Florida 3-18-24

FLORIDA EDITION

5 Ways to

Key Mistakes to Avoid for

TRANSFORM RENTERS INTO OWNERS

A SUCCESSFUL HOME SALE The Making of

Small Yard?

BIG STATEMENT:

A TOP AGENT

How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

FEATURED AGENTS

GAL KOL VICTORIA FISHER

COVER STORY

JUDI TAULBEE

FLORIDA EDITION

GAL KOL

VICTORIA FISHER

real of repeat and refe ol of Boca Raton, Florida, is cel- In9 the world of south Florida and celebrate the milestones i 17 21 estate, where competition is fierce, one comprises an im ng fifteen years of success in the name stands out: Victoria Fisher. As lives to keep that personal conn her transactions. state industry by doubling down the leader of the 25-member Wealth then success will come your wa within Fortune Christie’s When it comes t r branding, team members, and Group balances her penchant for relat International, Victoria’s journey from Victoria leaves ommunity. “The beautiful thing luxury jewelry sales to luxury real building with a broadly casta digit Utilizing comp that includes onli estate is inspiring.

Born and raised in working with Compass is that it’s print, and by leveraging social media, print med Miami, her love affair with real estate o-free work environment – we’ve began long before she ever stepped platforms and professional outreach, the vi We maximum exposur foot into the industry.

“I have always w agents sitting side-by-side with phy to garner competitive offer “We do everythi had a love for real estate,” she shares. ry-leading veterans, andJUDI that’s the After a significantGAL always to underscoring innovate her an life change TAULBEE KOL in 2012, VICTORIAlooking FISHER achieving resu t place for me and my team. We “I wanted something new,” she adds. ways to stand out –tobut sometim “I took my real estate license just to have it, but then Despite the challenges posed b stop learning, and we never stop I loved it. The tests were easy for me. I went old ways are best. I’m constant to speak real estate landscape, Victoria re ng in each other – that’s the only to a broker and got thrown right into it. Anding to work. let them love for her “I loveknow the p I’veother been agents people find their dream homes,” doing real estate every day since then.” elevate and grow together.” listings and holding open houses CONTENTS people Beyond business, Victoria is co What sets Victoria apart is not just her individual suc-face-to-face.” nity involvement, striving to ma cess but her ability to lead and inspire others.

From al, real estate is as much an inherhumble beginnings, her team has Small flourished,yard? driven in Sunny Isles and beyond throu 4)isKey Mistakes to Avoid for 18) JUDI TAULBEE assion as it a vocation.

“My In addition to investing of work, she in findsclien joy i by her guidance. “I don’t want to be a police offi- Outside a Successful Home cer Sale Big statement: How to and staying to my agents,” she explains.

“I’m not a school her family active. “F as a real estate investor himself,” goes to great lengths to support h teacher. I just share my ideas and what I do with my she says, highlighting her dedica calls. “So it was kind of a household conversaandMake extended communities. volun Most of“I’ve been and grandchildren.

Whether hitt team. Be consistent, I tell them.

Therethe are five mil- Out 5 Ways to Transform ’ve always 6) loved connecting with anybody and® out there withMicro Friends of to theSpaces Israeli ing up theDefense sun on the Forces beach, Vi lion REALTORS inthe the world.

You have Outdoor infuses every aspect of her life.th stand out.”

Renters Owners body, and during myInto second year of college I was twenty – I sat on the board and started ed an event and was told, ‘You’ve Based already metIsles Beach Young Leadership was ahead,when Victoria Ienvision in Sunny Beach, Victoria her Being team Looking 22) Tipsandon a Board Good 15)room The Making of a expansiontopic for her team, pla primarily the luxury waterfrontImarket spanning person in this – you would make a serve great ty-three. know it’s a difficult rightwith now Team Leader ence in New York and Los Ange from Hollywood Beach to Miami Beach.

However, Agent that’s exactly what I their did!”

TOR®.’ SoTop family and friends in Israel, my family members aspires to open her own brokerag reachAfter extends beyond geographical boundaries, years,back.” a testament to her entrep with a client base built on trust ing licensed at only twenty years old, Gal began and we and arereferrals. proud“It’s to give Gal also re very important for me to build a relationship and to her heart belongs to the restful be ng luxury and waterfront properties in South supports orphanages in Haiti and the United St keep constant contact with all my past relationships serves. “My ultimate happy, hap a with a hand-tailored approach impeccable “It’s 4 the Kids”, nonprofit Phone 310-734-1440 | Faxto310-734-1440 beach.aYou can almost establi always fi and clients,” she notes,supporting highlighting the significance service and candid communication. This dilia friend and other close to heart charities. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com For further information about Victoria Fisher, please call 305helped herNoestablish a book business portion of this issue may beof reproduced in anythat manneriswhatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent fir.com/agent/victoria-fish email vfisher@fir.com, or visit Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published y-five percent repeat and referral clientele.

When she’s not volunteering or working on exp materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. her business, Gal seizes every opportunity to Published in the U.S. in 2024, Gal is the head of The Kol Group, houstime with her husband and two youngCopyrigh dau ven total agents spread across southern Florida. exercise, enjoy fine dining and go out salsa d each agent specializes in a unique market rang“Everything about south Florida drawing yo 2 Top Agent is Magazine tween Palm Beach and Miami, they present a outside – I’m grateful that every day in this b www.

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

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KEY MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME SALE Steering clear of these common home selling errors is essential for a seamless and effective 4

transaction. Here are some top home-selling mistakes to avoid:

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Picking the Wrong Agent

An experienced and compatible real estate agent is crucial. Select an agent with a strong performance history and knowledge of your local market.

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Ensure your listing has high-quality photos. Attractive, clear images can significantly impact buyer interest.

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Dishonesty

Improper List Price

Avoid setting an unrealistic asking price.

Analyze the local market and similar properties to find a competitive and fair price.

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Not Making Repairs

Make necessary repairs and improvements to attract buyers. Addressing issues beforehand can make your home more appealing.

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No Home Staging

Proper staging is key. Declutter, depersonalize, and arrange furniture to highlight your home’s features.

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Not Tending to Curb Appeal

First impressions are vital. Enhance your home’s exterior with maintenance, landscaping, and possibly a new paint job.

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Low-Quality Listing Photos

Lack of Marketing

Expand beyond traditional marketing.

Utilize online platforms and various channels to increase your home’s visibility.

Be transparent. Fully disclose the property’s condition to avoid potential legal complications.

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Having Emotions Involved

Maintain a business perspective. Emotional attachment can complicate the selling process.

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Ignoring Market Trends

Understanding current market dynamics can guide your decisions regarding pricing and the best time to sell.

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Not Being Flexible

Openness in negotiations can facilitate a sale. Be willing to consider reasonable offers and compromises.

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Unprepared Showings

Maintain a show-ready home at all times. A tidy and clean environment can make a strong impression during unexpected showings.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and at a satisfactory price.

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5 Ways to Transform

Renters into Owners Perhaps the largest demographic of untapped business lies in the rental market. From major cities and suburbs to rural communities—renters across generations are opting to rent rather than own. The question is: why? For starters, many Americans are undereducated about the inventory and financing options available that might suit their budget and lifestyle. Secondly, many would-be homeowners have difficulty 6

visualizing the potential investment of purchasing property, and how homeownership can build wealth and security in the long-term.

As an agent, you’re always on the lookout for potential clientele. Now, to guide renters toward the real estate market, keep a few of these strategies in mind as you meet and greet this untapped demographic.

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Show renters that purchasing a home isn’t impossible

Possibly the biggest hurdle for renters is believing homeownership is possible. Beyond saving for a down payment and boosting credit scores, there are dozen more factors to consider: affording utilities, homeowner’s insurance, renovations, property taxes, and more. Besides that, assembling pay stubs, finding an agent, arranging house tours, negotiating a price, and timing the transition are all major considerations to surmount.

One way to combat this thinking is to make the process transparent and demystified. Find examples of past clients who made the leap successfully, or profile the average buyer in your marketplace and see how that renter compares. Provide evidence that it’s been done before and can be done again, then build a game plan from there.

into play. Consider making a checklist, or step-by-step road-map, that guides clients through the process from start to finish. This way, you’ll manage expectations and create a path to ownership that’s specific, instead of abstract. They won’t have to wonder what goes into buying a home when they can look at an interactive site or read a document and see the steps outlined before them, with you there to guide the way.

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Collaborate with mortgage professionals to find the right financing opportunities

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Help would-be homebuyers create a road-map to ownership

It’s no secret that buying a home can feel overwhelming. Compared to signing a yearlong lease on an apartment, taking on the house-hunting process is a daunting affair.

That’s where your expertise as an agent comes Top Agent Magazine

Many renters aren’t aware of the variety of mortgage financing options out there that cater to first-timers, offer low down payments, or down payment assistance. Most buyers believe that the standard 20% down is a hard and fast rule, when in reality, there’s far more flexibility out there to cater to renters where they are. There are even loan options catering to freelance workers, renovation options, and other unconventional routes to ownership.

Work with a mortgage pro and find the route that suits your renter best.

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pay monthly in a mortgage—while building a lasting asset.

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Compare and contrast rental rates with monthly mortgage payments One way to convince renters to make the shift is to demonstrate the savings potential of paying into a monthly mortgage, rather than throwing away rent on a property they don’t own. To do this, draw up the average rental rates in your area, then find some potential listings that would demand a similar amount in monthly mortgage payments. Sometimes placing these numbers and images sideby-side can prove to renters that what they manage to pay monthly in rent, they can

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Paint the big picture

For most, renting isn’t the most sustainable financial option when it comes to housing.

Rents rise, families grow, and retirement looms.

Building a financial future and homeownership go hand-in-hand. When planned appropriately, buying a home can create a path toward retirement and position homeowners in a better place for further investment in the future. A rental has little security or investment returns to offer, while owning a home makes a renter king or queen of the castle.

Prospecting renters as potential homebuyers may seem like a time-intensive way to cultivate new clients, but logic is on your side.

Keep these tips in mind as you broach the conversation with renters in your hometown.

All it takes is clear-cut value proposition and a listening ear.

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JUDI TAULBEE Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Judi Taulbee is the top-performing agent at Fine Properties, serving Sarasota County, Manatee County, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and surrounding areas.

Judi Taulbee of Sarasota, was born and raised in Florida and has lived in this area for 50 years.

In her time as a full-time agent, she has had the pleasure of assisting nearly 500 families with their real estate needs.

For Judi, real estate was a natural extension of her previous career. “I started out doing mortgages,” she recalls. “People were constantly asking me real estate questions, so it was a 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

natural transition.” Today in 2024, Judi is the top-performing agent at Fine Properties.

Judi combines unparalleled local expertise with her unique, congenial disposition and authentic passion to help people fulfill their dreams in their home buying process. “You just have to keep up with people and be in front of them every week, whether that’s by email or social media – I try to immediately connect right after Top Agent Magazine

I meet them to always stay top of mind and show others how wonderful it is to experience Florida living. I treat everyone like family and that includes my colleagues – everyone is treated with respect, and I want to help others to succeed on their path.”

“I’m fortunate that I get to work with both of my sons – who are also licensed REALTORS®,

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and we make an excellent team. If one of us has to step away, we can always count on each other to handle showings or take care of clients.”

After 21 years in the real estate industry, Judi still maintains a high standard for individual volume. She averages between 68 and 80 annual transactions. “I have several different

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“I’m fortunate that I get to work with both of my sons – who are also licensed REALTORS®, and we make an excellent team.

If one of us has to step away, we can always count on each other to handle showings or take care of clients.” ways to communicate with past clients to ensure that they know that I am always available to assist them in any way possible so that in the future, if they’re buying or selling, they think of me. “Whether it’s emails or flyers with new listings, or communication from the website, we’re always keeping up with people. But the personal messages are more important – if someone comes to mind I’ll shoot them a quick text so they know that I am thinking about them.” This intimate familiarity is the source of Judi’s exuberant reviews on Zillow.com, where she is a Premier Agent with a perfect 5.0 spread across 244 reviews. As a Premier Agent, Judi has made the most of Zillow’s infinitely customizable marketing platforms.

Judi credits part of her success to the invaluable relationships with a network of business partners that allow her to maintain successful closings. It’s so important to have a great lender, title company, and Tradesman in your corner that are always there for you. Judi is poised to continue her steady trajectory for the foreseeable future. “I love making people’s dreams come true. I treat my clients like Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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family, no matter the price range. I take them under my wing and walk them through every step of the process.”

Judi plans to refine her tried-and-true approach to business in 2024: “I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing because it works for me and my family !” Judi believes that work-life balance is the key to success. When she’s not

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supporting her clients or mentoring young agents, Judi spends her time exercising, traveling by RV, camping, riding with her husband on their motorcycle, paddle boarding, visiting theme and state parks and honing her discipline as a 5th Degree black belt martial artist.

“If I’m not selling homes, you’ll find me outdoors with friends and family enjoying my everyday life.”

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For more information about Judi Taulbee, call 941-544-6227 or email juditaulbee@gmail.com

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Top Agent Magazine

The Making of

A TOP AGENT In the hustle and bustle of Real Estate lies artistry and skill honed by top-producing industry leaders. What is it that makes specific agents stand out for their success?

As we glimpse into the unparalleled success of Top Agents, we find them comparable to an intricately woven tapestry of devotion, strategy, and skill, enabling these agents to Top Agent Magazine

rise to the top, showcasing what is essential to their climb to the summit. Amidst this tapestry are unique threads, fabrics, and patterns that we will explore to share the making of a Top Agent.

First and foremost, one of the most fundamental factors determining an agent’s success

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is the level of service they offer their clients.

For example, Mauricio Umansky is a prime example; he earned his place on the cover of the Top Agent Magazine for his notable career success as a Southern California Top Agent and owner of The Agency. Mauricio and his team at The Agency are deeply devoted to providing an extraordinaire level of service, a crucial focus for his business. Whether exercising the role as an agent for an elite client or assisting clients through their company’s concierge program, the brokerage and its team members will find a way to provide their clients with whatever they need. The level of service an agent extends to their clients is paramount to their business ethos and directly correlated to the success they find.

Another feature of a top-producing agent is their devotion to nurturing sincere relationships with their clients. Agents who regularly stay in touch with clients acquire a strong repeat and referral business. Upon years of keeping up with past clients through pop-byes, client events, a simple phone call, or grabbing coffee, an agent’s business can become sustainable from this effort alone.

Little gestures like remembering a client’s anniversary or birthday can make a positive impression on clients as the agent fosters a genuine relationship with them. While real estate marketing strategies remain essential, nothing compares to satisfied clients driving 16

word-of-mouth business. We’ve heard from agents featured in Top Agent Magazine who share that their clients often become life-long friends. Top Agents put their heart into their business and the relationships they build. At the same time, their business always stays strong.

The making of a top agent doesn’t stop there.

Agents who excel in success are often those firmly involved in the community through charitable work, associations, and events.

Active participation in one’s community and an interest in philanthropic causes build trust and integrity and display character and compassion. When a business is devoted to positively impacting the lives of others, it creates a favorable outcome for all involved, those in need and others who share the standard value of paying it forward. When kind actions create a ripple effect by helping those in need, all feel the benefit, further strengthening an agent’s brand image and business.

As we de-thread the tapestry of success required for Top Agents, we see their business is an interwoven fabric consisting of exceptional client service, relationship building, and giving back. Interestingly enough, the real estate industry epitomizes a “people business.” Devoted service to others makes the real estate world as it is.

The making of a Top Agent has little to do with financial reward and everything to do with an unwavering commitment to serving others. Let these top leaders and their insights inspire us. Are you the next Top Agent?

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GAL KOL Gal Kol of Boca Raton, Florida, is celebrating fifteen years of success in the real estate industry by doubling down on her branding, team members, and her community. “The beautiful thing about working with Compass is that it’s an ego-free work environment – we’ve got new agents sitting side-by-side with industry-leading veterans, and that’s the perfect place for me and my team. We never stop learning, and we never stop investing in each other – that’s the only way to elevate and grow together.”

For Gal, real estate is as much an inherited passion as it is a vocation. “My dad was a real estate investor himself,” she recalls. “So it was kind of a household conversation. I’ve always loved connecting with anybody and everybody, and during my second year of college I attended an event and was told, ‘You’ve already met every person in this room – you would make a great REALTOR®.’ So that’s exactly what I did!” After becoming licensed at only twenty years old, Gal began servicing luxury and waterfront properties in South Florida with a hand-tailored approach to impeccable client service and candid communication. This diligence helped her establish a book of business that is seventy-five percent repeat and referral clientele.

Today in 2024, Gal is the head of The Kol Group, housing seven total agents spread across southern Florida.

While each agent specializes in a unique market ranging between Palm Beach and Miami, they present a united front by collectively dedicating themselves to deep interpersonal relationships. “People come back to you when you elevate their experience,” Gal exudes.

“If you can pay really close attention to individuals,

and celebrate the milestones in their lives to keep that personal connection, then success will come your way.” Gal balances her penchant for relationship building with a broadly cast digital footprint, and by leveraging social media platforms and professional videography to garner competitive offers. “I’m always looking to innovate and find ways to stand out – but sometimes the old ways are best. I’m constantly calling other agents to let them know about listings and holding open houses to meet people face-to-face.”

In addition to investing in clients, Gal goes to great lengths to support her local and extended communities. “I’ve been volunteering with the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces since I was twenty – I sat on the board and started the Palm Beach Young Leadership Board when I was twenty-three. I know it’s a difficult topic right now, I have family and friends in Israel, my family members served and we are proud to give back.” Gal also regularly supports orphanages in Haiti and the United States by supporting “It’s 4 the Kids”, a nonprofit established by a friend and other close to heart charities.

When she’s not volunteering or working on expanding her business, Gal seizes every opportunity to spend time with her husband and two young daughters, exercise, enjoy fine dining and go out salsa dancing.

“Everything about south Florida is drawing you to be outside – I’m grateful that every day in this business is unique, every person has their own story, and every home you get to show is special. I get to learn the nooks and crannies of every property, and the people who live here and I love every minute of it!”

For more information about Gal Kol, please call 561-926-0686 or email Gal.Kol@compass.com Top Agent Magazine

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 18

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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VICTORIA FISHER of repeat and referral business, which comprises an impressive majority of her transactions.

In the world of south Florida real estate, where competition is fierce, one name stands out: Victoria Fisher. As the leader of the 25-member Wealth Group within Fortune Christie’s International, Victoria’s journey from luxury jewelry sales to luxury real estate is inspiring. Born and raised in Miami, her love affair with real estate began long before she ever stepped foot into the industry. “I have always had a love for real estate,” she shares.

After a significant life change in 2012, “I wanted something new,” she adds.

“I took my real estate license just to have it, but then I loved it. The tests were easy for me. I went to speak to a broker and got thrown right into it. And I’ve been doing real estate every day since then.”

When it comes to marketing listings, Victoria leaves no stone unturned.

Utilizing a comprehensive approach that includes online platforms, social media, print media and personalized outreach, the Wealth Group ensures maximum exposure for their properties.

“We do everything,” Victoria states, underscoring her team’s dedication to achieving results for their clients.

Despite the challenges posed by the ever-evolving real estate landscape, Victoria remains steadfast in her love for her work. “I love the people. I love helping people find their dream homes,” she enthuses.

What sets Victoria apart is not just her individual success but her ability to lead and inspire others. From humble beginnings, her team has flourished, driven by her guidance. “I don’t want to be a police officer to my agents,” she explains. “I’m not a school teacher. I just share my ideas and what I do with my team. Be consistent, I tell them. There are five million REALTORS® out there in the world. You have to stand out.”

Beyond business, Victoria is committed to community involvement, striving to make a positive impact in Sunny Isles and beyond through various initiatives.

Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with her family and staying active. “Family is huge to me,” she says, highlighting her dedication to her daughters and grandchildren. Whether hitting the gym or soaking up the sun on the beach, Victoria’s vibrant spirit infuses every aspect of her life.

Based in Sunny Isles Beach, Victoria and her team primarily serve the luxury waterfront market spanning from Hollywood Beach to Miami Beach. However, their reach extends beyond geographical boundaries, with a client base built on trust and referrals. “It’s very important for me to build a relationship and to keep constant contact with all my past relationships and clients,” she notes, highlighting the significance

Looking ahead, Victoria envisions further growth and expansion for her team, with plans to establish a presence in New York and Los Angeles. Additionally, she aspires to open her own brokerage within the next five years, a testament to her entrepreneurial drive. Still, her heart belongs to the restful beach communities she serves. “My ultimate happy, happy, happy place is the beach. You can almost always find me on the beach.”

For further information about Victoria Fisher, please call 305-469-1620, email vfisher@fir.com, or visit fir.com/agent/victoria-fisher www.

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Tips on Being a Good Team Leader Your business is booming, so much in fact, that you’ve finally made the decision to start a team. You’ve made sure it’s financially feasible, and you’ve found the right people, but there is still one other component of a successful team. And that’s an effective leader. It’s your job to not only generate business, but to motivate your team, which in turn increase productivity. Here are a few simple tips on being a good team leader.

1. Evaluate each team member, making sure to utilize their strengths Hiring the right people is one of the first steps in creating a successful team, but once you have those people it’s really 22

important to figure out where they best fit into the operation. Having every team member be an ‘expert’ in their part of the process leads to seamless transactions and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

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Of course it’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere that allows team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, under your guidance. It’s to the whole team’s advantage when people take initiatives to up their game by taking additional training or mastering a new and innovative technology that can improve productivity. The key is to constantly evaluate not only your systems but the people running them. It’s your job as a leader to encourage that personal growth while making sure to always protect against any major misfires. Which leads us to…

2. Always reevaluate what is and isn’t working It’s a good idea to have a weekly meeting where the whole team can convene and go over any snags they may have hit in the systems that you developed when starting your team. Your team is in the trenches with you and since everyone probably focuses on a different aspect of the transaction, it’s important to make sure things are working on every level. Make sure copious notes are taken during these meetings so you have a track record of what was suggested, as well as a history of things that may have been tried and the results.

Another good thing to focus on in these meetings is goal setting. Set weekly and monthly goals, and use the meetings to discuss what’s being done or needs to be done to meet them. When goals are met, it’s a great bonding experience for everyone. When they aren’t, it’s a moment to learn how you can do better in the future.

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Don’t forget to always take in what you can do to be a better team leader as well.

3. Stay connected and in communication These are your team members! There’s more to that than just a label. Be connected to them on a daily basis. Clear, open and honest communication is important on a busy team and that’s much easier if you actually like and trust your co-workers.

Sure you want to succeed for yourself, but knowing that other people you respect are counting on you, is an additional motivating factor, that is certain to lead to everyone going above and beyond creating a wildly successful business.

4. Be inspiring and supportive If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, it really will be infectious. Encourage innovation and creativity. Yes, systems and consistency are great but don’t let your team get in a rut either.

Support their individual careers, always encourage them to go for more, let them rely on you for mentorship. If they sense that you want each member to succeed as much as you have, you won’t find more loyal employees. And perhaps most importantly focus on what’s being done right. Don’t be the boss that just points out things they don’t like. Let them know when they’ve done an amazing job and be specific about what it is. Make them feel valued and they will become a valuable asset to you and your business.

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