ONTARIO 11-13-23

ONTARIO EDITION

How to Answer the Inevitable Question:

MY CRYSTAL BALL:

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU?

You CAN Predict You’ll Be Successful Selling Real Estate

Small Yard?

Big Statement:

Tips on Being a GOOD TEAM LEADER

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

FEATURED AGENTS

AARON BALCOM TRISH TODD COVER STORY

DANIELLE GIANNOTTI

ONTARIO EDITION

AARON BALCOM TRISH TODD

With a decade-long tenure at Head a publishwork with, Aaron us assuch if o As the Coach events 9 and Broker of Revel 17 21 treated Realty in Kawartha Lakes in Ontario, free movie nc ing company, Aaron Balcom navigated get was unlimited! We honestly Canada, Trish Todd loves being able to and ho the ebbs and flows of sales, establishing have asked for a betterbanks experience twothe of arrival her strongest skills: communeedy fam a territory all his own.use After was extremely patientfor with us and w nication andtocoaching.

A former software she enjo of his first child, Aaron decided dip tirelessly to ensure weing, were happy trainer traveled extensively, Trish that unless sh his toes into real estate.

Whatwho began as the switch to rest and re a part-time venture tomade supplement his to real estate a dozen When it comes to community in years ago income swiftly transformed into awhen full- she and her husband ment, Aaron and hisworkaholic. wife are “ decided tohis start a family. Real estate was or Mexico entrenched, often turning their ju p blown passion, with him closing first aDANIELLE natural choice for her AARON becauseBALCOM “I’ve breakOver and ex deal merely two weeks post-licensure. into a hub for local events. the GIANNOTTI TRISH TODD looking at houses and meetthey’ve hosted Christmas food Eventually, the allure always ofDANIELLE the loved real estate Now that new people,” she says. “I got my sector pulled him awaying from publishing transforming their driveway intoTr a GIANNOTTI longand as things fairground, completemajor with Santa entirely. Today, whilelicense he stands the took off from there.” run aprizes, succesa sole registered agent, Aaron’s endeavor photo ops and sponsored recently celebrated a milestone for Revel Realty ing local aboutinitiative, ways she canth is far from a solo act.Trish His wife Dasha, efiting the Feed CONTENTS whenhome-staging she opened their Kawartha Lakes office, the 20th success. her skile Durham.forBut their With community once the heart of their brokerage to openthe in Ontario in the Revel Realty end fam-withexperience, she’s t asm doesn’t the holidays.

Thisable pasttosu endeavors, now masterfully manages marketing, 4) HOW TO ANSWER 15) 4 WAYS TO WIN THE BATTLE A dozen independent work with her pool marketing, lead they threw a grand party as aand client andgener com social media, and theily. unseen but critical detailsagents that now THE INEVITABLE QUESTION: AGAINST PROCRASTINATION there under the Revel Realty umbrella.

“We service time management and lead appreciation gesture, complete with live music, keep their business thriving.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU? residential areas, but we cater to cottage and professionals to for investme for SMALL thecountry children, and refreshing drinks the adu 18) YARD? BIG STATEMENT: investors. “I’ll still sell a Serving the Durhamwaterfront—definitely Region and beyond,recreational Aaron’s living,” she says. As 6) MY CRYSTAL BALL: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT I’d really mother of small Trish isAsout in the com-into the down the road Aaron peers future, the aspiration i approach to real estatethedistinctly sets him children, apart. With YOU CAN PREDICT YOU’LL BE OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES munity all the time meeting people at hockey practice, speaking about how approa I got h nearly 30 to 40% of his business stemming from repeat growth. While he cherishes his hands-on SUCCESSFUL SELLING REAL ESTATE soccer, andclients baseball practice, so she direct gets a lot of work how he to remains do well, open and offer and referrals, it’s evident that his value his experclient to th 22) TIPS ONinteractions, BEING A GOOD word of mouth and referrals.

In her repeat when things of fact, bringing on boardfor a buying agent,getif hard,” the si tise, particularly in thefrom neighborhood he specializes in. TEAM LEADER and referral business percent. His recent alignment with the selective What truly makes Aaron’s services shine isisnow the around phi- 90 demands. losophy of not compromising on the level of service.

Real Estate brokerage underscores his dedica According to Trish, the best thing about being a service. real- With Aaron, it’s evident tha unparalleled “Whether it’s a small condo or a luxury home, we offer Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 tor isAaron the opportunity that it brings meet isn’t new an people the same quality service,” emphasizes.

The ded- tolence option, it’s a standard. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com and help them achieve their real estate goals.

“I’m ication is visible: from working exclusively with the helping within any the biggest purchase ofprior their lives.

No portion of this issueHome may people be reproduced whatsoever without consent of the publisher. Top Agent reputed Feathered Nest Staging to manner investing Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published You definitely build a relationship with them over time thousands materials, before Top a listing even hits the market. Aaron Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. working with them goingwith to look at all the houses. I To subscribe orthe change address, sendsocial inquiryand tomedia, mag@topagentmagazine.com. has also embraced power of Published in the U.S. carry with that relationship long term, going out with some listings racking up to on 60,000 views.

He believes for dinner, etc. whether (even after in showcasing homes them in engaging ways, thatthe transaction is completed).

I just love it and ensuring feel like my clients are part of means jumping into a pool or steering a tractor, 2 Top Agent Magazine my family.”

All of Trish’s listings include a comprehenthat his listings are anything but mundane. sive list of services that she includes at no extra charge,

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

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How to Answer the Inevitable Question:

Why Should I Choose You? In some markets, a real estate agent is competing against thousands of other individuals and teams. There are only so many bells and whistles—so many buzz words you can throw at prospective clients. To a buyer or seller who has interviewed several other agents already, all of it begins to blend together and every realtor sounds as though they’re reading off the same script.

Your clients want to know why they should choose you. They want to know what makes you different. It’s highly likely they’ll even 4

ask you this question directly in your initial interview, but as an agent, you might have a hard time coming up with a response that either you or your clients are truly satisfied with.

To answer your client’s why you must go back to your own why.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE THAT OTHERS DON’T? Just because there are other agents in your area doesn’t mean those agents have the

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same skills that you do. We each bring our own backgrounds and experiences to the table. What comes naturally to you? Maybe it’s your negotiating skills or your ability to connect people that sets you apart from the rest.

WHAT PART OF THE BUSINESS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST? There are skills and then there are passions.

In real estate, there’s so much to enjoy.

There’s the opportunity to match a family with the right home and the sense of safety and comfort that brings their loved ones.

There’s the ability to give someone a sense of financial security by advocating and negotiating on their behalf. And then there’s the houses and neighborhoods themselves— the architecture, history, and community.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? When you look at your client list and the portfolio of work that you’ve built over the years, what are you most proud of? Sure, there are financial rewards, but there are also other accomplishments that your prospective clients will likely be eager to hear about, such as happy client testimonials, a thriving referral business, volunteer and charity work, or even how you lift and support your own team.

Everyone needs money, but those other accomplishments and how you speak about them show your client what kind of person Top Agent Magazine

you are and if that’s the type of person they want to work with.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? Real estate might seem like your entire world at times, but you also have a life outside of work. Maybe you like music or traveling or being outdoors. The best part about being a realtor is that there are often ways you can thread these interests into your work, like hosting client functions and events.

WHAT DOES YOUR CLIENT CARE ABOUT THE MOST? Let’s face it, your clients likely care the most about only a few things: saving or making the most money, doing it as soon as possible, and making sure that doing so isn’t too stressful. Your response to your client’s question—why should I choose you?— should address these concerns.

Maybe you excel at creating systems that make the selling process efficient and profitable for your client. Or maybe you excel at providing a personalized experience for homebuyers.

Try out a few responses. You might even start with a template: My [skills or passions] helps me [provide this service] because I can [achieve my client’s goal].

Like most things in life, coming up with a compelling and concise response for why clients should hire you will take time and practice.

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My Crystal Ball:

You CAN Predict You’ll Be Successful Selling Real Estate ►Carla Cross, CRB, MA

You can predict if you’ll be successful in real estate. It’s not what you think, either.

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Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan.

What New Agents Expect From my survey of hundreds of agents under three months in the business, I found that more than 1/2 of them expected a sale the first month of the business.

What does that mean? When do they have to start looking for leads? That first week in the business! Yet, how many new agents start lead generating even in the first month? How long have you been in the business?

When did you start lead generating on purpose? Or, have you started? That’s why my book, Up and Running in 30 Days, now in its 6th edition, has you lead generating in week one. It’s your assurance plan you will get a sale fast and will stay in the business.

Expecting ‘Dumb Luck’ to Carry You to Success Inevitably, there is a new agent who has an Aunt Martha in his back pocket. That is, Aunt Martha wants to buy a home, and has told nephew Tommy she’ll wait until he gets his license to purchase from him. Ca-ching. Dumb luck. Tommy concludes that’s how the business goes. You just wait for someone to find you and Top Agent Magazine

sell them a home. We know that’s not the norm, though.

Unfortunately, Tommy’s going to wait a long time for that next transaction! The ‘dumb luck’ approach to the business results in low results. Since the ‘dumb luck’ agent isn’t doing a business start-up plan, we have no way of predicting results, because we can’t measure businessproducing activities. We can only measure other ‘dumb luck’ agent incomes. That’s way too late to actively coach–or to terminate with purpose.

Your Manager Could be a ‘Dumb Luck’ Manager– Pardon the Expression…

Dumb luck managers just look at results; sales and listings sold. So, they are not aware that agents may be failing for months. If new agents expect to make a sale in month one, how many months do you think it takes for them to get dis enheartened? 2-3? Not long. So, once new agents are mentally and emotionally out of the business, they will resist any help from managers. They’ve decided they can’t make it in the business. They’ll stay awhile, though, for ‘dumb luck’ transactions.

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Are You Lead Generating on Purpose?

Are you working a specific, prioritized lead generating plan? Is it made up of prioritized lead generating activities? Does it have ratios of activities to results, so the new agent knows whether he is on track to his goals?

Here are my activity ratios from Up and Running that will result in 8-12 transactions the first year in the business: • 20 contacts to get one buyer or seller lead • 8 times of putting people in the car to sell someone a home • 3 listing appointments to gain one marketable listing

• 80% of listings sell • 80% of transactions close What are the ratios in your office? Do you know? Do you know the work it takes to consistently generate the income you want to generate? Or, are you counting on ‘dumb luck’?

Best Advice to Create your Assurance Plan Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan. Analyze your numbers frequently. You’ll stay on track AND assure your success.

https://carla-cross.com In the real estate business for over 3 decades, Carla Cross is an international speaker, trainer, and coach for real estate. She specializes in career development, business planning, leadership, and instructor development.

She’s won numerous sales and leadership awards in each area, including being named as a National Realtor Educator of the Year. A popular international speaker, Carla has spoken on leadership and training topics for 16 years at national Realtor conventions.

Author of eight books on real estate sales, her wildly popular book, Up and Running in 30 Days, is used by hundreds of thousands of new agents internationally to start their careers right.

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DANIELLE GIANNOTTI Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Danielle Giannotti is one of five team members on the TRU Real Estate Group with RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., servicing clients in Windsor-Essex County Danielle Giannotti of Belle River, Ontario, has built her career in real estate on a foundation of deep interpersonal connections, regular community involvement, and a systematic approach to the buying and selling process. “I just like being able to grow next to other people – whether that’s my team members or my clients and their families.

Watching someone start their journey in a new home, and being able to help them move on to bigger and better things down the line is just really exciting to be a part of.”

Prior to formally entering real estate, Danielle did some traveling that gave her time to reflect and encouraged personal growth. “I was living out of the country for a little while, and when I came back home to Canada I realized it was time for me to change careers. I’ve 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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always been interested in real estate, so I reached out to a family friend who thought I would be a perfect fit for the industry.” In 2020, after a brief period of mentorship, Danielle became an officially licensed REALTOR®.

Today in 2023, three short years after that initial conversation, Danielle is one of five team members on the TRU Real Estate Group with RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. “Our team lead, Tina Roy, has been in the industry for eighteen years,” she exudes. “We’re all deeply committed to connectedness – as a team,

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and as a community. We’re here long before our clients are ready to make any real estate moves, and we make sure we foster those ongoing relationships long afterwards.” Danielle and her team bring this mentality to everyone in Windsor-Essex County, where they have established a book of business that is primarily fueled by repeat and referral clients. The TRU Real Estate Group pairs this penchant for networking with a robust digital footprint that includes paid advertising and organic social media broadcasting to competitively market their listings.

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“We’re here long before our clients are ready to make any real estate moves, and we make sure we foster those ongoing relationships long afterwards.”

Danielle sits on a committee alongside Tina Roy on the Board of Directors of the Belle River on-the-lake Business Improvement Association, and they go to great lengths to share their spirit of camaraderie to their hometown. “We have our hands in every possible bucket Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

that we can find,” she exclaims. “Seven months out of the year we run a night market once a month, and we also run a summer festival that we help organize.

We’re always looking for ways to bring people together.” Additionally, Danielle volunteers with a local Childhood Cancer Top Agent Magazine

Foundation, Fight Like Mason, and she and her team support the Windsor Cancer Center Foundation.

When she’s not growing her ever expanding circles of influence, Danielle participates in her undergraduate education (as a former student of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor) by pursuing all things movement related: “Inside, outside, I just like to exercise

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– especially if I can spend time with family or friends. Usually that means a yoga class!” She aims to grow her business alongside her team by encouraging new agents and helping clients grow. “I’m very much a people person, and I have lots of teaching experience in various organizations. Helping people understand the process and the industry helps me build those lifelong connections.”

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For more information about Danielle Giannotti, please call 519-999-4221 or email danielle@trurealestategroup.ca

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4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Procrastination One of the most common professional afflictions is procrastination. The funny thing is, everyone knows that procrastination is negative—it’s a waste of time, a creator of stress, and is entirely a problem of our own making.

Still, knowing all of this doesn’t necessarily decrease our odds of procrastination. There are plenty of explanations we give when putting Top Agent Magazine

work off until the last minute. Perhaps you convince yourself that you work best under pressure, but it’s truer that you’re used to working under pressure by necessity. Maybe you’re a perfectionist and the fear of getting it all wrong puts you off from the task. Whatever the justification may be, overcoming procrastination requires some willpower and technique. With

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that in mind, take a look at a few tricks below to jumpstart your motivation and nix the lastminute time crunch. After all, you owe it to yourself and your business to operate like a procrastination-free professional.

1. Make Your Intentions Known As realtors and mortgage professionals, you may serve as your own boss. So, when the time comes to complete a task and you put it off—perhaps you’re only disappointing yourself. This is easily remedied by making a new promise to try again tomorrow. On the other hand, it’s much harder to break promises and commitments to others. Try verbalizing your intent and commitment to your team, or to an assistant who can hold you accountable, or better yet—to a business partner or to a client.

Make a hard deadline public and you’re likely to perform for fear of embarrassment or losing face. In a way, this puts the pressure of expectation on you, instead of the pressure of the ticking clock.

2. Take a Baby Step When tasks pile up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’ve got a number of items on your to-do list, including some heavy hitters that require a lot of attention and time, begin by taking on something simple. Identify an easily completed job that needs attention and put it first in your queue. Duties that are straightforward and aren’t time-intensive can lead you to the rest of your to-do list, fueling you with the satisfaction of a task already complete. Even if it’s as small as returning e-mails, or dropping off your dry-cleaning, one simple thing off your 16

list can inspire you to continue on to the next item in the spirit of productivity.

3. Work in Windows If work is the last thing you want to do and you can’t seem to self-motivate, make a compromise with yourself. Agree to work just fifteen minutes, and mean it. This tiny window of time is easy enough to complete, isn’t overwhelming, and you’ve already agreed to move on once time is up. The truth? Odds are that just fifteen minutes of active work will inspire you to keep going. After all, the most difficult part of procrastination is getting started. By putting in those fifteen minutes, you’ll trick yourself into diving into the action.

4. Switch Up Your Environment If you’re stuck in rut when it comes to procrastination and productivity, try changing your surroundings. If the office feels stale and stressful, take your work to the nearest coffee shop and try to tackle your tasks there. Perhaps the quiet, studious ambiance of a library can make you focus, or a picnic table outside the office can stimulate the senses. Sometimes changing your scenery can breathe new life into your routine and give you the extra push you need to get work done.

There’s no one way to overcome procrastination.

In fact, it’s likely a lifelong process of building discipline, finding techniques that work for you, and simply prioritizing your time more effectively. Don’t lose hope—remember these tricks and winning the war will be possible, even if you lose a few battles along the way.

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AARON BALCOM With a decade-long tenure at a publishing company, Aaron Balcom navigated the ebbs and flows of sales, establishing a territory all his own. After the arrival of his first child, Aaron decided to dip his toes into real estate. What began as a part-time venture to supplement his income swiftly transformed into a fullblown passion, with him closing his first deal merely two weeks post-licensure.

Eventually, the allure of the real estate sector pulled him away from publishing entirely. Today, while he stands as the sole registered agent, Aaron’s endeavor is far from a solo act. His wife Dasha, once the heart of their home-staging endeavors, now masterfully manages the marketing, social media, and the unseen but critical details that keep their business thriving.

Serving the Durham Region and beyond, Aaron’s approach to real estate distinctly sets him apart. With nearly 30 to 40% of his business stemming from repeat and referrals, it’s evident that his clients value his expertise, particularly in the neighborhood he specializes in.

What truly makes Aaron’s services shine is the philosophy of not compromising on the level of service.

“Whether it’s a small condo or a luxury home, we offer the same quality service,” Aaron emphasizes. The dedication is visible: from working exclusively with the reputed Feathered Nest Home Staging to investing thousands before a listing even hits the market. Aaron has also embraced the power of social media, with some listings racking up to 60,000 views. He believes in showcasing homes in engaging ways, whether that means jumping into a pool or steering a tractor, ensuring that his listings are anything but mundane.

After working together, clients leave glowing reviews about their experiences with Aaron. One recently raved, “As first-time home buyers, we wanted an agent that would listen to our needs and find the house that was best for us. Even though we didn’t have a huge budget to Top Agent Magazine

work with, Aaron treated us as if our budget was unlimited! We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Aaron was extremely patient with us and worked tirelessly to ensure we were happy.”

When it comes to community involvement, Aaron and his wife are deeply entrenched, often turning their property into a hub for local events. Over the years, they’ve hosted Christmas food drives, transforming their driveway into a festive fairground, complete with Santa Claus photo ops and sponsored prizes, all benefiting the local initiative, Feed the Need Durham. But their community enthusiasm doesn’t end with the holidays. This past summer, they threw a grand pool party as a client and community appreciation gesture, complete with live music, games for the children, and refreshing drinks for the adults.

As Aaron peers into the future, the aspiration is clear: growth. While he cherishes his hands-on approach and direct client interactions, he remains open to the idea of bringing on board a buying agent, if the situation demands. His recent alignment with the selective Rebel Real Estate brokerage underscores his dedication to unparalleled service. With Aaron, it’s evident that excellence isn’t an option, it’s a standard.

For more about Aaron Balcom, please call 298-987-0789 or email aaron@balcomrealestate.ca Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

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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TRISH TODD As the Head Coach and Broker of Revel Realty in Kawartha Lakes in Ontario, Canada, Trish Todd loves being able to use two of her strongest skills: communication and coaching. A former software trainer who traveled extensively, Trish made the switch to real estate a dozen years ago when she and her husband decided to start a family. Real estate was a natural choice for her because “I’ve always loved looking at houses and meeting new people,” she says. “I got my license and things took off from there.”

Trish recently celebrated a milestone for Revel Realty when she opened their Kawartha Lakes office, the 20th brokerage to open in Ontario in the Revel Realty family. A dozen independent agents now work with her there under the Revel Realty umbrella. “We service residential areas, but we cater to cottage country and waterfront—definitely recreational living,” she says. As the mother of small children, Trish is out in the community all the time meeting people at hockey practice, soccer, and baseball practice, so she gets a lot of work from word of mouth and referrals. In fact, her repeat and referral business is now around 90 percent.

According to Trish, the best thing about being a realtor is the opportunity that it brings to meet new people and help them achieve their real estate goals. “I’m helping people with the biggest purchase of their lives.

You definitely build a relationship with them over time working with them and going to look at all the houses. I carry on with that relationship long term, going out with them for dinner, etc. (even after the transaction is completed). I just love it and feel like my clients are part of my family.” All of Trish’s listings include a comprehensive list of services that she includes at no extra charge, including house cleaning, staging services, professional photography, open houses, and marketing materials.

As an active member of the community, Trish is involved in a wide variety of community activities, from special Top Agent Magazine

events such as community skating and free movie nights to volunteering at food banks and holding clothing and toy drives for needy families. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling. She confesses that unless she is forced to take time away to rest and recharge, she can be a bit of a workaholic. “I love to go to Texas, Florida or Mexico just to get away for a complete break and explore new places,” she says.

Now that Trish has fulfilled one of her major long-term goals—to start and run a successful brokerage-she’s thinking about ways she can help others raise their bar for success. With her skill set and previous coaching experience, she’s able to teach everything from sales, marketing, and lead generation coaching for agents to time management and leadership coaching for business professionals to investment coaching for real estate investors. “I’ll still sell and handle my listings, but down the road I’d really like to do some more guest speaking about how I got here…help teach other agents how to do well, and offer encouragement and advice for when things get hard,” she says.

Trish can be reached at 705-341-4573 or email at trish@trishtodd.com or via her Website or Facebook or LinkedIn https://www.trishtodd.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TrishiaTodd

http://linkedin.com/in/trish-todd-8b29a051

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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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