CALIFORNIA MORTGAGE 11-4-19

CALIFORNIA MORTGAGE EDITION

Business Growth Hack:

ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS’ STRESS!

The Power of Testimonials & Making Word-of-Mouth Count

If it’s Good for the Soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

COVER STORY

TOP MORTGAGE LENDER

CHRISTOPHER CADIZ

BENJAMIN MENDOZA

CALIFORNIA MORTGAGE EDITION

CHRISTOPHER CADIZ Christopher Cadiz has a very simple 9 is philosophy. “My whole mentality to do an excellent job at what you’re supposed to do,” he says. “The money comes second - number one is customer service and customer satisfaction.”

Christopher’s philosophy works - he has an unmatched 100% return and referral rate, a true testament to the easy, positive experience his clients have with BENJAMIN MENDOZA him in the home loan process.

21

CHRISTOPHER CADIZ

Christopher’s need to b extends to his personal lif in his church as well as hi activities. He also coaches ketball team. His time is Christopher loves to spen it as possible with his fam always going 100 miles pe home,” he says. “So my hobby is spending downt family, because it’s so preci

Since getting into the ind Christopher has steadily mo “I rely on client referral,” Christopher starting with a Real Est says. “I take pride in being transparent CONTENTS and totally honest with the process because I rely so answering phones and doing clerical w advancedGROWTH to escrow assistant which led heavily on client 4) IF IT’S GOOD FORrecommendation.

THE SOUL, I’m not going 18)toBUSINESS an escrow officer. a few years he jeopardize a transaction for a quick buck - that won’t IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS HACK: ABSORB YOURAfter CLIENTS’ help me in the long run! I would say about 75% of my become a loan processor. The combinat STRESS! edge of loan processing and originating business is clients referring me to their peers, family 6) 6 METHODS FOR ® stand outTHE as he BEST knows the complete proc and friends and 25% is REALTORS referring me BUILDING BETTER EMAIL LISTS 22)to9 THINGS to close! Looking to the future, Christop their clients.”

LEADERS NEVER SAY to see growth and will continue to do so 15) TAKE MY WORD FOR IT: As a Senior Mortgage Advisor at IHL Direct, THE POWER OF TESTIMONIALS & Christopher uses his decades of experience in the “I plan on becoming a broker soon,” MAKING WORD-OF-MOUTH COUNT real estate industry to create positive, easy experi- keep on doing what I’m doing now, wh ences for his clients in Southern California and help clients. Whether it’s getting a client into them achieve their dreams. “I love the outcome of my saving money on a refinance or helping a work,” Christopher beams. “I love seeing my clients my work ethic will remain the same.” ecstatic as they get their dream home. I love seeing a Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 client save three or four hundred dollars a month on “I also plan on building more contacts,” their mortgage when they do a refinance. The money “And not just for business. The great th mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com great, always about that - it’s about helpjob ofisthe getting toTop know No portion ofisthis issue but may it beisn’t reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent publisher.

Agent people, to becom Magazine is ing published

by Feature Publications GA,deal, Inc. Although are to taken tonected ensure the accuracy of publishedIt’s a pleasure people, and I’ll take any big orprecautions small, just to my community. materials, Topbe Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. able to help.” all these different people and to be there

BENJAMIN MENDOZA

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.

To find out more about Christopher Cadiz 2

Agent Magazine visit ihldirect.com, call (909) 821-1496 orTop email chris@ihldir www.

http://www.adlatlconcert.org Top Agent Magazine

33

If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night?

The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning.

REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their 4

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing.

Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says.

“There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.”

The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home.

For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!”

Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie.

We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

5

6 Methods for Building Better Email Lists

By Kendra Lee

Email lists can be a blessing or a curse. When they’re composed of real email addresses of people in your target micro-segment, and those people recognize you or your company by name, an email list is an invaluable lead generation resource. When the list is filled with contacts who don’t know of you or your company, i.e. a cold list, lead generation can be though – really tough. Likewise, if your list is populated with fake, inactive, or irrelevant accounts you’re at risk of being banned by your email software provider.

Not surprisingly, I hear from clients all the time asking how to build an email list that will get results for their campaigns.

Should they purchase? Should they attempt to build their own?

Remember that with email list building your goal is to build a list of people within your micro-segment, so quality is more important than quantity. The more similar the contacts, the easier it is to tailor your nurturing and lead generation content to their specific needs.

Here are six methods that will help you build a quality email list.

6

Top Agent Magazine

1

Nurturing and lead generation activities: When you engage in social media, nurturing activities, SEO, and Adwords, those mediums provide forums for you to drive people to your website, start a conversation via a social channel, attend an event you’re hosting, and add people to your list. People who respond really do want to be part of your list.

2

Membership organizations: Whether it’s through industry associations, mastermind groups, or networking events, these types of organizations provide an excellent means for collecting contact information. Generally, people will update or provide their own information because they want other members to have easy access to them so you know the data is current.

3

Shared lists: By finding a peer who targets a similar microsegment with a non-competitive offering, you may be able to forge a partnership in which you promote to each other’s lists. This happens frequently within the high tech space, with consultants, and with professional services organization where they understand the value of collaboration.

4

Research the web and build your own: Increasingly, we’re seeing companies comb LinkedIn, Zoominfo. com, InsideView.com, DiscoverOrg.com and other websites for contact information, and then follow-up with companies to confirm the validity of that information. This approach is time consuming, but it can be very effective. A client who we coached through this process recently got a 41% open rate on their email nurturing campaign. I really like DiscoverOrg for the detailed information they have if you’re selling in the IT or telecom industry.

5

Purchase lists: There are numerous companies that sell email lists, but you need to be careful which vendor you buy from

Top Agent Magazine

7

and how much you spend. Prices typically range from hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on list specificity and size.

One warning: Expect higher bounce rates with these lists and negotiate for that issue when you purchase. To avoid high bounce rates, look for a list company that validates the information. In this way I’ve been very pleased with ExchangeLeads for new lists and validation of current lists. If you don’t have any list, this may be the way to get started.

6

Trade information for information: Sites like ExchangeLeads and Data.com community give you credit for providing contact information for companies you’ve worked with in the past. As you earn credit, you can use it to acquire lists for free. These services generally have a fee option as well, and the data integrity is dependent upon users keeping it current.

Again, look for companies that validate data to reduce bounce rates and wasted time. I really like ExchangeLeads for trading information as well as purchasing it.

Ultimately, my advice would be to focus as much on the organic list building methods (#s 1-4) as possible, and supplement with the purchased methods (#s 5 and 6) when necessary. If you start with a purchased list, plan to nurture it and build your recognition.

Don’t toss it away if you don’t get immediate results.

At the end of the day, you want to strive for list quality over list quantity. Pushing your messaging out to unwitting, uninterested, or unsuspecting prospects won’t do anything to help you close more deals.

Contact details for Kendra Lee: Phone: 303-741-6636 (Old fashioned, but very effective.) Email: Info@klagroup.com (Yes, I get every one of these personally.) Twitter: @KendraLeeKLA (And I do follow all direct messages on Twitter!) KLA Group is a sales consulting and training firm focused on helping clients get more customers in the Small and Midmarket Business (SMB) segment through lead generation, prospecting, hiring and onboarding strategies.

Copyright©, Kendra Lee. All rights reserved.

8

Top Agent Magazine

BENJAMIN MENDOZA Top Agent Magazine

9

BENJAMIN MENDOZA Ben serves clients under the banner of Supreme Lending and caters to borrowers across the State of California, particularly in the Central Valley and Bay Area.

Ben Mendoza got his start in the mortgage industry fresh from college, back in 1986.

He was in search of a career that would allow him limitless potential and selfdirection, and mortgages aligned with his 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

natural mind for problem-solving. Now, after more than three decades of experience and service, he has built an esteemed reputation and an enviable track record of success.

Top Agent Magazine

Today, Ben serves clients under the banner of Supreme Lending and caters to borrowers across the State of California, particularly in the Central Valley and Bay Area. As a direct lender, he has access to the full spectrum of loan options, for a range of financial needs—from renovation products to loans for manufactured homes, and everywhere in between. After thirty-three years in the industry, Ben’s business is driven entirely by repeat and referral clientele who trust Top Agent Magazine

his expert counsel, integrity, and focus on his clients’ long-lasting financial health.

“Homeownership is part of the American Dream,” he says. “We work with all types of borrowers, and no matter if someone is seeking $100,000 or $6-million, we treat everyone with the same respect. We also offer extremely fast processing, our underwriters are great, and we know exactly when a file is going to close. We move very quickly, and are often anywhere from two to Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

three weeks ahead of schedule on a purchase, so our clients really trust the speed and accuracy of what we do.”

Ben brings a high level of experience to his work as a Senior Loan Officer, and his long tenure means he has seen his share of the industry’s ups and downs. With that in mind, he has crafted an adaptable career, stays ahead of the market curve, and provides clients with seasoned expertise. As the majority of the referral partners he works alongside are agents and financial advisors, Ben offers colleagues a sense of security and confidence. Along the way, Ben relishes the chance to watch the dreams of others come true. “I especially love working with first-time homebuyers and helping them get into a place they never thought they’d be able to attain,” he says. “The people I work with are fantastic,

“Homeownership is part of the American Dream.

We work with all types of borrowers, and no matter if someone is seeking $100,000 or $6-million, we treat everyone with the same respect.”

12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

and in this career, I really value that your level of success is up to you.�

Beyond the office, Ben gives back through supporting local community organizations such as the Stanislaus County Veterans Top Agent Magazine

Center and contributions to Toys for Tots, and most recently hosted a toy drive to support Marines and their families. In his free hours, he most enjoys time spent with his family and loved ones, traveling, and attending car shows with his new ’67 Camaro.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine13

As for the future, Ben intends to keep progress steady and organic as he continues to build his business in the service of others. “I plan to keep growing,” he says. “We’re at a really good place right now where we can give our clients the time and attention they deserve.

We always review exactly what’s going to benefit them and what their options are, and look at their long-term financial wellness.

That’s what keeps them coming back. They trust that I’ll be there for them and protect their interests always.”

To learn more about Benjamin Mendoza visit benjaminmendoza.supremelendinglo.com, call (209) 988-8673, or email Benjamin.Mendoza@supremelending.com http://www.justingrable.com 14Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

Take My Word for It:

The Power of Testimonials & Making Word-of-Mouth Count Ratings, reviews, and testimonials are among the most powerful tools an agent or real estate professional has at his or her disposal. Think of it this way: almost all of us go online to get a sense of dining options, film scores, and product reviews. When it comes to real estate pros, people what the same measure of comfort and advice from those who have already experienced your services. The Top Agent Magazine

bottom line is this: testimonials create a relatable emotional appeal to others, while giving potential clients some first-hand insight into your ability to deliver.

With all that in mind, consider the valuable rationale behind testimonials and word-ofmouth attention: how to harness it, and what it can do for you and your business.

Top Agent Magazine ÂŽ

15

Testimonials and word-ofmouth buzz build your brand If you aren’t displaying positive testimonials and reviews on your social media outlets and website, then you’re missing out on a key opportunity. Those exploring your pages are likely seeking real estate representation, and reviews and testimonials serve as a first-hand glimpse into who you are and what you can do.

If you can, try to tie reviews and testimonials to specific names or social media handles, as you’ll be highlighting the interpersonal component at play. Think of it this way: potential clients are more likely to trust the experiences of past clients than to place blind faith in your pitch, which is crafted to create a sale. Most customers would rather look to the experience of fellow consumers before taking your word for it, sight unseen. Well-place testimonials and personal reviews can bridge the gap when it comes to your brand and the prospective client.

Testimonials and word-ofmouth buzz demonstrate your value compared to others Good agents are a dime a dozen, but top agents stand apart from the pack for a variety of reasons. Chief among those reasons is the ability to differentiate themselves from the norm by highlighting their personalities, their track records, their values. Testimonials and wordof-mouth buzz don’t just focus on whether an experience was good or bad. It dives into the details of personality and consumer relationships. While the qualifications of many agents might be similar, you can stand out by show16

casing stellar reviews and testimonials that shine upon your character and delivery. When pitched by two agents with similar experience and credentials, but only one has the testimonials featuring positive experiences and lasting relationships—wouldn’t you be more inclined to work with the agent who has a proven track record of success?

Do your homework and compile the testimonials that will drive your business At the close of a transaction, consider providing a comment card with room for clients to write a few reflections, or create an e-mail ready online form that makes submitting feedback a breeze. You can also touch base via e-mail and ask politely for a review of their experience with you. Referred or repeat clients are excellent candidates for testimonials, as they will already know your business well, or will likely be happy to contribute their perspective.

If asking for testimonials makes you cringe, you can always incentivize this process in minor ways. For example, you could offer a fun, cost-effective gift certificate in exchange for a testimonial.

Whichever way you gather testimonials that speak to your positive performance, there is no question that these documented first-hand experiences are priceless when it comes to drawing and retaining clients. If you want to inspire interest and build a living brand, there is no better method than by having clients vouch for your working style.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

17

Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

18

You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

Top Agent Magazine

19

sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 20

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

CHRISTOPHER CADIZ Christopher Cadiz has a very simple philosophy. “My whole mentality is to do an excellent job at what you’re supposed to do,” he says. “The money comes second - number one is customer service and customer satisfaction.”

Christopher’s philosophy works - he has an unmatched 100% return and referral rate, a true testament to the easy, positive experience his clients have with him in the home loan process.

“I rely on client referral,” Christopher says. “I take pride in being transparent and totally honest with the process because I rely so heavily on client recommendation. I’m not going to jeopardize a transaction for a quick buck - that won’t help me in the long run! I would say about 75% of my business is clients referring me to their peers, family and friends and 25% is REALTORS® referring me to their clients.”

As a Senior Mortgage Advisor at IHL Direct, Christopher uses his decades of experience in the real estate industry to create positive, easy experiences for his clients in Southern California and help them achieve their dreams. “I love the outcome of my work,” Christopher beams. “I love seeing my clients ecstatic as they get their dream home. I love seeing a client save three or four hundred dollars a month on their mortgage when they do a refinance. The money is great, but it isn’t always about that - it’s about helping people, and I’ll take any deal, big or small, just to be able to help.”

Christopher’s need to be of service extends to his personal life; he’s active in his church as well as his kid’s school activities. He also coaches his son’s basketball team. His time is limited, and Christopher loves to spend as much of it as possible with his family. “Life is always going 100 miles per hour in my home,” he says. “So my number one hobby is spending downtime with my family, because it’s so precious and rare.”

Since getting into the industry in 2000 Christopher has steadily moved upwards; starting with a Real Estate company answering phones and doing clerical work. He then advanced to escrow assistant which led to him being an escrow officer. After a few years he moved on to become a loan processor. The combination of knowledge of loan processing and originating allows him to stand out as he knows the complete process from open to close! Looking to the future, Christopher continues to see growth and will continue to do so.

“I plan on becoming a broker soon,” he says. “I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing now, which is helping clients. Whether it’s getting a client into a new home, saving money on a refinance or helping a REALTOR®, my work ethic will remain the same.”

“I also plan on building more contacts,” he continues.

“And not just for business. The great thing about this job is getting to know people, to become more connected to my community. It’s a pleasure to get to know all these different people and to be there to help them.”

To find out more about Christopher Cadiz visit ihldirect.com, call (909) 821-1496 or email chris@ihldirect.com www.

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

22

you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

Top Agent Magazine

THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

9

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine