A sports agent can teach you a lot about selling real estate.

Maybe you've never heard of Drew Rosenhaus. He represents professional football players. One of his better-known clients is Terrell Owens, of the Dallas Cowboys. When Owens had a falling out with his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, Rosenhaus took center stage, alongside Owens. 

I thought Rosenhaus came across like a complete jerk -- arrogant and abrasive. 

Just last week, while listening to an ESPN podcast Ipod while exercising, I heard Mr. Rosenhaus introduced on the Collin Cowherd Show, aka The Herd. I was in no mood for Rosenhaus, and I was sure the segment would be a workout killer. I was wrong. It was fascinating, and -- I have to admit -- enlightening.

Mr. Rosenhaus shared thoughts on his business model that made me raise some questions about my own, particularly in the communication department. It was almost like someone using a sports agent to tell a modern-day parable about a Realtor.

On being brutally honest, Mr. Rosenahaus said, ""That's part of the key to being a successful agent.""  Well, that certainly applies to real estate sales, doesn't it? 

Earlier today, I  listened to the podcast again. I'm going to let Mr. Rosenhaus' comments speak for themselves. I hope you, like me, can find some applicable material inside.

If you go through these comments, and swap out nouns, Rosenhaus could be talking about the real estate business.

"I have had clients in the past that I've had to disagree with, because I thought they were taking an approach that wasn't good for their career....Every day, I'm on the phone with eight different clients saying, 'Hey, you're going about this the wrong way.' See, you're not getting paid to tell guys what they want to hear. You're getting paid to give them advise that is going to help them find success."

"If I have a client who is not getting along with his coach, instead of me being a cheerleader, and saying, 'rah rah, that's right, don't get along with your coach...  he's a jerk, etc., etc.....No, no, no...I say to the guy,  'Look, you have to take care of yourself and your family. You need to swallow your pride. Put your ego aside, and start getting along with your coach, because that's going to help you be more successful......"

"Guys get upset with you.....It's hard do do."

Indeed, it can be.