OREGON 10-18-21

OREGON EDITION

5 Ways to

TRANSFORM RENTERS INTO OWNERS

How to Answer the Inevitable Question:

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU?

Small Yard?

Big Statement: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

FEATURED AGENTS

ADRIAN GONSALEZ BRIAN SIMMONS COVER STORY

HEATHER RANDALL

OREGON EDITION

ADRIAN GONSALEZ BRIAN SIMMONS

With three years in the real estate industry makes sure to give clients His strong busine the aid and After reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad in 2016, 9 17 21 under his belt, Brian Simmons has never Brian’s clients an a Adrian Gonsalez became fascinated sold with a single house. Not one. “I don’t port they deserve. uses his experience he idea of generating passive income, and sell houses,” he explains. “I show people them the best poss until they find one they want to buy, In terms of marketingthehis fewlistings, points whe A uickly learned the importance of homes acquirand then I help them buy it.

Nor do I care laughs.

He market uses online avenues like social medi ng long-term assets. He was working with whether that happens in a week or a year. sively as well, utili the MLS to ensure each property reac vegetation crew at Lane CountyThat Public low pressure approach has earned me social media and pr wide audience. He uses professional Works at the time, but started taking real a lot of trust from my clients.” maximum exposure tography and staging Between to bringtheout the state classes and dabbling in selling homes. websi the sort of patience that comes from potential of each home, flyers, listings a andhis networks He quickly got busier than he hadIt’santicidoing work you love, and Brian chose his by between 5-10 th other local agents to generate buyers w ated, and a year later, he took the leap of HEATHER RANDALL ADRIAN GONSALEZ BRIAN SIMMONS career very deliberately. After years of 37 transaction aith into full-time Realtorship, and never an IT business with a partner, his locale. Adrian closed developing When he’s not work year, and is on track to surpass that nu ooked back. Now, Adrian serves all he ofwas Lane ready for a new challenge, wanting something being a good husband and father that would “It time with his wife by a significant margin by and the their end two of 2 County, Oregon, providing high quality per- allow him to grow as much as he wanted. was important for me to be able to answer for myself old daughter and four-year old s onalized to a variety of clients throughout the question of why I was doing this work instead of outdoorsman, enjoying hunting a In his free time, Adrian loves spending he area, and has found a great dealthat. of sucCONTENTS I sold my share in the IT business two weeks his thinking three kids; enjoygoal spending time out ess and self-fulfillment in his career. before my son was born, so Iwith was also aboutthey Brian’s going forward is to the example I wanted to set for him. Washiking, life and work he’s set for himself fishing, and biking together.

Heand is toa con fre 4) HOW TO ANSWERjust going to be about achieving 18)comfort, SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: would businesses, it improve and the high standardvolun of se supporter ofor local regularly When it comes to interacting with his clients, Adrian THE INEVITABLE QUESTION: HOW TO MAKE MOST OUT be about taking a risk and doing something special?” THE already come to be known. He d his time for the Springfield Board of Realtors. A laces a high emphasis on communication. He leverages knowing that process will be nev WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU? OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES loves the looked varietyback. and flexibility offered a care is outgoing personality and positive make He attitude took the to harder road and never has been exactly whatby I wanted real sellers estate,in and he hopes to continue offering is clients feel comfortable and confident from the first and Representing homebuyers Southern accountability.

There’s no onee 6) 5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM 22) TIPS ON BEING A GOOD Rogue already nobodyclientele holding you back. lever The sk tionalhave service to been his current while moment their transaction opens, andOregon’s he sticks byValley, them his efforts RENTERS INTO OWNERS TEAM LEADER met with great success. Last year he closed 36 transachis fluency in Spanish to bring in more Spanish-spe very step of the way in order to guide them towards tions for a sales volume of $13 million, numbers he’s clients. looking for a Realtor in Lane C making decisions that will benefit them most directly.

“I Already on pace to eclipse in 2021. halfIfofyou’re his business 15) COACHING 9-1-1 with enthusiasm and professional integrity, get in ke to connect with my clients on acomes personal from level, repeat and clients and referrals.

His reviews tell the the transaction story of why isso many keep coming today! withclients Adrian Gonsalez don’t just leave them out to dry when back. of Onea consultant happy client summed up her experience ver,” Adrian says. “I see myself as more with gushing praise: han a salesperson, and I really enjoy guiding and help310-734-1440 310-734-1440 ng people.”Phone Through his hands-on| Fax approach, “Brian was Adrian amazing isfrom the beginning. We had mag@topagentmagazine.com |towww.topagentmagazine.com a unique He understood, worked with us ble to provide immense comfort and valuesituation. his clithrough all the details, went overwithout and beyond what of was No portion of this issue mayprocess be reproduced any mannerFor whatsoever prior consent the publisher. Top Agent nts throughout the transaction andinbeyond. ‘required.’

When other realtors said we had to wait, Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensureorthe accuracy of published hese reasonsmaterials, and others, Adrian gets 70% of his busiTop Agent Magazine cannot held responsible for opinions or facts supplied by its authors. theybecouldn’t help right away...expressed Brian came through.

Contact Brian at 541 ess from repeat and or referral clients.

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

Super professional, kind, thoughtful, and would recPublished in the U.S.

ommend him every time!!”

n order to stay in touch with clients after the transaction s closed, Adrian employs a variety of methods aimed 2 o develop meaningful, lasting relationships within his ommunity. He sends holiday cards and makes regu-

email brian.simmons@

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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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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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HEATHER RANDALL

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Heather Randall is a passionate real estate agent dedicated to providing her clients with an elite level of service and care. Helping buyers and sellers throughout Oregon, Heather prioritizes communication and responsiveness and uses her knowledge to effortlessly guide clients through all the challenges of a real estate transaction.

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In the real estate business, very few things are as crucial to growth as the relationships an agent forges with their clients. Heather has worked hard to grow and nurture those lasting bonds and has built a business that’s fully based on repeat and referral clients.

“Great communication and understanding the needs of your clients are the two most Top Agent Magazine

“Great communication and understanding the needs of your clients are the two most important factors for me. I want them to come out of the transaction having a good experience,” Heather says. important factors for me. I want them to come out of the transaction having a good experience,” she says. A big part of Heather’s top-notch customer service is based on good communication throughout the transaction and after. “I’m very knowledgeable about people in different trades, Top Agent Magazine

so if my clients need to speak to someone, they know they can call me and ask for help. I can refer them to a lot of people, and it makes it easier for them to have me as a resource. For example, if they need something fixed or repaired, I can quickly get a reliable contractor over to them.”

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“In terms of my marketing technique, I focus on really showcasing my listings online via websites and social media. I’ve found that to be the most useful strategy for our local market.”

Heather’s savvy marketing technique for her listings includes paying close attention to what buyers are looking for in a home.

“I enjoy connecting with people and getting to hear their life stories, and carefully listening to what they’re truly interested in finding when it comes to their home. It feels very rewarding to help them get through that process and exceed their expectations,” she says, and adds, “In terms of my marketing Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

technique, I focus on really showcasing my listings online via websites and social media.

I’ve found that to be the most useful strategy for our local market.”

In order to maintain her relationships, Heather keeps in touch with past clients through texts and phone calls. “I just try to stay top of mind. I do a lot of community events, I try and help with different sporting events and Top Agent Magazine

local festivals. That’s been a little harder for the past two years due to COVID, but I still keep up with my past clients and check in to see how they’re doing,” she explains.

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When she’s not busy at work, Heather likes to stay active. “I love to ride snowmobiles, boat, and hike. Hikes with waterfalls are my favorite.” She also enjoys traveling, spending Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

quality time with her husband and kids, and watching them play sports.

In the future, Heather plans to continue expanding her team on a national level. “Clients remain

my priority on a local level, but I would love to expand and share knowledge with agents on a national level. I am also excited to learn more about real estate investing and some other potential real estate opportunities.”

To learn more about Heather Randall please email h.randallrealty@gmail.com, visit heatherrandall.exprealty.com, or call (971) 678–8330 www.

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Coaching 9-1-1

By Walter Sanford

Having a coach can provide the right answers when you need it. Below is an exchange with one of our coaching clients and it provided a little “911” for his current situation: Coaching Client: I went on what I thought was a great listing presentation yesterday. However, the couple would not sign at our meeting. They said they needed to talk. I then felt like something was up.

Walter: On the phone while making the appointment, one of the questions needs to be – “If everything meets with your approval, are you wanting to start the marketing plan tomorrow night when I meet with you?”

Coaching Client: The guy just left me a voicemail saying they loved everything I had to offer; however, they were listing with some schmo that doesn’t do any FRICKIN’ business.

Walter: Always make it your goal to get the signature! Fake that you are Top Agent Magazine

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leaving then do the “Columbo” and say, “So, I can email all answers at the office – what are you thinking about so I can do more research for you?”

Coaching Client: They said they had a personal connection that really suggested that they use this guy. I know them as well and I can hear the conversation: the (name) Team are doing just fine and (name) really needs the business. How in the heck do I fight that?

Walter: Let’s not try to fight until you are sure that’s what happened. Call them back. “(Wife’s name) and I are always trying to improve our services.

Could you help me by letting me know what I could have done differently to earn your business? Was there anything I could have improved on for you?”

Coaching Client: This other guy doesn’t even know how to spell marketing much less apply it! I am as mad as I have been since getting into real estate.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Walter: If that was the REAL reason, you needed to find it out while you were there then counter it by letting them know that more than anything else…an agent makes the difference on the amount a seller nets at the closing. Experience makes a difference in – • A large buyer database • More trust from buyers • More money to spend on marketing • The ability to convert leads into showings by uncovering needs of buyers and demonstrating how your property fulfills them having experience in negotiating • Understanding in how to write contracts to prevent post-closing seller litigation • Having a team who monitors every aspect of the closing successfully • Overcoming objections and challenges in the most cost-effective manner Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years.

One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved. us online at www.waltersanford.com.

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ADRIAN GONSALEZ After reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad in 2016, Adrian Gonsalez became fascinated with the idea of generating passive income, and quickly learned the importance of acquiring long-term assets. He was working with a vegetation crew at Lane County Public Works at the time, but started taking real estate classes and dabbling in selling homes.

He quickly got busier than he had anticipated, and a year later, he took the leap of faith into full-time Realtorship, and never looked back. Now, Adrian serves all of Lane County, Oregon, providing high quality personalized to a variety of clients throughout the area, and has found a great deal of success and self-fulfillment in his career.

When it comes to interacting with his clients, Adrian places a high emphasis on communication. He leverages his outgoing personality and positive attitude to make his clients feel comfortable and confident from the first moment their transaction opens, and he sticks by them every step of the way in order to guide them towards making decisions that will benefit them most directly. “I like to connect with my clients on a personal level, and I don’t just leave them out to dry when the transaction is over,” Adrian says. “I see myself as more of a consultant than a salesperson, and I really enjoy guiding and helping people.” Through his hands-on approach, Adrian is able to provide immense comfort and value to his clients throughout the transaction process and beyond. For these reasons and others, Adrian gets 70% of his business from repeat and referral clients.

In order to stay in touch with clients after the transaction is closed, Adrian employs a variety of methods aimed to develop meaningful, lasting relationships within his community. He sends holiday cards and makes regular phone calls to past clients, and sends promotional material and market and home value updates to clients to keep them informed of the contemporary real estate landscape. The relationships Adrian builds are what drives him to keep working hard at his career, and he Top Agent Magazine

makes sure to give clients the aid and support they deserve.

In terms of marketing his listings, Adrian uses online avenues like social media and the MLS to ensure each property reaches a wide audience. He uses professional photography and staging to bring out the true potential of each home, and networks with other local agents to generate buyers within his locale. Adrian closed 37 transactions last year, and is on track to surpass that number by a significant margin by the end of 2021.

In his free time, Adrian loves spending time with his three kids; they enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, and biking together. He is a frequent supporter of local businesses, and regularly volunteers his time for the Springfield Board of Realtors. Adrian loves the variety and flexibility offered by a career in real estate, and he hopes to continue offering exceptional service to his current clientele while leveraging his fluency in Spanish to bring in more Spanish-speaking clients. If you’re looking for a Realtor in Lane County with enthusiasm and professional integrity, get in touch with Adrian Gonsalez today!

Contact Adrian at (541) 606-0739 or adriangonsalez@kw.com 17 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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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BRIAN SIMMONS With three years in the real estate industry under his belt, Brian Simmons has never sold a single house. Not one. “I don’t sell houses,” he explains. “I show people homes until they find one they want to buy, and then I help them buy it. Nor do I care whether that happens in a week or a year.

That low pressure approach has earned me a lot of trust from my clients.”

It’s the sort of patience that comes from doing work you love, and Brian chose his career very deliberately. After years of developing an IT business with a partner, he was ready for a new challenge, wanting something that would allow him to grow as much as he wanted. “It was important for me to be able to answer for myself the question of why I was doing this work instead of that. I sold my share in the IT business two weeks before my son was born, so I was also thinking about the example I wanted to set for him. Was life and work just going to be about achieving comfort, or would it be about taking a risk and doing something special?”

He took the harder road and never looked back.

Representing homebuyers and sellers in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, his efforts have already been met with great success. Last year he closed 36 transactions for a sales volume of $13 million, numbers he’s on pace to eclipse in 2021. Already half of his business comes from repeat clients and referrals. His reviews tell the story of why so many clients keep coming back. One happy client summed up her experience with gushing praise: “Brian was amazing from the beginning. We had a unique situation. He understood, worked with us through all the details, went over and beyond what was ‘required.’ When other realtors said we had to wait, or they couldn’t help right away... Brian came through.

Super professional, kind, thoughtful, and would recommend him every time!!”

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His strong business background gives Brian’s clients an added advantage, as he uses his experience in negotiating to get them the best possible deal. “It’s one of the few points where I’m aggressive,” he laughs. He markets his listings aggressively as well, utilizing a combination of social media and print advertising to draw maximum exposure to his clients’ homes.

Between the websites, videography, and flyers, his listings are commonly viewed by between 5-10 thousand people.

When he’s not working, Brian focuses on being a good husband and father, spending most of his time with his wife and their two children—a one-year old daughter and four-year old son. He’s also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and camping.

Brian’s goal going forward is to maintain the course he’s set for himself and to continue to find ways to improve the high standard of service for which he’s already come to be known. He draws inspiration from knowing that process will be never-ending. “This work has been exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s ultimate accountability. There’s no one holding you up, and nobody holding you back. The sky is the limit!”

Contact Brian at 541-954-7758 or email brian.simmons@exprealty.com 21 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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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