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Five Ways To Be Better Than You Are Now

I recently read an article that really sparked my interest. The article was simply a basic list of the ways that someone could re-invent themselves by investing time and effort into the one asset that all agents have - Themselves.

The key principle to this article was the fact that, despite this uncertain market, there are people that appear to be striving to make their own abilities better and five ways to do so. Below is the list that was in the article...and a good healthy dose of my own explanations as to why this is so important in this uncertain market.

IMAGE: You chose a career in real estate to be an independent business person. So, do you carry yourself in a professional manner? Do you "look the part"? Do you have your business cards on you? Are you showing that you are proud of whom you work for or what you do? Whether you want to believe it or not, your image IS your first impression. Make sure that the impression you are making is the on that you actually want to make. There are some places where you can get away with blue jeans and a nice shirt. There are other places where a suit is more appropriate. Dress the part! Maintain your personal image. Get your hair cut or styled. Ladies...get your nails done. Guys...shave every day. (Believe me, I realize that sucks ...I'm a guy...I understand. But, its 2 or 3 minutes...and it makes a ton of difference to those around you.) I actually know of one agent that wears a tuxedo to all of his closings. That is part of his image. It is what sets him apart from the rest. (His name is Todd Waller out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and he works for RealEstateOne. But, you can get more info on him and his Team366 at www.blog.team366.net.)

TRAINING: Aside from the mandatory requirements involved, you should try to find as many different options to better your ability as you can. Take the time to sit down with your broker to discuss some in-house training options. If you know of any free options for training, jump on it. Any training you involve yourself in will only re-emphasize the skill set you already have developed. So, it will not be wasted time or effort. You never know, you may learn something. (Also, anything that you can learn about social networking...that is a must! Trust me on this...this is a skill that does require some time to master, but you will not regret it!)

NETWORKING: Making yourself known in the community by getting involved with community events is a great way of networking with some of the more influential people in your market. Get involved with the community. Start working with the Chamber of Commerce. Go to PTA meetings. Join Toastmasters. Get involved in your local neighborhood activities. Surrounding yourself with such innovative, like-minded people will help you with both your image and your over-all success. Most people do business with people that they know on a social level. So, networking like this is a key to success in a troubled market.

MENTORING: They say that the teacher will always learn something from the student. Become a mentor for younger agents. Help them be successful. This will cause you to make sure that what you are doing is what you SHOULD be doing. It will help you cross your ‘T's and dot your ‘I's, as it were. Besides...there are times when you can actually team up and work together for the success of each.

YOU: Seems weird that I have to add this since this entire post is about you. But, if you are not taking good care of yourself, you will not have the energy or the will to commit to the rest of this list. Take care of your own body and mind. Get sleep. It is probably more important than anything else you can do for yourself. Make sure you get some exercise. (In this industry with showing property and running from one location to another, that usually isn't hard...but you should do 30 minutes of cardio every day.) Eat right. (Did you know that eating an apple will actually wake you up better than a cup of coffee??) Bring fresh fruits with you on your appointments and eat them when you can. Avoid the drive-thrus. If you don't know where else to start in your investments in you...look in the mirror and start there.

If you would like information on how to get more clients, please contact Clint at 800-977-7058. Or, visit www.recr.com. Or, follow Clint on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheRealClint.

Posted by Clint Miller on 10/12/2009 08:16 AM

Comments (162)

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Originally posted at: RECR's Blog: Five Ways To Be Better Than You Are Now

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162 Comments on Five Ways To Be Better Than You Are Now

OCT

Clint, what a great way to restate the things that we've been hearing for years. I love this post.

like it!

Judi -- Im glad you liked it! :-) Thank you so much!

Great Information and Great Reminders Thanks Clint

Image and training are key. If you have the knowledge and desire, the image will show the world! Good post!

Very good advice Clint! Clean up your car may be another one. It truly is about the image we project. Liked your advice about apples over java and the 30 minute cardio. Thanks for this post!

Debbie -- TY!

Cynthia -- You are so welcome!

Gary -- Agreed! And thanks for commenting!

Al and Peggy -- Thank you so much! I eat an apple every day. It hasnt kept the doctor away, but it sure makes it easier to wake up in the morning. :-)

Right on! Right on! Everything starts with taking care of yourself. When you feel good, you radiate good. I'm not a morning person, but have started getting up early for a 5:30 exercise bootcamp. Then, I come home and exercise another hour with the dogs on a walk/jog through the neighborhood. What a difference in how I feel and the amount of energy I have. isn't funny how we have to be reminded to make ourselves a priority? Thanks for the reminder Clint. Keep the great stuff coming.

Mimms Realty -- Agreed!! It is amazing how much better you feel when you do exercise! And, if you take some time off, you feel it also. Believe me...LOL

Nice list of reminders.

Maintaining your appearance not only projects a professional image to clients and prospects, it also helps you feel better about yourself. Same goes for keeping yourself physically fit.

Thanks for the great post with great information for everyone. Have a great week.

Christopher -- Thank you! And, I couldnt agree with you more. :-)

Terry -- You are quite welcome! Thanks for the comments! :-)

Clint - You mean I have to shave? Grrrr. I guess the lumberjack look I was going for isn't really the style for San Antonio.

Clint what a great post for US... and how true. I love the mentoring advise - we do get so much back from helping others! And I didn't know about eating an apple in the AM trick - thanks for sharing.... I'm off to grab an apple!

Matt -- Yeah...Id recommend a shower once in a while also. ;-)

Lee & Pam -- Hiya! Im glad you liked the post! And, I hope the apple becomes a habit :-)

Thanks for posting this, Clint. You mean you even have to shave in burly western Montana? It's funny how easily we forget that image really is everything. I live in a college community and it's easy to get "dumbed down" in your appearance because everyone else is wearing jeans and a tee.

And I do get my nails done. I'd recommend it for men every once in while, too!

You just came back from a REBarCamp. That is free training- and fantastic networking with other agents. I wish more brokers would nudge the agents to participate, or at least let them know about it. These aren't coordinated by "experts"- they are set up by agents who are walking the social media walk, so to speak.

Meeting people online is a great way to segue into meeting people face-to-face. That's the bread-and-butter of the industry. BNI groups regularly share referrals. ANY group you interact with and do a good job for (little league, bake sale) and know that you sell real estate will eventually help you out- and in the meantime you are helping the community.

Love you, Clint. Thanks, @Al and Peggy- I need to go clean that car!

Great advice and so true! When I was training agents on a regular basis, I pushed image as being the main point of being successful from the start! Everyone wants to work with someone that is successful, so look the part! Great post and I will be forwarding this one!

Marcy -- Well...not really shave. More like knock off the long ones. :-) I dont think I even own a razor......

Diane -- BarCamp was AWESOME!!! And I agree...i wish more professionals would attend and encourage others to attend. I met some amazing people there...and I am looking forward to the next one!!

Karen -- That is exactly right...Look the part! :-) Thank you so much for the comments!

Hi Clint - what a great bunch of info you have in this post. I already do a lot of this, but still plenty more to pay attention to. I am notorious for never having any of my own business cards on me. I am ordering new ones and have made a promise to myself to do my best to never be without at least a few.

I love continuing to learn - so much out there for all of us to get nuggets from. And REBCs are just one great example. I also learn everytime I help someone else out, too. I think that's all part of paying it forward. We were all new at one time, too, and someone else (probably several someones) took time to help us, pay it forward and help others.

Love this post - thanks for the reminder to get going on a few things I leave on the back burner!
Ann
"love-in-a-mist" ;-)

Great suggestions and I agree that you need to focus on growing yourself and image to be a better agent.

Hi Ann!! I even have my own business cards, Ann. I hope you stick to that commitment. :-) And, I LOVE REBC's!!!! This was the first one that I have had a chance to attend...and it met all of my expectations. :-)

Lisa -- Thank you! It is always important to continue to invest in the one thing you bring to the table...Yourself. :-)

Clint - Some good pointers and reminders here. I must admit, that while I'm freshly shaven today, I don't shave daily... and probably should.

Jason -- Thank you so much! I barely shave weekly. :-) But, Im in Montana...LOL

Nice reminder not to wear jeans. Darn! I love jeans. Anyway, I think I most appreciated your explaination of networking. I do network, but from your description, I need to widen my networking. So, thank you, great tips.

Marianne -- Glad you liked the post! And, yes....networking is the key to success. You should network where ever you go. :-)

Hi Clint. Nice post.

Do I have to shave my head every day, too?

Ken

Ken -- Thanks! Uhhh....probably not. :-)

Clint,

All five are very important! But image is everything! I'm retired Navy and I stay physically fit. And shaving is a pet peeve of mine. Excellent post! Have a great day!

Keith -- Yes, they are! And, im glad you took the time to comment!! thanks!

Clint - Nice job as always. I do need to work on getting more exercise! I still think Todd is very cool for going all-out with the tuxedo.

Jason -- Thank you so much, kind sir! Yeah, Im in desperate need of ambition to exercise. :-) And, Todd rawks for the tux...very cool impression to leave with your clients. :-)

Wonderful! And it's not the outside appearance..it's success starting from the inside ....out :)

Sally -- I couldnt agree more!! :0)

Good advice! Thanks!

Ryan -- YVW :-)

All good points. I think we should take very seriously the one about taking care of ourselves.

Honeycutt -- Yeah, Im pretty delinquent on that one myself. :-)

Thanks for the great reminder of what we "should be doing" these days.

Patricia/Seacoast NH

Patricia -- You are quite welcome. :-)

Great post. Very informational. Don't forget to drink plenty of water.

Dennis -- I keep a 24oz water bottle on my desk...and I drink at least 2 of those a day. :-)

Clint -

The good/scary part about your post? None of these things are unduly hard! We're not being asked to hike 40 miles with a backpack or swim the English Channel or fight a war. Instead, you have reminded us to be our best selves - for us, our families and our clients.

Michael

Great Post Clint. Thank you for the positive reminder!!!

That is a great list, Clint. I especially like #5. It's easy to loose track of your own time in real estate. Establishing boundaries between my work and my personal life is something that I can struggle with. If you don't leave time for yourself (and take care of yourself), burn-out is inevitable. A sharp mind and body will help you go the distance.

Excellent post Clint! The most salient point that resonates with me regarding those five methods is that all of them must start with an internal impetus or desire. Getting better at anything in life starts internally and radiates outward. One must understand how improving their image, training, networking, mentoring, and physical well being can make them better at their jobs (and as people). Too many professionals rely on external things like advertising, leads, etc. to make them better at their jobs. While those things are vitally important to success, often times it's the little changes and efforts you have mentioned above that are so much more valuable. Congrats on yet another feature!

Michael -- None of them are hard at all...fairly easy. :-) I prefer easy.

Dave -- Thanks!

Will -- You have an excellent point!

Kendall -- Thank you! You are correct...You must have the desire to change. And then act on that desire. Without it, its just a good idea. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. :-)

Clint - Great list. Those are easy steps to follow but how easy we all forget them :)

check
check
check
check
check !!

... hence the reason my 2009 has been the best of my career !

Great points Clint !

Cheers !

Sheldon

Clint ~ Thanks for the reminders!! All of these work really great with a well-planned SCHEDULE!! I'm big on the working on the YOU point! All the best!!

Megan -- It's easy to lose sight of things that seem insignificant.

Sheldon -- Awesome! Nothing better than validation. ;-)

Stephen -- I wish I was better at working on the YOU point...lacking sadly. :-(

Clint - thanks for the reminders...it all seems so easy but how many of us do all these things daily to always be the best we can be.

Great points! It is all about respect, respect for your business, your clients and yourself.

Lori and Bruce -- I know I could be much better at a couple of these, thats for sure!

Jo -- Actually...that is a really good point, Jo. Thanks!

Hi Clint. I clicked onto the hyperlink and the account for the blog has been temporarily disabled. I guess working out nearly every day helps. Not so much the sleep part. I have to work on that LOL ~ Lana

P.S. I am so not giving up my one cup of coffee :-) but I do eat alot of vegetables. Even for breakfast....

Hey Clint,

About 2 months ago I shed the Aloha shirts and khakis for dress pants and shirt. There was a noticeable difference in the way people responded to me.I am a professional but I wasn't presenting as such. On a separate note, I pity the person that tries to hand me an apple in place of my coffee.

These are all really great tips. I'm good with the education. I think it's the personal appearance issue that I need to address. It just takes too much time to get the nails done and color every 6 weeks? Ugh!

Lana -- Thanks! I will ask Todd what is up...

France and Mark -- LOL about the apple....but, the dress shirt and khakis was a good choice! Glad it is working out for you!

Vickie -- Actually, you will find that if you take that time to get it done, you wont even miss it. And, you start to look forward to it as a break from the norm. :-)

Agreed Clint and this is true for everybody in any profession. I just joined my own neighborhood Chamber of Commerce and garden group. True it takes time, but it is an important investment and I have enjoyed meeting my neighbors.

Shirin -- And, you actually get to the point where it is fun to do those things...to meet those people. Besides, you never know when someone is going to need an agent/stager to help them out. :-)

Personal Appearance and Teaching are great points. Not only do we help someone else out, we benefit from it as well. And yes shaving everyday isnt that fun.

Justin -- Shaving sucks. :-) But, aside from that point, I agree with you on all the ones you brought up. ;-)

Hi Clint, Great list. As for dress: we are a destination ( island ) and most clients are very dressed down. Most guys in the office are dressed very casual: golf shirts, short pants, etc.

Bill -- Of course there are locally specific ideas of "dressed up"..Im in NW Montana. If you are in jeans and a button up shirt, you can go to church and outshine half the people there. :-) So, you would surely want to take those types of things into account in order to maintain your specific image. :-)

With leads, money will follow.

Aaron -- That is correct. :-)

A professional look and attitude in everything we do. You can't separate yourself completely from your business in this business. I haven't been on the Rain very long yet Clint and this superb explanation of some critical fundamentals that cross all boundaries of methodology is one of the best posts I've read yet. Thank you for putting it together.

Cheers,
Bruce

Bruce -- Thank you so much for the kind words!! Very appreciative!! And...to be honest, I couldnt agree with you more on the point of there being a complete seperation from yourself and your business. Excellent analogy.

This is great advice.

Having grown up on Long Island, and being sent to a private high school, I became quite comfortable in suits. BUT, there are only a couple of months out of the year, here in Tampa, when I can actually bear to wear it. It took alot of work to redesign how I dress to impress in this heat, because I Like my suits. I feel successful in my suit, I carry myself better in my suits. But I had to adjust to survive this environment

Ohhhh nooooo........give up my coffee?!?! Scary thought! I guess I could add an apple to the morning routine and it would not kill me! Great advice Clint!

Anytime I have the opportunity to learn something new, expecially for free, I am all over it! (Funny how this has changed from my high school days!)

Toastmasters is a great place to meet new people, network AND improve your public speaking skills! The environment is so positive and I highly recommend it!

Tammie -- Thanks!

Daniel -- sometimes, you have to make sacrifices. :-) Have a mojito :-)

Stephanie -- Also, if you get a chance to go to a REBarCamp, GO!! Just trust me on this one!

Clint, great post. I enjoyed all of the above comments, as well. Coffee/mojito. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. I say coffee in the am and mojito in the (early) pm. (lol) J/K

So many people miss the last point - to take care of the body. I'm glad you mentioned it.

Clint, I did the math one day on my past years transactions. My listings that sold, and my buyers that purchased 70% of the transactions were co-brokes, If your not net working you are leaving money on the table.

Clint -- what an excellent post. All of your points are critically important to achieve success in life, regardless of your profession. We can all improve in these areas. (I'll never forget meeting with a Realtor 6 years ago and not believing my eyes when she showed up for the appointment in sloppy jeans, dirty hair, and an even messier car. Her unprofessionalism was reflected in her every action as well.)

I especially like the mentoring part; one never learns so well as one who teaches or demonstrates to someone else. It also reminds us of how we are supposed to be. Great idea.

Great advice Clint. And all of this stuff can apply to anything one does. The only thing one can really change is themselves. Best of luck to you.

Aesome post. I see so many agents looking to the outside to try to find thier success. ie; advertising, webpage, broker, etc. They almost never look to themselves. which is where the real power is.

Words to live by. We are all works in progress and should always be looking to improve.

Hey Clint,

Great info for anyone, as for Mentoring...Help them be successful. This will cause you to make sure that what you are doing is what you: SHOULD be doing. A great reminder of us "old dawgs" in the biz.

good job...nice post

Clint,

I found as soon as I start teaching someone else, I hold myself to a higher standard. I think about my actions rather than go on instinct. My instincts after all these years aren't bad, but thinking makes the outcome better.

Thanks,

Dan

Image is one big way of re-inventing yourself. Wear classy clothes and you will become a little more impressive to others.

Clint - Great post! I just brought on a new agent so I definitely agree with the statement that teachers learn too!

I have some exercise goals & y'all just pushed me into action! Going to go exercise right now!!!

Thanks for the post. You only get one chance to make a first impression. It reminds me to retake my profile picture. I am totally clean shaved now (no mustache) and I need to update my web photo. Thanks again!

Good points.....I am amazed that REALTORS will show up in jeans and a t shirt and expect the client to think of them as professionals.

thanks for the post. All good points, I agree with them all.

Clint, I am going to take you up on #5 and go to bed! Fortunately, our company has a dress code so we can't get away with sloppy dress. I once had an inspection where the Realtor was so casual, I thought she was the buyer or a repair person! Great post.

Lots of good advice. I really need to start bringing fruit or other things with me to nibble.

This is a great reminder Clint. In this business one must dress to impress. We must look like a Realtor. Of course the look can vary depending your area of the country as well.

I enjoyed your post - very sound and advice we've all heard before, just sometimes choose to overlook. I wanted to add one thought. I believe that attitude, often above physical appearance, can really add to one's image. If you're stuffy in a business suit, and can't relate to me and my needs, I'll move on to the more personable and informative agent in jeans showing houses on an autumn afternoon. Clothing definitely can make or break your image, but maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times throughout a transaction will make you more reputable than what you're wearing to the home inspection.

How you see yourself. Hello Clint,

Thanks for this common sense reminder.

Pat Riley, basketball coach, told his team if they all improved just one percent the overall effect is more wins!

Improvement is an ongoing process. Your family, friends, clients and broker will all benefit the better YOU become.

Yahoo!

Good thing that I don't like hair on my face, Clint. I make it a weekly practice to remove it.

The other items? If I haven't done them already, consider them placed on my "to do" list. Thanks for the excellent advice.

OCT

Clint- self image is important- we need to see ourselves as other will see us. I do like the idea of the tux at closings. Although in Florida, it could be a little overkill. Usually I bring the champagne and balloons.

All your tips are good. (Ladies, the nails to matter people notice)

Good luck and sell well!

Clint -

Great re-focusing/re-energizing article!

THANKS!!!

-Phil Graves-

utahbuyeragent.com

Jean -- Thank you so much! And, yes....Mojitos in the afternoon are best. ;-)

Loreena -- Yes, they do!

Steve -- I couldnt agree more! Networks work!!

Maureen -- Thank you so much! Despite your knowledge base, those little things make you appear to be very unprofessional indeed.

Peggy -- Mentoring is always a good tool for your own mind.

Jerry -- Thanks! Best of luck to you, as well!

Mark -- Thank you. Good point...the real key to success is yourself. Thanks for that.

Barb -- Yes, we should!

Lynda -- I dont think youre an old dawg... ;-)

Theresa -- Thanks!

Dan -- Having the foresight to think about the outcome usually helps. ;-) Good point!

Russ -- You feel better when you look good. And, it shows in your actions and even in your voice.

Gina -- Thanks! Teachers do learn....the day you stop learning is the day you die. ;-)

Kelly -- Awesome!

David -- You are quite welcome!

Damon -- There is something to be said for initial impressions. And, despite what most people think...that is sight!

Joshua -- Thank you!

Frank and Sharon -- lol @ repair person comment...hehe!

Christine -- Bring fruit. Its by far the best thing for you when considering the other munchie choices.

Roland -- Sure the look can vary..but you should always attempt to dress above your clients. ;-)

Jessica -- Thank you! Completely agree on the attitude point. Absolutely!

Linda -- Awesome picture!!! And excellent point. :-)

William -- You are quite welcome, my friend.

Florida Pines -- Balloons and champagne is a nice touch!

Phil -- You are welcome.

Clint - yet another one of your blogs that I am bookmarking. I need to remember that last one.

Mike -- Thanks, man! And Im not the best about the last one either. ;-)

Clint,

I laughed at your first one dress the part....I work from my home office and I get up and always say to my wife...well I guess I will dress the part today....she will say...I thought you didn't have any appts today and I will say but I need to make myself feel like I am doing everything to obtain business....force of habit now....LOL

Dennis -- It is better to look good and not have appointments than to have appointments and look like crap. :-)

Professional dress is very important, especailly for the initial meetings- it helps them be able to take you seriously.

Christine and Jennifer -- Exactly!

Our broker must have read this...We just had an office meeting that covered the same information. What a great reminder of things we already know, but don't rank high on our priority list. Thanks for the reminder :)

Very good post. Investing in yourself is exteremely valuable.

"Empty the coins from your pocket into your mind and your mind will fill your purse." - Ben Franklin.

Clint: It starts with us and ends with us. No matter how we slice we take ourselves wherever we go ... there ain't no hiding. How we dress, what we say, what we think ... everything is a reflection upon us. Great post ... thanks for packaging it in such a nice way.

Cathy -- You are welcome for the reminder :-)

David -- Investing in yourself is the only investment that will always produce positive dividends.

Kathleen -- You are correct. :-)

Hello Clint,

I agree 100% with your post. Image is very important. The window of opportunity is right there from the very first few seconds of meeting a potential client. One thing that we could probably add is try to build a trusting relationship with the people we meet. We want them to remember us not only for their own needs but also for the needs of their friends. Thank you so much for a great post.

Jenny -- Your image is the one thing that you take with you wherever you go. Make sure its a good one.

Great time for this post, as we have plenty of time right now to work on all these things. So I am starting now.

Jane -- yeah...wishing you had to squeeze it into your schedule...but this way pay off in spades in the long run!

Clint - Congratulations on a well deserved feature... You realize that your biggest asset is yourself.

All great points for sure and spending time on and for your self is necessary and rewarding in my book.

OCT

points well taken

Debbie -- Thanks!

Charles -- I couldnt agree more!

Anon -- Excelent!

OCT

Clint - Thanks for the reminder re how important it is to take care of ourselves.....I'm all about the networking and social media etc., but in the Taking Care of Myself Department, I too frequently fall down on the job. So, thanks for the (not-so) gentle reminder. Have a great day! :)

Coleen -- You are quite welcome! And, Im in the same boat with you...Thats why I wrote this..LOL

OCT

You know alot of this should be common sense. Sometimes we get so busy we forget the basics! This post is a must read for all realtors! Thanks for the post!

OCT

For anyone in sales, image is where it begins. People do business with you because they like you...they like what they see....and too many people forget the basics. Glad you posted a reminder for the masses!!

Great tips about improving your lot in life. These tips would work well for people in many industries, not just real estate agents. Generally speaking, you've posted tips for having a better personal life, not just a better business life. Thanks!

I so agree! Thank you.

OCT

IMAGE is everything! A priceless post! Million-Dollar advice for all those Multi-Million dollar producers!

very well formatted - good info & good placement/selection of photos!

OCT

Sean -- it is the little things that seem to be forgotten when things start to get rolling...or stop rolling, as the case may be...

Kathleen -- People buy people. If they dont like you, they will never buy your product pretty much regardless of need.

Michelle -- Thank you so much

Kim -- Me too!

Deryck -- Thank you so much!

CaryRE -- Thanks! Its almost like I know what Im doing. ;-)

Great post! I think sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves in the hussle and bussle of things - we have to remember that for most of us if we aren't around to run our business... who is left? Stay healthy and live well - the success will follow!

Christiane -- Thanks! I agree...that aspect of living gets shuffled under the rug.

Good post! As of a few months ago I began running at least 3 times a week and I can tell I am a much better person physically now than I was. Selling real estate can be stressful and the older you get the more you need to pay attention to your body.

Mario -- Glad you liked the post. Awesome job on the dedication to start taking care of yourself. I need to do more in that regard myself.

Oh, I see, sneak a post onto A|R and don't tell me! Sheesh bro... ;-)

Congrats on the feature, again. You certainly seem to have a knack...In fact, don't you think you should wear a tux everytime you get a featured post? 8-D

The funny thing about the Tuxedo for my closings is that it was a simple way to tie up "black-tie service" in one nice, neat, relatively presentable package. It's one thing to give "black-tie service." It's entirely another thing to have folks remember it about their transaction with you. This was one way for me to cement my service in folks' mind.

Clint, i believe it ultimately comes down to intellectual curiousity about your industry, yourself and how to take your business to the next level. Networking, Mentoring and Training all require a curiousity about some aspect of your business. If this doesn't exist, if you can't add value to a mentoring relationship, why mentor someone to do the same things we have always done?

But, that's just me...

Todd -- LOL!! Sorry dude...just one of them things. :-)

I love the black-tie service idea...I think it is a great way of distancing yourself from the rest of the pack!

And, your last point....Yeah, exactly!

Clint - stay learning based, give more than you receive, and make some "me" time everyday.

Great tips!!

Laura

OCT

Laura -- Thanks! Glad you liked the post!

OCT

Hello Clint,

Great blog. I love the honesty. It amazes me when I tell people that I get around $17k hits a month on my website www.starstatehomes.com because I guess everyone knew that branding yourself was common knowledge (silly me). Not only branding yourself but doing it in a "professional" way that gets you respect while being yourself at the same time. "Re-Inventing" ones self is great if you don't loose who you are in the first place. Clients today are much savvier than ever and can read right through a fake persona.

Eric -- It still amazes me how many agents I speak with that have branded themselves based on the company they work for, not based on their own name or ability. What happens if you decide to leave that company??? Game over.

The best lessons tend to be the ones that are so simple. Thank You for putting this one into words.

regards..Chris

Chris -- My pleasure, Chris!

Clint, I love your blogs and this one is just what we all need RIGHT NOW! I had a mentor but I don't think I've ever reall Been one. I think that's one of your 5 I will try to implement ASAP. Thanks for taking the time to share.

Marian -- Thank you so much! Im glad you like them! Being a mentor is always a good thing. It will sharpen what you already know by having to show someone else. ;-)

OCT

Clint,

Couldn't agree more. I dress for success. Hair trimmed every week, tie a blazer always.

Terry -- Excellent! And, because you do that consistantly, it is expected by others. If you dress down, people notice.

Thank you for this! Its so simple yet everyone is trying to reinvent the wheel. Back to Basics is where we are today. Its really that simple!

Donna -- You are so welcome! And, regardless of the investment in yourself, it will ALWAYS help you in the long run. :-)

OCT

You have a great list of things to make sure someone pays attention to you. If you look like you don't own anything why would someone allow you to assist them in their endeavor?

OCT

Good post and good advice for anyone, at any stage of their career.

Clint, Thanks for the reminders...the one thing that I think is so import for me to remember is to never pass up a training opportunity to better train myself in real estate. It is a wonderful profession, but it never stays still....constantly on the move, ever evolving, and we must be too.

OCT

Clint, this all sounds so simple, so easy. Can you forgive me if I don't have my nails done? I spend too much time outdoors to justify getting a manicure. I'll get a pedicure instead, how about that?

OCT

Latonia -- Its all about the image you portray, isnt it?

John -- Thanks!

Sandra -- Youre welcome! You have to have the ability to improve, improvise, and overcome. Education allows you to do this with ease.

Kathryn -- Pedi's work just fine. ;-)

great post, i have a dress code in my office but i see the agents slip all the time, it's hard to single one out about their dress, but it is so important, even if they don't have appointments that day, someone does and it makes the whole office look messy. The desks should look somewhat decent too.

Liz -- Im certainly not a stickler for dress codes....but, I certainly understand the need for a positive impression. Ergo, I agree.

great post, gives everyone a little something to get their minds back on the right track :)

OCT

Good post Clint, principles that work for anyone in any profession. Thanks for sharing.

Katie -- Thank you!

Terrylynn -- Youre welcome!

NOV

Hello Clint,

Thank you for the great advice and information. Good post! Thank you for the reminders. Have a great Sunday!

Chris

Thanks for sharing this with us Clint!

I think this is a good reminder and one should read it from time to time. I'm amazed how many sloppy looking agents I run into.

NOV

Read this and then printed it and reread it. Great reminders.

Thanks, Pat!

NOV

Have my nails done, what nails? Seriously, good advice.

Rosina -- Insert hair and make-up for nails. :-)

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