteracting genuine productivity. It is necessary to explore methods and create schedules that allow us to have focused time during business hours, and truly disconnect from the job when we leave the office. As someone who runs your own business, it can feel impossible. But finding solutions that balance our lives at home and at work can pay back in dividends. 

“People who feel they have good work-life balance work 21% harder than those who don’t,” according to a survey from the Corporate Executive Board, representing 80% of Fortune 500 companies. So how do you create a schedule that increases your happiness, and therefore your productivity?

Clock Out When You Clock Out

Most of us no longer function on a typical 9-5 schedule. Nearly half of full-time American workers log more than 50 hours per week, and 20% work more than 60 hours, according to a Gallup poll. While you may not have an actual time clock, it is essential to set boundaries and specify working hours.

When we don’t create a separation between our working and personal lives, we multitask. When we multitask, our work is never truly getting our undivided attention, and our personal lives aren’t either. If you don’t give yourselves hours off the clock to handle personal matters, those tasks ultimately will need to be completed when you should be focused on work.

Create Space for Personal Matters

According to 2017 Office Pulse study, professionals are increasingly conducting personal activities at the office. “88% go online for personal needs, 78% go shopping, 72% run errands, and 57% of Americans use part of their workday to plan their next vacation.” Yet most of those people are still answering emails and taking work calls at home. Make a conscious effort to disconnect from work at a specific time of day. This will allow you to handle personal errands tasks, spend time with family, and maintain a social life, without hindering the productivity of your business.

If you’re like me, the amount of quality time I spend with my family is congruent to my happiness. Studies show that happier employees are more productive. If we want to live lives that are equally fulfilled as they are efficient, we must put as much focus on keeping personal and family time sacred as we put on achieving our next goal.

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What Coaching My Kids in Sports has Taught me About Life and Business

Steven-Taylor-of-Taylor-Equities-in-LA-taking-time-out-for-charity-with-his-family
Steven-Taylor-of-Taylor-Equities-in-LA-taking-time-out-for-charity-with-his-family

As an entrepreneur, I experience many different team dynamics, leadership styles, and collaborative processes. I consider myself a life-long learner, and am always looking for opportunities to grow my management skills. Coaching my kid’s sports teams has not only helped me stay connected to my children, but has also taught me lessons about life and business. Not only have I found many parallels between these two parts of my world, but I have learned lessons from my kid’s sports teams that have helped me in my business.  Coaching children is a rewarding experience that can teach leaders about respect, expectations, support, and teamwork.

Here are 3 lessons about business I learned from coaching my kids.

1.    A well-rounded team is key.

In sports, no athlete, even the best ones, have all areas covered. Child athletes all have their strengths and weaknesses, and as a coach you must utilize all the teammates to fill in the gaps. Star players couldn’t be stars without the support of their team. It is essential to recognize the areas where players need assistance, and build a team that is well-rounded.

In business, a balanced team is equally vital. Even the most successful entrepreneurs need other talent to fill in the gaps with special skill sets. It is essential that leaders recognize the areas in which they need to let others take the spotlight. Companies driven by teams with widely varied skill sets work together brilliantly. It can be difficult for leaders to admit they need help, but a group of people working together toward a common goal is always stronger than a lone individual.

2. The process is the experience, not the win.

Kids often think that the team’s success is measured by their most recent win or loss. Teaching them otherwise has been a great reminder in my own work. Winning or losing is just a bi-product to the experience. When the players put in solid work, play well together, and give their best effort, ground is gained. Losing, but knowing that you played above your previous abilities, can be a win on its own. Often, teams are built not during the winning games, but the losing ones. These games can serve as a reminder of the areas you need to strengthen.

In the business world, of course we want to win. But coaching has been a solid reminder that it’s the journey that builds your team. Your business should have the ability to adapt as the circumstances or environment change. If you’re always winning, you won’t gain as much long term value. Focus on the process, and the wins will come.

3. Focus on fundamentals.

As a coach, I first have to focus on basics. To build skills, we must repeat them until they are part of our muscle memory. Even the most talented kids need to go back to the fundamentals regularly to keep them sharp. Regardless of the skill level, we take the time to practice from the ground up.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to check in with your team and make sure the fundamentals are in place. When working at a high level, it is easy to get caught up in the details and forget to focus on the main goal. Growing the fundamentals a business on a strong foundation. A strong foundation, means a solid team.

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How to Balance Business and Family Time as an Entrepreneur

LA Landlord Steven Taylor enjoying quality time with his family

As an entrepreneur, your business is your livelihood, and all responsibility ultimately falls on you. Entrepreneurs like Steven Taylor, share a lot of qualities, but the traits that stand above them all are drive and work ethic. When you’re your own boss, or landlord, there is no clear clock out time at 5 pm. When there is a crisis, or a deal on the line, any time can become work-mode. As a result, finding a work-life balance can be challenging for many business owners.

This dynamic is even more challenging for entrepreneurs who are married or have a family. I love my work, but my family always comes first. Finding a way to balance both and prioritize each of them at the right moment is a practice that takes time. It is important to create the space to have quality time with family, while running a business, and also taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. To successfully handle all of these aspects of life, you may need to adjust your daily routine and habits.

Here are 3 tips for balancing business and family as an entrepreneur:

1. Wake up early.

Get up early. I suggest getting up and starting your day before anyone else is awake. This will give you time for a morning routine, and let you set your intentions and priorities for the day. Beginning the day with exercise, journaling, praying or meditation, and any other activities that contribute to you mental well-being will get you in a healthy mindset. This mindset will prepare you to divide or focus your attention throughout the day when needed.

2. Family time doesn’t get rescheduled.

Whether it is a family dinner, weekend hike, or evening bedtime stories, it is essential to set routine family time that is a part of your schedule. It is important to me that I spend the weekends being active with my wife and kids so that I can stay closely connected to them, no matter how busy I get. That time is in the calendar, and it does not get cancelled or rescheduled.

It is equally important to be present during these times. It’s one thing to be physically with your family, but remind yourself to really be in the moment, and listen. When your business is growing and you are under a lot of pressure, it can be difficult not to let your mind wander towards work mode. Accept the challenge to give your family your undivided attention when you make the choice to spend your time with them.

3. Delegate.

Founders often struggle to develop a balance between business and family because they are either afraid or too stubborn to give up control of their business.

To truly be able to give your family your undivided attention when you switch into “home-mode” you’ll need to let others take on some responsibility. While you should certainly be selective of who you work with, don’t let the fear of passing off tasks to someone else hold you back from living your life. You ultimately need to be able to teach someone else to handle part of the workload to run a scalable business. Otherwise, you’ll be struggling to find balance for the rest of your life.

Wise entrepreneurs are always looking for opportunities to delegate to those around them so that they can focus on the bigger picture – in their business, and in their family life.