What is the key to getting people to take Action?

Question

I can't even count the number of people who have approached me claiming they want to be real estate investors, but then never take Action. I'm interested in hearing if you have found anything that helps people move from the talking about investing stage to the actual investing stage. I look forward to your input.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

There is no good way.  I ran a coaching program for about a year and a half and most people are just flat-out lazy.  If you are working with people it is a numbers game.  Give them small assignments and if they don't do them cross their name off the list.  Those that are left can get bigger assignments until you are left with a few worth dealing with.

Jeffrey K. · Answer

If people dont want to get off their butt and work you will not be able to make them.  I presonally dont care if someone becomes a real estate investor or not.  Most dont have what it takes.  Some try and dont know what they are doing and give investors in general a bad name.

If you are a realtor you can show them properties and try to get them to buy.

If you are a guru you can offer a 1 night only deal on your program at the local REI club.

Shawn Parsh · Answer

I appreciate the feedback. I am more than willing to help others who have the desire and motivation to help themselves, but my time is valuable so I don't like to waste it.  As I type this I'm waiting for my four child to come out....my wife is 4 days over due.  As I'm sure those of you with kids understand my time is limited.  On the flip side I am so greatfull for those that helped me get to where I am today. I get to spend a lot of time with my family because of my real estate investments. I just want to make sure I return the favor.  Thanks again.

Rachel H. · Answer

Personally, I think a lot of it has to do with passion. Those who succeed really have the passion and desire to really want to change their situation. Without passion, it's really hard to move forward. Just my thoughts. Hope that helps!

Account Closed · Answer

well said eric....you can lead a horse to water but you can't make her drink..i can't tell you how many of my buddies see what i do, and think i have the life...trust me, i don't..lol...but they see me working for myself and they talk t ome about how they want me to help get them into it..i do wahtever i can, almost to the point of looking like an idiot someimtes...i set them up with my banker and everything, and they don't do crap!  the secret is, that people think working for yourself is a dream where you make your own hours and live the life...the truth however, is i'm a workaholic who probably ends up working more than the 80 hour work week, and i've lost tons of friends bc i'm so business oriented...it's not as easy as people think, and they quickly lose interest and their attention goes to the next shiny toy they can buy

Shawn Parsh · Answer

Hello all Thanks for the comments. I'm sorry I haven't responded to your posts the last couple days, but I have good reason.  My son Aiden finally decided it was time to come out...my wife delivered him on the 20th and we just got home a few hours ago. Now that I got mom and baby in bed I thought I would catch up on a little business. I will make this short tonight as I haven't slept much yet.  
  Bryan I know exactly what you mean when you say people think investing in real estate is easy.  Too many people listen to the hype and think they will be able to do nothing and make millions.  Kind of like the latest diet pill will melt pounds off your butt.  Eat whatever you want, don't work out, and take this magic pill and you will lose weight.  Most people want an easy solution to their problem. That's one of the reasons diet pills are a multibillion dollar business.  
   It is no different in the real estate business.  There are far too many people who just tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. I would rather be straight with people from the beginning instead of blowing smoke up their rear by telling them it is easy to get rich in real estate. I advise people who are looking for a quick and easy way to wealth to buy lottery tickets not real estate.  As we all know real estate takes work, but for those willing to do what it takes it is well worth the effort.  My real estate business is what allowed me to stay at the hospital the last couple days with my new son.  It is also what will allow me to help mom and baby out the next several days why they recover.  A successful real estate business can give you several things, but for me the most important thing it gives you is Freedom.  I donâ€™t need a lot of things or a lot of money.  What I really enjoy is the freedom to spend my time with my family and friends.  That is what made the difficult journey worth it to me.   
Eric, your point on financial security is well taken.  Look how many people are now out of work or under employed.  I bet many of them thought their jobs were secure until a few months ago.  The sad part is most will learn nothing be this economy.  They will overlook numerous great investments on their way to their next job interview.  I canâ€™t count the number of people who have told me they want a guaranteed check and thatâ€™s why they donâ€™t invest in real estate.  I wonder how they feel about those guaranteed checks now.

Eric Ray · Answer

From my experience, the people that talk about investing but never do are the ones that don't want to give up financial security (emptying out their bank account) or realize that investing might be more difficult than they thought once they begin to research (if they even take it as far as researching).  If you can help them get over fear and financials, you might be able to convince them to get started.

Account Closed · Answer

Need is a strong motivator.  Fortunately it is not the only motivator.  Motivation generally has to come from within, it can probably be forced at times, but from what I have seen this type of motivation rarely lasts.

I became more active in real estate when I quit my day job and started working for myself.  Understanding some of the risk/reward concepts you learn in making business decisions helped me in making better real estate buying decisions.

Shawn Parsh · Answer

Several good points made.  First I have to say that you don't need your own money to invest in real estate so regardless of the ecomony you can still get started. Second, I agree that each person has to determine what they want to do with their life. What I plan on doing is presenting seminars to people who have an interest in real estate. I will do my best to answer their questions and to eliminate fear. I will tell my story, my challenges, and how I got through them. I will do this without blowing smoke and without trying to take advantage of their desire to have a better life.  I believe there is more than enough to go around and hope I can help others find a life of freedom as I have.  Please keep up the comments, I learn more from all of you everyday. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Stephen McKee · Answer

One of my favorite quotes about this came from my creative writing professor. "Why do we need to motivate people? If we did that there would be no one to clean bathrooms and pick up trash. If you guys don't want to do the reading I still get paid" He was making the point that it is entirely up to you to do it your self. I've probably been asked 30+ times to be a mentor. The first thing I tell them to do is pick their favorite neighborhood and learn it so well they can tell me the value of every home as we drive through it. Not one person has done it yet.

What is the key to getting people to take Action?

Most Popular Reply