GEORGIA MORTGAGE 1-23-23

and they don’t care for sudden changes in procedure or lifestyle. They also like activities they can start and finish.

Compliants are thinkers. They’re always wondering how things work. They want practicality, logic, fairness and a systematic approach. When talking to thinkers give facts, documentation and data. They seek accuracy. They’re motivated by standards of high quality, limited social interaction, detailed tasks and logical organization of information.

7 Deadly Sins of Personal Branding

some personality assessment tools can cost thousands of dollars, but at Corcoran Coaching, we’ve opted for a much more affordable offering: a free DI

php and you’ll be guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own dominant style and how to read others as well.

What is a ‘personal brand’? Just like company or product branding, it’s built around imaging and messaging that is designed to create a feeling. And in the case of personal branding, it influences how you want others to feel about you. From your photos to other brand images, elements and even content, there is a lot that goes into creating your unique brand. Displayed correctly and con-

Best of luck to you!

sistently (across all marketing platforms), a well-defined brand can elevate agent recognition and help to establish credibility and authority. However, when executed incorrectly, the effects are lackluster at best, and harmful at worst. To help you avoid the pitfalls of personal branding, we’ve compiled a list of what we feel are the 7 deadliest sins.

Yes, understanding people, listening to their needs and wants and responding appropriately all take work and attention. But because real estate is a people business, it’s simply a must. And the better at it you become, the better living you’ll make as an agent or broker. I promise.

Copyright©, 2015 Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

NO DIFFERENTIATION

Branding is not about being known for your profession. It’s about being known for being different in your profession. If all agents were the same, how would your customers know who to choose? Lack of differentiation is by far the #1 personal branding sin. We love to tell the story of a

real estate agent who expressed to us that she was already well branded in her area. She stated, “When I walk into a restaurant in my community, people already know I’m a real estate agent.” And while that is a great start, it’s nowhere close to successful branding. Let’s assume I walked

Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

into that restaurant and noticed her. But I also noticed two other agents in the same restaurant. Now, who do I choose? Which

‘brand’ stands out to me? What lets me know that one of them is uniquely positioned to serve my needs?

and they don’t care for sudden changes in procedure or lifestyle. They also like activities they can start and finish.

NO FOCUS

In business, you can’t be all things to all people. Many have tried and failed. In order to have a successful business and brand, you must clearly define your ideal customer and how you will super-serve that customer. In other words, declare and develop a specialty. By being focused, it does NOT mean that you stop doing all business out-

side of your specific focus. That would be quite difficult. It does mean that, over time (if done correctly), you will do more and more of the exact kind of business you want, and conversely, even stop doing the kind of business you don’t want. And that’s what a great brand is designed to accomplish.

Compliants are thinkers. They’re always wondering how things work. They want practicality, logic, fairness and a systematic approach. When talking to thinkers give facts, documentation and data. They seek accuracy. They’re motivated by standards of high quality, limited social interaction, detailed tasks and logical organization of information.

some personality assessment tools can cost thousands of dollars, but at Corcoran Coaching, we’ve opted for a much more affordable offering: a free DIsC assessment. Just visit www.corcorancoaching.com/behavioralstyle.

NO AUTHENTICITY

Recognizable personal brands can be very clever and memorable, but if your brand isn’t ‘you’, it won’t last. If you try to put out a persona that is different from your own and the way you live your life, people will take notice over time. The most incredible personal brands weave professional and personal qualities into one. Your brand becomes an extension of you.

php and you’ll be guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own dominant style and how to read others as well.

Yes, understanding people, listening to their needs and wants and responding appropriately all take work and attention. But because real estate is a people business, it’s simply a must. And the better at it you become, the better living you’ll make as an agent or broker. I promise.

Best of luck to you!

You should be able to ‘breathe your brand’ in everything that you do. This is important not only for your customers, but perhaps most importantly for you. There is a tremendous amount of confidence that comes with knowing that you are who you portray, and that you have the habits, inspiration, knowledge and expertise to back it up.

NO CONSISTENCY

Copyright©, 2015 Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

You can have a recognizable and memorable brand, but if you don’t display those branding elements correctly and consistently across all of your marketing platforms, it does you little good. In order to accomplish this task well, you must step back from your marketing and see it the way others do. You see your social media channels every day. You see your business

cards, postcards, brochures, etc. Other people don’t see them nearly as often, so don’t apply or compare your own habits and exposure to theirs. Repetitiveness in marketing is not only a good thing, it’s essential for retention. Once you determine the overall messaging and look of your brand, that look should continue across literally every marketing platform you touch.

Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

The ultimate goal of personal branding is to become known as an authority in your chosen niche. That means that you must demonstrate the knowledge, expertise and/ or experience to back up your position. Content that best expresses you and your brand could be as simple as a series of photos, quotes, e-books, video shorts, etc. Choosing the type of content you’re most

comfortable producing is the key to keeping it simple. No one wants to be bogged down with producing content. But on the flip side, no one knows how much you know until you share it. Great content demonstrates your knowledge and helps your customers at the same time. In addition, it serves another purpose with search engine optimization and attracting prospects online.

and they don’t care for sudden changes in procedure or lifestyle. They also like activities they can start and finish.

Compliants are thinkers. They’re always wondering how things work. They want practicality, logic, fairness and a systematic approach. When talking to thinkers give facts, documentation and data. They seek accuracy. They’re motivated by standards of high quality, limited social interaction, detailed tasks and logical organization of information.

NO CALL TO ACTION

You’re spending money to market across multiple platforms, so why not take the opportunity to extend an invitation for your prospects to engage with you? It can be a simple call to action, such as ‘call me first’ or more specific, ‘contact me for a free home staging assessment’ or ‘download my e-book and learn how to invest

using other people’s money’. Your call to action may change with different marketing channels or purposes, but you should always, always have one. If you want people to do something, tell them what you’d like them to do. That’s how you move prospects one step closer to becoming customers.

some personality assessment tools can cost thousands of dollars, but at Corcoran Coaching, we’ve opted for a much more affordable offering: a free DIsC assessment. Just visit www.corcorancoaching.com/behavioralstyle. php and you’ll be guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own dominant style and how to read others as well.

Yes, understanding people, listening to their needs and wants and responding appropriately all take work and attention. But because real estate is a people business, it’s simply a must. And the better at it you become, the better living you’ll make as an agent or broker. I promise.

Best of luck to you!

NO FOLLOW-THROUGH

Why is this included in branding, you may ask? Because your brand is your bond. It’s your handshake. When you say you’ll do something, how can people trust you if you don’t follow through with your promise? This is often the element that people forget altogether. And in fact, in our com-

Copyright©, 2015 Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

munication with hundreds of agents, follow-through is at the top of the list when it comes to customer complaints. You don’t want to be that person. Putting an incredible message and image out there isn’t enough. You must live up to those standards with every customer, every transaction

Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

BELINDA DUMAS

BeLinda Dumas has found her calling in the mortgage industry, becoming a successful and inspiring leader over the course of her 20+ year career. After working as a real estate agent, BeLinda found herself in need of a new path when 9/11 impacted her business. Her lender reached out to her, knowing she would thrive as a loan officer. “But I

wanted a salaried position to support my family, so they offered that to me until I felt comfortable enough to go on my own,” she explains. BeLinda quickly discovered that her skills and talent perfectly aligned with this career, and she was loving every minute of her work. Driven and passionate about helping others, BeLinda grew fast, opening

Branch Manager at New American Funding in Stockbridge, Georgia, BeLinda Dumas oversees a team of seven loan officers, and is supported by a team of three licensed professionals who handle contracts, new construction clients, marketing, and pre-qualifications.

4 new mortgage offices over the next several years. She is now Branch Manager at New American Funding in Stockbridge, Georgia, overseeing a team of seven loan officers, including herself, and actively originating loans. She is supported by a team of three licensed professionals who handle contracts, new construction clients, marketing, and

pre-qualifications. Through hard work and determination, Dumas has built an entirely referral-based business, and stands as a role model for others in the industry.

BeLinda has a long history in the county, which has allowed her and her team to build familiarity and trust within the community.

Supported by a solid office with experienced operational and underwriting staff, the buying process goes as smoothly as possible. “We’re problem-solvers, doing everything we can to get our clients towards their goals,” BeLinda says. “That’s why people continue to return to us and refer us to their friends and family.”

Their dedication to their clients and strong work ethic have contributed to their excellent reputation, as have the strong relationships they cultivated with agents and other lenders in the area. “We maintain lasting connections with past clients, lenders and REALTORS®, so people are very familiar with us here,” BeLinda explains. She and her team strive to provide consistent,

reliable service, removing stress from the transaction. Supported by a solid office with experienced operational and underwriting staff, the buying process goes as smoothly as possible. “We’re problem-solvers, doing everything we can to get our clients towards their goals,” BeLinda says. “That’s why people continue to return to us and refer us to their friends and family.”

Once the process is over, buyers look back on their time with BeLinda and the team and feel grateful to have had them by their side. One client recently said, “BeLinda and the Dumas team went above and beyond with my experience, I cannot thank

them enough. Being deployed overseas and working with a major time zone difference did not make the process easy, but that didn’t hinder the Dumas team whatsoever. Response time was quick, documents were submitted upon receiving and motivation

felt like it was always high with the team to get it done.”

BeLinda and her team are actively involved in their community through the Ralph Easterwood Wings for Warriors charity, which provides financial assistance to families in crisis in the law enforcement community for Henry County. They have also participated in a Christmas event through their church, sponsored the Boys and Girls

Club of Henry County with a backpack drive this summer to students in need.

Taking great pride in her work, BeLinda considers it a privilege to be able to help people find and secure their own homes. She is inspired by the opportunity to play a role in this process and contribute to the well-being of her community. “It is so rewarding to be a part of my clients’ home buying journey.”

For more information about BeLinda Dumas or applying for a new loan, visit dumasteam.com , call 770-231-3114 or email dumasteam@nafinc.com

http://www.justingrable.com

Killing Clients with Kindness and Value

By Walter Sanford

Sometimes, we need to “kill” our clients with kindness and offer value. I know it goes against everything in our nature to turn the other cheek when they are being mean.

Recently, a coaching client had some challenges with a particular client, and I’m sure you have also worked with the kind of client who discourages you so much that you just want to hit the delete button!

How about offering a response that increases your fame and makes the client always wonder what they may be missing? They might not list with you, but they will never forget you.

Included in the balance of this article are the email from the client, the request for help from my coaching client, and then my suggested response.

Email from the Potential Client:

Sorry, I have been really busy. Let me tell you where I’m at with everything. You may or may not be interested.

I am definitely putting the house on the market. The house has been rented for the last 5 years with the same family. They originally signed a rent to own lease. Three years ago, they decided they didn’t want to buy it.

Anyway, I recently informed them that I’m going to put the house on the market. Now, they are reconsidering buying the house. I don’t think they will buy the house, but I guess you never know. If they do buy the house, it would be for sale by owner. I will not let them drag their feet.

We happen to know a lot of REALTORS® in (area). Some are pretty good friends and with that comes opportunities at rates way under the norm. One of them did sell our last house quickly but circumstances have changed. I know you are a very good REALTOR®, because I have heard other REALTORS® talk about you.

You may not be interested at this point anymore. If you are still interested, let me know what your best rate is. Let me know if you are okay with the current tenants on a “for sale by owner” agreement, if that happens. I would want a short-term agreement. The current rent is higher than my mortgage payment so I’m okay if they don’t buy and I’m not forced to sell at a low price. However, I want to sell ASAP. I’m wanting to purchase another property so I’m not going to overprice the house and I will negotiate.

Email

from Coaching Client to Me:

Walter, this guy is a college basketball coach. I want to help him, but I need to have a chance to run a successful business, too! How do I answer this?

Email from Me to Coaching Client (to share with potential client):

Thank you so much for the nice words. It is very exciting to hear that our hard work is creating some buzz. I think we can accommodate you and exceed your expectations:

1. We believe that we exceed client expectations more often than most agents, because we spend the time to understand what the client needs. Then we develop a customized program to meet and exceed that goal. We would love to help you in accomplishing your real estate needs.

2. We would be happy to exclude the current residents from the listing agreement for 30 days. This would help in motivating the current residents to buy in that they can see the price discounted by the commission, if they commit to buy within the 30 day period. We would like to offer you our closing service that handles everything for a flat fee of $4,000. This handles the contract phase, aligning the team of affiliates, and the closing. This, of course, is at your option.

3..Our commissions are normal for our market, but we save you money over any commission discounter. Our specialty is increasing your net proceeds. We do this by bringing you more buyers with more effective marketing, better negotiating, better systems for handling inspections, better pre-approval tools for your buyer, better contracts, and less post-seller litigation from better contracts. Commission discounts usually cost you money because of the agent’s lack of emphasis on your net proceeds check. It is like a basketball player who is playing with no heart, only for the scholarship.

4. Our rate is retail 6%. This may eliminate us, but that would be a shortsided conclusion. Here are 5 of the ways we can beat any commission discount:

A. We beat the average List to sell ratio in (area) by a larger margin than any discount.

B. We beat the days on market, which affects your carrying costs and lost opportunity costs on your equity.

C. We have a low litigation rate as compared to national standards.

D. We can market your home a little over retail due to our marketing.

D. We urge a pre-inspection plan to get rid of the little and big problems before a buyer is involved and wants everything built new.

5. Our agreements are 6 months, but that is not what sells properties. Marketing and price sell property. If we are wrong about those two items, we will adjust every week based upon showings and consultations with you.

6. I would also like to advise you on a misconception. Rental costs average about 35% of market rent in our area. Add in lost opportunity costs on your equity that is not doing anything at this point. I can show you how your current position is losing you money every month.

I think our next step is a presentation of the tools we bring to achieve your goals. Listing with friends is loyal, but is it the best business decision? Do they have the tools and will you hold their feet to the fire when the results are not what you need? (Client’s name), you know the difference superstars make on a team. Let’s go for the win.

It’s not so much whether my coaching client obtained the listing, but he needed to stand up for a profitable, long term business. Never sell yourself short to get business. You will never be happy.

In these situations, I cannot guarantee an outcome, but I can guarantee the client will never forget you. You are planting seeds of discontentment with the small amount of money saved in a commission compared to not achieving their goal. Whether he/she admits it or not, he/she will have respect for you. Do more lead generation so you won’t have to work so hard on leads like these.

Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years. One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with us online at www.waltersanford.com.

I’ll Take 2 Pounds of Confidence and 3 Pounds of Self-Esteem!

By Barry Eisen

At least a few times per month I get emails and/or calls asking me to help develop confidence and a positive self-esteem. When you’re hot you’re hot and when you’re not, you’re not. Life has its ups and downs and occasionally everyone feels like they’ve run out of gas and nothing they seem to do works. When you’re in a slump the world can look overwhelming and against you. The more you think about you’re victimhood, the more out of control you feel.What you focus upon becomes larger. Confidence, positive self-esteem...these are just words and something experienced many moons ago. Talk it out with your spouse? Sure. See a therapist? Maybe. Get a coach? Good idea. Call a hypnotist...that’s where I come in, but maybe not in an obvious way.

Hypnosis can be of help in so many areas such as controlling weight, memory improvement, reading faster, stopping smoking, becoming a great public speaker, prospecting and growing a business, eliminating fears, becoming a better golfer/tennis player/baseball player etc., sleeping and energy, controlling pain control in dentistry and child birthing, improving wellness, passing tests and so much more. This is not an over statement. Hypnosis is a performance enhancer because it taps into the best parts of who we are to make the changes necessary to make the changes to evolve ourselves.

But “programming” ones mind for confidence and positive self-esteem is not something I’ve seen done effectively. The subconscious says, “What does that mean?” “Give me a picture, what do you want?” Read any neuroscience to know (or simply use common sense) that the subconscious needs specific direction (words, pictures and supportive feelings) for these clear messages to be acted upon. A general business plan is usually a recipe for disaster. A poor teaching plan will confuse students. Mixed general messages given to a 3 year old will produce erratic behavior. A loose navigation plan will have ships traveling in circles. Just like many people.

Instead of working on confidence and positive self-esteem, does it make sense to instead, work on a solid business target of success and develop a business plan that will get you there? If you’re planning for the future, is it not a better idea to set an end result and develop strategies that will make it happen? If you’re looking for better health, doesn’t it make sense to set a target for excellence and back it up with a realistic exercise and eating approach that will insure success?

The confidence and self-esteem will come along automatically. Create the goal, take action, do the work, be consistent. Your business will never grow more than you do. Your health will never get better without you stretching out beyond who you now are. Your relationships will never be more secure and supportive than you are of yourself. Your confidence and self-esteem will never grow without a reason.

Before you therapy or drug yourself into confidence and self-esteem, at least try (Oh! I hate that word) the 10 organic following ideas for 2-3 weeks. 1

Set goals that stretch you out and force you to grow. You can’t be depressed when you’re learning something. Learning takes you out of your egocentric predicament. 2

Create timelines/target dates for goal accomplishments. This establishes a sense of urgency. It puts a little “gitty up” in your step and mind. 3

List your actions of the day on your To-Do list and prioritize all items. Doing the A’s and crossing each off as done, will put a smile on your face and a jolt of small energy in your life. (Accomplishment feels good. Could you use some “feel good”/self-esteem?) You’ll start looking forward

to these little positive jolts and do what is necessary to have them. If I was talking cocaine...that would be a bad thing, but since I’m talking non drug human motivation...that would be a good thing.

If you’re just feeling flat for no obvious reason, take on an interest/ hobby/project that’s been on your mind in the past. Learning stimulates blood flow to different parts of the brain and increases endorphin flow. (E.g. Calligraphy, sailing, martial arts, reading sci-fi, etc.)

Follow through like your hair’s on fire. Show yourself what you CAN DO!

Create some appropriate reward for the accomplishment.

Balance your life with goals in physical, financial, emotional, educational, family, social and spiritual areas. Sometimes more is better.

Purposely smile more, laugh easier, hold eye contact a little more (obviously, not in a creepy way) and present a stronger posture.

Learn to relax to slow down, put things in perspective, ask yourself how you feel and how you’re doing 2 or 3 times during your day. Don’t let the day rule you. Be present. Pay attention.

Act “AS IF” you were already doing things with confidence, making decisions with authority and living the life you want to live. You become what you think about.

Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing REALTORS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com 818-769-4300

How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears

Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

1ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in

your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

2TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,

it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

3THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

4 COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying,

you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

5START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.