MINNESOTA 8-31-18 by Top Agent Magazine

MINNESOTA EDITION

Are You A VALUE-ADDED AGENT?

Connect Beyond Real Estate to Attract Future Clients How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions And Up Your Productivity

Aaron Spiteri COVER STORY

FEATURED AGENTS

Shelly Rae Linnell Benjamin Funke

MINNESOTA EDITION

SHELLY RAE LINNELLBENJAMIN FUNKE

Top Agent Shelly Rae Linnell is a true real Benjamin Funke of RE/MAX Resultsperfect in home, whether it’s existing or new feedback he has construction, or remodeling…our estate renaissance woman. Whether she’s 7 16 21 business Duluth, Minnesota understands the imporhimself available does all three.” selling existing properties through Lakevtance of education in the world of real estate. and was very kn ille, Minnesota’s Coldwell Banker Burnet Hisconstruction Bachelor’s degree in Education, coupled Ben’s personality Shelly works with a highly-dedicated team or selling or designing new with his MBA and MA degrees in Finance and and clients make of professionals that includes her Office through her award-winning company, Your Public Administration make him ideally suited He showed us the Manager Jodi Savasten, who has worked Home By Design, Shelly brings to the table by Shelly’s side for 8 years, and her Broa breadth of experience andtoa guide truly personand advise his many buyers and sellers the first day we m able approach. A consummate professional Richard Tucker. An additional through the often-complicated process of aker/Manager, real wanted, he never who has endeared herselfestate to her many work force of talented subcontractors transaction. This, along with his commitarea. I can’t say e grateful buyers and sellers, ment Shellytohas truly allows Shelly to service a wide swath of terproviding the very best customer service ritory from Shoreview to Wayzata to Inver earned her Top Agent status. available, has cemented his Top Agent status. In addition to his Grove Heights to Lakeville, no place is too and far. Ninety percent of Shelly’s business is his extremely Shelly’s career in real estate had its geneAARON SPITERI SHELLY RAEthe LINNELL BENJAMIN FUNKE Benjamin decided to enter world of real is based on repeat and referred clients, a truly impressivea consummate sis back in 1997 when she was planning on returning to estate upon the advice of a tennis partner. “I’ve always loved of his listings is seen in its v statistic by any measure. When asked what might account school to obtain a Master’s degree in Psychology. “I was looking homes,” he“and says, “especially Duluth, where a squarely potential buyers as possibl for that clientinloyalty, Shelly points at the results looking for a way to support myself,”atshe explains, sheThat is able to back achieve her clients. think we’re able a girlfriend of mine who lot worked in new of them are construction really historic.” was infor 2011, and “Iphotography is utilized exclus to deliver that ’wow’ factor,” she explains. “I don’t think said that I could have her back-up listings. I had already his career took off almost immediately. Working part-time online and social media prom bought and sold my own real estate, while and it sounded theyMBA, expectBenjamin just how beautiful the end product is going initially finishinglikeup his displayed tojuggle be… whether it’s listing, remodeling,is they a great idea, so I got my license.” year was a keenShelly’s abilityfirst to successfully the demands of buying both orBenjamin also committed to are just happy. It’s also my personal touch - treating my spent sitting in a model home, educating herself on all academia and real estate, and since committing to assisting truly unique way. Sporting a h clients as friends and family.” aspects of new construction, particularly design (many buyers and sellers full time, he has established a reputation as than many of his competitors, of Shelly’s design inspirations come from her travels 4) ARE YOU A 19) HOW TO CUT DOWN ON a hardworking, ethical and conscientious agent who consishisislocks to an org Presenting her listings in their best can lightdonate possible with family and friends, both here and abroad). “That’s tently puts new his client’s needs front and center. patients VALUE-ADDED AGENT? DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS AND mandatory for Shelly, and to that endcancer she stages everysuffering hair l what led me into just really loving construction property from top to bottom. “We come in with our and representing builders,” she enthuses. “And then of UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY sub“I feel mytogether MBA iswith a great that has and helped medoout as lighting, a Looking to the future of his bus contractors we’ll new new painting, course, my passion is putting people that tool

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13) CONNECT professional,” BEYONDsays Benjamin. “It helps me be able to answer the continuation of the yearany question a client might have, things THE like BEST of his thriving business. “I’m REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT 22) regarding 9 THINGS commission rates, brokerage fees. I’m able to show why it’s together a team,” he says. “I’ FUTURE CLIENTS LEADERS NEVER SAY important to not do a ‘for sale by owner’ or use a discount both ends.” That Benjamin wi brokerage.” Benjamin employs an apt metaphor for this situation: “anyone can change their own oil, but a mechanic definitely has more tools, and can achieve better and faster results.”

the same level of excellent clie synonymous with his name – g

Selling primarily in Duluth but venturing out to an approx-

Phone 888-461-3930 imate | Fax fifteen-mile 310-751-7068 radius of the city, Benjamin can boast that a significant amount of his business is based on repeat mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com and referral clients, a sure sign that the customer service

No portion of this issue may be reproduced manner whatsoever prior consent the publisher. Top Agent he providesin any is top-notch. “I neverwithout over-promise and ofthen Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published under-deliver,” explains Benjamin. “I also never take on more materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. than I can chew. Taking on more clients than you can handle To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Copyright Top Agent Magazine does not lead to satisfied customers.” Published in the U.S.

Benjamin, a Premier Agent on Zillow.com, holds a perfect five-star rating on that site. If one needs verification of how well he is servicing his buyers and sellers, one needs to look no further than the multitude of excellent reviews he has received. Among them is this rave, which is typical of the

For more infor Benjami Top Agent Magazine please call 21 email BenFunke

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Are You a Value-Added Agent?

I’ll bet if I asked ten real estate agents, all ten would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Yet, when I ask agents how they are value-added, they say things like: • I communicate regularly with my clients. • I have a written listing presentation. • I am honest. • I am trustworthy. Are these ‘value-added’ attributes? Or, does the client expect these attributes and services? 4

Are these exceptional services or average services? I’m writing this article at the beginning of a New Year. It’s a perfect time to re-assess your professionalism and master being that ‘value-added’ agent.

Client Expectations are Higher than Ever Unfortunately, too many real estate agents assume they are ‘value-added’ because they are providing the services they want to provide— Top Agent Magazine

the services they think the client values. However, there’s a real client out there, and the client has different expectations. How do I know that? Because so few agents regularly survey their clients. In fact, when I’m speaking to an audience, I survey them, and find that less than 25 percent gather after-sale surveys! So, the majority of agents don’t know if the services they are providing are average or exceptional.

Why Bother Being Exceptional? • Because you want to set yourself apart. • You want to create client loyalty. • You want to create at least 50 percent of your business from client referrals (the latest National Association of Realtors survey Profile of Members found that the average Realtor got only 18 percent of their business from referrals. That’s a hard and expensive way to run a real estate business! • Because you want to run a more pleasant, profitable business.

Four Actions Value-Added Agents Take How can you identify value-added agents? By their actions. Here are four actions I believe show agents that are above just ‘average’. The principle here is:

Watch the actions, not the words. If I were a manager, or a seller or a buyer, and I wanted to find a value-added agent, here’s what I would look for: Top Agent Magazine

1. Has a database and populates it This agent is committed long-term to his clients and to his business. He uses a contact management program (CRM) to manage ‘leads’, so none are lost — and clients do not feel neglected. After all, it takes much longer today to convert a ‘lead’ to a sale than it used to take. Actively using and maintaining a CRM means the agent is committed to forming long-term professional relationships over time. Other demonstrable actions concerning the agent’s CRM are: • Has a rapid-response method to deal with Internet inquiries and other inquiries via email. (The average client expects a response within eight hours—but a recent survey showed the average agent responded in 50 hours!). • Has a method to follow up on all leads until they ‘buy or die’. As a client, that means I won’t get lost. As a seller, it means my agent will follow up with all leads and give it 100 percent to sell my home. 2. Invests in the technology and follow-up pros have This agent makes every decision based on their vision of their career at least three to five years in the future. For example, instead of selling someone a house anywhere just to get a sale, my value-added agent sells only in an area they define as their ‘target area’. That way, they’ll get known, and can build on their reputation. The value-added agent has the ‘guts’ to turn down business! Because they care more about the well-being of the client than getting one grimy commission check, they learn to 5

‘tell the truth attractively’, and work harder to retain the client than to make one commission.

Adding those Client Benefits to your Dialogue

3. Works for referrals, not just sales I said the agent learns to ‘tell the truth attractively’, even if the buyer or seller may not want to hear it. For example, if it’s in the best interests of the seller to list their home at a lower price, the value-added agent has the strategies and the statistics to prove that the seller won’t be well served by pricing higher.

Of course, it’s not enough to actually take these actions. You need to explain to the client why these actions are in their best interests, and how you stand apart from most agents by employing them. Why? Because your client won’t know you run your business so professionally. And, the client probably doesn’t know most agents don’t run their businesses this way!

And, this value-added agent has the intestinal fortitude to walk away if they know the home will not sell at the client’s desired price (but doesn’t have to too many times because they create a stellar reputation amongst their clientele).

TIP: Always show your clients, don’t just tell them. You do have a Professional Portfolio and evidence on your website, don’t you?

4. Keeps the buyers and sellers’ best interests in mind Our value-added agent makes every decision to grow trust, not just to make a fast buck. For example, the agent sits down with a prospective couple and finds out they can’t purchase right away and creates a plan with them to save for their down payment. Then, the agent keeps in touch over a period of months, offering helpful information and market updates.

Put Yourself to the Test

How many of these actions P. S. Managers and team leaders—two tips do you exhibit? What do you want to work on to become a true 1. Call each of your agents’‘value-added’ phone mails. What’s the impre agent? Are they professional? Do they state the company n TIP: represent your culture and image? Managers, give your agents a 2. Create a quick class in phone messaging using the ‘test’ on these four points. In other words, this agent practices seller or buyHow many pass? this blog. er agency representation, not ‘agent agency’!

Carla Cross,CRB, CRB, MA, is theoffounder andSeminars, president Carla Cross & Carla Cross, MA, President Carla Cross Inc.,ofand Carla real management and sales. Herspecializing internationally s Crossestate Coaching, is an international speaker in realbest-selling estate management and Running business planning for all professionals. agents, Up and in 30 Days, is real nowestate going into its 5thHer edition sevenexperience internationallyas published books, including Up and Running in 30 Days , vast a top-selling agent and award-winning manage and 20 agent and management programs have helped thousands of real sales podium, blending her musical background with her proven estate professionals to the greater productivity and teaches profitability.someone Reach Carla strategies (she uses piano AND even to at play—f 425-392-6914 or www.carlacross.com. and practical). Find out more at www.carlacross.com. 6

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Aaron Spiteri

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AARON SPITERI In his first 2 and a half years Aaron has sold over 120 homes and has received multiple awards from his brokerage RE/MAX Results. Â Originally from Australia, Aaron Spiteri raced thoroughbred horses around the world as a horse jockey. Forced out of what he thought was the only occupation he knew by six hip operations, at age 33 he found himself at a crossroads. He already had an investment portfolio of 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

properties and decided to leverage his interest and expertise into a new career as a real estate agent. Using his connections he soon built a strong clientele of other sportsmen and within his first two years in the business had closed on $50 million in transactions. He then moved Top Agent Magazine

from Australia to Minnesota to start a life with his new wife Angela. In his first 2 and a half years Aaron has sold over 120 homes and has already received multiple awards from his brokerage RE/ MAX Results. His ability to build a strong support base from referrals and investors, combined with his work ethic, communication style, strong negotiation and marketing skills, and a huge passion for what he does Top Agent Magazine

have helped Aaron achieve success rapidly in the Twin Cities. “I’m in the people business,” he says. “I’m very attentive to my clients. I’m cognizant that the transaction is the biggest thing going on in my clients lives at the time and I ensure that I’m available and am firing on all cylinders for them.” Social media has become a big part of real estate and an integral part of Aaron’s busiCopyright Top Agent Magazine9

“Real estate and horse racing have so many similarities that make them more than just occupations. They become your lifestyle—it’s exactly what I’m built for.” ness, “The platform’s ability to propel the public awareness of properties is unparalleled, that goes too for realtors. Your social media is now your online CV. Video has become more effective than ever before in marketing real estate, I’m selling the lifestyle to the prospective buyer not just the 4 walls, “My property videos are more hands Copyright Top Agent Magazine Copyright 10

on than just rolling video to elevator music, I’m doing everything I can to ensure that the properties I represent look better than their competition, I sold a property in February to a couple from California that offered over asking price directly from the video, they told me they watched it like 10 times or something and were confident enough to Top Agent Magazine

move forward, that gives me great satisfaction that my strategy garnered a buyer that might never have offered otherwise.â&#x20AC;? What does Aaron enjoy most about his work? THE EXCITEMENT!! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like horse Top Agent Magazine

racing, being a realtor is very competitive and performance-based. This industry is insane, you can go from the heights of exhilaration to the depths of depression in an instant, but you cannot let whatever happened in the previous deal/race affect your Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

decision making in the next deal/race, there is too much on the line!” He enjoys having a wide variety of clients and working in an ever-changing landscape. “Real estate is much like racing, you’re dealing with different clientele in different situations from moment to moment, the objective and professionalism doesn’t change. Real estate and horse racing have so many similarities that make them more than just occupations. They

become your lifestyle—it’s exactly what I’m built for.” Aaron’s other interests include travel, food and wine, “My wife & best friends are all likeminded and we are always researching a new place to explore and experience, nothing better than sharing good times and laughter and making memories with those that make you feel best.”

To find out more about Aaron Spiteri, follow on Instagram at @aaronspiteri_, connect at aarons@tc-pf.com, call +1 651 410 4080 or search for homes at aarons@tcpropertyfinder.com http://

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot Top Agent Magazine

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients. To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals. So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause. In fact, they want and need you to promote them. And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a 14

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you. Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content Top Agent Magazine

that will draw in a broad range of followers. Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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SHELLY RAE LINNELL Top Agent Shelly Rae Linnell is a true real estate renaissance woman. Whether she’s selling existing properties through Lakeville, Minnesota’s Coldwell Banker Burnet or selling or designing new construction through her award-winning company, Your Home By Design, Shelly brings to the table a breadth of experience and a truly personable approach. A consummate professional who has endeared herself to her many grateful buyers and sellers, Shelly has truly earned her Top Agent status. Shelly’s career in real estate had its genesis back in 1997 when she was planning on returning to school to obtain a Master’s degree in Psychology. “I was looking for a way to support myself,” she explains, “and a girlfriend of mine who worked in new construction said that I could have her back-up listings. I had already bought and sold my own real estate, and it sounded like a great idea, so I got my license.” Shelly’s first year was spent sitting in a model home, educating herself on all aspects of new construction, particularly design (many of Shelly’s design inspirations come from her travels with family and friends, both here and abroad). “That’s what led me into just really loving new construction and representing builders,” she enthuses. “And then of course, my passion is putting people together with that

perfect home, whether it’s existing or new construction, or remodeling…our business does all three.” Shelly works with a highly-dedicated team of professionals that includes her Office Manager Jodi Savasten, who has worked by Shelly’s side for 8 years, and her Broker/Manager, Richard Tucker. An additional work force of talented subcontractors allows Shelly to service a wide swath of territory from Shoreview to Wayzata to Inver Grove Heights to Lakeville, no place is too far. Ninety percent of Shelly’s business is based on repeat and referred clients, a truly impressive statistic by any measure. When asked what might account for that client loyalty, Shelly points squarely at the results she is able to achieve for her clients. “I think we’re able to deliver that ’wow’ factor,” she explains. “I don’t think they expect just how beautiful the end product is going to be… whether it’s listing, buying or remodeling, they are just happy. It’s also my personal touch - treating my clients as friends and family.” Presenting her listings in their best light possible is mandatory for Shelly, and to that end she stages every property from top to bottom. “We come in with our subcontractors and we’ll do new lighting, new painting,

new carpet, new art on the walls and furniture placement,” she explains. Excellence is the standard for every property she represents or remodels, and the client satisfaction this generates is immeasurable. The reviews Shelly has received on Houzz, Zillow and many more websites, illustrate how grateful her clients are for her services. “Shelly helped us negotiate an extensive house remodeling and home sale. The home sold in just a few days due to her advice on updates and her skillful staging. Our home is beautiful and functional due in large

part to Shelly’s ideas and design. We had a great experience working with her,” reads just one of many glowing testimonials. Shelly’s personal and professional goals are one and the same: to be your trusted partner, providing you with the highest level of enthusiasm and experience, from start to finish. She will find and make a home of which your family will be proud, and build a lasting relationship that you can depend on for generations to come!

For more information about Shelly Rae Linnell, please call 612.508.7443 or email Shellyrae@comcast.net

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web. As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time. While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any. Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew. In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in. 20

Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead. Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized. While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority. That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from. Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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BENJAMIN FUNKE Benjamin Funke of RE/MAX Results in Duluth, Minnesota understands the importance of education in the world of real estate. His Bachelor’s degree in Education, coupled with his MBA and MA degrees in Finance and Public Administration make him ideally suited to guide and advise his many buyers and sellers through the often-complicated process of a real estate transaction. This, along with his commitment to providing the very best customer service available, has cemented his Top Agent status. Benjamin decided to enter the world of real estate upon the advice of a tennis partner. “I’ve always loved looking at homes,” he says, “especially in Duluth, where a lot of them are really historic.” That was back in 2011, and his career took off almost immediately. Working part-time initially while finishing up his MBA, Benjamin displayed a keen ability to successfully juggle the demands of both academia and real estate, and since committing to assisting buyers and sellers full time, he has established a reputation as a hardworking, ethical and conscientious agent who consistently puts his client’s needs front and center. “I feel my MBA is a great tool that has helped me out as a professional,” says Benjamin. “It helps me be able to answer any question a client might have, regarding things like commission rates, brokerage fees. I’m able to show why it’s important to not do a ‘for sale by owner’ or use a discount brokerage.” Benjamin employs an apt metaphor for this situation: “anyone can change their own oil, but a mechanic definitely has more tools, and can achieve better and faster results.”

feedback he has received: “Ben always made himself available, got back to us immediately, and was very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Ben’s personality and dedication to his career and clients make him a pleasure to work with. He showed us the house we ended up buying on the first day we met him. He listened to what we wanted, he never rushed us, and he knows the area. I can’t say enough good things about him.” In addition to his enviable real estate knowledge and his extremely personable nature, Benjamin is a consummate marketer, making sure each of his listings is seen in its very best light and by as many potential buyers as possible. High-quality professional photography is utilized exclusively, and his proficiency with online and social media promotion is remarkable. Benjamin is also committed to giving back, and does so in a truly unique way. Sporting a hairstyle that is decidedly longer than many of his competitors, Benjamin grows his hair so he can donate his locks to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients suffering hair loss due to chemotherapy. Looking to the future of his business, Benjamin is anticipating the continuation of the year-after-year exponential growth of his thriving business. “I’m definitely going to be putting together a team,” he says. “I’ve been burning the candle at both ends.” That Benjamin will accompany this growth with the same level of excellent client service – which has become synonymous with his name – goes without saying.

Selling primarily in Duluth but venturing out to an approximate fifteen-mile radius of the city, Benjamin can boast that a significant amount of his business is based on repeat and referral clients, a sure sign that the customer service he provides is top-notch. “I never over-promise and then under-deliver,” explains Benjamin. “I also never take on more than I can chew. Taking on more clients than you can handle does not lead to satisfied customers.” Benjamin, a Premier Agent on Zillow.com, holds a perfect five-star rating on that site. If one needs verification of how well he is servicing his buyers and sellers, one needs to look no further than the multitude of excellent reviews he has received. Among them is this rave, which is typical of the Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Benjamin Funke, please call 218 - 310 - 2849 or email BenFunke218@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes. There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component. It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment. Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions? Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team. Top Agent Magazine

THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement. No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition. Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future. Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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