May Success Starts Here

5 Ways to Stay Focused And Be Profitable When you work as an independent contractor, staying on task can be a challenge. Yet, it is important because you must be selfmotivated. Do you struggle staying focused? These five tips will help you avoid distractions and knock out that lengthy to-do list.

1. Downsize your to-do list.

Does your to-do list have 30 items on it? That can be very demoralizing and hard to manage.

Instead, make a wish list of things you’d like to get done. Then select three to four tasks that are the highest priority or will have the most influence on your success.

Make these priorities today’s to-do list. When you’ve got them done, go back and revisit your wish list.

2. Eliminate one expense.

Stress is the ultimate productivity killer, and worrying about money is stressful. If you take some time today to look at your expenses, you can probably find one subscription (or other on-going expense) that you’re not benefiting from — cancel it. Little expenses can add up quickly.

3. Optimize your lunch.

You have to make a lot of decisions during the day: what’s for lunch may be an easy one to remove to help you cut down on decision fatigue. As an added bonus, brown-bagging it in the long run will be healthier and also help you eliminate an extra expense.

4. Carve out time to think.

We spend a lot of time reacting to problems in our lives. It’s important to take time each day to think about where you want to go and what steps you’re taking to get there. Think of your career as a boat, are you drifting or sailing?

5. Remove one willpower drain.

Maintaining discipline is hard work.

Try to make it easier for yourself by removing temptation. As a simple example: Do you keep a candy dish on your desk or in the front lobby for clients — but resist the urge to grab a piece every time you walk by? This is draining your willpower.

So, remove the candy dish. No one will miss it, and this will let you use your self-discipline on more important challenges.

Marketing Development Representative Meridith.Monroe @personalmarketingco.com 800.458.8254

Marketing Director email@email.com 913.492.0377 800.458.8245

tpmco.com/ABCrealestate

How to Take a Headshot That Highlights You as a Brand

Wardrobe — As the saying goes, clothes make the man (or woman), and there is some truth to this. What you’re wearing will affect people’s impressions of you and the job you perform … for better or worse. For example, if you value spontaneity, you might want to look for a patterned or textured fabric with bright colors. This could be everything from a bright-colored tie, a fun scarf or a unique piece of jewelry that really

makes an impact. If you’re going for a more tailored look, opt for a business suit with minimal accessories. It may even be worth your time to research color theory and pay attention to what emotions different colors evoke, such as yellow for happiness, red for power and blue for tranquility.

Poses — Even though we’re focusing primarily on the head, posture is very important. Take some time to think about the response you want to create in those who view your photo. Are you looking to be the knowledgeable professional, who is an expert in the industry? If so, then strike a power pose and have the photo taken with a slightly upward angle, as this can make you look authoritative.

Do you want to appear easy-going and spontaneous?

Smiling while looking over the shoulder can accomplish this.

Want to look relaxed and friendly? A slightly angled pose

your brand “ Marketing is making you look professional. and a warm smile can enhance this look.

Background — Spend some time thinking about where your photo needs to be taken. This is often another overlooked opportunity to let your personality shine through the photo. Look for an environment that strengthens the message of your brand. For a more professional look, use an office as your background. Or, for a more casual appearance, pose in a living room or even outside to take

“

As a REALTOR®, you are your brand.

And a big part of marketing your brand is making you look professional. One of the best ways to do this is with a highquality headshot.

But, how do you get a headshot that is professional, highlights your personality, and proves that you’re experienced in the real estate industry?

You’ll be off to a good start if you keep these three things in mind — wardrobe, pose and background.

advantage of great natural lighting. It’s also suggested that you have a second pose taken in front of a white background when needed on social media and in print production.

Before deciding on your pose and background, consider the values you want your brand to project.

Just as everyone who owns an oven isn’t a chef, not everyone with a camera is a photographer.

Investing the time and money in hiring a skilled professional is highly recommended.

How to Take a Headshot 5 Tips To Get the Best Photo

How to Improve Your Listening Skills

1. Go for personality over glamour.

Just be sure your photo looks natural.

Your headshot should look like you do on your best day, and not make you look fake.

2. Eyes are the windows to the soul.

Be sure your photographer understands this. Your eyes should be the focal point, and the lighting should make the eyes pop.

3. Clothing and props.

Dress for success. If in doubt, wear a solid color shirt that matches your eye color. Keep it simple and avoid distracting props (especially pets).

4. Avoid dim light and shadows.

Make sure there are no shadows on your face. You want to look friendly and approachable, not dark and mysterious.

5. Natural light vs studio light.

Natural light will give you a more realistic appearance, while studio light is more polished and professional. Both are acceptable, just make sure the background is slightly blurred so that you are the focus of the photo.

If you want to get ahead in this world, you’ve got to know how to listen.

But more goes into it than you might think.

Here are four things you can do to improve your listening skills.

to make someone feel heard, you’re better off not having the conversation than insulting them by having half a conversation,” says leadership coach Kristi Hedges.

Pay attention to posture. Send positive non-verbal cues to show you’re listening.

Pamela Cooper of the International Listening Association suggests remembering SOLER: Squarely face the speaker Open up, uncross your arms Lean toward the speaker Eye contact Relax

Don’t interrupt. Allow the person to complete their thoughts, even if you know what they’re going to say or you know just how they feel. Letting them fully express their feelings or opinions builds trust. If there is a pause, don’t rush to speak; they may just be formulating their thoughts, and they’ll appreciate your patience.

Eliminate distractions.

Give the person talking your full attention.

Silence your phone.

If you have to check an incoming call or text, don’t try to surreptitiously multitask.

Make a brief apology and then ask the speaker to give you a moment. “If you want

Show empathy. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You don’t have to agree with them, but imagine how they feel. “By showing that we get the other person, and allowing them room to explain themselves, we validate them,” Hedges says.

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2. Get moving. If you find yourself starting to drag, get up and take a lap around the office. It’s amazing what simply moving can do for you. If you’re stuck at your desk or in a meeting, try a mint.

1. Eat breakfast. It truly is the most important meal of the day.

Start with something well balanced that gives you lots of protein and vitamins. For example, try a half cup of Greek yogurt with a layer of granola and drizzled honey. Are you a night owl, who struggles with mornings? Make your breakfast at night and store it in an easy-to-grab container.

The life of any full-time working adult — and especially a REALTOR® — can be exhausting and sometimes that 3 p.m. wall just hits you. Try these five suggestions to increase your energy and “keep on keepin’ on” through the entire day.

5. Develop a routine. We’re creatures of habit and a morning routine can help you get a jump start on the day in order to stay productive.

4. Take a power nap. As kids, we always fought our parents when it was time for a nap. But as adults, grabbing a quick nap can really help take the edge off your stressful afternoon.

3. Listen to talk radio or a podcast. Listening to an hour of talk radio in the morning is a great way for the brain to wake up. It also helps you stay up-to-date on current events. If radio doesn’t do it for you, try listening to a podcast or even an audio book on your way to the office or to meet clients.

5 Easy Energy Boosts to Get You through the Day

Marketing Director email@email.com 913.492.0377 800.458.8245

Julian Dillard

Meridith.Monroe @personalmarketingco.com 800.458.8254

Marketing Development Representative

Meridith Monroe