EXIT Achiever Vol 9 Iss2

VOL 9 ISS 2

The EXIT Connection in a New Age of Real Estate

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F E X I T R E A LT Y C O R P. I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Photo by Brook Cagle on Unsplash

OUR FORMULA. YOUR ASPIRATIONS. Start dreaming in EXIT 3D —pg. 17

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Must-Ask Questions WITH EXIT FOUNDER & PUBLISHER, STEVE MORRIS Ask yourself, when was the last time you picked up the phone or had an actual conversation with someone? Moreover, how many of you are effectively asking for a desired result before you talk? People need to keep conversation going, connecting in a positive way, especially now. We’ve been estranged from one another for so long, and we’ve lost the art of comfortable conversation.

As a manager or owner your voice should be hoarse because your job is talking.

If you’re mute in the room, you have nothing to say, and you have to talk before you sell. Real estate is a conversation business. The important concept now is not getting so busy trying to sell that you’re not checking in on people.

Remember, all intentions flow through words. Conversation is a two-way street.

It’s not a monologue, it’s a dialogue. You’re not closing or interrogating, you’re casually concerned, and genuinely interested. While competitors continue to take advantage of the fact that people will produce, EXIT has been reinforcing and coaching through our robust stimulus package that you’ll read more about in this issue, sharing everything from training in the latest technology to staying mentally grounded and rooted in positivity. I’m proud of how everyone in our EXIT nation is rising to the occasion. We’re paying attention to our people, as we always have.

Be there and stay connected, so when they go looking for you, you’re there. Reinforce yourself now. If there was ever a time to be using affirmations and the Prompter!™ app this is it.

Only focus on what you want and desire, because imagine if you actually got everything you ever wanted? Think about the good so much that nothing else can get through, and remember, if you don’t ask for anything you don’t get anything, so always ask for more than average.

“Now is the time to be asking yourself, ‘what should I be doing to get the most and best out of myself, my team, and my clients?’"

PUBLISHER Steve Morris EXIT Founder & Chairman

GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION Corporate Graphics Dept. achiever@exitrealty.com

2345 Argentia Rd. Ste. 200, Mississauga, ON L5N 8K4 T: 1.888.668.3948 xt. 4058

l exitrealty.com/achiever

The EXIT Achiever is the exclusive corporate publication of EXIT Realty Corp. International. Not intended to solicit agents or franchisees already under contract with other franchisors.

Each EXIT office is independently owned and operated. Any use of the contents of this publication without the express written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

Despite the care taken in reviewing editorial content we cannot guarantee all written information is complete and accurate. Subsequently we assume no responsibility for any errors and/or omissions. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited material. The opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher.

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FUNDED BY CULTURE

BY TAMI BONNELL EXIT REALTY CEO

I strongly believe that a leader must be responsible for their people first. Even as a leader of a publicly traded company, your job is to fight for your people.

Instead we’ve witnessed them cut, duck and cover, laying off with no apparent consideration for contribution to the company. Shareholders with no connection to the lives they’re impacting drew a line in the sand and said, these expenses need to be cut.

By contrast, I couldn’t be more proud of EXIT Realty and who we are as a privately-held company. I also believe that a true leader is someone who builds other leaders and we’ve seen every single person at corporate headquarters, regardless of their job title, become a leader. This thing called EXIT is bigger than all of us. We want to be part of it, contribute to it and protect it. It’s aweinspiring.

“More than a decade ago during the recession and now during the pandemic, the catalyst behind every action was the answer to the question, “Who are we as a company?”

We created a $50 million stimulus package offered as a special member benefit so our associates could shore up their skills and hit the ground running when guidelines allowed, as we’re now seeing in many areas. Having our trainers participate by volunteering their time and expertise helped to ensure our associates are well-equipped to serve the consumer to the best of their ability.

EXIT Realty is real estate humanized and we always have been. Our Founder and Chairman, Steve Morris, founded and built this company on human potential.

We’re an exclusive by-invitation-only club; a club worthy of membership.

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YOU SHOULD MATTER WHERE YOU WORK

Be a part of something better. Be heard, be honored, and be a contributor. Have the opportunity to earn a living that finances your lifestyle today and your dreams of tomorrow. You matter, so we built our company based on human potential.

EXIT Realty Real Estate HUMANIZED EXIT Realtyis is Real Estate HUMANIZED joinexitrealty.com! joinexitrealty.com

Winds of Change

BY CRAIG WITT, PRESIDENT – UNITED STATES I’ve been boating most of my life and one thing I’ve learned living on the Great Lakes is that conditions can change quite unexpectedly. Even with the best weather forecasting, you must always be ready from a skill and safety standpoint. No matter where you find yourself when conditions change, it always comes down to your attitude and experience level when deciding how best to adapt to the situation in front of you.

The real estate industry has continually evolved for both agents and consumers as it has been doing so since 1855, which according to the earliest records, is when the first brokerage began operation in Chicago. This is because almost everything affects real estate from the economy, conflicts, disease, natural disasters, and countless other hidden factors. Those who understand this and are open to a moving target like our industry, typically have the most success.

I don’t have a crystal ball to predict where we’re heading, but history and trends interest me in positioning myself and those around me to be as prepared as possible. On the sales and service side, I think we’ll see even more mobile business with tech-oriented companies like our Premier Partner, Zillow experiencing a 190% increase in online 3D home tours according to a recent CNBC news broadcast, and Premier Partner, Matterport launching their iPhone app allowing users to capture and share 3D tours without the need to purchase their professional cameras.

There will continue to be office space to conduct business, but we’ll likely see smaller brokerages with virtual learning and remote work access continuing to gain popularity with the changing agent demographic. Zillow and other big tech names like Twitter and Atlassian recently made the announcement to their workforce that they could work from home indefinitely, with giants like Google and Facebook keeping workers remote for at least another year.

This year has created a more educated and knowledgeable client who knows what they want, where they want it, and they expect to get it quickly. Agents will have to understand this and be more service - and value-added professionals to support their commissions. People will continue to pay for great service, just as I can go to a fast food restaurant or choose fine dining with impeccable quality and service.

The one thing real estate will always be is a human experience with emotion and anxiety; the agents best trained to handle these waters will continue to thrive. In any industry, the most competent and best trained individual has the best chance at success. Work ethic, passion, genuine interest, and positioning your customer first seem to be the perfect course toward make a lasting experience. Try not to lose sight of who your customer really is and remember to lead with kindness and empathy.

Photo by Mikael Stenberg on Unsplash

“As I’m always reminded on the water, I can prepare but I’m at the mercy of a power greater than myself and the only thing constant is change”.

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The Value of Contribution

BY JOYCE PARON, PRESIDENT – CANADA Many real estate professionals have been left asking themselves some important business questions these days.

Can a franchise owner focus solely on their success, and be successful? Sure, if they only ever want to be as good as their last deal. But there’s no freedom in that. How do you cultivate an office morale that’s uplifting and supportive? Is it millennials who have sparked a resurgence in an inclusive, team-building attitude? They certainly seem to have at least reaffirmed the value of this notion. EXIT Realty has always embodied this thinking of a dynamic, ever-evolving, fun work environment that promotes connection, builds people up, and provides opportunity, where the result is substantial productivity.

Personal and brokerage business flourishes when offices push aside the idea of obligation and embrace a standard of responsible leadership that transcends the office and builds unity through community. Involvement where everyone in the office, working together on specific projects from cleaning parks to food drives, creates meaningful experiences that multiply the personal satisfaction already built into real estate sales. These shared experiences and the feeling-factor created aren’t left in the park, they radiate throughout the office, into the homes of buyers and sellers as well as back into the salesperson’s home.

EXIT franchisees understand the importance of agents feeling that their personal contribution is valued, both in the community and in the ideas and activities that drive the brokerage success. Teamsmanship is more than just people getting together in a meeting room once a week. When agents see that their contribution makes a difference, that it is measurable or relevant in some way, it changes their attitude and sense of loyalty. Every agent wants to be part of a winning brokerage team, and effective leadership embraces the gifts of individuals and invokes their participation in a manner that speaks best to that person. Strong leaders embrace delegation, and this empowers the growth of the entire team. True leadership also means the willingness to continually be in a state of learning, embracing the challenges as they come with a clear understanding that the overcoming is what drives both personal and brokerage growth.

With leadership like this throughout our EXIT Nation, it’s no surprise when you see the strength of our teams because strength attracts strength. Our culture is rooted in empathy orientation and provides each member the opportunity to build a financial legacy. The camaraderie of agents helping agents is rare in this business, yet it flourishes here at EXIT. Freedom comes from financial leverage and EXIT associates have this opportunity because the EXIT Formula in and of itself promotes lasting agent morale and a vested interest in each other’s success.

Be part of something better.

EXIT REALTY IS REAL ESTATE HUMANIZED.

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IT’S YOUR FUTURE.

OWN IT! Be heard, be valued, and contribute to a company that’s changing lives across North America everyday.

Create the lifestyle of your dreams that will carry you through your future and build a legacy for tomorrow.

Learn more at joinexitrealty.com

Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash

Effective Technology is the Tech That You Use

BY JOHN PACKES, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER EXIT Realty’s formula for effective technology is a simple equation: Efficiency + Reach = Growth, and all products created for EXIT associates must satisfy at least a portion of this formula, provide higher efficiency, broader reach, or both.

I often start presentations with a simple question, “What’s your favorite technology?”

The answers tend to vary greatly, but the reason why I ask this question is to dive into a conversation about what constitutes effective technology. This concept varies greatly because its dependent upon a desired result, need or goal. For example, a scalpel is an effective tool for a surgeon, but not a salesperson; a wrench works well for a mechanic, but a chef would have no use for it. Effective tools are such when used toward the goals of the individual.

The undisputed commonality between every answer I receive to this question is that the person responding regularly and effortlessly uses that technology. A technology’s inherent effectiveness also comes from its use by an individual or group. When using effective technology, one is more efficient in accomplishing tasks, reaching more consumers, and serving those consumers - rinse and repeat.

This cycle, in and of itself, creates natural growth.

The beauty – and effortlessness – of EXIT’s tools is that as long as an associate’s information is current in the company’s proprietary MEMO software, most if not all the tools detailed here are already available for use with virtually zero configuration or setup time.

So, whether you’re a veteran EXIT agent, or just starting your journey with the brand, these are just some of the benefits available to you. Even if you’re new to the real estate industry, I challenge you to undertake the tasks on this list. I expect it will take less time than watching a feature length film.

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 Create a vanity code and send your Mobile Business Card™ (MBC) to five contacts.

Advertise your MBC code everywhere, as part of your email signature, website, print ads, etc.  Download the EXIT Realty Connect app and send out a few Quick Leads to friends and family (to test them out), then start sending to contacts, clients, or potential sponsors. Watch the notifications come in as people interact with your Quick Leads, then follow up with them.  Invite clients to connect via the App so you can share searches, properties and more, directly with them. Remind clients they can invite family and friends as well as share searches and properties together within the app. Ask them to send you a referral directly through EXIT Realty Connect.  Create and send digital presentations using our professionally designed templates through EXIT Realty Connect or Resource Center (RC). In most cases you can create full, beautiful presentations and send them within a few minutes either directly or via Quick Leads in the app.  Dig into the Expert Marketing Suite™ with a listing and look at all the assets automatically created for you. Choose a specific musical theme for a virtual tour, download and print PDF flyers, or share the listing directly to social media.  Click through to the EXIT Ad Center and look at the options for advertising a listing, office, an agent. Within minutes ads are created and deployed to Facebook and Instagram, targeting the correct audience.  Test the new commute time search on exitrealty.com, which allows customers to set an address and search for homes within minutes or miles of that location. Share this feature with a client and add it to future listing presentations.  Try out the demo listing in the Expert Marketing Suite™ to promote the great tools and technology at an EXIT agent’s disposal to potential clients.

Photo by Ugur Akdemir on Unsplash

 Still trying to set up a website? Guess what, EXIT agents already have one!

Click on “Websites” in the RC and within a few clicks have a website online with all information, listings, and customizable widgets. Even add a custom domain name to it.  Check out the robust Media Library on the RC and explore the hundreds of hours of training, coaching and stimulus package videos EXIT offers.

Despite having to endure an extraordinary year, EXIT Realty’s tech team continues to work at a frenzied pace to release more effective technology to continually push agent growth. The goal: to ensure EXIT associates are even better equipped to dominate in local markets and surpass the previous twelve months by a significant margin. But it all begins by USING the tools – so get going!

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Are All Your Systems Go?

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Photo by tom coe on Unsplash

The various reasons for owning a business abound and differ for everyone. When it comes to franchising however, what remains clear is business owners want a proven track to run on for their investment and that’s exactly what EXIT Realty provides.

Behind the company’s renowned, culture-centric Formula lie steadfast systems that solidify an office’s longevity. Top ownership across North America immerse themselves in the EXIT system because, “it just works.” At the heart of these processes are EXIT’s unparalleled Franchise Support Department under the watchful eye of Manager, Derek Stephenson, and a unique, peer-led team of Engagement Leaders spearheaded by VP of Technology Engagement, Annette Anthony.

Derek and his dedicated team are on the front lines of EXIT member service, fielding inquiries over the phone, online and via live chat, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm ET. Chances are, if you’re an EXIT associate and you’ve had a question about getting oriented, how the EXIT Formula works, what tools can be found on EXIT’s Resource Center, the many options in EXIT’s Expert Marketing Suite™, or using Mobile Business Cards™, you’ve worked with Franchise Support.

Diving even deeper at the brokerage level, they host customized Zoom calls providing a concierge experience, and sometimes even one-on-one sessions, to amplify ownership and administrative staff’s understanding of and proficiency in the company’s proprietary MEMO software and optional QuickBooks integration.

“Our goal in Franchise Support is to educate brokers and administrators to ensure they’re EXITized on all EXIT’s programs and resources,” Derek explains. “We’re also sensitive to the fact that not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace, and that newer offices need more one-on-one, personal attention with so much going on. We work to create user-friendly trainings

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“It’s critical for office owners to have an understanding of the resources to then be able to articulate them to associates they’re onboarding. Having new associates incorporate our Agent Success Plan into their onboarding process provides a weekly checklist with tools and resources to implement in an eight-week, thoughtful and actionable plan.”

ANNETTE ANTHONY, VP TECHNOLOGY ENGAGEMENT

with backup online modules that are scheduled both once an office is up and running as well as before they even open their doors.”

Annette agrees starting on the right foot, right out of the gate is most beneficial from the moment owners come onboard and attend one of EXIT’s exclusive Broker/Owner Training events or e-Boss courses.

“It’s critical for the owners of offices to have an understanding of the resources and then be able to articulate them to associates they’re onboarding,” she stresses. “Having new associates incorporate our Agent Success Plan for those new to the business as well as the Agent Success Plan for experienced associates into their onboarding process provides a weekly checklist with tools and resources to implement in an eight-week, thoughtful and actionable plan.”

So, where Franchise Support starts the learning journey at the corporate level, Engagement Leaders keep the pace going within offices, showing fellow associates how to maximize their business with all EXIT has to offer.

“In our newest climate, Engagement Leaders share information in their Facebook groups and during their monthly Zoom office meetings where they feature a tool or resource and encourage all associates to use it to generate and convert leads, providing the rest of the month to master each skill,” Annette explains. “Offices whose leadership keeps the tools top-of-mind are often the most profitable with productive associates.”

Annette and her Engagement Leaders cover the benefits of membership, the tools available on EXIT’s Resource Center, how to use EXIT technology like EXIT Realty’s Connect app, Mobile Business Cards™, Smart Signs™, EXIT’s Ad Center or template websites and a host of other marketing tools available.

And it doesn’t matter your tech experience or confidence level.

Aha! moments are commonplace for Annette, as is the shock associates experience when they realize just how much they have at their fingertips with the EXIT brand.

“May the student in you become the teacher for another.”

We think you’ll be surprised too! Visit joinexitrealty.com to learn more today.

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BUILT ON TRAINING

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER It’s a well-known and trusted belief that continuing education and learning make for a better individual and that’s why at EXIT Realty there’s a strong belief that good agents are born, but great agents are trained.

As an organization built on human potential, training and coaching opportunities have been threaded into the very fiber of EXIT’s operation and have been sewn into their most successful franchises. Among EXIT’s corporately offered courses are training in dealing with different personalities, authenticity and connection in public speaking, personal and positive development, marketing and advertising, becoming a real estate influencer, leadership and innovation coaching, topped off with Buffini & Company’s Peak Producers coaching programs.

Julie Jenkins, Franchisee of EXIT Realty Twin Bridges, Brokerage as well as Mike and Debbie Murdock, Owners of EXIT Realty Pro, all subscribe to the same belief as 67% of real estate offices surveyed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in their 2019 Profile of Real Estate Firm Report, who encourage staff to take additional training classes.

There has never been a more crucial time in real estate to learn and be in the know so you can grow.

“Real estate is a fast-moving business,” Julie reminds. “Rules and regulations are always changing and every deal that you do is different in some way. With ongoing, consistent training, you can stay on top of your game, learn new techniques and different ways of doing things.”

It’s all about doing things differently these days, as real estate undergoes one of the largest shifts it has seen in years, to which EXIT responded with its own stimulus package for offices and agents to turn to.

Over $50 million in total value, this free package was loaded with everything from higher membership level technology perks, a daily activity webinar series, learning sessions from six of EXIT’s MIND-SET trainers, and the introduction of EasyKnock, the latest Premier Partner to join EXIT’s Ancillary Network, providing sale-leaseback programs for buyers to rent-to-own their new homes.

With a trifecta of successful brokerages in the Sarnia, ON area, Julie embraced the package to help her and her agents fortify their business within their communities during times of uncertainty, saying, “Our office took full advantage of what EXIT Realty Corp. generously provided for us. We loved that there were a wide variety of different trainers and we also used it as an opportunity to see their different presentation styles.”

For Mike and Debbie, ensuring their agents have access to the best training is of vital importance and an investment that they say comes back to them again and again.

“We believe that the smartest agent is the best agent and allowing our professionals to gain the confidence needed to be the best and smartest they can be is our goal,” Mike admits proudly of their Canton, TX office operation. “We strongly encourage each of them to take advantage of all the webinars, techinars, Zoom and online training provided by corporate. We’ve achieved a dominant market share in our area and attribute much of that success to the training provided.”

The Murdocks truly built their office on a training foundation, augmenting EXIT’s already robust offerings by hosting other successful EXIT franchisees and local B2B companies to share their knowledge, by providing proprietary training in their paperless business solution, by employing an eight-week success plan for onboarding agents, and by offering several mandatory continuing education (MCE) courses from state real estate board instructors as well as title company attorneys.

If you’re like Julie and the Murdocks, and believe knowledge is power, there has never been a more crucial time to learn and be in the know so you can grow. Grow with the help of any one of EXIT’s exclusive and industry-experienced MIND-SET trainers. Learn more at joinexitrealty.com.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

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TAKE ACTION with EXIT Realty’s Stimulus Package

Unwavering support to fortify your business now and into the future.

That’s how EXIT has done business since its inception, and will continue to do it - by humanizing real estate.

ADVERSITY DOESN’T CREATE CHARACTER, IT AMPLIFIES IT.

Adding to EXIT’s Greatness Lori Muller Vice President United States

Michael Wohl Regional Owner Massachusetts

Melissa Shea Regional Owner CT & RI

Kenny Lynn Stacy Strobl Regional Owner Regional Owner FL, GA, KY & TN

EXIT Realty Corp. International announces a recent addition to their corporate executive and three changes to their North American regional leadership team.

Long-time and successful Broker/Owner of EXIT Elite Realty, Lori Muller has accepted the position of Vice President for EXIT in the United States, working alongside Craig Witt, President - U.S to assist with EXIT’s aggressive growth plans across the country.

Lori brings over 17 years of real estate experience, building and managing her three-office operation, holding such distinguished appointments as past president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® for Wisconsin, serving on the organization’s national executive committee, as well as on the National Association of REALTORS’® Professional Standards Committee for the past three years.

Service industry veteran, Michael Wohl has also come onboard with EXIT Realty as the new Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Massachusetts.

Prior to joining EXIT, Michael was the Chief Operation Officer for Coastal Ridge Real Estate, and previously launched the Sonesta ES Suites extended stay hotel brand which brought him to Boston in 2012. Prior to moving to Boston, he held sales and operations positions with Marriott, and IHG, and co-founded Statability, a cloud-based reporting company supporting the multi-unit service industry.

Relying on his proven skill in brand and local market positioning, Wohl’s aggressive growth plans for the state include expansion into several new markets over the coming years.

The corporation has also recently awarded the subfranchisor rights to the state of Florida to EXIT Southeast Regional Owners, Stacy Strobl and Kenny Lynn.

Florida was the first state to be developed by EXIT and is home to the largest number of offices and agents in the system. Since the retirement of the previous owner last year, Stacy and Kenneth have been shepherding the growth and support of EXIT’s offices and associates there.

The company also welcomes Melissa Shea, the newest addition to their U.S. regional leadership team, as ownership changed hands in the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Melissa specializes in sales and mortgages, plus her education, networking, business strength and real estate experience make her very well suited for the position of Regional Owner of EXIT Realty CT & RI.

Like the air you breathe, abundance in all things is available to you. Your life will be as good as you allow it to be.

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STRONG LEADERSHIP AND

3X THE CULTURE CDN DIVISION Eastern Ontario A.J. Plant 613.706.0633

U.S. DIVISION Alabama/Mississippi Kathy & Troy Dooley 855.811.3948 Arizona Deanna & Keith Weaver 602.628.3060 Arkansas, Oklahoma & Texas Bret Sauer - 972.890.1332

JOYCE PARON, PRESIDENT - CAN DIVISION 1.888.668.3948 Northern Ontario Kristen Trembinski 705.942.6500

South Western Ontario Lynn Findlay 519.312.8644

Greater Toronto Area Marie Kozak 647.404.5691

CRAIG WITT, PRESIDENT - U.S. DIVISION 1.888.668.3948 Delaware, D.C., Maryland Pennsylvania & West Virginia Janett & Jonathan Rundlett 240.450.2061 Florida, Georgia, Kentucky & Tennessee Stacy Strobl & Kenny Lynn 615.364.8122

Massachusetts Mike Wohl - 617.318.7933 Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont Carol Gartland-Bateman & Ted Bateman 855.345.3948 Michigan Leonard Cradit - 616.213.2051

Colorado Margaret & Kevin Hamilton 720.507.3474

Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota North & South Dakota & Wisconsin Bill Pankonin - 612.414.4022

Montana Tina & Max Coleman 406.375.9251

Connecticut & Rhode Island Melissa Shea - 631.343.8700

Louisiana Wayne Hall - 337.463.1000

North & South Carolina Michael Washburn 843.343.3947

New Jersey Jack Da Silva & Shana Meyer 973.466.0003 New Mexico & El Paso, Texas Chris Harrison - 575.496.0141 Joseph Arnone - 575.644.6300 New York Metro Hector Castillo - 631.421.3948 Virginia Bernadette Cole, Koy Banks & Randy Barrows - 800.906.3948 Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii & California Rick DeLuca - 541.312.3076

For regional opportunities visit joinexitrealty.com/own-a-region or contact a regional leader near you for franchising information today!

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“The most expensive real estate in the world is not in Dubai, New York or Singapore, it is in your mind. Don’t allow just anything or anyone to stay there for free.”

free your mind l prompter.ca

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

— Unknown

OUR FORMULA. YOUR ASPIRATIONS. DREAM IN EXIT 3D WITH SR. VP, SUSAN HARRISON AND ASPIRE COACHING Everything starts with a dream. Every invention, achievement, and advancement, whether personal or professional, starts as seedlings of a dream in someone’s mind. We all have dreams, and our dreams are our dreams for a reason.

In business, dreaming is the very thing that propels us forward, yet we chastise people for daydreaming and often reject our own dreams as out of reach or unreasonable given our present circumstances. We trade dreams for the tangible and focus on setting goals instead. The gogetters concentrate on timelines and tactics and this makes sense. Achieving what we want in life comes from developing the right mindset, preparation, opportunity, deliberate intent, good habits, and hard work. But it all starts with a dream.

Many dreams have a financial component. If you dream of having a better relationship with your sister, you probably don’t need money for that, but if you dream of starting a charity, being debtfree, or building a real estate portfolio, you’re going to need a buck or two. That’s where EXIT’s Aspire Coaching comes in.

ASPIRE COACHING CAN HELP CREATE A LIFE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR WHY.

Photo by Kyle Johnson on Unsplash

I believe that EXIT’s purpose – the reason for our company’s being – is to help people find and live their life’s purpose – their why. We just happen to be a real estate company. Our Founder and Chairman, Steve Morris, invented an ingenious business model allowing all associates to have the opportunity to earn an additional income stream for helping to grow the company, now, through life’s twists and turns and into retirement with the added benefit of leaving a legacy for loved ones. This is called “sponsoring” at EXIT. Aspire Coaching helps identify what you truly want in life, and then develop action plans that include sponsoring to achieve it. By first discovering (or rediscovering) your dreams, narrowing down your list to those you want to achieve, focusing on the person you need to become in order to achieve them, and utilizing EXIT’s unique business model to help pay for the ones with a financial component, Aspire Coaching can help create a life that supports your why.

Anyone at EXIT who can sponsor is welcome to participate in Aspire Coaching, which is offered

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DREAMER Never let it be said that to dream is a waste of one’s time, for dreams are our realities in waiting.

In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

as a member benefit. You’re asked to dream big, by writing down the five you want to achieve and focusing on both short term and long term. Aspire Coaching’s time-spaced learning delivered over 13 sessions concentrates on the various elements of your life and business. Aspire Coaches talk about dreams and sponsoring in every session, but some sessions focus more on one than the other.

Susan Harrison Sr. Vice President

EXIT Realty assembled some of its top leadership who are experts in the subjects they teach. I’m the Aspire Coaching host and I proudly present the first session which sets the tone for all others to come, connecting sponsoring to dreams. A 32-year veteran of the real estate industry, I’m privileged to have spent the last 20 with EXIT Realty. I’m also Canada’s first certified Dream Manager™, a coaching program based on Matthew Kelly’s book of the same name.

Erica Nasby MIND-SET Trainer

Erica Nasby is one of EXIT’s revered MIND-SET trainers and a personal life coach who teaches mindfulness. She inspires participants to challenge their fears and overcome their greatest inhibitions, focusing on mastering the mental and emotional tools needed to create an incredible life.

Joyce Paron President - Canada

Samantha Morris VP Digital Marketing

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Joyce Paron, the President of EXIT’s Canadian Division, teaches affirmations and gratitude. Sponsoring isn’t the icing on the cake at EXIT – it IS the cake. Joyce teaches how sponsoring can lead to prosperity and how incorporating daily affirmations and gratitude practices can help you attract it.

In addition to her role as VP of Digital Marketing with EXIT, Samantha Morris was formerly a LES MILLS® certified fitness instructor and the force behind EXIT’s Focus on Good Heath blog. In her health and wellness session, she aims to help the many people with dreams around their physical and emotional health and well-being. Samantha identifies seven categories of wellness and suggestions for success in the beginning or continuation of your wellness journey.

Angel Tucker MIND-SET Trainer

Janice Petteway Dir. Brokerage Dev.

Craig Witt President - U.S.

Laura Roussel VP Regional Services

Stan Bishop MIND-SET Trainer

The DISC personality profiling system is a common language spoken at EXIT. During her Aspire Coaching session, Angel Tucker teaches the aspects of personality types that may help or hinder dream achievement as well as tips to help better relate to those you hope to sponsor. Angel is EXIT’s resident expert Personality Profiler and she is also a Certified Human Behavior Consultant, bestselling and award-winning author, and a veteran top-producing real estate agent.

EXIT’s Director of Brokerage Development, Janice Petteway, teaches how to build wealth through sponsoring; the crux of what Aspire Coaching aims to help participants accomplish. As a Franchisee, Janice grew her office of three agents into a multi-location, award-winning operation. She’s passionate about helping everyone at EXIT tap into this unique business model to build personal wealth. She is the creator of EXIT’s Master Broker Summit as well as the host of monthly think tanks for everyone at EXIT on the topics of business development and building wealth through sponsoring.

Today Craig Witt is known as the President of EXIT’s U.S. division, but he has owned and operated multiple EXIT Realty franchises as well as a region in his tenure with the company that began in 2004. During his Aspire Coaching session, Craig dives into the nitty gritty of what sponsoring is and is not, offering a how-to guide on the sponsoring process for both broker/owners and agents.

Laura Roussel, Certified Public Accountant and Vice President of Regional Services teaches how to develop a personal budget. Studies show that many everyday millionaires share commonalities such as not getting caught up in consumerism, not driving financed vehicles, not carrying debt, and they develop and stick to a personal budget. During her informative and engaging session, Laura explains how tracking spending and creating a budget can lead to financial freedom and peace of mind.

Each Aspire Coaching session builds on the one before, so Stan Bishop, a wellrespected EXIT Realty MIND-SET Trainer with an MBA, teaches business planning.

Stan was founder and part of the ownership team of EXIT Real Estate Gallery, which was named the sixth fastest growing company in Jacksonville in 2011, with an average growth of 75% year over year. Today he operates Stan Bishop Consulting helping countless EXIT associates reach and far surpass their goals.

“I truly believe we can have it all, we just can’t have it all at once.

Just as the calendar brings winter, spring, summer, and fall, our lives have seasons too. But your dreams are still your dreams.

Even if they seem so outrageous that people think you’re off your rocker, hold tight to them, for their season will come.”

Volume 9 Issue 2 19

EXIT Realty’s impassioned CEO, Tami Bonnell, teaches how to put the plans formulated during Laura and Stan’s sessions into action while being sure to schedule time for the fulfillment of all dreams, not just the ones concerning work. Her 6-Week Action Plan is time management done right and Tami’s successful utilization of this plan in her personal and professional life for many years is a testament to its power.

Tami Bonnell Chief Executive Officer

Sharron Richardson VP Broker Services

Annette Anthony VP Technology Engagement

Bob McKinnon Dir. of Leadership

EXIT Realty has an arsenal of tools to help you sponsor, and Sharron Richardson, VP of Broker Services, reviews EXIT’s myriad resources. From technology to training, to print and social media collateral, Sharron delivers insight into what to use and where to find it to support the building of relationships with those you hope to introduce to your broker/ owner.

Knowing where to find the tools is one thing but understanding how to effectively use them is another. Annette Anthony, EXIT’s VP of Technology Engagement teaches how to use technology to help start, build, and incubate relationships in order to position participants top-of-mind with those thinking of leaving their current office or entering the real estate business, whether today, next month or next year.

Aspire Coaching wraps up with Bob McKinnon on the subject of mentoring and leadership. EXIT Realty’s renowned Director of Leadership is the creator of Ambassador Training, Sponsoring, The Heart of EXIT, and is the host of both the Real Leadership and Leader’s Path podcasts. While there’s no obligation for mentoring those you introduce into EXIT, Bob teaches and illustrates how it’s in everyone’s best interest to do so.

I truly believe we can have it all, we just can’t have it all at once. Just as the calendar brings winter, spring, summer, and fall, our lives have seasons too. This may be your season for raising children, fighting an illness, or building your book of business, so right now, the majority of your time and attention is focused on that. But your dreams are still your dreams. Even if they don’t fit into this season of your life or you can’t see a way to get there from here. Even if they seem so outrageous that anyone else hearing them will think you’re off your rocker, hold tight to them, for their season will come. Aspire Coaching and EXIT’s unique Formula will help you forge the path to achieve them.

Resources and coursework associated with every Aspire Coaching session can be found in the Aspire Coaching Center in the Resource Center along with all session recordings and recommended reads.

It’s your road and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you.

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A NEW EARTH WITH ERICA NASBY, MIND-SET TRAINER

“I first read A New Earth when it was published in 2005. I bought two copies, one for me and the other for my father. We loved reading it and swapping thoughts and ideas around the premise. At that time, I felt it was timely, today I feel even more so.”

The book A New Earth does a phenomenal job of explaining what the ‘ego' is, what it entails, and how it shows up in all people - or better, how it disguises itself in all people.

Author, Eckhart Tolle, explains what he coins as the ‘Pain-Body,’ the part of us that’s governed by our ego.

This concept is hugely valuable, forcing the reader to take responsibility for the role they play in their own negativity and to recognize the results of living in a pain body.

It’s a read that truly brings consciousness to your everyday life. The fear that comes with change is not necessary through which to filter life. No matter what life brings there are positive choices. We don’t need to be bombarded by drama.

It paints a very cool perspective of life and of death, realigning readers with their source, how to interact with this consciousness and how to return to it.

Tolle’s description of how historically people have behaved poorly, maniacally and dangerously while unconsciously living in their egos really makes one realize the need to break this pattern and wake up and he gives you tools on how to do this.

He touches on relationships, parenting, and life in general. It’s all encompassing and hopeful. Reading this book forces us to be more thoughtful of our own process; how to practice empathy and compassion for ourselves and others. It speaks to the ‘being’ in all of us, as opposed to segregating and alienating anyone.

Join Erica Nasby during her recorded sessions where she breaks down her perspective of the book, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, for a truly enlightening and inspiring experience.

Volume 9 Issue 2 21

The Personalities of Change

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Photo by Caleb George on Unsplash

Whether you’re a new or seasoned professional with EXIT, chances are you’ve heard about MIND-SET Trainer, Angel Tucker, Personality Profiles, the DISC system, or all of the above. Like a language only we speak, once someone has taken Angel’s course, you’ll often hear statements like, “I’m totally a ‘C’,” or “Don’t be such an “I.” In a people business like real estate, one could argue it’s probably one of the most valuable of all EXIT’s training sessions, and it’s definitely a vital starting point to better understand and connect with yourself, your clients, your colleagues, your friends and family.

Angel’s Personality Profiles training educates and analyzes participants with The DISC system, which refers to four main personality categories. Because we all have variances of each, taking a personality assessment reveals we’re an array of unique personality blends. Because many find themselves under pressure these days, it’s about personality and adaptability.

Stress brings out something different in everyone because each of us responds to it differently. More often than not, it brings out the worst. We all have “those” traits, so here are some tips to better understand how to get ahead of potential destructive behaviors and out of your own way...

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Stress brings out something different in everyone because each of us responds to it differently. More often than not, it can bring out the worst.

We are better when we can bring the best parts of ourselves together to navigate struggles

D

I

A “D” or dominant personality is results-driven, direct and self-confident. These are the natural-born leaders who like to get things done, but struggle when they feel they’re not in control. Vulnerable is never something D’s want to feel. Be wary when impatience sets in, which can lead to overstepping or tunnel vision. That’s when it’s time to stop and really listen, live a little in the grey areas between the black-and-white thinking that can often take over, and really concentrate on others and their points of view. It’s about exercising tolerance and being conscious of over-delegating or directing.

The “I’s” or inspiring types are seen as the most interchangeable. These are the eternal optimists of the world, who are highly social, love being the center of attention, and are full of charisma and enthusiasm. With a natural gift for the gab they seem to go a mile a minute, and can often be disorganized, impulsive and miss those finer details. Lacking grounding on a good day, I’s need to slow it way down and zero in on priorities when they find themselves under stress. Really take time to listen, be more discerning with trust, consider the source, and be careful of over-promising so as not to be seen as flaking out. Inspiring types must remember that those in their tribe are also working through their own issues as well. An I’s innate ability to bring people together and sprinkle some fun on things, even if only by video chat, is just what the world needs right now.

S

The supportive or “S” type personalities love keeping things copacetic in both their relationships and environments. These are the real team players who strive for stability.

They’re patient, calm, and great listeners. They’re always willing to lend a helping hand, but sometimes to their own detriment. Change is especially hard for S personalities, who can suffer from indecisiveness without clear direction. Try to find ways to speak up and address concerns or feelings when necessary - don’t just nod along so as not to rock the boat - and be careful of over extending one’s self to the point of feeling taken for granted.

Conscientious or “C” personalities are all about the details and prefer to work solo. They like to be in the know, strive for precision and are often methodical and skeptical. These are the critical thinkers, those who look for every opportunity to flex their expertise or gain knowledge, however they’re not big fans of just jumping in and taking risks. So, when C’s are caught in the midst of unprecedented times, they can struggle to make a move for their fear of making mistakes. Try to avoid spiraling into an “analysis paralysis.” Reach out to friends, family or co-workers, even if only via web conference or phone, and be mindful of a tendency to come off as overly critical or cold.

C

To understand where you identify in the DISC system book a training with Angel, or for more information visit her website personalityprofiles.org

Volume 9 Issue 2 23

TIME FOR

Bigger or Better?

Whether it’s time to downsize an empty nest, time to finally break out on your own, time to make room for a plus one, or time to be closer to family...

It’s time to contact a local EXIT Realty professional.

Find one today at exitrealty.com

Should You Stay or Should You Go? It’s easy to put up with the needs and inadequacies of your home while you’re busy balancing work and life, but ask anyone who spends long hours in their home; the more time you spend in it, the less you can ignore its problems.

With so many owners in this position right now, the question becomes, should you stay or should you go? For some, saying goodbye to their sprawling suburban ranch can be just as difficult as it was to keep up on the house itself. For others, the home that was a small slice of urban heaven, allowing for travel and enjoyment in an eclectic metropolis, now feels more like a cage. Maybe it’s time to finally break out on your own, or perhaps you feel the need to be closer to aging family. Either way, it’s time to connect with your REALTOR®.

Sticking it out will likely require any number of adjustments to your space from the major to the minor. A few YouTube videos and Pinterest hacks for the handy might just do the trick, however for some it could mean a larger budget, calling in reinforcements, or a professional’s touch. A visit with your REALTOR® is a great idea before getting started for two reasons. Your real estate agent can advise you on the best use of your reno dollars to potentially add to your home’s resale value in years to come. They’re a great source for comparable design footprints and trends in other similar dwellings in your area, as well as reputable service providers and contractors.

Saying goodbye can be extremely hard in some situations where home really is the heart and soul of a family (however you define it) and has become a comforting culmination of a lifetime of memories. Many homeowners are experiencing a priority shift, which has challenged them to examine what no longer serves their life, and sometimes the unfortunate truth is that there’s a limit to what can be done with the budget, time, or space available.

A visit with a REALTOR® can take you from sitting on the fence to positively enlightened and will educate you on what’s truly happening in your market. They can advise you as to your options, and with professional real estate designations in everything from green properties to senior specialists, there’s a REALTOR® who’s sensitive to your specific real estate wants and needs. Ultimately your real estate professional is there for you, to listen, negotiate and advocate for you.

Be realistic and remember that hard decisions shouldn’t be made in haste, especially when it comes to buying and selling a home. Take the time to really weigh staying or going, your finances, and how this all fits into your future plans. No matter what you decide, remember the end goal is to achieve what’s right for you.

Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Many homeowners are experiencing a priority shift, which has challenged them to examine what no longer serves their life.

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From Student to Teacher W H AT M A K E S A T R A I N E R T I C K W I T H E X I T R E A LT Y M I N D - S E T T R A I N E R , R I C K O’ N E I L

“You can learn all the techniques in the world, but if you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to use them...

Education informs people; training changes people.”

RICK O’NEIL MIND-SET TRAINER

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EXIT associates are surrounded by many successful and gifted trainers within the corporation’s ranks. One can’t help but wonder what extraordinary culmination in experience, genetics and attitude must collide in order to create people of such caliber.

Many who subscribe to the principle of forever learning, find the best teachers to be the most relatable people, and MIND-SET Trainer, Rick O-Neil would be the first to describe himself as extra ordinary.

“I think my greatest asset is that I’m average, and that makes me akin to everyone I'm speaking with. I can empathize with them,” he admitted during a recent interview about what makes a trainer tick. “I know what they're going through. I failed the first three years in real estate...and it all had to do with my mind. I found out later that everything is mental.

What will make you successful is the belief that you can do it.”

That moment of calling is another common denominator amongst teachers, a catalyst that can almost always be traced back to an encounter at a young age. Having been in real estate since his early 20’s, Rick too can pinpoint when he leaned over to his real estate broker at a speaking engagement and said, “I’m going to do that someday.”

But as one famous Ernest Hemingway quotations goes, “In order to write (or in this case teach) about life first you must live it.” And similarly, Rick had to first learn how to walk the walk before he could talk the talk.

So gain experience he did. After giving himself an ultimatum Rick would go from working 10-12 hour days, seven days a week, and not making any money, to building a successful career by working intensely for four hours a day talking to buyers, to sellers, or doing something to get in front of one of those people every day. He went from assuming he was attracting all bad buyers to realizing that assumption was more perception than reality.

With real estate success finally in his grasp, he then moved on to management consulting.

Twenty years, countless office evaluations and presentations later, Rick had become V.P. of a northeastern region of 800 offices within his jurisdiction. He had staff in four different locations for different states, training centers, franchise sales, and business development all under his belt. He then moved onto a flat fee company and helped them turn things around by growing their office base from 80 to 850 locations during a five-year contract.

Decades of constant travel took its toll though, and when his contract was up Rick was ready to spend more time with family. In the meantime, he accepted the occasional

“I could barely believe what Hector was telling me about this company. I thought if this is true and this company is for real, then I should be a part of it.”

speaking job until, that is, he bumped into Hector Castillo, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty New York Metro, and learned about EXIT. “I could barely believe what Hector was telling me about this company,” Rick recalled. “I thought if this is true and this company is for real, then I should be a part of it. Two weeks later I flew up to Canada to meet with Steve Morris, Tami Bonnell, and Erika Gileo while the company hosted one of its regular Broker/Owner Training events. As it turned out I knew some of the people in attendance, and after that I said, ‘This is it! This is for me.’”

As part of EXIT’s revered training team, Rick splits training courses into one of two important categories, systems or self-development, with a firm belief that one must come before the other saying, “You can learn all the techniques in the world, but if you don't believe in yourself, you're not going to use them. I couldn’t teach even a basic course without adding information that would change a person’s life, not just educate them. Education informs people; training changes people.”

Teacher, educator, coach, or trainer; no matter how you choose to refer to EXIT’s MIND-SET Trainers, at their core is a greater good, service attitude, and a person who’s always willing to learn and grow themselves. Even after building an impressive career spanning over 40 years, Rick still doesn’t think of himself as a trainer.

“I really just consider myself a leader using training as a venue to lead people to where they want to go. I’m a spiritual person but my mission in life is to help people grow.”

And because content is king for an innovative thinker like Rick, he often writes his own teaching materials or curriculum, finding it hard to integrate into another teacher’s methodology. But when EXIT’s Director of Leadership, Bob McKinnon, invited him to become a facilitator for Ambassador Training, it was a perfect fit.

Rick encourages those who dream of training to begin with Ambassador and to start practicing now. Joining a local Toast Masters Club or something as simple as holding regular web conference meetings with friends can build the confidence to eventually lead a future office meeting.

“You have to have your ducks in a row, but you don't have to be the biggest, most successful agent in the office,” he reminds. “It’s about having the credibility that you can sell real estate and being known as a person who can go out and make a decent living. Read every book, watch TED Talks, see which ones you like and never, ever quit.”

Volume 9 Issue 2 27

Photo by Christian Stahl on Unsplash

WELCOME TO THE UN-OPEN HOUSE

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

With doors closed more often than opened, and people distancing instead of gathering these days, we’re witnessing the evolution of the time-honored real estate tradition known as the open house.

It’s more vital than ever to stay connected with your clients and customers and their dreams of homeownership, however it’s no longer about attracting as many local onlookers as possible and hosting visitors en masse, but rather curating a series of welcoming, personalized, by-invitation-only engagements. If you haven’t already put a good time management app or appointment system into place, now is definitely a good time.

Prospective buyers can now drive up to any listing and use EXIT Realty’s Smart Sign™ technology and the EXIT Realty Connect app to view property details in the palm of their hand. This empowers digital customers, and keeps you informed on those activities. Well-shot videos and 3D home tours through companies like Matterport are now must-have tools in the digital selling space to create experiences for those seriously interested in listings.

If and when you’re able to welcome multiple prospects into a home, come prepared with all the essentials to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Whether you create your own kit, or purchase one online through companies like House of Magnets, ensure you have all the necessary signage to instruct and direct prospects, as well as individually packaged items like wipes and/or masks.

Depending on listing size and layout, you may want to have eyes on all floors, a single point for entry and another for exiting, open cupboards and doors, and a specific path for distanced traffic flow.

Dealing with strict guidelines or comfort levels? Try independent showings with text password lock box technology or telepresence robots in vacant homes, which allows live, digital interaction so you can be there but not there.

But before that door even opens, think post-showing by being prepared and educated to answer questions regarding public health or laws related to sanitizing the property between owners.

Whether mandatory or not in your market, state or province, it may come up as a condition of sale, and knowing a specialty cleaning firm could put you ahead of the competition, even if only as a thoughtful closing gift.

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ARE YOU THINKING SAFETY FIRST? Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

“Creating an office Health and Safety Team is often a Q2 activity: important but not urgent, until it is.”

BY SHARRON RICHARDSON, VP BROKER SERVICES Many of us have had to make significant adjustments to adapt in 2020 and going to work likely looks much different than it did at the beginning of the year. And though a pandemic is an extreme example, its presence has underscored the importance of something that is often relegated to the to-do later list.

Creating an office Health and Safety Team is often a Q2 activity: important but not urgent, until it is. Because many of us spend a good deal of time at our workplace with our colleagues, and because health emergencies don’t just occur on personal time, it’s important to remember that health and safety in the workplace, whether there’s a pandemic or not, is something to address. Consider the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shared that 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2018, and that there were 900,380 injuries or illnesses that caused a worker to miss at least one day of work within private industry that same year.

It becomes apparent that businesses need to be prepared in order to mitigate health and safety emergencies in the workplace.

Check with your state, provincial, and/or local municipal workplace safety organizations. They’ll cite the necessary regulations and standards you need to implement based on your workplace size and type of business.

If you don’t meet the minimum requirements to adhere to regulatory policy, you might consider putting together a Health and Safety Team on your own.

Volume 9 Issue 2 29

“Include simple actions such as posting a bulletin board in a common area with timely tips or sharing a regular safety e-bulletin.

It may involve a budget in order for certain equipment to be brought in-house and for personnel to become certified in standard and emergency first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.”

“Change is never painful.

Only your resistance to change is painful.”

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Working in tandem with your human resources and operations personnel, the team’s mandate is to keep your workplace a safe and healthy environment. This could include simple actions such as posting a bulletin board in a common area with timely tips or sharing a regular safety e-bulletin. It may involve a budget in order for certain equipment to be brought in-house and for personnel to become certified in standard and emergency first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

So, who should be considered as a member of this team? Regulations may require a first aid-certified individual always onsite during open hours.

Employees with an interest in health and first aid are a good choice.

Someone with a calm, take-charge demeanor would also fit the bill. This team need not be large; depending on your office size just two or three members might be adequate, dependent upon regulations.

Once a team is in place, it’s not static though. Workplace regulations do change, and often certifications must be maintained. The Health and Safety team must engage in practice sessions, retain skills, and be prepared. It means the team will need to stay abreast of health and safety challenges in your marketplace and advise and adjust as necessary. The team may be tasked with researching and making recommendations on how to reconfigure an office space to ensure maximum safety for all. They may also recommend edits to the office policies and procedures manual when necessary.

Business owners ensure furniture and equipment is well cared for, and office spaces must have adequate exits and safety protocols in place for insurance purposes, but the health and safety of your people is even more critical. If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to create a team designed to address this very important, and often overlooked, part of your business.

ON GOOD HEALTH

At EXIT Realty we see our agents for all their human potential. Because when every agent feels valued, clients become a priority not just a commission. When corporate culture is fostered, clients are served with authenticity and integrity. When an agent’s lifestyle is nurtured, the sale develops into a holistic experience.

For us it’s about more than just business…it’s personal.

focusongoodhealth.com Volume 9 Issue 2 31

Inside These Four Walls

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER As many retreated inside to ride out one of the most extraordinary times in history, anyone still able to work has realized a long-time dream of most employees, the ability to work from home.

Within weeks of making this drastic adjustment from one workspace to another, the dreamy façade begins to give way to reality, as people become accustomed to the challenges of working remotely that they never thought of before. It quickly becomes evident that this is not an arrangement suited for everyone.

Aside from the initial hurdles of establishing technology with an IT professional or one’s own savvy, along with setting up a functional workspace, it then becomes a test of self-discipline in a marathon of monotony and self-isolation. With today’s altered business landscape here are some tips to help with the transition.

“For years those working remotely faced a public that assumed they had it made.

The world is finally seeing this prospect for what it truly is, environmentally sensible hard work."

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Build your environment – A workspace is as much about function as it is about form. Create a workspace with a reliable internet connection and equipment to do your job, but it should also be comfortable, inviting and esthetically pleasing.

Anyone can throw a computer, printer and phone into an unfinished basement, but it won’t be long before it starts to feel like a dungeon. Even sitting with your laptop on a couch will hurt after a while. A finished space with a window goes a long way for the psyche, as does flexible, ergonomic furniture, personal touches, artwork and greenery.

Remove distractions – A work environment should be a dedicated space, just for work, that’s free from any distractions, prying eyes, or little ones. Not only is this to protect private or sensitive information, but also to be able to uphold a level of professionalism. Every job comes with less than desirable aspects, so a space where one can focus will also help combat the urge to procrastinate.

Set a schedule – Humans are creatures of habit, so create good ones by maintaining a healthy schedule leading up to and during each workday. Conduct routines like a regular workday such as setting the alarm, exercising, showering, styling hair or makeup and dressing in something other than pajamas. Even if video conferencing isn’t on the schedule, it’s important to show up for oneself as well. Have set hours, tasks and a time-blocked schedule for each day to stay productive.

“Companies that provided these opportunities and this level of flexibility helped many employees navigate a changing business landscape that much easier."

When at work, work – This is about accountability, compartmentalizing and success, not spending more time in the home to do household tasks, chores, or errands. Do not set appointments other than work-related ones during work hours and ensure those around you understand the same. Be present and uphold work responsibilities.

Business is still conducted, for the most part, during certain, expected hours of operation. Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean working whenever one wants.

Step away and shut down – The lines can blur when home also becomes work. Minutes easily become hours sat inside, in front of a screen, forgetting to eat or worse still, forgetting personal needs or precious family time.

Have a strategy that includes setting boundaries to avoid burnout and promote harmony. Be sure to get up regularly and move about. Set a timer if need be when a project is all consuming. Always take a 45-minute lunch break away from the workspace. When possible, take some of the break outside, and when end of day comes, carve out time for self and to connect with people. Shut down the computer and walk away for the day. This will both save on energy bills and sanity.

For years those working remotely faced a public that assumed they had it made. The world is finally seeing this prospect for what it truly is, environmentally sensible hard work. Companies that provided these opportunities and this level of flexibility helped many employees navigate a changing business landscape that much easier. The future may be uncertain, but an increase in flex hours and spaces in the common work environment could be tomorrow’s normal, as this moment in time has revealed many new possibilities that will not only change business and its people, but the world for the better.

Photo by James McDonald on Unsplash

Volume 9 Issue 2 33

LOVE STARTS WITH YOU

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

“Love is what truly makes this world go ‘round, and because there’s no greater love than self-love, and it all starts with you."

Whether in terms of your personal or professional life, people buy into you; the person you are. Not the labels you wear, or the car you drive, YOU. Unfortunately, society is predicated on us layering up under all these guises to the point where many lose sight of who they are and what they’re capable of, and start to question their worth. This happens to everyone from new moms to seasoned businesspeople, and the only way to persevere is by practicing love; learning to love and take care of yourself first before best serving anyone else.

Self-love doesn’t come naturally to everyone and it’s shrouded in negative connotation.

It’s a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of differences, reflective of our inherent individuality. It’s also not a finite destination, but a progressive journey through changing perspectives and growing awareness. I personally take a systematic approach that goes a little something like this…

Change Your Thinking - Instead of waiting to “find the time,” build self-love into the very schedule of your life. Treat each moment of it with respect and honor yourself by showing up and being present. These monthly calendars offer great daily tips to create the habit of prioritizing well-being in your everyday life.

Finding Your Joy – A joy jar or journal helps hone in on those moments, activities and experiences that really ignite your soul. It’s an inspirational source to re-visit as the new year rolls over, and categorizing entries highlights areas where work is required in ways that may not have been obvious.

Affirmative Thoughts – We get what we think about so use affirmation exercises to train your brain. Go from, “I can” to “I am,” with positively reinforced, habit-forming thoughts. An easy way to get started is with Prompter!™, a free, app-based system for people in all walks of life.

Manifest Destiny – As your perspective shifts, you’ll be drawn to and presented with opportunities of abundance to flex this new version of you; to work from a place of self-love and attain things of which you’ve only ever dreamed. Some ideas will be easier to grasp than others, so keep your eyes and heart open.

Self-Reflection – A huge part of any journey is remembering how far you’ve come, seeing the heights you still wish to reach, and asking yourself why. Take time to analyze at intervals which best suit your needs, but the point isn’t to live here. Practice detachment so you can let it go and keep moving forward.

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Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash

TUNE IN NOT OUT

WITH LEADER’S PATH & REAL LEADERSHIP PODCASTS

In times of uncertainty, people everywhere look to leadership for direction. Whether you’re seeking guidance, or you want to be the one providing it, Bob McKinnon, EXIT Realty’s Director of Leadership, has two podcasts for you.

It’s so easy to turn off and tune out all the negative news, but equally as easy to be consumed by it, so feed your mind by tuning into truly informative and inspiring content. Podcasts are a convenient way to listen to on-the-go,meaningful messages while doing everything from working out to driving your car.

Leader’s Path is EXIT Realty’s gathering place to discuss everything leadership. EXIT Realty carries a strong belief that formidable leadership accelerates growth and strengthens individuals, and this is where you’ll hear Bob interview some of the company’s finest.

Real Leadership discusses leadership ideas for all real estate professionals. Bob delivers some of the best ideas from great leaders like Jim Rohn, as well as many other voices within the real estate industry like Judy LaDeur, and Dave Blanchard.

OTHER EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVE PODCAST RECOMMENDS: Transformational Speakers - Tami Bonnell, CEO

The Brian Buffini Show - Susan Harrison, Sr. VP

Our American Stories - Bob McKinnon, Dir. of Leadership

John Maxwell Leadership - Lori Muller, VP- U.S. Volume 9 Issue 2 35

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