Don’t go it alone! Things I was reminded of at a meeting…

Don’t go it alone!  We all know this right?

It takes a team and/or group of supporters to be successful, yes?  I come across so many professionals that for all intents and purposes are going it alone.  I don’t undersatnd why.  Or maybe I do.  The ol’ ‘if it’s you got to get something done, you have to do it yourself’ thinking maybe?  Maybe it’s pride?  Maybe it’s a lack of trust?

Whatever the reason, this is a people business and I am reminded of that every single day.  We need to give and receive support from each other as much as we can as often as we can, in particular with as much negativity and distrust as there is in the field.  How do we go about this?

We know the answers but are you doing it?  Like blocking off time in your schedule and really doing it?

Some things I was reminded of again last night’s meeting that challenged me to take it to the next level:

1) Networking:  We have heard the saying ‘Your Net Worth is Your Network’.  It is quite true and it is amazing what can happen when you hang around other successful people.  Motivation is lifted, aspirations can become reality, excitement creeps in.  It’s like that unspoken kick in the you know where that we all need from time to time.  And it’s fun!

2) Masterminds:  This is a special group that you hear about from time to time in particular fields and can have tremendous value.  Hanging around with other focused successful people for a blocked off period of time.  Bouncing ideas off each other.  Learning what works and what doesn’t work.  As opposed to a seminar or education class, this is usually a small intimate group setting where you really dig in to what’s going on and why things are as they are.  You have to be ready as some things may come out that hurt to hear but you need to hear them.  However, tremendous growth and accountability can come out of these as well.  Focus from the distractions of this world gets reimprinted at the forefront of your mind.  The benefits can be endless.

3) Referrals:  When you know someone that does good work, by all means refer them.  And by all means, if you took care of someone through a transaction, do not be afraid to ask for a referral.  Referrals are some of the best ways to grow your business out there.  People do business with who they LIKE and TRUST.  I have met several professionals with tons of credentials.  However the synergy was not there and as such, it did not work out.  Be likeable and trustworthy with the utmost of integrity and you’ll find things just start coming your way over time.  It is a blessing to be in this position.  Leverage it with the utmost of care and respect.

4) Sales skills:  Whether we like it or not, and if you are anything like me, you probably didn’t like it at some point, most if not all Real Estate professionals are Sales people.  Sales training is something I believe is even more important than Real Estate training.  I cannot tell you how many knowledgable Real Estate professionals I have met who were not good at Sales.  Consequently, this lack of good Sales skills can directly impact the quantity and quality of your work.  It can mean the difference between staying busy getting deals done and looking for work…a scene that I see too often in this field with agents.  You are always Selling yourself before your product or service so go ahead and carve out some time regularly to get better at Sales.  You and your business will be all the better for it.

There are of course other points but these simple reminders reminded me I can step up my game further.  Yes we are doing business but how can we improve and serve our clients better?

Never stop asking that question and you’ll always be growing.  Don’t go it alone!