New Jersey 2-19-18 by Top Agent Magazine

NEW JERSEY EDITION

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE to Attract Future Clients 7 Deadly Sins of PERSONAL BRANDING 9 Things the BEST LEADERS Never Say PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

FEATURED AGENTS

CHRIS PIZZOLA BASIL C. SINGH KRISTIAN THYGESEN COVER STORY

DAVID BARBOSA

The staff of the NEW JERSEY ce of William R. Edleston, LLCEDITION proud to congratulate

tian Thygesen 7

KRISTIAN THYGESEN

DAVID BARBOSA

CHRIS PIZZOLA

BASIL C. SINGH

ing featured for the state CONTENTS rsey in Top Agent Magazine! 4) CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS 10) 7 DEADLY SINS OF PERSONAL BRANDING

ecializing in new jersey real estate services

19) 9 THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY 22) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS

ffice of William R. Edleston, LLC ss Avenue, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 59-5186Phone | www. edlestonlaw.com

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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

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 Top Agent Magazine

5 Top Agent Magazine

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 6

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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KRISTIAN THYGESEN Top Agent Magazine

KRISTIAN THYGESEN After a successful career in high-end remodeling construction, Kristian Thygesen was ready for a new challenge. He’d already earned firsthand experience working closely with real estate agents over the course of his career, and he’d long been intrigued by the possibility of becoming an agent in his own right. In 2016, he decided to make the leap. By the second year in business, Kristian had earned a host of accolades, including the Circle of Excellence Award and a Regional Sales Award through Weichert Realtors. Today, Kristian has made swift progress as a top-producing real estate agent, crafting a reputation for people-centric service, intrepid market knowledge, and an authentic investment in his clients’ successes. While serving clients across the state of New Jersey, Kristian bases his business in Hunterdon and Warren Counties. He also has plans to extend his services to Pennsylvania this spring. Though he is beginning his third full-year as an agent, he’s already amassed roughly 25% of his business through referral clientele. When it comes to his professional philosophy, he cites his background in construction as one of the most meaningful value-adds he offers clients. Likewise, Kristian’s commitment to steadfast communication, positivity, and long-lasting relationships sets him apart from your average agent. “As a general contractor, I learned how to take care of people,” Kristian says. “I always know my market and evaluate properties well in terms of pricing and construction. I believe in thorough, personalized service. My relationships with clients are all about trust. I take that trust seriously and it’s the part of my work I enjoy the most.” Understanding the complexity of buying and selling property, Kristian also makes it a point to inject a little lightheartedness into what is often a momentous, high stakes transition. “I’m a good communicator and make sure people understand each component of a transaction,” he says. “I also try to incorporate some fun. You’ve got to find a way to make it an enjoyable process, too. Based on the feedback I’ve gotten from clients, they also appreciate my atten-

tiveness. I try to make myself constantly available, because I know it’s a big deal, whether you’re buying or selling. When a client has a question or a concern—they want somebody to reach out to. I love being able to help people and connect them with what they’re looking for. It’s so important to me that I’m part of this step in my clients’ life journeys.” When it comes to listing properties, Kristian begins by completing an initial evaluation of the property and its condition. After reviewing floorplans, he then takes steps to depersonalize the home to create a pleasant yet neutral backdrop for the property’s viewing. “It’s important to create the right market perception for a property,” he explains. Then, Kristian takes to social media and the leading digital listing platforms to maximize visibility for listings. Agentto-agent mining also creates opportunities for the ideal buyers and sellers to connect. To keep in touch with clients, Kristian abides by his personalized style—touching base through handwritten notes, or calling up clients just to check in. “My clients and I often become friends in the process of finding or selling a property together,” he says. “I let them know that I’m here and value their friendship. I try not to oversell, but just stay in touch and let them know that I’m always available as a resource.” To give back to the community he calls home, Kristian is active through his brokerage. Together, they often contribute to holiday drives for those in need, collecting needed goods and fundraising for worthy organizations. In his free hours, Kristian most enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, camping, hiking, and traveling. He also enjoys playing guitar and, above all, being a dad. As for the future of his business, Kristian has plans to continue growing his imprint in the Western New Jersey area, building his community one homeowner at a time. Now, applying his diligent spirit and real estate expertise, the future looks bright for Kristian Thygesen. “If you care about something and work hard towards it— you’ll make progress,” he finally reflects. “I made a commitment to myself to work hard and provide excellent service. With knowledge, hard work, and care, I believe anyone can succeed.”

To learn more about Kristian Thygesen, e-mail Kris@ktrealestatesells.com, call (908) 246 - 2885, or visit his website at KrisThygesenRealEstate.com www.

The staff of the Law Office of William R. Edleston, LLC is proud to congratulate

Kristian Thygesen

on being featured for the state of New Jersey in Top Agent Magazine!

specializing in new jersey real estate services

Law Office of William R. Edleston, LLC 461 Corliss Avenue, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-859-5186 | www.edlestonlaw.com Top Agent Magazine

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 DIsC assessment. Just visit www.corcorancoaching.com/behavioralstyle. php and you’ll be guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own What is a style ‘personal Just likeothers com- as sistently dominant andbrand’? how to read well. (across all marketing platforms), pany or product branding, it’s built around a well-defined brand can elevate agent recimaging and messaging that is designed to ognition and help to establish credibility Yes, understanding people, listening to their needs and wants and responding create a feeling. And in the case of personal and authority. However, when executed appropriately all takehow work But because realare estate is a people branding, it influences you and wantattention. others incorrectly, the effects lackluster at best, business, it’s simply a must. And the better at it you become, the to feel about you. From your photos to other and harmful at worst. To help you better avoid living as an or broker. brandyou’ll images,make elements andagent even content, theI promise. pitfalls of personal branding, we’ve there is a lot that goes into creating your compiled a list of what we feel are the 7 unique brand.to Displayed Best of luck you! correctly and con- deadliest sins.

Copyright©, 2015 BubbaNO Mills. All rights reserved. DIFFERENTIATION Branding about being known forvicereal estate agent who expressed to us that Bubba Mills isis not co-owner and executive president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an in international your profession. It’s about being known she was already well branded her area. consulting coaching that performance coaching and for being and different in yourcompany profession. If specializes She stated,in“When I walk into a restaurant theallimplementation sound systems Real Estate Companies, Mortgage agents were the of same, howbusiness would your in into my community, people already know Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational customers know who to choose? Lack of I’m a real estate agent.” And while that and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage differentiation is out by more far the #1 personal is a great start, it’s nowhere close to succompanies. To find about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 We love to tell the story of a cessful branding. Let’s assume I walked or branding visit us at sin. www.CorcoranCoaching.com. 10

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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 NO FOCUS like activities they can start and finish. In business, you can’t be all things to all side of your specific focus. That would be people. Many have and failed. In or- always quite difficult. It does mean over work. time Compliants are tried thinkers. They’re wondering howthat, things der to have business and brand, doneacorrectly), you approach. will do moreWhen and They wanta successful practicality, logic, fairness(ifand systematic you must define yourfacts, ideal custommore ofand the data. exact They kind ofseek business you talking toclearly thinkers give documentation accuracy. er and how you will super-serve that cus- want, and conversely, even stop doing They’re motivated by standards of high quality, limited social interaction, tomer. In other words, declare and develop the kind of business you don’t want. And detailed tasks and focused, logical itorganization of information. a specialty. By being does NOT that’s what a great brand is designed to mean that you stop doing all business outaccomplish.

some personality assessment tools can cost thousands of dollars, but at Corcoran Coaching, we’veNO opted for a much more affordable offering: a free AUTHENTICITY DIsC assessment. Just visit www.corcorancoaching.com/behavioralstyle. Recognizable personal brands can be very You should be able to ‘breathe your brand’ php and you’ll be guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own clever and memorable, but if your brand in everything that you do. This is importdominant andlast. how to read as well. isn’t ‘you’,style it won’t If you try toothers put ant not only for your customers, but perout a persona that is different from your haps most importantly for you. There is Yes, needs and wants responding ownunderstanding and the way you people, live yourlistening life, peo- to their a tremendous amount of and confidence that ple will take notice overwork time. and The attention. most comes knowing youisare who appropriately all take Butwith because realthat estate a people incredible it’s personal brands weaveAnd pro-theyou portray, that become, you have the business, simply a must. better at itandyou thehabits, better fessional and personal intoorone. inspiration, knowledge and expertise to living you’ll make asqualities an agent broker. I promise. Your brand becomes an extension of you. back it up.

Best of luck to you!

NO CONSISTENCY

rable brand, but if you don’t display those ple don’t see them nearly as often, so don’t branding correctly consis- viceapply or compare your own habits and Bubba Millselements is co-owner andand executive president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international tently across all of your marketing plat- exposure to theirs. Repetitiveness in marconsulting andyou coaching company in only performance coaching and forms, it does little good. In orderthat to specializes keting is not a good thing, it’s essenthe implementation sound systems Real Estate Companies, Mortgage accomplish this taskofwell, youbusiness must step tialinto for retention. Once you determine the Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational back from your marketing and see it the overall messaging and look of your brand, and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage way others To do.find Youout seemore yourabout socialCorcoran media Consulting that look should continuecall across literally companies. & Coaching, 1-800-957-8353 every day. You see your business every marketing platform you touch. orchannels visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com. Top Agent Magazine

NO CONTENT The ultimate goal of personal branding is comfortable producing is the key to keeping to become known as an authority in your it simple. No one wants to be bogged down andchosen they niche. don’t That caremeans for sudden or lifestyle. They also withprocedure producing content. But on the flip side, that youchanges must in likedemonstrate activitiesthe they can start and finish. knowledge, expertise and/ no one knows how much you know until or experience to back up your position. you share it. Great content demonstrates your knowledge and how helps your customers Content that are best expresses youThey’re and your always Compliants thinkers. wondering things work. at the same time. In addition, it serves anbrand could be as simple as a series of They want practicality, logic, fairness and a systematic approach. When other purpose with search engine optimizaphotos, quotes, e-books, video shorts, etc. talking to thinkers give facts, documentation and data. They seek accuracy. Choosing the type of content you’re most tion and attracting prospects online.

They’re motivated by standards of high quality, limited social interaction, detailed tasks and logicalNO organization of ACTION information. CALL TO

You’re spending money to market across using other people’s money’. Your call some personality assessment tools can cost thousands of dollars, but at multiple platforms, so why not take the to action may change with different marCorcoran Coaching, opted for more affordable offering: keting channels or purposes, buta free you opportunity to extendwe’ve an invitation fora much DIsC Just with visityou? www.corcorancoaching.com/behavioralstyle. your assessment. prospects to engage It can should always, always have one. If you want people to do something, tell them a simple call be to action, such as ‘call me phpbeand you’ll guided through a quick questionnaire to learn your own you’d like them to do. That’s how you first’ or more ‘contact me others for a aswhat dominant stylespecific, and how to read well. free home staging assessment’ or ‘download my e-book and learn how to invest

move prospects one step closer to becoming customers.

Yes, understanding people, listening to their needs and wants and responding appropriately all take work attention. But because real estate is a people NOand FOLLOW-THROUGH business, it’s simply a must. And the better at it you become, the better with hundreds of agents, folWhyyou’ll is this included in branding, living make as an agentyou or may broker.munication I promise. ask? Because your brand is your bond. It’s low-through is at the top of the list when it comes to customer complaints. You don’t your handshake. When you say you’ll do Best of luck how to you! something, can people trust you if want to be that person. Putting an incredible you don’t follow through with your prom- message and image out there isn’t enough. must live up to those standards with ise? This is often elementMills. that people Copyright©, 2015theBubba All rightsYou reserved. forget altogether. And in fact, in our com- 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), international ® Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder ofan BrandFace , LLC. ® consulting andMichael coaching company that specializes in performance coaching Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace partner. and the implementation of they sound systems into Real Estatedesigned Companies, Mortgage Together, focusbusiness on personal branding and marketing to help real estate ® professionals become theBubba face of their & a star in their market. BrandFace Companies and Small Businesses. Millsbusiness is a nationally recognized inspirational Real Estate Professionals is a book, speaking and and an exclusive and educationfor speaker, coach and mentor toprofessional the top real estateseries agents mortgage workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com. or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com. 12

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DAVID BARBOSA 13

DAVID BARBOSA David Barbosa got his his start in the real estate industry over 28 year ago working in new construction home sales. When the market crashed in 2008 and the new construction business slowed down, David decided to change gears and went into the residential sales side of real estate, before opening up his own brokerage, David Realty Group in 2011. “People told me it was a bad time to start my own brokerage, but I knew the market would turn around soon. I wanted to get all of my systems in place and start building a solid reputation, so that when the market picked up again, we would be ready. That’s exactly what happened.” 14 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

David Realty Group is a boutique style brokerage that has 50 highly trained professional agents primarily serving the Northern New Jersey towns of Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Mountainside, Garwood, Fanwood and other surrounding towns. David Realty Group has built their reputation by offering their clients an exceptional customer experience that leads to unbeatable results. One of the things that has really been a key to his firm’s success has been David’s willingness to think outside of the box when it comes to how to run his brokerage. “We offer one on one personal service and our agents Top Agent Magazine

have the flexibility to run their businesses the way they want to, which is something that you can’t find at a lot of the bigger brokerages. This flexibility allows my agents to get the deal done. We offer our listing clients a discount on commission, which can help make the transaction happen and they don’t lose any of the service they would expect. We are a full service brokerage and no corners are ever cut, even though the commission is. Top Agent Magazine

People love saving money while still getting the service they deserve and that definitely makes us stand out from the rest.” David Realty Group takes a comprehensive approach when it comes to marketing their listings, which has led to homes selling for top dollar in a shorter amount of time. “We definitely do a lot of internet marketing and have a large presence on social media, 15 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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where we do a lot of strategic target marketing, really honing in on the most likely buyers. We also present our properties in the best possible light, taking advantage of all of the latest technologies, making sure our listings really stand out, which is key on the internet,” says David. David is actively involved in his community and is currently interested in becoming more involved with the city planning and zoning boards. He is always looking for ways to Top Agent Magazine

give back locally, and contributes to numerous local non-profits. When he isn’t working, David enjoys spending time with his family, skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer. David couldn’t be more thrilled with how far he has come since opening his brokerage and is looking to expanding the successful model he has created in different marketplaces in the near future. “We have a real family atmosphere here, and we all work together to Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

improve what we do, sharing ideas and coming up with new ways to provide service that truly goes above and beyond. Yes, earning a paycheck is the end result of what we do, but our first goal is helping people. I believe if you

focus on that, then the money will come. We really want to be people’s Realtors for life®. Our clients know that they can always count on us to advise and guide them in all of their real estate needs.”

To learn more about David Barbosa, call 973-296-2709, email dbarbosa@davidrealtygroup.com or visit davidrealtygroup.com www.facebook.com/markallanproperty/

www.

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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

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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. 20

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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CHRIS PIZZOLA After only two years as a real estate agent, Chris Pizzola has already established himself as a master of off-market deals and a formidable talent in the industry. Chris grew up involved in his family’s business of home development throughout Staten Island and after graduating college, he worked with a general contractor in Manhattan, completing jobs for high profile clients that included the likes of Jay Z, Vince Camuto and CBS. Several of Chris’s mentors suggested he would do well in real estate, citing his background, personality, and strong communication skills. Chris took the leap, obtaining his license and joining Sotheby’s International Realty in 2015. His success was immediate. During his first year, he completed over 20 transactions totaling over $6.5 million dollars. In his second year, he completed 40 transactions totaling $18 million. Chris primarily serves Monmouth and Ocean County. Most of his transactions are waterfront properties; and he’s currently the number one waterfront agent in Toms River. His deep knowledge of the area combined with his vast network of potential buyers allows him to dominate the local residential real estate market. Off-market deals are his specialty; he sells many houses before they even go on the market. Sellers call him to do a market analysis of their properties and often have a contract on their house within 24 hours. “Most of the time when I am going to look at a property for the first time, I already have a buyer in mind,” he explains. “Oftentimes there are contracts that same day or the next day. Buyers and sellers love that. Buyers are getting something that isn’t even on the market, and sellers aren’t dealing with the hassle of putting a house on the market. And they get their price.” Now over two years into his new career, Chris already has an impressive repeat and referral rate of over 35%. What keeps his clients coming back and eager to spread the word about the outstanding service he provides? Chris has a strong work ethic that his clients notice and appreciate. This is essential in the competitive market Chris serves. “You have to be savvy and know what to convey to other agents in order to lock the property down for your buyer,” he says. Clients also appreciate his personality–he’s kind and attentive and despite his easygoing demeanor, he’s clearly razor focused on his work and incredibly professional. He’s not afraid to reach out and try to make connections between buyers and sellers. “There are tons of opportunities out there. I have confidence and my clients see that,” he says with a smile. What is Chris’s greatest achievement thus far in his career? “Well I can think of a two,” he says. “I represented buyers on a new construction home in August of 2016. They called me a couple months later after they decided to go back to the city so I listed the property and sold the exact same home for an additional $81,500 in April Top Agent Magazine

of 2017. Also, there was a listing that was on the market for just under five years with four different brokers. I took over the listing, rebranded it and sold it in thirteen days for just $10,000 below what the prior broker had it listed on the market for.” It’s easy for Chris to stay in touch with past clients. He often reaches out by phone to see how they are doing. “It’s not just keeping a client/business relationship, but a friendship,” he says. “That’s what I hang my hat on. I don’t want to just be transactional.” Chris is business minded, dependable, and focused, but at the same time he’s able to bring a personal touch to his interactions with his clients. His clients appreciate that he makes each transaction as smooth and easy as possible. “At the end of the day, it’s up to me to get the job done and I don’t bring any drama that comes up back to my clients,” he says. When it comes to marketing listings, Chris takes an innovative, cutting-edge approach that reflects the needs of the modern and ever-changing market. He conducts a thorough social media and digital advertising campaign for each listing. He also uses direct mailing and some print media, but he finds his online presence to be most successful in getting the word out about properties. What does Chris like most about his work? “I actually don’t feel like I work at all,” he says. “I’m truly passionate about my work, helping people, and putting together successful transactions.” Chris is known for supporting and mentoring other agents in his community. In his cherished free time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and their two small children. “I love spending time with my family and friends. For me, that’s it!” he says. He also likes watching sports and going to the movies. For the future, he plans to continue growing his business. His goal is to become the number one agent in New Jersey. “I want to go to work everyday, bettering myself, and bettering my clients,” he says. With his track record of astounding success, he’s sure to make that goal come true!

To find out more about Chris Pizzola, email at christopherpizzolajr@gmail.com or call 732 - 575 - 6523. You can also check him out online at chrispizzola.com. http://

Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours 3.Create a goal-oriented reward system

Even on the busiest of days, it can be hard not to get distracted by social media, smartphones, chatty colleagues, or personal to-do list items. So how do you keep your professional blinders on and power through your tasks with efficiency? Practice these four tips and witness your productivity skyrocket—easing stress and bringing renewed energy to your daily duties.

Coffee breaks, coworker catch-up, and social media check-ins tend to break up our workflow on an hourly basis. Instead of trying to go cold turkey on these workplace routines, reframe them as rewards. For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise canceling headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

2. Organize your workspace A messy work area breeds anxiety and distraction, but a clean and organized desk inspires efficiency. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, take fifteen minutes and organize your workspace: gather miscellaneous papers into their proper place, dispose of out-of-date or unnecessary documents, or give your keyboard a dusting. Not only does cleaning and organizing your workspace prepare you for the work ahead, it also helps you transition to a productive, goal-oriented mindset. 22

4.Take your smartphone off the table The number one productivity killer in this day and age? Smartphones. With access to endless social media portals, web browsing, text conversations, and games, smartphones are one-stop shops for distractions. While you may not want to delete apps from your phone, try leaving your smartphone in a locked desk drawer until your next break, or safely in your car. By simply putting your smartphone out of your line of sight, the impulse to distract yourself is muted. Even though technology and the modern office create ample opportunity for distraction, making these few small adjustments can go a long way in safeguarding your productivity. After all, a productive day allows you to enjoy your time at home and outside the office, without the worry of incomplete tasks and looming deadlines darkening your day. Keep these productivity tricks in mind as you mount your daily to-do list and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.

Top Agent Magazine

BASIL C. SINGH Basil C. Singh got his start in the real estate industry twenty-four years ago. Back then, he was in the midst of managing a distribution center, but after buying his first home, Basil’s agent suggested he earn his license. Inspired by the challenge, Basil did just that, practicing as a real estate agent part-time for a year before making the ultimate switch. Now, he serves as the Broker Associate/Manager of the office where it all began, Century 21 Allstars 100. Along the way, he’s earned a host of accolades and designations, including 2017’s Realtor of the Year, named by the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors. For ten years straight, he earned coveted recognition from New Jersey Realtors as a Million Dollar Producer, Bronze level and the Coveted Distinguished Sales Club Award. He earned the Circle of Excellence, Silver level from 2013 to 2016 and Gold level in 2017. He has also earned his CIPS, CRS, ABR, SFR, GRI, MRP, and BPOR designations and certifications—making him a uniquely qualified and learned agent in his field. Over the course of his expansive career, Basil has earned an indisputable reputation as an agent of influence, leading clients on the path to homeownership, while blazing a trail for his fellow industry colleagues. Primarily serving Bergen County, Basil leads the team at Century 21 Allstars 100 based in Teaneck. Today, more than 75% of his business is generated by repeat and referral clientele, and Basil attributes this loyalty to his inclusive working style. He cites honesty, transparency, and hard-won experience as the main drivers of his success to date. “I’m very honest and open with my clients,” he says. “Educating my clients is also important to me. I often teach seminars and classes, and keep in contact with my clients to share market information that they need to know.” In fact, Basil’s key role as President at the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors positions him as an industry expert. He participates in monthly agent orientations and also spearheads several committees on a local and state level. One of Basil’s biggest passions is homeowner empowerment and protecting the rights of homeowners. In that vein, he ensures that his fellow agents, as well as his clients, are kept in the loop regarding relevant real estate developments—like late 2017’s new tax law. He passes along these insights through mailers,

seminars, and mentorship opportunities through his state and local Realtor boards. Likewise, steadfast communication and a straightforward approach to the transactional process ensure that buyers and sellers understand and are confident amidst a major milestone. When it comes to listing properties, Basil taps his sizable online network by leveraging the leading digital listing platforms for maximum visibility. He also makes use of his plentiful industry connections, crossing over to the neighboring state of New York where he keeps fellow agents aware of listings headed to market. Considering what he enjoys most about his career, Basil reflects upon the interpersonal connections built and the helping hand he’s leant to his clients. “I love to see the moment when a buyer is able to buy a house and move in,” he says. “It’s a pleasure to see a happy family move into a property and call it home.” To give back to his community both professionally and charitably, Basil is involved in a variety of organizations. This includes the National Association of Realtors, the New Jersey Association of Realtors, and the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors where he serves as a Director and 2018 President. He gives to the Apollo Young Patrons, Tommy Fox’s Charity for Disabled Children, and the Orphanage for Displaced Children in his native country, Guyana. He also sits on a fundraising committee that hosts an annual holiday event for more than three-hundred elderly and needy persons in Guyana. In his remaining free hours, Basil most enjoys spending quality time with his family, following his favorite sports teams, and playing the occasional round of golf. Looking ahead, Basil has plans to continue mastering his thriving business, while mentoring the up and coming agents as they ascend the ranks of the industry. For now, he’ll continue bringing his high-caliber client care to the real estate scene of Northeast New Jersey. With more than two decades of experience to his name and a legacy already in the making, the best is assuredly still to come for Basil Singh.

To learn more about Basil C. Singh e-mail basilsingh@gmail.com, call (201) 286 - 1410, visit his website at basilsingh.com, or visit his Facebook page here.

https://www.facebook.com/Basil-C-Singh-Real-Estate-178184178897576/

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