Learn For 2 Podcast

I was sitting here working in my office this morning and Wayne Purser calls. He says, "start recording this conversation". I said, "Uh... ok". When we were rolling  he started in on an interview I was not prepared for. A Tip of the hat to you Wayne.

We go in to depth with Brad Bannister to discuss his 50K race accomplishment and what it takes, both mentally and physically to be able to perform at that level. Fighting through injuries, fatigue, and sometimes limted training sessions Brad still overcame these obstacles to put him in positon to accomplish this 2 year-long goal. Grab yourself a pint and join us as we discuss Brad's journey.

What Can We Learn From From Sports What can an unconventional double play in last night's Braves/Dodgers game can teach us about life and business? I will be honest, I am not as much of a baseball fan as I used to be, the Mariners have kind of ruined for me. If it weren't for living in Las Vegas and having the chance to bet on it, I'm not sure I'd still be watching. But last's game was incredible and one play stood out to me that, in my opinion, is the epitome of teamwork, and the importance of aligning with the right individuals that make up your team. A team that is ALL-IN when pursuing a collective goal. A team that relies on the individual strengths of each other. This one play was made up of 4 distinct criteria that I believe to be critical to function as one, instead of just a collection of individuals operating on their own terms and agendas. These criteria are as follows and happened in this order on that play: The Plan The Execution The Communication The Trust So let's break it down... The Play - There were runners on second and third after the ball was hit, the runner on third got caught in a rundown (pickle). The Plan - Just we were taught in Little League the catcher started chasing the runner back to 3rd base getting it to the 3rd basemen just in time to get the runner to start running in the opposite direction. The Execution - With the ball in the 3rd basemen's glove he was able to dive forward toward home plate and tag the runner out. (Out #1) The Communication - As the 3rd baseman (Turner) hits the ground, he instantly pops up, spins around to fire a dart to the shortstop (Seager) who was standing on 3rd base that happened to be at Turner's 6 O'clock. Basically directly behind him, away from where he was diving. Turner could not see behind him. In all likelihood, Seager was yelling something like "3! 3! 3!" directing him where to throw it. The Trust - Turner popped up, spun around, and fired the ball to 3rd base without hesitation where Seager applied the tag. (Out #2) It started off with the PLAN they have in place for this type of situation, then they EXECUTED it perfectly by getting the first out. this was followed by the COMMUNICATION, with Seager being the eyes for Turner as he's diving away from him, facing the opposite way. The cherry on top was the TRUST by Turner that Seager was where he said he'd be, and also the trust of Seager that Turner could make that throw in the moment without it ending up in left field. This single play has now gotten me back into enjoying baseball and how important it is when I'm building my real estate organization. I don't want just ANY players. I want the one the ones that are ALL-IN when it comes to the vision of the PLAN, are ready to EXECUTE and COMMUNICATE, and most importantly the ones that are willing to build the foundation on TRUST. Many times we want to criticize athletes and be upset about the amount of money they make to play "just a game". But, if we look close enough, we can find some incredible lessons being taught that can be applied to many facets of our lives. The excitement I felt from this play had me thinking... What Can We Learn From From Sports?

Sitting down with Michael, owner of Maidpro Henderson, we get the opportunity to understand how he went from an employee to an owner and what the transition was like. Sharing why DONE is better than PERFECT when first getting started in opening your own business. He also shares how his background in hospitality has been a driver in his success and has created a competitive edge. We go into leadership and his WHY as he continues to grow his business, take care of his employees, and continue to give top-level service. How he and his company has adapted to the COVID World Contact Michael or Maidpro Henderson at: (702) 534-6701 Henderson.nv@maidpro.com https://www.maidpro.com/henderson-nv/

"I Couldn’t Get Caught Up In Everything That I Wasn't” This is what Tanner Swanson, Catching Coach of the New York Yankees told me about  his success. Realizing that there were some “boxes" he knew he would never be able to check, regardless of how much effort he put into them. Understanding this, he decided to focus on his strengths and become the best version of himself at every level. This attitude led him directly to a seat at “The Show”, where he walks the clubhouse and smells the fresh cut grass on game day getting to watch some of the best athletes in the game. He realizes he’s not only living his dreams but the dreams of others, and that is definitely not lost on him. Not only has he earned his seat with the big boys he’s making quite a name for himself by challenging the traditions of Major League Baseball. A sport that takes great pride in it’s stats and history, making the traditionalists not very eager to accept or even listen to ideas of change. But when Tanner identified a flaw in the way catchers have been playing the game for decades, he couldn’t be ignored. With the style and strategies being implemented by Tanner, the game, as far as catchers are concerned, has changed. Last year there was only one catcher in the MLB that was using this new strategy, and that catcher reached out to Tanner directly to help fix his game. Fast forward to today and almost half of the catchers in the league have adopted this style. Although Tanner lacked experience on the field as a Major League player that was actually a benefit for him. He didn’t carry any preconceptions or biases that could have come along with that experience. This gave him a clean slate and the ability to look at the position with an open mind and ask himself, “maybe this could work”. By not leaning on, “this is how we’ve always done it” and challenging tradition he has been able change the way the catcher position is being played at the highest level, and who knows, maybe the way it will be played forever. What struck me most about this conversation with Tanner about him following his dreams, his quest for being the best at whatever it is he was doing at the time, and battling decades old traditions, was the humility, passion and pride that he possesses. You can see it in his smile when he tells you that he coaches for the New York Yankees.

Once again, just by putting myself and my story out there, someone has shared an interest in what I'm doing. 2 days ago I had someone reach out to me on Linkedin to take a look at a service they were offering. It turns out it has some similarities to what I was doing with my new podcast. While this was technically a sales call, it didn't feel like it. It felt like a collaboration. And by the end of the call, we were brainstorming how we could benefit each other. I could have easily said, "no thanks, I don't have time". But because I didn't, now a possibility that a new opportunity to present itself is possible. If you are looking to grow, sometimes you need to just take the call.

Sometimes I end up over-committing to things. I have been doing it all of my life. I say yes to so many things that it causes me to be all over the place and my focus suffers. To help with that, I started a 21 day Time Management challenge... and I missed the first day. How is that for irony. I also hired a coach to help me with these struggles. Now is the time to get better at my weaknesses.

This may sound ridiculous but sometimes plans are overrated. Like when you spend all day planning and never get anything done, what's the point. Today I sat down with an Investor builder that has heard the podcast and we are now going to be working together. I never sat down and said, "I'm going to start this podcast to gain a relationship with an investor/builder". I just showed up everyday and an opportunity presented itself. The only plan I had in place was to show up and do a podcast 5 days a week. And the opportunity presented itself in this form. 

Is it worth it?  I often see people take unnecessary risks and I'm not sure why it is that they do it. When I was a server at a restaurant at the Four Seasons hotel, we always had to write down the order. We weren't taking a chance that we'd forget something in someone's order just to say that we were able to memorize. Especially when you have a very simple tool in order to ensure that you got it right. That exact thing happened to me today, someone took my order but wasn't writing it down. I even thought to myself, "she isn't writing this down, is she going to forget something?". Turns out, yep, she forgot something. The main ingredient that I went there for.

Happy Anniversary! 1 year ago today I launched the Learn For 2 podcast with 3 pillars and 1 goal in mind. To document my journey to build an international real estate team. To learn with the intent to teach to others To find my voice for those who need it The 1 goal was to do it 5 days a week. 365 days later I have increased my team from a size of 45 to 180, I have taught people how to create their own podcast, and I have shared vulnerable stories that others needed to hear. And by focusing on just 5 episodes a week, I sit here at episode #263 reflecting on what I’ve learned over the last year. I’ve learned how important micro commitments are. I first heard this just over a year ago from Jon Cheplak. By adopting this ideology I only focused on the next episode, instead of the entire 263. I’ve learned that when you make something “non-negotiable” you find a way to do it. I have recorded episodes in my home office, the skate park, my car at my daughter’s soccer practice, and even on the beach in Mexico to make sure that I got it done. I’ve learned that I am still building a legacy and I am still a connector. I've learned it is ok to tell people that everything is NOT perfect and it is ok to let my guard down. I’ve learned that someone “out there” is waiting for you to be vulnerable and share something personal that they may be going through, so they don’t feel alone. I’ve interviewed one of my best friend’s Nick McLean, and learned that even if we think our conversation will only be 25 minutes we will record for an hour and a half. I've learned that depression is even deeper and darker than I thought from Scott Mendell. I’ve learned from Clifford Duvernois that impacting 1 million people is an attainable goal, and I believe 100% that he will accomplish it. I’ve learned that Eric Verdi is on a mission to pull a superhero skill out of each and every person he meets and shine their signal bright into the night sky for those who need it. I’ve learned a ton of things this last year and I have grown both personally and professionally from this experience, but what I’ve learned most is that it is ok to be wrong. It is ok to BE wrong but it is not ok to STAY wrong. I’ve learned that I can change my ideologies and beliefs based on new information. I’ve learned that I don’t need to “double-down” on what I once believed just to be right. I’d rather get it right. I’ve learned that this podcast will be a journal for my kids, grandkids, and really anyone who may need it for years to come. Is it perfect? Not even close, but it’s me and I’ve shared it with you, I’ve shared it with thousands. One year later I’ve realized this… I will continue to grow. I will continue to change. I will continue to be wrong. I will continue to evolve. I will continue to become. Because when I stop continuing doing all of these things, I will not continue at all.

Ever notice when you see or learn something new it starts popping up all over? That happened to me today. While I read The Heart Of The Soul and learn how to understand myself more, I get reintroduced to the DISC profile. Both of which help you understand others better. But more importantly, they help you understand yourself better. How you can learn more effectively, what situations you thrive in, and how you communicate with others. It can be a little nerve-wracking but in the end, can be a major improvement on your life.

It is easy to say that we have the ability to control how we feel about the things that happen to us. But it is another thing to actually be able to respond by putting that idea into action. I have been reading the book The Heart Of The Soul recently and it talks about gaining control of your emotions. It says to quit being a victim of your experiences and start being the creator of your experiences. Yes... easier said than done. But this is a skill that I would love to master.

I spoke with an agent today about how we run our businesses. It was a great conversation, mainly because we do it differently. But the most important thing is that we are doing what works well for "us". She does things that I don't and I do things that she doesn't. It was an eye-opener to remind me that just because someone does something and is good at it, doesn't mean that it works for everyone. Find what works for you and ask yourself this... Do I like doing it? Is it getting a good return? Can I stay consistent doing it? If the answer is yes to all of these, keep crushing it.

Today while recording videos for a course, I realized something. Just because something is bigger, doesn't make it better. We all have access to all of the information we could ever want. But most of us, like myself, want that information packaged in a way that it can be useful. I know there are courses that take days, weeks, and even months to complete. No doubt there is a ton of information in them, but if you never end up completing it or implementing what is in them... then what is the point. That is why I decided to create a results-based course. One that can be easily digested, and even more easily implemented.

Today I received the first edit back from my book. I read a couple of the comments and I was immediately defensive. 'What do you mean that doesn't make sense?" The reality is, I chose someone not close to me to edit my book so they could give me accurate feedback. Not someone that wanted to tell me how great it was so they didn't hurt my feelings. Initially, I couldn't handle the truth but after I realized it was for my own good... I understood I needed constructive criticism.

Quick update about the client who broke up with me. As well as why we have the need to have explanations to unexplainable things. When we don't know WHY something happens, we tend to build a narrative that will explain why it did. Sometimes there is a perfect explanation for it but we can't wait to hear it before we start making up our own theories as to what happened. And a successful trip to Salt Lake City.

Today was great! I got a new agent to fill out an application to join the team and they are very excited to get rolling. But yesterday was different. I had a client, the day after showing the houses for the first time text me that they had found a new agent. I had a couple of ways I could respond. Get mad and try to talk them back into working with me, keep moving forward and focus on my growth, or pack up shop and quit. You probably already know what I did.

Our #1 excuse is always, "I don't have time". Can you spare 10 minutes a day for the next year? If you can, that will give you 3,650 minutes, which equals  60 hours you can focus on what it is you want to accomplish. Just that little amount of time can be a huge improvement on yourself.

When I first got into real estate I was so excited about the opportunity to collaborate with others that thought like me. Unfortunately, that wasn't really the case. Not until about 2 years ago did I get the real opportunity to collaborate. Now I'm in the process of building something special that we will be able to provide to others to help them succeed.  Finally, I get to collaborate.

Today I was scheduled to do a training class, and although I prepared for it, things just didn't go as planned. After a 15 minute late start due to technical difficulties, I was playing "catch up" and fell way behind. Causing me to scramble to put the pieces back together. I had 3 options: 1) Quit right there. 2) Make a ton of excuses 3) Absorb the hits and battle through, completing the class. Although I wanted to quit, I didn't. I did, however, make excuses unfortunately. But ultimately, I stuck it out and finished the class. Maybe not the best class ever, but I finished, and as we know... Done is better than perfect.

Every action we take has a significant effect on our future selves. If I did this differently. If I did that differently. Think of some of the most "meaningless" decisions of your life and think of how impacted your life today could. It's a trip.

Today as we celebrate our freedom here in the U.S. I think about the reason most of us got into the real estate industry. Most of us got into the industry to have freedom. Freedom in our careers. Freedom in our personal lives. Freedom to do what we want to do, when we want to do it. Freedom to work on and in our business how we see fit. Freedom to make as much money as we want. But as we have worked so hard for this freedom, how many of us have actually found it. Are you still bound to work with whatever clients you get because you can’t afford NOT to work with them? Are you stuck at your brokerage because they provide you leads and you haven’t learned how to generate your own? Are you stuck at your brokerage because you think you are getting 100% of your commissions? Is your growth limited geographical by the chains of an OLD and OUTDATED model? Think back to when you entered the real estate industry… Was freedom a part of your business plan? Is it still? If so, how close are you to achieving it? If not, how come?

As you might know, I have completed writing my book and it has been sent off to a new editor. Last night when I received the contract for their services my name was misspelled not once, but twice. I corrected the error and sent it back. I had edited the editor. This morning the editor was so embarrassed but OWNED the mistake while providing solutions to prevent it from happening again. After owning up to it and offering solutions, I was even more willing to use their services.

In Napoleon Hill's Think And Grow Rich, he states... "General knowledge, no matter how great in quantity or variety it may be, is of but little use in the accumulation of money" I was reminded of this over the past couple of days. My computer went in to be fixed and the cost will be $430, even though the actual part being changed is only $130. But because the man with the service repair company possesses a specialized knowledge in a certain field, being an "authorized" servicer, he has the ability to charge what he wants. I have 4 choices... 1) Not have it fixed and just deal with it. 2) Buy a new computer. 3) Try to fix it myself and run the risk of ruining it. 4) Pay him to do the task for me and limit the risk of killing the computer. I chose to suck it up and pay the man for his knowledge and skill set. He spent the time to learn and acquire the skillset necessary to charge a certain price. 

Recently I have had major issues with my internet and computers. I'm not really sure how I have even been able to function with them until this point. Now that I know what is available, I can't believe what I was actually able to accomplish with such a low level of tools to be used. It reminds me of the NCAA tournament when young "no-name" teams end up beating some of the perennial big-name colleges, mainly because they don't know that they aren't supposed to be losing to these other teams. Sometimes when you don't know your limits you can be greater than others believe you to be. 

Today I spoke with a friend of mine and asked him about the boat he just got. He wasn't very excited about it and told me that he didn't really want to get one. His response was... "Time" He told me that it was going to take up a too munch mental real estate worrying about it. He was excited that he'd be spending all of that time focused on worrying about a boat.

What I learned about myself today is that I don't operate in a single way. On one hand, I want to know where we are going before I start following directions. I don't like just being told, "turn left", "turn right", I want to know the destination. On the other hand, I love to start gathering tools I'll need just based on an idea. Today I bought 6 domain names based solely on an idea that I have. I don't know the end destination. The main point is this... I am not "this" or "that", and I learn in that same way. Sometimes I learn better through words or video, other times I need to hear it. Ultimately, it is ok to not be pigeonholed into one or the other. You don't have to be one or the other. Just be you.

A couple of weeks ago there were some very insensitive comments made by CrossFit Founder and Owner, Greg Glassman. Being a CrossFit affiliate, James Stella was caught off guard and immediately was upset. And rightfully so. He then reached out to me so that he could get his message out. This was not something that the CrossFit community found acceptable. James wanted others to know where he and other members of the CrossFit community stood, and that value that they place on inclusivity. This conversation is raw and came on the heels of the controversial statements.  Since then, there have been changes in the CrossFit world, including Glassman stepping down, and now putting the brand up for sale and possibly having already sold it.

It has been solved! After 2 weeks of trying to get a video from my phone to the computer, I have successfully figured it out. It was a very simple fix, that not only myself but others also overlooked. The good news is... I figured it out. The bad news is... I feel like an idiot. The best news is... I learned something valuable.

I met with an agent friend today and we discussed business. I believe she has an incredible talent and is somewhat undervalued for her unique skillset. When we spoke about her broker, I realized that she is in an environment of scarcity. He is worried about people stealing her ideas. He is burning calories and spending valuable energy focusing on NOT sharing ideas and the growth of others, instead of focusing on collaboration, and making others better. This is very disappointing, especially coming from a person that should be most interested in the success of his agents.

As I sat and enjoyed a nice Father's Day, I thought about how I really wasn't ready to be a father when I became one. It reminded me of all of the things I've missed out on because I was waiting to be "ready". Some of the best things I have in my life today came to me when I wasn't ready. New job? New career change? Taking on more responsibility? You will grow even when you are not ready, and really... It could be your greatest growth ever.

2nd verse, same as the first. Here I highlight the recurring struggles of getting a video from iPhone to my Mac. Here is a hint... Still unsuccessful. I apologize for my venting but the microphone is the only one that will listen to me whine.

That's it! I've had enough! I had to call it quits early today, technology gave me the beatdown. Computer freezing, not being able to upload/download video interviews... It's been a disaster. I have been watching video after video, taking hours to things that should be taking minutes. So I'm done, I'm out, hasta la vista, Au revoir... That is just for the night. I must reset and get back after it tomorrow.

A while ago I decided that I didn't need to read MORE books, I needed to read books MORE. What I mean by that is that I would shuffle from book to book, just to say that I read them. But what I really needed to do was get more out of the books I already have. This is a paragraph from the book I am reading for the 3rd time while reinforcing the message with an audiobook. This paragraph comes from "Building An Empire" by Brian Carruthers. I knew many people who have time and no money, and they are unhappy. I knew many people who have money and no time, and they are unhappy. I knew few who have both time and money together, which creates true freedom. That was what I was after. In real estate, I felt like I would never be able to let up off the gas pedal to enjoy life without my income slowing down too. In the real estate business as a broker, I would be the only one getting to benefit from leverage when the agents made sales. I felt bad that the agents were all on perpetual treadmills, with one broker getting the chance to earn from other people's efforts. So if I recruited an agent to come work for us selling houses, I was simply helping them onto the treadmill. That didn't sit well with me, especially now that I knew of a better way.

I attended a class today, something that is not out of the ordinary for me as I try to get into as many classes as I can. But what I found out today kind of surprised me. A self-assessed test told me that I had a Teachability Index score of 42 out of 100. That is terrible! For someone who is always trying to be a student, I realized I wasn't a great one. The good news is that there is always room to improve.

As an entrepreneur, the #1 thing I do, is solve problems. That is what I've been doing for the last 3 days. It is like de ja vu, solving problem after problem to get desired results. Sometimes you don't solve the problem on the first try, or even at all. But continuing to work toward solving that problem will no doubt get you closer to your goals.

Today I got some news that a real estate deal that I have going on is in jeopardy of not closing, due to a low appraisal. That seemed to be very significant and was weighing on my mind. That is... until I received a message from my neighbor asking if I could talk outside real quick.  As we started talking, she told me about an older man that was just outside that was apparently filming the kids on his phone. Now my attention was changed. A lost deal was completely out of my mind. I was no longer an agent with a deal going south, I was now a protector. A father that needed answers.

Today I was on a chat with both Godaddy and Namecheap.  Both companies in which I have hosted domains. Most everyone has heard of Godaddy, while I am sure not as many have heard of Namecheap. This could be a David vs Goliath type situation. Godaddy has no doubt been everywhere including NASCAR and The Superbowl. It is a household name among anyone wanting to name their website. How could anyone ever compete with them? I will tell you how, by solving problems and treating people respectively. This was a stark difference for me just a few hours ago. Maybe Godaddy is "Top Dog" in their industry but they can be beaten. Just as in your industry, whatever it is. There are the ones that happen to close more deals, land more clients, and have a bigger budget. But you can compete as well. Start solving problems and treating people respectively and watch your business grow.

With a successful finance career in Israel, Eyal decided he'd like to move to the states. Once here he and his partner started buying homes and flipping them. When they first started, they were contracting the work out to other construction companies. After realizing that they weren't satisfied with the quality of work that was being performed, they decided it was only appropriate for them to be in charge of the rehabs as well. So they decided to create a construction company that would handle all of the repairs. After 5 years and over 1,000 projects completed, some that were partial remodels, others that were new additions, and even some that had been burnt to the ground, they noticed a need from the public. They would then form a company that could service individual clients in the residential arena, making their services available for all homeowners to take advantage of. Their belief in quality work and their extensive experience is what sets them apart. If You'd Like To Connect With Them, You Can Here: https://www.betterplaceconstruction.com/ 702-815-9681

Multitasking is overrated and inefficient... At least for me. I have been lacking in productivity, mainly due to a lack of focus. I'm not sure about you, but trying to multitask has left me further from my goals than I'd care to admit. It is time to get laser focused.

Today I talk about the time my dad wouldn't let me take my swimsuit to my cousin's house and how I made my son take his with us yesterday, even though we weren't necessarily swimming. I just wanted him to be able to go swimming if the opportunity should present itself. It reminded me of why this podcast is for more than just me. It is a platform for those who need to share their voice?

Today I spoke with a home inspector about his findings on a listing I just sold. I asked him how he did a couple things and he was instantly on the defensive. Keep in mind I wasn't questioning his quality of work, I was just looking for more information so that I could come to a more clear conclusion and do so quickly. I will give him the benefit of the doubt because I did introduce myself as the "Other" agent on a house that he just inspected. No one ever makes that call to say, "hey, how'ya doin", so I can understand why he wouldn't be so eager to talk. But the point remains that the intent of the phone call was to get more information, not to call him out on his findings. He said that his "tools" picked up a leak, but logistics and lack of water seemed to contradict those findings. As of this time, there is no leak that we can find, the plumber will be going out to check, so I will keep you updated.

“This is why we created this brewery, to see families like yours enjoying themselves” This is what Mark, a patron, with his family and dog heard while sitting on the patio. Griff, one of the owners said this to him, explaining WHY he and Nate built Mojave Brewing Company this way. After they had both ended their successful teaching careers, Nate and Griff decided it was time to pursue their passion. So they had a vision of what the perfect brewery would be. One that could have families, dogs, and people spending the last hour of their workday enjoying a pint as a community… As one, as a whole. With their idea, vision, and determination, Mojave Brewing Company was born. The amount of thought and care that has gone into making this destination a place where ALL can come together is amazing. From the decor, the layout, the widened bar tops for those looking for a place to set their computer, to the attention to detail within the recipes of their beer, you can tell they have poured their heart and soul into this project. I was lucky enough to experience this from an up close perspective. Beer and Cider may be WHAT they do, but Community is WHY they do it. Watch this interview and get a chance to know Nate and Griff like I did. Then go to Mojave Brewing Company grab a pint. You won’t be disappointed.

As my videographer and I were putting in some final edits, we both got dizzy, looked at each other and said... "Was that an earthquake?" Short answer. Sure was. It brought me back to a time when I had experienced my first earthquake and had no idea what to do. After we moved on from that slight delay we got back at creating value for an awesome local business. The video is done and will be out soon.

What Were You Going To Do Today? This is what my friend asked me today as we sat on his couch. He asked me half-jokingly because he knew I wasn't getting anything done today. He had called me a few hours earlier asking me to come to pick him up. On that phone call he said... "Can you come to my house, I might need a ride to the hospital too. I have blood on my forehead". I told him I'd be on my way and hung up the phone. As I approached his house, I saw the damage. His car stopped in the middle of the street, spun around, airbag deployed, and broken car pieces everywhere. He was on his way to get a cup of coffee and someone pulled out right in front of him. So, he called me to come help him and I spent the day with him. That is why he asked, "What Were You Going To Do Today?

In Simon Sinek's book, "Start WIth Why" he explains that people don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it. He also says, "without WHY, any attempt at authenticity will almost always be inauthentic". This explains that the WHAT is just the vehicle in which we deliver our WHY. For real estate agents the WHAT is selling homes. The WHY might be to help families realize their dream of homeownership. For someone going to the gym, the WHAT is the exercise. The WHY could be that their father died at 50 of a heart attack and they want to remain healthy. Or in this case, when I interviewed Nate and Griff of Mojave Brewing Company, Their WHAT was brewing beer. Their WHY was creating a community feel where families and customers finishing their day could come in and enjoy the atmosphere while having a pint or 2.

I know we always want to keep it positive and say, "keep moving forward". Well, sometimes just moving is good enough. Didn't get to everything on your "to-do" list? If you got to some of it you can still consider yourself productive. As long as you showed up and kept moving, you are still being productive. This week was kind of blah for me. I didn't get as much done as I wanted, but I got enough done to keep the momentum. When you stop completely is when you have to worry. So whether it is forward, backward, left, or right... Just keep moving.

I'm not your hero... Nor should I try to be. Yet, we are constantly trying to be the hero for others, when the reality is, they are the hero. We just need to be their guide. My overall goal is to connect people with the things that I think will make them successful, regardless of what it is they are trying to do. If they are looking for a good beer, I tell them about a brewery I like. If they want to join a gym, I tell them about one that I like. It is that simple. I am a connector... I am a guide.

One of the most common questions I get during my podcast class is this: Should I order a mic to start my podcast? My answer is always this… Will not having a mic prevent you from starting your podcast? If your answer is “yes”, then my answer is “no”. Just get it started. To prove that point, I went onto OfferUp and looked for a USB microphone. There happened to be one for sale for $5, and it happened to say, “Disney” on it. Perfect! So I recorded this episode of my podcast on a Disney mic that I bought for $5. Don’t overcomplicate things… Just get started.

Sometimes, I'm Just Overwhelmed. Anf Yo know what? That is perfectly fine. Even though I have ton of great things going on right now, it feels like I'm trying to put together a beautiful puzzle, but I can't find any corner or edge pieces. Although I feel overwhelmed, I know that I am working toward something special, and that continues to drive me

Sometimes we hold on to things too long. When we have invested time, money, or both, we feel an obligation to see it out. But what if it would be more beneficial to us to move along? That is the type of hard decisions that have to be made in order to continue to succeed.

What have I been missing while I’ve been going 100 MPH? Have I missed important connections with my kids, is my life going too fast to recognize what I already have.

It is so tiring to want to be compensated for every single action you take. Try to give without expectation and you will be surprised at what might happen.

Before you start looking for a way to generate more leads, because I know you are wanting to. It might be a better idea to clean up your existing leads and feed them what they need. Do you think your current leads aren't any good because no one is responding to you? The better question... What are you sending them and how often? Is your database even opening your emails or messages? If you can't get them to open your message, how will you ever be able to articulate your value? This is where Broker and Founder/Owner of EngageMore CRM comes in. She has taken her 15+ years of real estate and CRM management experience and put it into a nice little package, just for you. Making creating compelling content and managing your contacts a breeze. In this episode, listen to Patti explain how EngageMore CRM can help you turn those OLD leads into GOLD leads. After all, we all know that the fortune is in the follow-up. Learn more about EngageMore here: https://www.engagemorecrm.com/

Many times we have certain intentions, but sometimes the way they are received is much different. I had a conversation today that I received as negative, and I'm not sure it is. It was just how I received it. In addition to how are comments perceived, we can also make snap judgments based on the information we have about someone. This can be based on something as simple as a title they hold. Just by knowing this, our conversation can be derailed and never get deep into conversation with an opportunity to learn.

I lost a listing today and it reminded me of a sports bet I made years ago. After seeing Alex Rodriguez, A-Rod out until at least 4:30 am, in a city different than the one he was playing in later that day I decided to make a bet. He played as well as I predicted but the outcome wasn't as I'd hoped.

I'm not talking real estate. I'm not talking life lessons. Just a story about my trip to Chicago when I was growing up. A night in the best hotel I've ever stayed in, and a night in the worst hotel I've ever stayed in. A day where I stood in an almost empty Wrigley field. This is a story of when a family friend took my on a journey through Chicago that I'll never forget. 

As I have been interviewing business owners recently, I realized they all had 1 thing in common. They were ALL established business owners, so I thought I'd change things up a bit. Chris Banakas launched his print business on February 28th of this year, just before the stay at home lockdown from Covid-19. He shares, not how to save your business during this time, but how to start your business during this time. You can hear his positivity and gratitude shine through in this episode.  It takes this type of mindset to thrive when starting a business in the middle of a pandemic. 

Ego is a funny thing. It's not always what we think it is. Sometimes it comes in the form of bragging about ourselves, other times it comes in the form of the need to BE right, instead of getting it right. In my case right now, it comes in the form of what someone thinks my intentions are. I know we usually want to act tough and say, "I don't care what people think". But that's a lie. Human nature has us care what people think. But I do believe there is a volume of our ego that we can control.

One of the best things about teaching people to do a podcast is when they actually launch their own. But something else that is even more exciting to me, is when they decide they can be themselves. They don't have to be this perfect version for everyone else to see. One of the agents I taught to do a podcast, Julie Baker just launched her podcast called Positive Identity yesterday. Although that made me very proud, there was something else that made me feel incredibly good. After listening to one of my episodes, she said, "You gave me permission to be my authentic self". That is an incredible feeling for me, and selfishly, it's part of what drives me to continue to teach these classes.

Taking control of your finances and investing doesn't mean having to invest 10's of thousands of dollars. You can start today, with a monetary amount that you are comfortable working with. Paul tells us about how he can get you to start paying yourself first, and get set up for long term gains. Whether you are wanting to get a college fund going for your kids, build a retirement income, or be able to buy a boat and sail the world. Paul can get with you and layout a success plan in order to accomplish your goals. Reach out to Paul at:  909-418-4716 paul.backofen@westpacwealth.com

"Agility" Just over 2 years ago I watched Glenn Sanford share his vision from the stage at the Shareholder Summit, here in Las Vegas. When he finished, I patiently waited for him to emerge from backstage because I needed to pick his brain. I had to ask him 2 questions: 1. How many books a year do you read? 2. What book are you reading right now? The book he told me that he was reading was, “Agility”. Or formally titled “Agility: How to Navigate the Unknown and Seize Opportunity in a World of Disruption" As we approach the upcoming Shareholder Summit, it couldn’t be more fitting that this was the book he was reading when I asked. You see, this event was supposed to take place in Orlando, but for obvious reasons it won’t be, we had to adjust. But it wasn’t canceled either. With his ability to “navigate the unknown”, Glen has positioned our company to seize opportunity in a world of disruption. And even better, he has invited any agent of any brokerage to attend this event at no cost. Most agents will read this and think they already “Know” what eXp Realty is about, and will never take the time to research it correctly because their ego will get in the way, and that is fine, they can continue to do what they are doing. But if you are one of those agents that is constantly looking to improve and recognize that this man was studying about what to do in times like these over 2 years ago, so that his agents and company would be prepared to handle it the best possible way. Then I encourage you to attend this free event that is open to ALL agents. If you want to attend, and be educated, PM me and I will get you your pass. If you decide to go or not, just remember we are in this together and I will be rooting for your success. Good luck to ALL!

Owning and running a sports bar his pretty much the envy of every man. But sometimes it isn't all that it is cracked up to be. Like for instance, right now, when you can't be open to serve your regulars and hear their stories. Sometimes, you have to adjust and shift your business model, do things you hadn't planned on doing. Like curbside pick... which I did today by the way. ...and yes, I got the Philly. John and Chris talk about these changes and what the things they are working on, to make it the safest as possible for everyone. I for one, cannot wait until they open again.

I thought it would be easier than this... I was wrong. When I set out to interview local business owners. the idea was simple. Get people to know who they are, through their own words. Then get that message out for the community to hear. I capped the number of interviews to start with at 10 because I was a little hesitant about the logistics of getting an interview out for everyone that wanted one. After the first interview, I was already a day behind on what I was trying to do. Now it is time to adjust and streamline the process. I had a plan, then got punched in the face.

We talk about how Covid-19 is affecting his business, the changes he as made, and the changes that will be made for future success. James talks about ideas that can be implemented to benefit both the business and the members of the gym. We also discuss the importance of staying healthy during this time, and how exercise can contribute to your mental health. To learn more about Kaizen Crossfit or to donate to the GoFundMe page that supports their coaches and costs associated with keeping their doors open, see the links below: Kaizen Crossfit Phone: 702-982-3333  Website: kaizencrossfit.com Email: Info@kaizencrossfit.com Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kaizen-covid19-fundraiser

This post was in a Facebook Group I belong to this morning: "Whats your (nice) response to realtors when they try to recruit you?r (nice) response to realtors when they try to recruit you?” I was blown away by the majority of the responses that came in the comments. The post couldn’t have been more timely. I shared this story with you last week about the "3 main components of opportunity”. The reason that I was so blown away, is because many of the comments were dismissing the message before it could even be presented. Remember last week, when I said that the first step in receiving opportunity was for it to present itself. Dismissing it before you even hear it just blocks the first step of opportunity. For some reason, in this industry, we all want to believe we know it ALL. Our ego has a way of getting in the way of our true potential. I don’t know about you but, if your opportunity is better than where I’m at, I want to know about it. I don’t ever want my ego to get in the way of my growth. I’ve done that before and it has cost me greatly. Right now, in this very moment in time, we have an incredible opportunity to really look at, and research what others are doing. How are they being successful? What marketing are they doing? What models are they using? What Tools, Strategies, and Technology are they leveraging? I guarantee you that there is someone doing something that you are not, and they are having great success. Are you willing to restrict your growth and sacrifice your success because you aren’t willing to hear a different or new idea? Just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean they are the most efficient or even relevant. As Rick Warren said about the rapid growth in his new church, in his book “The Purpose-Driven Church” “We’ve been able to experiment with far more Ideas than the average church - mostly due to the fact that we didn’t have decades of tradition to deal with” So, next time an opportunity is trying to present itself, will you dismiss it at the expense of your growth… Or… Will you be open enough to see if it can support your growth, moving it to the 2nd stage of opportunity? Recognizing it.

Happy Friday everyone. In this episode I wax nostalgic about the first time I really felt like an entrepreneur. It his kind of fitting that it happened to be around sports betting, since I live in Las Vegas.