Rich Levin's Real Estate Blog

Business at the Speed of Thought

Rich Levin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:22:02 GMT

Bill Gates Wrote…

In his book “Business at the Speed of Thought”, “A person cannot develop a successful strategy, undertake the right ventures, or effectively understand what to do next without building on insights from the facts and data.” I read that nearly ten years ago. It confirmed for me the critical key for Real Estate Agents to treat their career like a business they have to have better facts and data about their business.

I am proud of the tracking system we created with our coaching Clients. It is a major reason that our Clients stay focused as they grow their business and enjoy their lives. The key to it is what gets measured and how often the Agent attends to it.

Over the next bunch of blog posts I’ll share what the system is, how it works and a bunch of stories about the Agents who use it.

The key for you is what measures of your business are you aware of right now? For most Agents the answer is… none.

Free Business Strategy Session

Rich Levin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:22:19 GMT

Rich will be conducting another free educational tele-seminar this Thursday (August 21) at 3:00 PM EST.
Topic: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Leads (And Didn't Know to Ask!).
Rich will discuss how to effectively get leads even in a soft market. Rich will provide tons of scripts plus information about FSBO and Expireds. He will also continue his discussion on the focus of appointments to meet goals.
Simply call 1-605-475-6000 then 317175# when prompted for the pin number. Everyone is Welcome!
For more information please visit: www.RichLevin.com

Out of Control Part 2

Rich Levin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:10:16 GMT

We have been asking Agents what is it that makes them feel most out of control and what they do about it. If you would like to send me what makes you feel most out of control and what you do about it. Send it to Rich@RichLevin.com.

Nancy in Nashville (name changed to protect the innocent and not so innocent) wrote a very simple statement. “When I do not follow my schedule and the day begins and ends with no sense of accomplishment.”

Frankly, I’m jealous. Unless I have scheduled appointments I find it really hard to follow a schedule. So, I focus on the results I want to accomplish for the day, the week, the month and measuring that toward the progress we are making toward our goals for the year.

I have a great deal of experience and training with DISC assessments. Each of the four DISC personal styles gain control with strategies that suit their style. There is no single right way. The right way for you to gain control of your time, your business and your life will be unique for you. The path is always to take the time to think about your next day, have goals that keep you motivated to look at them every day. Taking that time and having those goals is simply a choice. One that often requires a catalyst, a good mentor, coach, manager, or boss to put in place.

So, hats off to Nancy in Nashville for the comment that implies that she has a schedule that she can follow and it normally gives her the sense of control she desires.

You Have a Tough Job

Rich Levin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:18:45 GMT

To all of you hard working Real Estate Agents out there, I want you to know clearly that there is one more person out there that appreciates how hard your job is.

It is 10:30 at night and before I head off to bed I am reflecting on the day and the issues some of my coaching Clients are dealing with.

One very successful Agent, who works hard to always do well, sold a Client’s house after four months on the market and extended negotiation. A month after closing gets a review form criticizing him for not negotiating hard enough on their behalf. No matter how successful you are, that hurts.

Another extremely successful Agent has negotiated multiple offers that the Seller has not accepted, has a contingent offer that the Agent is negotiating hard to wrap up. She got this in an e-mail from the Client, “I'd be lying if I didn't tell you our trust in you is wavering and our concerns are growing rather then subsiding.” She handled it perfectly but, again, know it hurts.

Another Agent who has finally crossed over from financial struggle to a steady flow of business and financial stability has seven, yes seven deals that are in trouble. I went over all of them with him and none of them could have been anticipated or prevented by him; a short sale, a Buyer who falsified docs to the bank, etc.

There are lots of success stories, far more than the tough ones. But (and I want you to know that I am careful rarely to use the word 'but' and I have used it three times in this blog) I want you to know that there is one very strong voice here in the wilderness that appreciates how hard your job is in many ways.

In fact, as I wrote this I just decided that I am going to write an article praising Agents. Watch for it to be published or e-mail me and I’ll be sure you get a copy.

Congratulations on being the strong talented professionals that you are!

8/7/08 Business Strategy Seminar-Part 3

Rich Levin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:03:06 GMT

The recording is from 8/7. The Topic: Rise Above the Soft Market with Confidence
Rich provided the top 5 best lead generation sources and how to create the habit for following up on those leads. As a bonus he also provide a script for following up on old leads. You can succeed in a Soft Market with the right tools.

Out of Control Part 1

Rich Levin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:07:19 GMT

We have been asking Agents what is it that makes them feel most out of control and what they do about it. So I am going to blog a bunch of the responses for a while. If you would like to send me what makes you feel most out of control and what you do about it. Send it to Rich@RichLevin.com.

Cecelia in Syracuse (We always change names, locations, to protect the innocent and the not so innocent, too.) writes, “My most “out of control” emotion is that I do not have the skills for organization and time management.” I have taken coursed to help but unfortunately I do not follow through. I have a good Real Estate business and do well despite this but to date have not been able to conquer it.

This prompted me to write some articles on this and create a new workshop. Here is the a very short answer that is normally covered in a minimum ninety minute workshop.

Four keys to gaining control:

1. Have goals that are reduced down to appointments per week, sales and listing goals per month so you know when you are on or off track.

2. Prioritize the tasks that create the most frustration and sense of ‘out of control.’

3. Schedule time for those prioritized regular activities, particularly lead follow up, pending and listing processing, marketing and advertising.

4. Associate tremendous pain with not honoring your scheduled time and associate tremendous pleasure with honoring the time. This leverages your follow through.

This is precisely what gets accomplished in a Coaching relationship with me.

To be added to our mailing list please go to www.YourSuccessCommunity.com

I Need Your Help

Rich Levin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:22:11 GMT

I am writing the third article in a series on Winning Strategies for a Soft Market. Chava made a fabulous suggestion. She suggested that I ask you.

What strategies do you recommend for succeeding in this soft market? As my articles get posted you can find them on the upper right of our home page RichLevin.com. If you make a suggestion that I use I will mention you in an upcoming article and credit you for it. Also, my blog entries go to dozens of blogs across the US and Canada, I will also add many of your ideas in upcoming blog entries as well.

Also, I may e-mail or call you to discuss your ideas further. This is a time we can help each other to make individual business and our profession stronger.

What ideas, tools, and strategies do you have for succeeding in this soft market? Send me every idea whether you have employed it or not, ideas on maintaining your attitude, on marketing, prospecting, presenting, conversations and language you use with people, anything and everything that may help others to find greater success.

Send them to Rich@RichLevin.com and in advance, thank you

Earthquake Goodbye

Rich Levin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:57:38 GMT

This was a new experience. We were on a group coaching call yesterday with Agents from New York to California. About ten minutes into the call one Client said, “Rich, sorry I have to go we just had an earthquake and I want to make sure my son is ok.”

She went on to say, “Don’t worry. It was a rolling earthquake so there wasn’t much damage.” (Rolling earthquake? I am not familiar with any variety. I thought that was interesting, too.)

We all wished her well.

I have Clients right in Chino Hills which was the epicenter. They are all fine with little damage to property.

To all of you in Southern California, our best wishes for the health and safety of you and your loved ones.

Recent Real Estate News

Rich Levin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:52:25 GMT

Wow, the news sucks about Real Estate. Here’s the silver lining. Real Estate is an amazing investment. Everyone knows the theory of buy low and sell high. And when the prices rise everyone says, “Gosh, I wish I had bought.”

This is the time to buy. Will prices get lower? In some markets yes, in some markets no, honestly it doesn’t matter in most markets because the prices won’t get much lower even if they do decline some more.

If you sell Real Estate and you can afford to, buy some. If you sell Real Estate and you can’t afford to start talking to people, sending mail, and blog or whatever other avenues you have to tell people that it is the best time to buy.

The news today says there are a record number of foreclosures. Hooray, for those people that can afford to buy. Real Estate is not going away. The population is not disappearing. In fact it is growing. As those foreclosure properties are absorbed (bought) which is already happening at an increasing rate, the prices will rise again. Every indicator says so.

This time you won’t be able to say, you wish you had known.

7/24/08 Business Strategy Seminar-Part 2

Rich Levin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:03:40 GMT

The Focus that Keep You Motivated Every Day is from Rich Levin's free tele-seminar series titled: Taking Control of Your Business in a Soft Market.
Rich will talked about some things Real Estate Agents should do on a daily basis, what sets top producers apart from the rest, and what you can begin doing today to take control of your business in this soft market to become more successful.

Free Educational Tele-seminar Tomorrow!

Rich Levin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:16:49 GMT

Tomorrow is part 2 -The Focus that Keeps you Motivated Every Day from my tele-seminar series titled: Take Control of Your Business in a Soft Market.
They are held every other Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Simply call 218-936-7999 and enter 410652# to enter the call. Specific information can be found at www.RichLevin.com
Previously recorded tele-seminars can be found at www.RichLevinBlog.com

We hope you will join us on these information packed calls. Go to www.YourSuccessCommunity.com to register and receive email notification of upcoming topics.

Real Estate Radio USA Interview

Rich Levin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:11:08 GMT

Cool! I was interviewed yesterday on this radio show out of Fort Lauderdale. I did something that I think you can apply to your business, particularly your presentations. I put myself in a very strong positive state before I got on the call. The radio show host, Barry Johnson and the engineer, Lindsay both commented on how much energy and excitement the call generated.

How did I and how can you generate that state? By the way this is straight from my work with Tony Robbins. I stand up. Throw back my shoulders and smile. I begin to think of a million people listening and imagine that I am making a difference for them. It is right before the interview so I don’t think about content, just putting myself into an extremely positive state.

For other Tony Robbins enthusiasts I “make my move,” which for me is a fist pump toward the sky. I pace a bit, get my blood flowing and imagine the best possible result. A smile shows up on my face. Then I get on the call. Lindsay says to me, “Are your ready?” At this point and in this state I think, “Silly question I was born ready.” And I answer her, “Oh, yeah, this is going to be great.”

She asks if I have any questions. I answer, “Just, when are we going to do this again?”

You can listen to the interview with this link, judge for yourself if putting yourself in an empowering state makes a difference.

If you agree that it makes an important difference, create your own method of getting into the most powerful empowering state before you get on the call or go on your appointments.

It is how I bring my best to my coaching Clients every day and how you can bring your best to your Clients every day

Real Estate Radio USA is the #1 real estate talk radio show dedicated to interviewing the best minds in Real Estate.

MY Interview is Episode 160. Listen Below

The Secret to Success

Rich Levin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:59:06 GMT

Is there one? Is there “A” secret to success or “The” secret to success? There are lots. Well, I have settled in on a new one.

It has three parts. Is one more important than the other? Yes at different points in time. I’ll tell you them in a moment, one more thing first. I am going to be using it, weaving it into all of my work.

The Three parts are Psychology which includes mindset, attitude, self talk and more; Mechanics which includes tools, systems, habits, and skills, and Goals which includes goals and the measured results to get there.

You will not find satisfying success with only two of the three. You will find success with the application of all three. The key to success which is also the key to the success I bring my coaching clients is to know which one is highest priority at which times and what to do about it.

There’s a lot more to say about this and I will continue this conversation on this blog, in my articles, seminars, tele-seminars and coaching.

This feels like a lifetime of work coming together, a very, very good feeling.

Oh, and if you want to get on our free mailing list of my latest articles and ideas just go to www.YourSuccessCommunity.com and register.

Happy Days are Here Again

Rich Levin — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:10:11 GMT

It never ceases to excite me.

I just got my notification from NAR that I will be speaking at the convention again this November in Orlando.

Booked an interview on radio today and opened the door for doing an Ask Coach Rich program.

My clients are all working hard and achieving their goals.

My sons are healthy and pursuing their dreams.

Gratitude, I am grateful to God and all of you for these moments that often last a long time, when life comes together.

I hope I am able to be a catalyst for you in the same way.

Free Again

Rich Levin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:46:43 GMT

I am not motivated by money. That’s obvious to me now. Only it took my wife to point it out for it to really sink in.

For over a decade I have spent up to an hour with people interested in my work to introduce them to it. When my schedule got too busy I started to charge for this. I never felt good about it so I stopped promoting it and the pace dramatically slowed down.

It’s free again. Chava is scheduling me with new people from all over the country.
Between my clients today I had two. One in Staten Island, New York, the other from the Gulf Shores of Mississippi, I realize that it invigorates me to share my work.

I have always believed that if find something you love and start doing it for free somebody will eventually start paying you for it. This is mostly true. The opposite is apparently also true. If you find something you love and you stop offering it generously with an open heart not only does it dry up but you dry up with it.

Now this may not be true for all of you. It is true for me.

For more information on this Free Soft Market Business Strategy Session.

7/10/08 Business Strategy Seminar-Part 1

Rich Levin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:04:35 GMT

Part one in the series "Taking Control of Your Business in a Soft Market- Identifying and Overcoming Soft Market Weaknesses."
Bonus Buyer Question at the end!

The nest session will be held on July 24 at 3:00 PM EST- The Focus that Keeps you Motivated Every Day.

Don't Worry Be Happy

Rich Levin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:04:24 GMT

I recently had dinner with Doug who is a Client and friend who has been very successful using the Internet as a marketing strategy to build his Real Estate business. He just returned from Haiti where he contributes to raise the quality of life for poor families.

It is an interesting contrast to be talking about business strategies with high returns in one breath and in the next discussing a society where 80% of the people live on less than two dollars a day. Have of them live on less than a dollar a day.

How’s this for a career choice. Women in the Haitian villages walk two hours to get enough rice and soup for their family for the day. Then they walk two hours back home. We do live in a land of plenty where our poor and homeless have a better lifestyle than most of the people in some other countries.

Interesting, Doug said they were extraordinarily happy people. Gives “Don’t worry. Be Happy” a whole other meaning. So, go out today and “Don’t worry. Be Happy.”

Interesting Interaction

Rich Levin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:13:33 GMT

Chava and I were talking about the goals of our company. She corrected me from making the mission about the money to about service to people. She pointed out to me that whenever our goals have been about money we have struggled with them. When they are about service we have enthusiastically embraced them (and ended up with a lot more money).

It has taken a long time for me to really appreciate this distinction. It is subtle because the commitment to service does generate the money. So it is more the nature of the focus and commitment than it is the goal itself.
I am going to begin to have my coaching Clients look at and determine their goals and mission outside of the production numbers and the income. I anticipate that some will embrace it and achieve further breakthroughs. For others it will be less or not relevant. That is one of the things that make what I do so interesting.

Independence

Rich Levin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:19:32 GMT

Wow, I value this more than anything (except my loved ones).

I was once described as fiercely independent. That’s true. As I look at my two sons I realize that this characteristic is clearly one that describes them as well. Hmmmm, it’s also true of my wife.

Today is Independence Day. I love this country. It is the home of my independence and for that I have to embrace its core values. I have been lucky, very lucky. I have been blessed with living in safe healthy places. War has not claimed my loved ones. Discrimination and prejudice have not been part of my experience. For that I am grateful.

I sincerely appreciate those who cannot celebrate the independence of this Nation with equal enthusiasm. And I continue to be committed to support, protect, and encourage the values of personal freedom whenever and wherever I am able.

You may receive this after the 4th of July. Regardless… make today and every day your Happy Independence Day and celebrate it with your own personal fireworks in your work and your life.

I have a question to ask

Rich Levin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:13:59 GMT

What makes you feel out of control of your business?

What, if anything do you do about it?

I am writing a series of articles on this topic and I want to quote Real Estate Agents on it.

Would you take a quick moment and write your answers to these questions. No need to get fancy; if I use your response directly in an article, I will first send you exactly what I am saying and how it will be used for your permission.

Most of the responses will be summarized and tabulated.

As a thank you to all those that respond I will send a compilation of all the answers in addition to sending you the articles directly as they are published so you will be sure to see them and be the first to see them.

I promise you, that based on my small amount of research to date, you will find the results enlightening and valuable, likely extremely valuable.

Please send your responses to Rebecca@RichLevin.com. She will be compiling the information.