MICHIGAN 11-2-20

MICHIGAN EDITION

5 FRESH NEW APPROACHES TO

Creative Ways to Say

CONTENT MARKETING

THANK YOU GOOGLE ADWORDS:

How to Make Google Do the Work for You

FEATURED AGENTS

ALLISON FISHWICK DOMINIC LEE & SCOTT E. WHEATON COVER STORY

BRIAN BARTHOLOMEW

MICHIGAN EDITIONLEE & SCOTT E. WHEATON DOMINIC Dominic Lee and Scott E. Wheaton both started out in the real estate business at the very young age of 19.

They individually pursued their dreams of becoming agents right out of high school and by chance joined the same team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomie Raines. After finding out that they were the two youngest agents in the area, they formed 7 a friendship and realized17 that they had a lot of similar ideas on how to improve the real estate business and provide customers with the best service, so they decided to join forces and start their own team. Together they serve clients throughout Lansing, Michigan.

and friends. We also focus on ships with our clients instead of a one time transaction.” To than ness Dominic and Scott host clie frequent get-togethers, and birthday cards along with small

Dominic an techniques b a splash of o in Facebook every listing, “We’re tech and we mark possible onli all-encompa In order to give clients their very egies have t 23 best, Dominic and Scott focus on becoming th BRIAN BARTHOLOMEW ALLISON FISHWICK DOMINIC LEE making sure the agents on their team area and wit are equipped with all the right tools it’s not all ab &SCOTT E. WHEATON first. “Our team is an agent oriented for this team team. We’re focused on the growth helping peop of our agents, and helping them a difference CONTENTS discover their full potential. We both grew u are also extremely client oriented. crucial for u Providing top service is our priority, 16) CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY important fo 4) GOOGLE ADWORDS: and part of that is good communication, which is one of options to the youth here, and sh THANK YOU HOW TO MAKE GOOGLE our biggest assets. We make sure that we stay in touch successful career requires a coll with clients throughout the whole transaction.”

DO THE WORK FOR YOU When they’re not busy working, 20) THE DAILY SCHEDULE With dozens of transactions under their belts Dominic to spend time with family OF A SUCCESSFULlove REAL 13) 5 FRESH NEW and Scott have quickly built up an impressive network and play golf. They also believ ESTATE AGENT repeat and referral clients. “We focus on creating a involved in their community, APPROACHES TOof CONTENT smooth transaction and enabling our clients to trust us back and partake in local com MARKETING and know that we’re looking out for HOW their bestTO interest.

As for the future of their busin 22) OVERCOME We’re young, we’re driven, and we stand out. Once to continue growing and expand YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS clients see how hard we work, and how much we put believe our vision and our mis into our team to make sure that they get the best expearea, and we want to help as ma rience possible, they naturally refer us to their family Photo by Cam Best: camdenbestph

BRIAN BARTHOLOMEW

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 To learn more about Dominic Lee and Scott E. Wheaton, please call

rer@tomieraines.com or visit realestateredesignedinc mag@topagentmagazine.com | email www.topagentmagazine.com www.

No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

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Google AdWords:

How To Make Google Do the Work for You There is no denying that the internet is the first place a buyer begins looking for a new home in this digital age. Knowing how to put the powerful tools available on the internet to work for you can give you a decided advantage when it comes to attracting prospective buyers to your listings, as well as you as an agent. Google is easily one of the major superpowers of the internet, and they have one of the most powerful advertising tools available. Knowing how to utilize Google AdWords in the correct manner can make your internet advertising immensely powerful and possibly your best way to reach prospective buyers.

Google AdWords is also extremely cost-effective. This multifaceted tool gives you much more control over your advertising campaign than other more traditional methods. You can target specific audiences, choose the specific search terms, also known as keywords, that will bring up your ad in someone’s search results, and you can set a budget for each campaign that will dictate it’s reach and how long the campaign will run. Here are some tips for how to put Google AdWords to work for you.

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ent websites. You want to set yourself apart from every other real estate website users are viewing in their search for a house.

MAKE SURE YOUR ADS ARE GOING TO SEND USERS TO A SITE THAT WILL CAPTURE THEIR ATTENTION

You can spend an infinite amount of money on Google advertising campaigns, but if those ads don’t send users to a site that will capture and hold their interest, then you’ve just wasted all that money. Don’t put your cart before the horse. Make sure you are considering exactly where these ads are going to send users. To set up your website for success, at the very least you want to make sure users are greeted by clear call-to-action, such as a message that will encourage them to sign up for your newsletter or subscribe to your blog. You want to set up your website to maximize and capture the leads the ad campaign sends your way.

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BUILD CUSTOMIZED OR CUSTOM-MADE WEBSITES RATHER THAN TEMPLATE WEBSITES It is easy and tempting to use template websites, or to offer your agents template websites if you are a real estate manager or broker. While this offers a cost-effective solution to providing every agent with a website, it does little to set you or your agents apart and capture the attention of users that are used to seeing a wealth of differ-

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MAKE SURE YOU ARE OFFERING VALUE ON YOUR WEBSITE

Don’t simply use your website as a kind of brag sheet. Let users know what makes your particular services valuable to them. Highlight your expertise in a certain location through tools such as blog posts, providing market updates, or giving pertinent information on a unique type of property. This will ensure that your online advertising campaigns are much more successful.

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LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!

Location is everything in real estate, and the same holds true for Google AdWords. You can target specific locations in your ad campaign. While one approach is to focus on the area around your location, a more advanced approach would be to link AdWords campaigns to your Google My Business account. This is a Google service that includes your address in the ad, allowing people to then click on it and see exactly where you are located on a map.

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USE GOOGLE ADWORDS IN YOUR CAMPAIGN TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN GENERAL

Focus an AdWords campaign on expanding your business by incorporating specific zip codes and neighborhoods that will help you establish a presence in an area where you would like to increase your real estate business. Making sure that your ad appears in search results that are related to the real estate in a specific area will help shape the image and brand of your business as well as bring in new leads.

HARNESS THE POWER OF DATA

When you run a Google AdWords campaign Google Analytics captures a wealth of information about your target client demographic.

You can gain real insight into your online visitors, such as when they visit, what they do and look at on your site once they get there, and what search terms they use. You can use all of this information to grow your business. Use Google Analytics to determine which users (location, gender, age) are utilizing specific aspects of your site, such as looking at multiple listings, reading your blog, etc. You can then use this information to target these specific demographics in your AdWord campaigns, Gmail ads, the Google Display Network, and other advertising.

Using the internet to help advertise your business and your listings is one of the smartest moves you can make as an agent in this modern age. However, you don’t want to simply go into the process blind or you’re wasting a lot of potential resources and data that could make all the difference. To reap the benefits of Google AdWords, you must apply an intelligent strategy to using these campaigns.

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BRIAN BARTHOLOMEW Top Agent Magazine

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Serving West Michigan, Top Agent Brian Bartholomew has become an Expert in the Rockford and Forest Hills Markets and is pacing at $1.4 million per month in sales in 2020 with $13 million in current sales.

Brian Bartholomew Graduated from Ferris State University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Certificate in Sales.

Brian was hired out of college as an Account Executive in Lumber sales‌While working in lumber sales, Brian realized that he was not content with his professional career path. “I questioned, why am I selling a two-by-four when I could be selling a house and, more importantly, why I am letting someone else tell 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

me what I am worth?� Brian explains. In 2009, he got his real estate license, and he has been working as a full-time agent ever since. Brian thrived through the great recession with dedication and perseverance earning the Executive Club Award his first year in the business.

Currently, Brian is pacing at $1.4 million per month in sales in 2020 with $13 million in current sales. This career path has allowed him the freedom to both support his family financially Top Agent Magazine

and create value to his community. Serving West Michigan, Brian has become an Expert in the Rockford and Forest Hills Markets. He aims to exceed his clients’ expectations, always putting their needs first.

In order to best serve them, Brian believes that he is a consultant first and a salesman second.

He works on building personal relationships with each client he serves, saying, “There has to be a huge level of trust when dealing with the largest transactions that some clients may ever be involved with.” Brian does not see a purchase or sale as a quick transaction, but rather an opportunity to form a long-term connection Top Agent Magazine

with a client. “Referrals are the heartbeat of the business, you know you’re doing something right when they keep coming.” Additionally, he provides every seller with top-notch marketing.

“It’s a multi-level approach,” he says, which includes making contact with outside brokers, posting ads on a myriad of websites including: Facebook, Trulia & Zillow, hosting open houses, and even contacting lenders and job recruiters.

“Grass roots marketing is still alive in a digital age.” More importantly, Brian has a team of preferred vendors such as: Lenders, Title Agency companies, Contractors, Photographers, Cleaners, Movers & Home inspectors that are top class to help make the process smooth.

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Brian believes that he is a consultant first and a salesman second.

He works on building personal relationships with each client he serves, saying, “There has to be a huge level of trust when dealing with the largest transactions that some clients may ever be involved with.”

All the effort that Brian puts in pays off when he has a happy client. One client, that purchased a luxury property in Ada, recently said, “If we had it to do over we would use Brian again for sure. He was so incredibly knowledgeable about everything through the entire purchase process. He was outstanding! He knew the market well, he was a great assistance in the negotiating process. You will not be disappointed.” Even once the job is done, Brian does his best to stay in touch with clients through going out to lunch, sending custom Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

calendar cards, and plans on hosting client appreciation events in the future.

Brian also stays involved in his community through a number of activities and organizations.

He participates in many RE/MAX charity events in support of the Children’s Miracle Network.

Additionally, he enjoys playing in basketball leagues, weightlifting, outdoor adventures and growing his Hobby Farm with his family. Brian is also an active member of his church and wants to give all the glory to Jesus Christ, saying, “It is Top Agent Magazine

an honor to be ranked as a top agent but without the Lord, I wouldn’t be. He gives me wisdom to help others and I am always accountable to Him.” Brian has a wife and three children and recognizes that working in the real estate business can take up a lot of time and effort, but family time is crucial. Brian says “It’s really a team effort. My wife, Hannah, provides a strong Top Agent Magazine

support system to continue the path of real-estate. I acknowledge there are times of the year when she has to carry a large burden, especially when the spring market hits.”

Since changing his career and working in the real estate business for close to 12 years, Brian is showing no signs of slowing down Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

with the business that he has built. “I love that I create value for my clients and put them in winning positions, it’s fun to win together.” Brian has earned many Remax Awards such as the: Executive Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club and Prestigious Career Hall of Fame Award. Brian has been noted regularly in the Grand Rapids All Star Magazine for Realtors, he is a Homelight.com Top Agent and “Best of Zillow” Top agent.

Brian hopes to continue growing his business in the future and recently hired a transaction coordinator that will give him more time to spend on clients and with his family. He is excited to see what the future holds, and there’s no doubt this next chapter in his business will be just as successful as the first.

Special Thanks to: Jacob Harr, Owner of Harr Creative Photography.

For more about Brian Bartholomew please call 616-307-4985 or email brianb1@remax.net

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5 Fresh New Approaches to Content Marketing A couple of weeks ago we were conducting a workshop when we were asked two excellent questions about content marketing:

• People

don’t want to hear from a roofing company every day. So how do you produce fresh and interesting content for social media that goes beyond your core services and yet ties back to your business?

• Can

you extend your social media presence and content to include personal things (like your hobbies) and how does that affect your overall business image?

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The workshop attendee who asked the first question was right. Almost no one wants to hear from any company every day… especially if all the content is about products and services…and yes, even if they’re giving helpful tips and information. Does that mean you should stop producing excellent daily content related to your business? No, of course not! Content is created for two reasons.

First, to provide knowledge, expertise and even entertainment to your ideal customers in order to achieve top of mind awareness as an authority in your industry. And second, to produce SEO-rich results that keep you at the top of search engines. You must strike a

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balance between the two, and try to include content that draws people in by being super interesting and entertaining….and yes, sometimes personal.

To help answer those content questions above, here are five different types of content (beyond the traditional stuff) that can give your brand a fresh, unique and balanced approach:

1. PHILANTHROPIC Your community efforts say a lot about who you are, and people will make an extra effort to do business with you as a result of this connection. We’ve consulted business owners who are very hesitant to promote these efforts because they don’t want it to seem as though they are exploiting the charities and organizations—and most especially because they don’t do it for the promotional aspects. They do it to give back. I ask you to keep this in mind. Nonprofit and charitable organizations very often have small marketing budgets. Not only do they rely on outside marketing forces to promote their initiatives, they would likely be forced to close their doors without that support. That means that when someone with a strong brand and presence promotes them, it’s a highly trusted and personal connection, and you can’t buy that kind of support. In other words, they not only need you to promote them, they want you to promote them. But your instincts are correct. It’s not about you. So just make sure your entire content focuses on the organization you’re helping, what they do for the community and how 14

others can join in the cause. Then it becomes a huge win for all.

2. HOBBIES You bungee jumped from four of the tallest bridges in the U.S. In your spare time, you go fly fishing. You love playing chef and use only locally grown, organic foods. Your friends are always begging you to go to Vegas with your card shark talents. You’ve done mission work in Africa and would like to start your own group. You almost played professional baseball. You have an insane talent for gardening design or bass guitar.

Your family works at a soup kitchen once a month. Ok…you get the picture. And two more words. Reality TV. People are interesting…and people are interested in interesting people. We remember others based on these unique traits. And most of all, people love the story behind the face. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. Quite often, it’s the first thing that will personally connect you to a prospect.

3. CREATIVE CONNECTION This one is perhaps our favorite. While we can’t imagine seeing something come across our news feed from a landscaping company every day, imagine this for a moment. What are we always told to remember in this hectic world? Stop and smell the roses, right? So what if…a landscaping company posted a beautiful flower each day, just to remind you to ‘stop and smell the roses’. And at the bottom of that photo (small print), you included

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the type of flower and type of environment needed to make it flourish (moist soil, full sun, etc.). And then, of course, watermarked it with your logo….and a title like, “Sam’s Daily Reminder: It’s Time to Stop & Smell the Roses”. You could even include some great, thought-provoking quotes. It has the personal connection (Sam), the business connection (flowers & logo watermark) and a cool creative connector (pause the meetings and paperwork to take a moment and appreciate life by noticing this beautiful flower). This is a great idea for staying ‘top of mind’ and connecting business with the kind of creative messaging people wouldn’t mind seeing every day.

4. EXPERIENCES This one is similar to hobbies from the personal aspect, but instead of something that identifies us like our hobbies, our experiences are random happenings that can have great interest and meaning to our audience.

Whether you have a unique experience buying a new car or a fateful conversation with a stranger in the airport, if you feel it ties into a life lesson or business lesson you’d like to share, by all means do. The lesson is to keep your radar up 24/7. Any experiences you have which relate to your

ideal customer are an opportunity to connect beyond the business world. And when we do that, we become a part of the family.

5. INFLUENCERS “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. You’ve probably heard that saying, and the same is true whether you are a teenager or a business owner. Maybe you’ve learned a lot of your business knowledge from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet…or you like to quote Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps you have some mentors you’d like to recognize and tell why they’re important to you. Sharing the people and things that influence us is what makes us human. No matter how successful your business, you didn’t get there alone. People and circumstances shaped you along the way. Recognizing others for their contribution in our lives, large or small, is important in staying connected and grounded.

We hope these five types of content help you to put a fresh spin on what you share with your audience, whether personal or professional. We believe you must have the combination of both to build an incredible brand.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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ALLISON FISHWICK Top Agent Magazine

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ALLISON FISHWICK

Allison Fishwick was a young mother balancing ambitions and a busy schedule when she decided to take the plunge and make a career in real estate.

“I had all these organizational skills that could be put to good use,” she remembers. “Real estate is about putting together a big puzzle, and you’re always solving somebody else’s problem. When I started, I had little knowledge of the real estate business, but it was really a great fit for me.” In fact, during her first year in business, Allison closed roughly $5-million in volume working solo—an impressive feat. Now, 27 years later, Allison has carved out a lasting reputation for her incisive negotiating skills, superlative track record, and personal touch.

to show for it. “Whatever my clients want is what I want,” she says. “I’m a great communicator, and I keep people very informed throughout the process. I am well-organized and I’m always on top of every deal. I’m conscientious, and I make every attempt to ensure that each client feels like

Today, Allison spearheads her work as an Associate Broker at Howard Hanna, serving buyers and sellers across the greater Dearborn and Dearborn Heights region. There, almost the entirety of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her longstanding presence in the community as a real estate expert with the accolades 18

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they’re my only client. I very much make sure that their time is valued.”

When embarking upon the listing process, Allison equips each home with high-end photography to provide buyers an immersive first impression. From there, wide-ranging exposure is achieved through placement across the leading online listing platforms, and through word-of-mouth outreach to Allison’s deep network of fellow industry professionals, cultivated over a multi-decade career. “I reach out to the top agents in any given community that may have a buyer for my property,” she says. Of course, in today’s exceptionally fast-paced market, she is prepared as a negotiating powerhouse, ensuring nothing is left on the table that might benefit her clients and their goals. On average, she closes an annual $25-million to $30-million in volume.

Beyond the office, Allison gives back to her community by supporting local causes, including animal rescue efforts through which her family is active. In her free hours, she most enjoys time spent with family and loved ones at their lake home.

As for the future, Allison intends to keep momentum going strong as she continues to serve her community through the milestone of homeownership. Now, with nearly three decades of insight and experience to her name, Allison Fishwick considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field, and where she stands today. “I love that this business is all about fitting the pieces together and helping people,” she says. “I’ve always been very passionate about what I do, and I still am. I still love it to this day.”

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To learn more about Allison Fishwick please visit AllisonMovesYou.com, email Allison.Fishwick@gmail.com, or call (313) 724 – SOLD www.

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The Daily Schedule

of a Successful Real Estate Agent Everything you do should be intentional. A busy schedule isn’t the same thing as a productive schedule. Sometimes people write things like “find clients” on their to-do list, but finding clients isn’t actually a task. It’s a goal. Your daily schedule should be created with your goal in mind if you want to be a successful real estate agent, but a goal is too broad to add to your calendar.

Instead, you can break your goal down into projects, break those projects down into tasks, and schedule time in your calendar to complete each task. You’ll find that some of these projects will have an immediate impact on your business, and that those are the tasks that should be completed first.

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The fact is that as a real estate agent you can set your own schedule—if you’re not productive until 10am, then you don’t have to start your day until then. But having a daily schedule means that every day you have a running start on all those other agents who just “wing it.”

You don’t want to feel burned out and busy but like you’re simultaneously not getting a whole lot done. You can only keep up 70+ hour weeks for so long before your body breaks down and both your performance and income drop as a result.

Since every real estate agent’s operating hours look different, the following daily schedule is broken up by the suggested amount of hours you

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should spend on each task rather than specific times of day. However, certain tasks, like prospecting, appointments, and listing presentations should be performed at times when it’s most convenient for clients. If you’re an agent who likes to end their workday at 5 o’clock, remember that this is also the same time your clients are likely ending their day, meaning you might be unavailable for showings during the only time their schedule allows.

3.5 hours – This is that time of day that you should schedule all your appointments and listing presentations. If you are a newer agent, you might use this time instead to do more prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Spend this time waking up, exercising either at home or at the gym, and eating breakfast.

2 hours – Now it’s time to unwind. Use this time to have dinner and spend time with you family. If you have children, this is usually the time of day when they are wrapping up homework assignments and getting ready for bed.

It’s important that you make time for these moments the same way you make time for your work.

2 hours – Use this time before you head to the office to develop a morning routine, if you haven’t already. You can meditate, journal, practice affirmations, or read personal development books to prepare for the day ahead.

1 hour – Once you’re at the office, spend this time to review the day’s schedule, catch up with your assistant or other colleagues, and check the latest industry news. This is also the time of day that you can role play to prepare for appointments.

1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Now it’s time for a lunch break. If you’re a multitasker, you can also use this time to prepare for the afternoon and any meetings you have scheduled or connect with followers on social media.

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.5 hours – Look over the day’s schedule again and ensure you’ve checked every task off your to-do list. While you’re at it, be sure to review tomorrow’s schedule and goals too.

2 hours – Spend these last couple hours before you fall asleep to have quality time with your spouse or perform your self-care routines.

8 hours – Now it’s time for sleep—getting a full night’s rest is crucial if you want every day to be productive.

As you can tell, there’s still some wiggle room left in this schedule, but the important thing is to block out time every day so you can achieve your goals and help your clients.

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

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ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad 22

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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DOMINIC LEE & SCOTT E. WHEATON Dominic Lee and Scott E. Wheaton both started out in the real estate business at the very young age of 19.

They individually pursued their dreams of becoming agents right out of high school and by chance joined the same team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomie Raines. After finding out that they were the two youngest agents in the area, they formed a friendship and realized that they had a lot of similar ideas on how to improve the real estate business and provide customers with the best service, so they decided to join forces and start their own team. Together they serve clients throughout Lansing, Michigan.

In order to give clients their very best, Dominic and Scott focus on making sure the agents on their team are equipped with all the right tools first. “Our team is an agent oriented team. We’re focused on the growth of our agents, and helping them discover their full potential. We are also extremely client oriented.

Providing top service is our priority, and part of that is good communication, which is one of our biggest assets. We make sure that we stay in touch with clients throughout the whole transaction.”

With dozens of transactions under their belts Dominic and Scott have quickly built up an impressive network of repeat and referral clients. “We focus on creating a smooth transaction and enabling our clients to trust us and know that we’re looking out for their best interest.

We’re young, we’re driven, and we stand out. Once clients see how hard we work, and how much we put into our team to make sure that they get the best experience possible, they naturally refer us to their family

and friends. We also focus on building long relationships with our clients instead of treating them like just a one time transaction.” To thank clients for their business Dominic and Scott host client-appreciation events, frequent get-togethers, and send out handwritten birthday cards along with small gifts.

Dominic and Scott’s marketing techniques blend technology with a splash of old school. They invest in Facebook ads, videos for almost every listing, as well as open houses.

“We’re technologically advanced and we market our listings on all the possible online avenues.” And their all-encompassing marketing strategies have them on a fast track to becoming the top producers in the area and within their company. But it’s not all about sales and numbers for this team. “For us, it’s all about helping people and trying to make a difference in our community. We both grew up in this area, and it’s crucial for us to give back. It’s also important for us to present different options to the youth here, and show them that not every successful career requires a college degree.”

When they’re not busy working, both Scott and Dominic love to spend time with family and friends, work out, and play golf. They also believe it’s important to stay involved in their community, and they love to give back and partake in local community service events.

As for the future of their business, the current plan is to continue growing and expand beyond Lansing. “We believe our vision and our mission goes beyond this area, and we want to help as many people as possible.”

Photo by Cam Best: camdenbestphoto@gmail.com

To learn more about Dominic Lee and Scott E. Wheaton, please call (517) 853-6353, email rer@tomieraines.com or visit realestateredesignedinc.com www.

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