ONTARIO 4-17-23

ONTARIO EDITION

6

RECONSIDER REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

HABITS OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE AGENTS

TIPS ON BEING A GOOD TEAM LEADER

FEATURED AGENTS

DAVID BENNETT MELLISSA KING

WHY DELEGATING IS THE KEY TO LONGLASTING SUCCESS COVER STORY

JOANNE BEATON

ONTARIO EDITION

DAVID BENNETT

d raised in Tillsonburg, David has always possessed an entreprepirit. After graduating University begin his career managing a golf o-shop in his hometown; however, e he found himself seeking a new 7 ity that better spoke to his passion ng others. After taking an interest state, David took a life-changing with Richard Wood, then Broker d for Royal LePage R.E. Wood which inspired him to pursue his nd set forth as an agent.

JOANNE BEATON

their best interests. More than an he loves welcoming newcomers Tillsonburg community, from its ing industry to its terrific school MELLISSA KING and proximity to major business Growing up with both parents workannual event to suppor 16 20 team “Because our lives theinpande th ing in real estate, REALTOR® Mellissa nate. During King got a jumpstart on the industry also put toge we have insightbook intoclubeverything from an early age. While other kids for the homeless school districts, employment sh op were playing sports on the weekends, way of lending a helpi nities, activities difficult happening, she was going to open houses and time. to th listings. When it came time to start a and cons of each neighborhood career, Mellissa chose to go into insurhas a suppor so proud to call Mellissa Tillsonburg hom ance sales and trained to be a police 18-year-old son and enthusiastically daughter. endorseWhen living officer, but eventually switched paths she’ into real estate. “Someone said to me, she’s either spending he says. “At the end of the da ‘If you can sell insurance, then you golfing, swimming, tra ing feel for comm can sell DAVID houses,’ and that stuck with me,” she says. a good ing cookbooks.

“I’myour just thankful to BENNETT MELLISSA KING Real estate not only seemed to be a good fit for her take is onesuch day foran granted,” she says. heartbeat important as personality, but it made sense for her to follow in the servingInyour clients.” family business.

2022, Mellissa sold 48 houses her

thankful I took Richard’s advice se myself in the business of real David says. “At the time, I was to the next few months, she plans to u Over 16 years of real estate experience have moulded ing with newtens pictures.

Growth is in on sive about switching career paths, Now averaging of millions Mellissa into the hardworking, caring, and knowledge- the most important thing for Melliss ard taught me that you can never become theCONTENTS best® she volume, David remains committed thebasis. lasting sta able REALTOR ing people on atodaily “I’m ver is today. Based in Woodstock, ® R you’re capable of being without total commitment that set “I particularly love working wi the universe provide me with aweso Ontario, she was the number one him agent apart. in her office, want to work with and who want the number two agent in Oxford County and the numtime home buyers. For me, there’s no real estate tot vement in our industry. I simply could not have hoped, 4) 6 HABITS OF HIGHLY 17)Century RECONSIDER ber three agent within the entire 21 Heritage she says. “Real estate doesn’t ever fe tion more rewarding than watching them grow comf ed, for a better mentor and I owe a greatHouse dealLtd. of Brokerage my 2022.

“These rankings simPRODUCTIVE AGENTSply show that hard workinpays REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN off. I’ve for through all been the trying important steps involved in acqu nd enjoyment in this wonderful career to Richard.”

PLANNING FOR years to experiment and think outside the box and it THE FUTURE home. To personally witness them achieve the many has worked,” she explains.

14) WHY DELEGATING fits of homeownership is an absolute privilege.” avid leads Realty Team ONE, powered by Royal IS THE KEY TO LONG21)homebuyers TIPS ON BEING Whether she’s guiding first-time or assistR.E. Wood Realty, where he assists clients throughout ing investors, Mellissa doesA herGOOD best to stay inTEAM constant LEADER LASTING SUCCESS Outside of his career, Norfolk, and Elgin Counties, as well as the surroundcontact with her clients.

She frequently checks onDavid has served as Presiden answers aquestions and providesReal resources to Board, where he helped spe Tillsonburg Estate of Southwestern Ontario. There, he has them, cultivated make the home buying and selling process a little easan amalgamation with the Woodstock-Ingersoll rocess to meet the needs of any buyer orier. seller.

“In this business, it’s really important to be a good When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be human and do little things to help your clients everyday,” she says. golfing or spending time with his family—now fifth sting a property, David prefers a comprehensive Tillsonburg residents. . Starting out, he helps his clients prepare Phone 310-734-1440 | Faxfully 310-734-1440 After losing her fatheration in 2014, Mellissa has honored To learn more about Melli market and provides them with a suite ofhisresources, legacy with the work that she does in real estate mag@topagentmagazine.com | aswww.topagentmagazine.com as well through outreach efforts in her commum-k call visit is As his volume maintains its steady519-320-0203, growth, David f professional photography services, virtual tours, nity.

Inspired bywhatsoever her father’s favorite blue jacket, No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior consent of the publisher. Top or Agent Magazine email m.king@centu on sustainably scaling plans to show their home inPublications the best GA, possible light. she Although started aprecautions coat drive ingrowing 2019 tothat has become an ofwhile is published

by Feature Inc. are taken ensure the accuracy published materials,his Top penchant held responsible for opinions facts supplied by its authors.the region. “Our business live entor service throughout re, he shares Agent theirMagazine listingcannot via abehighly targeted blendexpressed To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Top comes down to open communication andCopyright thought and social media campaigns. But he also leverages Published in the U.S. throughout the entire process,” he says. “We want t utlets like print campaigns and personalized property sure that whatever our clients are buying or selling to give each client an added advantage, ensuring a sense both financially and forTop their lifestyle.

After al transaction throughout.

2 Agent Magazine transactions are so much more than investments;

JOANNE BEATON

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 4

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list.

You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second.

We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do

Top Agent Magazine

4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

5

tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news?

Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out

6

of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business.

Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

Top Agent Magazine

JOANNE BEATON Top Agent Magazine

7

Top Agent Joanne Beaton serves the area west of Ottawa, including Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Arnprior and the rural areas in between. About 75% of her business comes from repeat and referral business.

With an extensive history in real estate and real estate investing, Joanne Beaton brings a wealth of expertise with her in helping her clients achieve their goals.

Joanne came to the real estate business through her experience as an investor herself. “In 2001 we started investing in real estate,” Joanne recalls. “We started off with a single condo in Edmonton, and it grew from there! By the time I became licensed in 2013, we had bought and sold 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

more properties personally than many REALTORS® will have ever sold in their career. That felt like a good grounding and qualification for getting us started in real estate.” Since then, Joanne has helped many families through the process with ease and integrity.

Joanne serves the area west of Ottawa, including Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Arnprior and the rural Top Agent Magazine

areas in between. About 75% of her business comes from repeat and referral business. “I have helped moms and dads, their kids, and grandparents buy and sell,” Joanne says. “There are some families I’ve done six or eight transactions with!”

Top Agent Magazine

It’s easy to see what keeps people coming back. “I’m very low-pressure,” Joanne explains. “I would never pressure anyone into purchasing anything; it has to be right for them. I want to provide my clients with all the information they will need to make

Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“My clients appreciate being kept informed, even if they’re not in the market for buying or selling. They’ll still use me as a source of information long after the transaction is done, and that makes me feel like I’ve done a good job.” an informed decision. Because I live in a small community, we’re going to be neighbors and I want to have a long relationship with them. I want them to like the service that I provided them.”

Clients appreciate Joanne’s approach and the information she provides. “I always have a great team of people to refer my Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

clients to, from home inspectors to lawyers, water and sewer specialists, and anyone else they might need,” she says. “My clients appreciate having the full service.”

She stays in touch long after the closing with market updates and helpful information. “My clients appreciate being kept informed, even if they’re not in the market for buying or selling. They’ll still use Top Agent Magazine

me as a source of information long after the transaction is done, and that makes me feel like I’ve done a good job.”

loves spending time with her 8 grandchildren, whether in town or at the family’s off-the-grid recreation property.

Joanne enjoys giving back in her community, supporting her local hospital as well as the local Puppets Up! festival. When she is not working or giving back, Joanne

Looking toward the future, Joanne plans to continue adapting to the new market, and helping her clients do the same. “I love helping people through the process,” she

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

says. “I do a lot of listening, hand holding, coaching, and comforting. It’s such a personal, intimate relationship and transaction, and I have so much joy when we finally get them to the sale process. It’s not stressful for

us because we do it every day, but for our clients it’s a big process and very emotional.

I work very hard at keeping them calm, filtering the stress for them, and getting them through to the other side with a happy result.”

Contact Joanne (613) 407-4309, email joanne@joannebeaton.ca, or find her online at joannebeaton.ca www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

13

Why Delegating is the Key to Long-lasting Success Delegating isn’t a dirty word. In fact, it’s the secret weapon of some of the most successful real estate leaders out there. Those that want to succeed and lead a business built to last understand that delegating is the key to growth and longevity. While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

DELEGATING DEVELOPS YOUR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE Have you ever considered that delegating tasks and responsibilities can help you, as 14

a leader, develop your managerial skills?

While the main objective of delegation is to distribute work in a balanced, efficient way, it’s also a chance to assign tasks with insight, calibrating your team in the process.

Consider delegation an opportunity to build strengths and address weaknesses on your team by choosing specific tasks for specific employees. You can also work on and expand your communication skills, find ways to streamline your delegation tactics, and create opportunities for collaboration. Don’t just delegate blindly, be thoughtful in how you parcel out the workload and responsibilities. Doing so will allow you to fortify your

Top Agent Magazine®

Top Agent Magazine

While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

management skills, in addition to lightening your load for the better.

DELEGATING BUILDS COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE Another byproduct of delegating is that it builds collective confidence in the ranks of your office. By giving employees the chance to flex their skills and control their own small slice of the pie, you’ll be fostering a sense of responsibility and growth on your talent roster. Not only will your staff benefit from the chance to step out on their own, but the team will also benefit as a whole, as each member will attack their duties with a renewed sense of confidence and competence. This collective aptitude will translate to clients and industry colleagues, who will sense the power of a practiced, well-calibrated team in which each member has the chance to shine.

DELEGATING SHARPENS WEAK SPOTS IN OFFICE COMMUNICATION Proper delegation requires clear communication and the careful outlining of responsibilities, goals, and expectations. By regularly delegating to staff, you’ll be giving the whole office the chance to curtail careless communication habits and establish a new benchmark for quality correspondence. Begin by setting an example by clearly communicating delegated responsibilities, leaving the door open for Top Agent Magazine

questions, and by making progress reports the standard. After a while, these good habits will become engrained in your team, and your office will benefit from a uniform and effective communication style, no matter the project.

DELEGATING TURNS ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO A TEAM WIN The ultimate goal of delegating duties is to get the job done, but when you practice delegation, each team member will have a stake in the outcome. In other words, a job well done can be celebrated by all. Giving your team the chance to invest themselves in an overarching project allows for a big pay-off once success is achieved. Not only does this boost morale and provide meaningful motivation for daily work, but it also builds a sense of comradery among the ranks. What’s more, team members will know they’re taken seriously and considered valuable to the team’s dynamic. And don’t forget: a job well done is a reward in and of itself, but it also doesn’t hurt to demonstrate your gratitude for a team goal accomplished.

Delegating responsibilities isn’t a new idea, but the benefits are more plentiful than most imagine. With that in mind, capitalize on opportunities to delegate and you’ll not only be bolstering your business, but building your team and your own professional profile for the long haul.

Top Agent Magazine®

15

DAVID BENNETT Born and raised in Tillsonburg, David Bennett has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating University he would begin his career managing a golf course pro-shop in his hometown; however, over time he found himself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to his passion for helping others. After taking an interest in real estate, David took a life-changing meeting with Richard Wood, then Broker of Record for Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty, which inspired him to pursue his license and set forth as an agent.

“I’m so thankful I took Richard’s advice to immerse myself in the business of real estate,” David says. “At the time, I was apprehensive about switching career paths, but Richard taught me that you can never become the best REALTOR® you’re capable of being without total commitment and involvement in our industry. I simply could not have hoped, or expected, for a better mentor and I owe a great deal of my success and enjoyment in this wonderful career to Richard.”

Today, David leads Realty Team ONE, powered by Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty, where he assists clients throughout Oxford, Norfolk, and Elgin Counties, as well as the surrounding areas of Southwestern Ontario. There, he has cultivated a distinct process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, David prefers a comprehensive approach. Starting out, he helps his clients fully prepare for the market and provides them with a suite of resources, including professional photography services, virtual tours, and floor plans to show their home in the best possible light.

From there, he shares their listing via a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. But he also leverages proven outlets like print campaigns and personalized property websites to give each client an added advantage, ensuring a seamless transaction throughout.

Elsewhere, David is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, thoughtfully guiding them to the right property for

their best interests. More than anything, he loves welcoming newcomers to his Tillsonburg community, from its thriving industry to its terrific school system and proximity to major business hubs.

“Because our team lives in the area, we have insight into everything from school districts, employment opportunities, activities happening, to the pros and cons of each neighborhood. I am so proud to call Tillsonburg home and enthusiastically endorse living here!” he says. “At the end of the day, having a good feel for your community’s heartbeat is such an important aspect of serving your clients.”

Now averaging tens of millions in annual volume, David remains committed to the lasting standards that set him apart. “I particularly love working with first time home buyers. For me, there’s no real estate transaction more rewarding than watching them grow comfortable through all the important steps involved in acquiring a home. To personally witness them achieve the many benefits of homeownership is an absolute privilege.”

Outside of his career, David has served as President of the Tillsonburg Real Estate Board, where he helped spearhead an amalgamation with the Woodstock-Ingersoll board.

When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found golfing or spending time with his family—now fifth generation Tillsonburg residents.

As his volume maintains its steady growth, David is focused on growing sustainably while scaling his penchant for client service throughout the region. “Our business livelihood comes down to open communication and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process,” he says. “We want to make sure that whatever our clients are buying or selling makes sense both financially and for their lifestyle. After all, these transactions are so much more than investments; we’re helping our clients find a home, or place of business, to happily call their own.”

To learn more about David Bennett, email davidb@royallepage.ca, visit realtyteamone.ca or call (519) 550-6642 www.

16

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Reconsider Referral-Only When Planning for the Future

A 100% referral rate is a testament of client happiness. But even a 30% referral rate is proof of client satisfaction. It’s all relative, say some agents. One number pays tribute to past success, which is certainly a story worth telling. But the other might better predict the future. Many agents plan for the idea that Top Agent Magazine

working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector.

Unless you are clairvoyant enough to flawlessly predict every market change or every

Top Agent Magazine ®

17

Many agents plan for the idea that working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector. life change that your clients and referral partners may experience, it’s wise to maintain an active marketing presence. The reasons vary, however, depending on the goals and trajectory of each individual’s business.

If long-term success, a growing team, a legacy or expansion into new areas are not priorities, then working a sphere of influence may be enough for some agents, especially those who may be in the industry mostly for the love of the business. But for a majority of agents, no matter how much they love their work, their real estate and mortgage businesses are careers, first and foremost.

Let’s start with the team-builders and mentors. Agents and brokers who are building teams are wise to invest in business marketing, advertising and community outreach. Ty Hutchins, who owns and operates Ty & Company Real Estate in Colorado’s Front Range, says that, while she could personally live off referrals alone, her goal is to build up her agents. “I do the marketing piece for my team, so I can help them succeed,” she says. That marketing includes running commercials on TV and in movies theatres, as well as lead generation that identifies potential buyers, sellers and 18

investors between the Colorado Springs and Denver markets. Her team’s goal, she adds, is to promote their reputation of being honest, hardworking professionals with the reach of a major brand but the personalized approach of a boutique.

Then there are the growers. Khrista Jarvis and Nicole Jung of The Khrista Jarvis Team in the San Francisco Bay Area, are on a considerable growth track. “We’re the #1 team in our area and the top team in Compass Real Estate nationally,” explains Khrista. While high marks for service on behalf of their clients have led them to these heights, they know that they must continue to evolve and market their brand. “We do a good deal of social media marketing for our listings and for our business,” she says. Their names, therefore, are frequently linked to sentiments of trust, dependability and market knowledge, both in their marketing and in their reviews.

Next, there are those who weathered the worst of times. Susan Roche entered real estate sales in 2003, following several years of property management in North Carolina.

The key to her sustained triumphs through major market swings lies in her long-range planning. “If the market starts to dip or fall,

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

I have safety nets in place,” says Susan Roche, team leader of Simply Real Estate, based in Charlotte. “When it’s a seller’s market, I still plan for a buyer’s market and when it’s a buyer’s market I plan for a seller’s market..” In other words, no matter how comfortable her existing work may feel, she networks consistently. She also employs a full-time marketing director who leads several projects including ongoing research, events and social media exposure in addition to listings marketing. By staying ahead of market changes, Susan knows she can unfailingly represent her clients’ best interests while still maintaining a safety net for her business.

Even professionals with more than three decades’ experience and deep referral networks know the importance of business

Top Agent Magazine

marketing. Cathy Richards, co-owner with Nancy Dalaska of Epic-Wasatch Homes in Park City, UT, entered real estate in 1987 and still draws at least a fifth of her business from lead generation, social media marketing and community outreach. Her business partner, Nancy, adds that real estate is about much more than their own business. “We love collaborating and brainstorming with other agents to help them prosper,” says Nancy. “We believe the healthier the market, the better we all are.”

Regardless of market conditions, even the best reputation can’t guarantee long-term success. To sustain and grow, it’s wise to feed your business by increasing exposure, remaining flexible and maintaining systems for customer service, networking, research, marketing and lead-generation.

Top Agent Magazine ®

19

MELLISSA KING Growing up with both parents working in real estate, REALTOR® Mellissa King got a jumpstart on the industry from an early age. While other kids were playing sports on the weekends, she was going to open houses and listings. When it came time to start a career, Mellissa chose to go into insurance sales and trained to be a police officer, but eventually switched paths into real estate. “Someone said to me, ‘If you can sell insurance, then you can sell houses,’ and that stuck with me,” she says.

Real estate not only seemed to be a good fit for her personality, but it made sense for her to follow in the family business.

Over 16 years of real estate experience have moulded Mellissa into the hardworking, caring, and knowledgeable REALTOR® she is today. Based in Woodstock, Ontario, she was the number one agent in her office, the number two agent in Oxford County and the number three agent within the entire Century 21 Heritage House Ltd. Brokerage in 2022. “These rankings simply show that hard work pays off. I’ve been trying for years to experiment and think outside the box and it has worked,” she explains.

annual event to support those less fortunate. During the pandemic, she and her book club also put together fun gift bags for the homeless shelter as another way of lending a helping hand during a difficult time.

Mellissa has a supportive husband, an 18-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter. When she’s not working, she’s either spending time with them, golfing, swimming, traveling or collecting cookbooks. “I’m just thankful to be here. We can’t take one day for granted,” she says.

In 2022, Mellissa sold 48 houses herself. As she looks to the next few months, she plans to update her branding with new pictures. Growth is on the horizon, but the most important thing for Mellissa is to keep helping people on a daily basis. “I’m very blessed to have the universe provide me with awesome clients who I want to work with and who want to work with me,” she says. “Real estate doesn’t ever feel like work.”

Whether she’s guiding first-time homebuyers or assisting investors, Mellissa does her best to stay in constant contact with her clients. She frequently checks on them, answers questions and provides resources to make the home buying and selling process a little easier. “In this business, it’s really important to be a good human and do little things to help your clients everyday,” she says.

After losing her father in 2014, Mellissa has honored his legacy with the work that she does in real estate as well as through outreach efforts in her community. Inspired by her father’s favorite blue jacket, she started a coat drive in 2019 that has become an 20

To learn more about Mellissa King, call 519-320-0203, visit m-king.c21.ca www.

or email m.king@century21.ca Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Tips on Being a Good Team Leader Your business is booming, so much in fact, that you’ve finally made the decision to start a team. You’ve made sure it’s financially feasible, and you’ve found the right people, but there is still one other component of a successful team. And that’s an effective leader. It’s your job to not only generate business, but to motivate your team, which in turn increase productivity. Here are a few simple tips on being a good team leader.

1. Evaluate each team member, making sure to utilize their strengths Hiring the right people is one of the first steps in creating a successful team, but once you have those people it’s really Top Agent Magazine

important to figure out where they best fit into the operation. Having every team member be an ‘expert’ in their part of the process leads to seamless transactions and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

21

Of course it’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere that allows team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, under your guidance. It’s to the whole team’s advantage when people take initiatives to up their game by taking additional training or mastering a new and innovative technology that can improve productivity. The key is to constantly evaluate not only your systems but the people running them. It’s your job as a leader to encourage that personal growth while making sure to always protect against any major misfires. Which leads us to…

2. Always reevaluate what is and isn’t working It’s a good idea to have a weekly meeting where the whole team can convene and go over any snags they may have hit in the systems that you developed when starting your team. Your team is in the trenches with you and since everyone probably focuses on a different aspect of the transaction, it’s important to make sure things are working on every level. Make sure copious notes are taken during these meetings so you have a track record of what was suggested, as well as a history of things that may have been tried and the results.

Another good thing to focus on in these meetings is goal setting. Set weekly and monthly goals, and use the meetings to discuss what’s being done or needs to be done to meet them. When goals are met, it’s a great bonding experience for everyone. When they aren’t, it’s a moment to learn how you can do better in the future.

22

Don’t forget to always take in what you can do to be a better team leader as well.

3. Stay connected and in communication These are your team members! There’s more to that than just a label. Be connected to them on a daily basis. Clear, open and honest communication is important on a busy team and that’s much easier if you actually like and trust your co-workers.

Sure you want to succeed for yourself, but knowing that other people you respect are counting on you, is an additional motivating factor, that is certain to lead to everyone going above and beyond creating a wildly successful business.

4. Be inspiring and supportive If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, it really will be infectious. Encourage innovation and creativity. Yes, systems and consistency are great but don’t let your team get in a rut either.

Support their individual careers, always encourage them to go for more, let them rely on you for mentorship. If they sense that you want each member to succeed as much as you have, you won’t find more loyal employees. And perhaps most importantly focus on what’s being done right. Don’t be the boss that just points out things they don’t like. Let them know when they’ve done an amazing job and be specific about what it is. Make them feel valued and they will become a valuable asset to you and your business.

Top Agent Magazine

Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

grahamharrop.com Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine