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I Couldn’t Love What I Do More, BUT…

By
Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

I Couldn’t Love What I Do More, BUT…

 

My challenge is a unique one - one for which I couldn’t be more grateful to have to resolve. Mid-year, 2021, I accepted the position of managing broker in one of Charlotte’s most productive brokerages. As you can see from the recent “List” from the Business Journal, our agents out-sell the masses - almost twice what the brokerage ranked 1st does (calculating total sales / total licensed). A LOT of sales cross my desk and many of the agents with whom I work are in the top 1% of selling agents in our area. They are all amazing agents and it is truly an honor to lead them each and every day.

 

 

Rosy introduction, right?! Wondering where I’m going with this? Well, if you’ve owned your own brokerage or managed one with a good number of agents under your umbrella, you’ll get what I’m about to share! If you haven’t, I would like to preface this with, this post is not a complaint about anything or anyone other than ME! 

 

Loading my plate is what I do best and I tend to thrive when I’m loaded to the gills! However, this new challenge meant that I had to tweak a couple of other items on my plate - and I did. A second challenge was that with COVID, my client appreciation gatherings had to stop and while that opened up some time for me (planning, participating, follow-up), I needed to reach out to my clients even more than I normally do. I also gave up my time creating my marketing pieces - and my mailers. 

 

Herein lies my largest hurdle. For me, giving up control of my own marketing is a bit scary. My personality doesn’t show through (in my opinion) when someone else creates my marketing. Having a multitude of amazing marketing geniuses in my office, I still couldn’t wrap my head around someone else trying to emulate me!

 

Oftentimes the most successful people in our business are the ones who are pros at delegation - just ask Grant Schneider. I can delegate many aspects of my business but, my marketing is something that I want to reflect me but, it’s also something that I thoroughly enjoy doing. I just created a graphic for one of my market reports this morning - it simply feels good to create! I’m a numbers geek but, sharing them in a self-created graphic is icing on the cake!

 

I can’t do that every day though. I need to always be free focus on my agents and my clients. So, this last quarter has been spent ‘fixing’ me! I’ve hired our marketing team - and they ‘get’ me. They will be taking over my day-to-day marketing. The best part is that I still get to take my own pictures & video - when a photo or video is appropriate - and they handle the rest!

 

January will begin my first quarter giving up the bulk of my marketing to our marketing team. After spending an entire quarter planning and trialing, I am confident 2022 is going to be a whole new year for me as far as marketing goes! This will give me more time with my sphere/clients and my agents.

 

I have also hired another team to market to my communities. This week, my first mailer left the office without me laying a finger on it. I proofed it online (in my own time) and the team took care of the rest.

 

I have NO idea why on earth I never did this before - it’s heaven on earth and I highly recommend it! Not only is this helpful to my business but again, it opens me up to spend more time with my agents and of course, I love that!

 

If giving up control, a.k.a. delegating, is an issue for you, I understand your challenge! A whole new world has opened up for me, allowing me to focus more on my wonderful sphere and my amazing agents. I plan on 2022 being my best year EVER and I hope yours is as well.

 

Many thanks to Andrea Bedard & Carol Williams for hosting this wonderful challenge. Here’s to a fantabulous 2022 for all!

 

© Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group | RE/MAX Executive | CharlotteBroker@icloud.com | I Couldn’t Love What I Do More, BUT…

 

Comments(30)

Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Carol Williams!


I've always known I'm 'odd' with respect to loving numbers AND having creative juices (must be a left-handed thing)! While my designs are not perfect, I do have a wonderful time creating them. Giving that up is hard but, I love that this team has given me the ability to 1. continue to take my own photos and 2. approve what they put together and 3. make my own responses on the posts. I REALLY don't want someone speaking for me and I realize that the time spent on the creativity part is the time-consuming one!!

Jan 01, 2022 11:17 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Happy New Year to you too, Michael Jacobs! We'll see how this new level of delegation works for opening up more time on my calendar. So far, I've definitely been able to notice a little window opening up for me!

Jan 01, 2022 11:19 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

It took me a long time, Kat Palmiotti, to hire an assistant to be able to delegate a LOT of what I was spending time on. In fact, I had to do so in order to remain in a coaching program or I still may not have done it!! It's been well over a decade (and I have the same amazing assistant) and I can't imagine life without an assistant!

You will get there and you will see how much your business explodes when you do some delegation!!

Happy New Year, GF!

Jan 01, 2022 11:23 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Happy New Year, Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD! It's wonderful to see you back in the Rain! I know those fur babies have taken up a lot of your time and who wouldn't rather spend time with them?!! They are incredibly beautiful dogs and I love when you share them with us.

Yes, I'm on the way with a good group. This month will be the first full month with them taking what I send and creating something amazing. I do hope it goes in the direction I expect it to!

Jan 01, 2022 11:26 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Thank you, Nina Hollander, Broker! I am loving it so far and hope that this newfound time gives me more time to do 'fun' things with our agents.

I've also had my BIC eligibility for many years and have been the BIC of my 'team' for quite some time. I keep it a team so they (my assistants) don't have to pay fees as they only need access to MLS. All I have to do is make sure they do their CEs!! This is a whole new ballgame with RE/MAX and I'm really enjoying it. Who knew?!

Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2022 11:34 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

You are too kind, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist! I am just blessed with the energy of the Energizer Bunny, that's all!! 

Happy New Year, Sis!

Jan 01, 2022 11:35 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I've said it before. I have no idea how you can pack all you do in a single day. But loving the job is what makes it possible. Delegating where you can is the answer, and keeping what you genuinely don't want to let go is the way to make it happen. Your agents are the huge beneficiaries of your mastery of time and tasks. Kudos to you, Wonder Woman!

 

Jan 01, 2022 02:09 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I marvel at the things you do and you are always happy with a beautiful smile on your face. Delegation is very hard to do and it will take time to adjust until you see the full benefit of the results and like a beautiful garden your business will flourish with so many new blossoms as new agents plant their roots and join your company or the teams you set up. All that really matters now, is to know that no matter how good others are at what they do, nobody can ever fill your shoes. Giving others a chance to grow is to know your humanity is calling. You will do great and I wish you continued success and happiness and more time for Ray, your family, fur babies and appreciating what you so greatly deserve. Happy New Year. 

Jan 01, 2022 03:29 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debe congratulations on your new position, and like everything else Debe Maxwell does, you will also do an OUTSTANDING job at this as well!!!

Jan 01, 2022 03:51 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

They definitely hired the right person for the job.  Congratulations!  Your office must be a power house to outsell on a per agent basis two to one.  I am sure that is about to go up with you on the job.  Best of luck to a wonderful and successful 2022!

Jan 01, 2022 04:25 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

LOL Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - I still have to comment on your December challenge entry - it's been one of those 'short' weeks again! LOL 

I so appreciate you and I admit, if I feel overwhelmed, it's rare. There's some quirky thing in me that makes me function better when I'm extremely busy. 

My agents teach me something every single day so, the feeling is mutual - I am blessed to be their managing broker - TRULY!

Happy New Year, my friend! 😘

 

Jan 01, 2022 08:21 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH my gosh, I am so blessed to be the recipient of one of Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP's amazingly heart-warming, uber-kind comments! 

As we've discussed before, there's something weird in me that keeps me looking for the silver lining, no matter how serious the issue! I am 100% sure I got that from my Dad and I am ever so thankful for that crazy trait!

I phoned my parents yesterday to with them a Happy New Year. When my Dad answered the phone, I asked how he is doing. His response was, "I could NOT be better - life is GREAT!" I supposed that he had brought my mother home from the hospital (who recently had a total hip replacement) and he said, "I sure did!" I wasn't Face-timing with him but, I could HEAR the smile in his voice. I truly do get that honestly and believe me, I thank the Lord for that every single day.

Back to your comment!! I'm not a good recruiter and am thankful for someone who does that exclusively for my firm. But, I am into keeping my agents happy. I answer my phone, I support them and I offer my time to help them in whatever they need. Recently, it was my 10-step business planning sessions. Whatever I can do to help them, I see that as a job requirement for me and I will lose sleep to be sure they have what they need to be wildly successful!

Happy New Year, my friend! 😘  Here's to an amazing 2022 for you! 

Jan 01, 2022 08:33 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

You're too kind, George Souto! I am doing everything I can to be the best I can be. It's so exciting to help others find success and/or grow their business. I am so blessed to have this opportunity!

Happy New Year, my friend! See you on Tuesday!

Jan 01, 2022 08:35 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

You're too kind, Raymond Henson, eXp Realty! I hope that we pull our numbers up! They weren't up in 2021 but, in 2022, I'm expecting to see amazing numbers from each and every agent in my office! 

And, yes, we do have a powerhouse of agents. Outselling the competition is something we pride ourselves in. Before I joined my franchise, I remember thinking that when agents established themselves, they moved to this office and then became dominant in the market. For me, it's incredibly exciting to be leading these same agents who I admired from afar before I joined them 6 years ago!

It's one of those meant-to-be situations that I keep pinching myself because I can't believe I've landed where I am!

Here's to a fantastic New Year for you and that change is absolutely a huge positive for you in 2022!! 

Jan 01, 2022 08:43 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Debe I saw this on the Internet did not want to mention it until you were ready to announce it... Congratulations and Sympathies both at the same time. Lucky for you, you are blessed with a skill that you will be super good at... you remind me of my current manager... it takes a special skill, wishing you a superb 2022, Endre

Jan 01, 2022 11:00 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, thank you for your kind words, Endre Barath, Jr.! I have been loving the new job and finding a good balance between that and working with my own clients. It's been a great half-a-year but, I did have to get a couple of marketing jobs off of my plate. Things seem to be falling into place well now.

I hope you have a spectacular 2022 as well! 

Jan 01, 2022 11:48 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Yes Luck is the residue of hard work and you are so lucky:)) and the DNA for the job:)Endre

Jan 01, 2022 11:54 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, I love your comment, Endre - how kind of you! Thank you!

Happy Sunday...

Endre Barath, Jr. 

Jan 02, 2022 07:03 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Wow Debe, thank you for sharing such an insightful and inspiring post! I, too, have a hard time delegating and letting go of control - I get the me in Marketing very much - but I also feel that not doing so is holding me back. I enjoy creating but always think about whether this is the best use of my time? Could I give it up, or better yet, add something new that I could delegate? Where am I delegating to? Where do I find the best people, and the right fit? 

You are inspiring all kinds of thoughts! I wish you nothing but success and hope 2022 will the most successful one yet on so many levels. 

Perhaps you can share with us in the future how you found your teams? 

Jan 02, 2022 10:05 AM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Congratulations Debe Maxwell, CRS , delegating as you take on more responsibility  becomes easy to do when you have the confidence in the great team behind you. Happy New Year and say hey to John for me ! 

Jan 04, 2022 04:19 AM