By Dermot Buffini
We all encounter bumps in the road on our journey to success. The secret to fulfilling our potential and getting to our destination is to keep focused on our goals, even when the going gets tough. As Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going!”
I recently had the privilege of sitting down and interviewing Dave Liniger, founder of RE/MAX. Dave has experienced his own fair share of struggles, from personal and professional setbacks, so I was very curious to find out how this small-town boy from a farming community in Indiana became so phenomenally successful. The short answer is… he simply refused to quit!
When Dave started RE/MAX in 1973, the country was in recession. With a military background, he didn’t really understand business or economics. The one thing he did know after working in real estate for a few years was that he wanted to help people buy their own homes.
But, it wasn’t easy. The real estate landscape back then was very different to what it is today. Dave in many ways was the original disruptor as he turned the real estate business model on its head by moving the control and influence from real estate companies to real estate agents. Facing the sort of opposition he did, many would have given up. But Dave persisted because his mission was far more than a money-making exercise – it was a cause. He wanted his agents to receive the maximum amount of commissions and the 100% commission model was born. RE/MAX was founded, meaning Real Estate Maximums.
Forty-four years later, RE/MAX is one of the largest real-estate franchise in the world. So, what can Dave teach us about success? Here are some of his top tips:
Keep your goal in sight. When he founded RE/MAX, Dave wanted to build the most successful real-estate network in the world. To make sure he stayed on course, he wrote down this goal and devised a step-by-step plan to realize it. He looked at that plan every day, made adjustments as he went and applied laser-sharp focus, determination and work ethic.
Surround yourself with people who are better than you. Getting feedback and advice from experts is critical if you want to improve and grow. Throughout his career, Dave has leaned into others and found people to complement the skills he has.
Become an expert in time management. We all have the same 24 hours in the day. Use them wisely and prioritize what’s most important. You won’t find Dave wasting time on social media! In his own words, he likes to be reading or doing. Instead of watching TV, go have your own adventures. Scheduling in personal time like this is a vital way to keep fresh, vital and enthusiastic about your work and your life.
Be a student of success. You can be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Dave believes that coaching is the true key to success. He has been coached his entire business life. Like him we must all keep learning, keep curious and keep sitting in that front row, taking notes and listening!
As we head into the second half of the year, it can be easy to forget what it is we’re working for and how we’re going to get there. But instead of getting off track, let’s refresh and refocus. Keep your goals in front of you and, like Dave, no matter what bumps you hit in the road, you will succeed!
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