I'd rather do almost anything than balance my checkbook. When that happens I call it "creative avoidance." That's when I'd rather write a blog post or create an email than balance my checkbook and pays bills. (I'm doing that very thing at this moment.)

I recently asked in a poll what your most avoided task is and overwhelmingly it was making phone calls.

Why is that?

When it comes to making phone calls many of you have said "I just don't know what to say"

What to say - is the least of your worries. You've got plenty to say, right? You know the answer to the questions if only those pesky prospects would just ask the right questions, right?!

You're thinking to yourself, If they would just ask about a listing, I could answer their questions. Or, If they would simply ask me how to get prequalified I would tell them.

But, think about it. they are just as scared to ask you a question as you are to ask them a question.

Well, someone needs to ask the damn questions! Don't they?

More than...

When should you jump ship for greener pastures and when should you put your head down and stay the course?

Araminta Self Asks:
I am switching over to Keller Williams because I am tired of my broker taking 60% of my commission from me. However, am I making the right decision? I want to soon get my broker's license and KW offers so many classes.
Is change smart or should I stay the course and take my broker required classes

Watch the video and let me know what you think: (I'll add your comments into this blog post)

  "Julie, just finished watching your live. And let me tell you, you said the words I needed to hear, at the right moment. I moved back to FL two months ago and my life just crumbled. I’m starting over at age 45 , with no direction, no education, no money, no job … just having the hardest time of my life as we speak. Thank you, because I took your words on a personal level and let me tell you a light bulb just turned on for me. I’m glad I joined...

Answering The Question: Why Should I Obtain My Broker License?

The Real Estate Broker license is the highest level of licensing available. 

But, the best part about having your broker's license is that you can open up your very own brokerage! Of course there are plenty of challenges, but it's worth it to know that you are in control of your future.

As a real estate broker, you'd be your own boss. You can run your business how you want, without having to split your commissions with someone else or get involved in office politics.

With your Broker's license you've got even more options. Not only could you start your own brokerage business, you could work for an established broker, or work as a consultant for a brokerage firm.

There are many reasons to obtain this level of education and training. Most importantly, with a real estate broker license you can have 100% commission agents working for you or collect a traditional split from independent agents. This is an...

As a marketing professional, I always like to find new and creative ways to thank my clients for their business. My favorite way is by planning an event that brings my agency and my clients together. In the past, I’ve done everything from Christmas parties to Spa dates. It’s so important to me that I get to know each and every one of my customers on a personal level. These types of events not only give me that opportunity but also pay off handsomely in the the long run by creating life-long relationships with my customers. After all, when you establish yourself as the personable face of your company years down the road, your client will more than likely remember you fondly from your relationship-building initiative as opposed to remembering some random email blast or advertisement you sent out back when things were just starting out between the two of you.

1. Rent a theater for a private screening for A plus clients and families

2. Summer BBQ, Luau, July 4th...

Finally, Get Clear on WHO You Are Selling To!

It’s a huge mistake.

And yet, we see it happen all the time.

You’re creating a Facebook ad for your new listing.

You have a great listing, you did some awesome staging... but then you ran into the obstacle of who are you selling to?

If you don't know who you are selling to, your marketing will fall flat on it's face. 

 Why Developing Customer Avatar Is Important?

Avatars help you keep track of how you frame and target your marketing and communications:

• For targeting: Avatars help you identify the people who will benefit most from your services, and who are most apt to buy a home from you.
• For selling: Avatars help you identify the goals and problems of each of these “best buyers” so you can figure out where and how to frame your services. They allow you to produce relevant and attractive content that meets their needs and lifestyle.
• For creating focus: Avatars allow you to focus on a core...

Do you feel like you have fallen off the "horse" recently? Well, you're not alone. 

I know I have.

I know, because I can clearly see my "horse" and I know I'm not riding it. Does that make sense?  

You're probably thinking, "what the hell is she talking about? What is her horse?"

Think about this with me for a minute. When you ride your horse you get somewhere, right? In other words, when you consistently do all the small important things you do every day in your business to move it forward, you're getting somewhere. You're riding your horse.

The truth is, It isn't the BIG seldom things you do in your business that gets you somewhere. It's ALL the small daily tasks you've established that really move your business forward isn't it? 

When those small, important, daily tasks fall to the side and don't get done - over time - you'll start to see a difference in your momentum. Things like working out regularly and taking care of your health,  personal notes or...

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends this week today I want to encourage you to declare Sunday as your self care day.

I encourage you to take an extra hour with your coffee cup that morning. Or your cup of tea!

I encourage you to catch up with that podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to

I encourage you to pick up that book you started reading a week ago.

I encourage you to grab your ear phones and go for a nice long walk by yourself.

I encourage you to find a quiet place with your planner.

I encourage you to take a nice long hot shower.

I encourage you to complete your skincare routine. 

I encourage you to take a nap. 

I encourage you to take part of the day just for yourself.  

Once upon a time, there were three little realtors who had just got their licence and it came time for them to leave home to build their businesses. 

Before they left, their mother told them “Whatever you do, do it best that you can. That's the way to protect yourself from the big, bad Economy wolf.”

The first little realtor built his business out of straw and joined a team because it was the easiest thing to do. 

The second little realtor built his business out of sticks and started recruiting other agents to pick up sticks as well. This was a little stronger than the straw house. 

The third little realtor decided to put a little more effort into his business. He took a building course to learn how to build a business out of bricks, mortar, and a solid concrete foundation that provided him with plenty of sustainable business and referrals. 

After their first year in business, the big bad Economy wolf came along and...

When I suggest you rise above the noise by being known for your results.

I'm not talking about your "awards". 

I hope I didn't just pop your bubble. 

Face it.

It's not hard to toot your own horn. Especially when an online platform gives you an award to market yourself with. 

Let me guess, somebody told you that would build creditably for yourself. 

Here's the thing about  marketing your awards vs marketing your results:  

One of the most important things in sales is being known for your results. This means when prospects are ready to pull the trigger, they know they are in good hands.

But HOW do we convey RESULTS without focusing on ourselves? 

I have an exercise for you, if you'll indulge me. 

Take the time to really sit down and write this out. Write in your journal or break out your planner. You'll want to refer back to it every time you write an advertisement, craft a listing presentation or consult with a buyer.  I...