I was reading a blog by a rookie agent this morning and ended up replying to it and decided that I should post an origianal message.  So many agents are talking about how slow that market is, how hard it is to make it, how long it takes to get established, how this and how that.  So, here is some simple advice to help any agent, but really help the rookie agent not only make it, but succeed at a high level.  My first piece of advice is to buy the popular book written by Gary Keller called "The Millioniare Real Estate Agent".  Not only read it, but follow it word for word.  Then here are a few things that will launch your career to new heights.  My first year I closed 46 deals doing these simple little things.

1.  Be a market maker.  Stop believing the market has anything to do with you.  People are buying homes right now as you read this...they are just using another agent.  You need to be the one who believes you make the market.

2.  Establish a daily routine of lead generation of at least 3 hours a day.  Again, people want to sell and buy homes in any market, you just have to find them.  Advertising has them finding you, but as a new agent you will save time and money by finding them first!

3.  Do the same thing EVERYDAY.  Habits are hard to establish but they lead to success.  Again, lead generation done everyday will lead to closings.  This is a law not a theory!  If you spend 3 hours everyday looking for business, you will find it.  Most agents want business to come to them.  As a rookie, you should go get the business.

4.  Find a seasoned agent and let them coach you.  Every great athlete has a great coach, so should you.  Being held accountable to what you say you will do can make all the difference in the world.  A word of caution, never let low producing agents speak into your business.  Be very selective of who you take advice from.

5.  Act like you have been doing this your whole life.  Actions speak much louder than words.  If you feel like a newbie or rookie you will act like one.  Start feeling like a top producer.  Start believing in yourself and others will follow right along.

6.  Make an un-breakable promise that the customer will always come first in your business.  The top companies are built on strong customer service.  Realize that without customers...you have no business.  So do not buy into some of these coaching programs that teach scripts and skills and put all the focus on the agent.  Your main focus needs to be on following a set schedule and treating customers like Kings.  Treating clients with utmost respect will bring the referral business all the time.

7.  Love what you do or leave it.  I know this sounds harsh...but for the sake of the all of us that love it, if you do not enjoy helping people fulfill their dreams, find something else to do.  If you do not love it today, make the choice to begin to love it or leave it.  This is true in everything in life.

Go be the best you can be today...Yesterday ended at midnight...Today is worth two tomorrow's. (taken from "Today Matters" by John Maxwell)

Here is to all the Rookies of the Year in process.

Scott Friestad

www.shreveportagents.com