How to Win in Business and Life

How to Win in Business and Life

RECBL - Real Estate News

Our society is captivated by winners-the people who’ve achieved success and the American Dream and make the process look effortless. In America, were guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; however, many people feel the American Dream is impossible to reach today.

As an emigrant who came to America from Ireland with less than $100 and went on to build wealth and a successful company, I think the American Dream is alive and well.

With hard work, persistence, and a commitment to learning, success and the American Dream can be within reach.

Here are seven tips that encourage success:

1. Focus on your goals. When challenges arise, think about the impact that reaching your goals will have on your life. This will help you face and overcome any challenges. If you’ve only recently started setting goals, be sure to write them down...and be specific.

2. Have a positive attitude. People prefer to work with positive people, and your clients are no different. A positive attitude helps build relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals. One of the best ways to develop a positive attitude is to fill your mind with positive stories, music, books, etc.

3. Master the fundamentals. The fundamentals are timeless strategies to use regardless of the state of the market. Instead of relying on gimmicks, focus on the basics-the productive activities that have a proven record of creating results (e.g., phone calls, personal notes, monthly marketing materials and small gifts to your top-referring clients). Do at least two hours of lead generation each day, making it one of your top priorities for the day.

4. Be consistent. Consistency builds habits, and to be consistent, it’s important to have a system. Systems allow you to provide excellent service to your clients and stay connected with them long after the transaction has closed. Do the necessary tasks-daily lead-generating activities and asking for referrals-and the results will come.

5. Find a mentor. Successful people are always looking to improve. Seek a mentor who’s further along the path you’re on and ask for advice and assistance. Having a mentor will ensure you stay on the path to success.

6. Do what it takes. One of the common traits found in the stories of successful emigrants is a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. Tap into this trait by practicing longer and more often in order to build your skills, and seek out solutions to the challenges you face.

7. Never give up. It’s impossible to achieve anything if you quit when a challenge arises. Determination is crucial when it comes to achieving success.

The American Dream is alive and well, and by practicing the tips above, you can get on the path to achieve success in both your business and personal life. My belief in the American Dream is so strong that I wrote a best-selling book about it: "The Emigrant Edge: How to Make It Big in America," which is in stores and online.

Brian Buffini was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and immigrated to San Diego in 1986, where he became the classic American rags to riches story. After becoming one of the nation’s top REALTORS(R), he founded Buffini & Company, an organization dedicated to sharing his powerful lead-generation systems with others. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., Buffini & Company has trained over 3 million business professionals in 37 countries and currently coaches more than 25,000 business people across North America. Today, Brians a New York Times best-selling author and reaches over 1 million listeners a year through his popular "Brian Buffini Show" podcast.

For more information, please pick up a copy of Buffinis latest book "The Emigrant Edge," or visit www.buffiniandcompany.com.

For more information, please visit www.nar.realtor.

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Diverse Roads Lead to Opportunity in Real Estate

Diverse Roads Lead to Opportunity in Real Estate

RECBL - Real Estate News

Every REALTOR(R) has a back-story on their path to real estate-and according to new research out of the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR), most REALTORS(R) were self-motivated to pursue it as a profession. Seventy percent of REALTORS(R) self-started their career because of an interest in the industry, the "Choosing a Career in Real Estate: A Perspective on Gender, Race and Ethnicity" report reveals. Sixty-four percent, in fact, say their interest in real estate is the most attractive part of the business to them.

Comprised of findings from a survey of 6,363 members of NAR, the report shows 69 percent of male REALTORS(R) and 65 percent of female REALTORS(R) embarked on a career in real estate that was self-motivated. African American and Black REALTORS(R), markedly, represent the largest share of self-motivated starts, at 75 percent.

Some REALTORS(R) entered the industry because of a friend who referred them, the report shows. Broken down by gender, a friend encouraged 20 percent of female REALTORS(R) and 18 percent of male REALTORS(R) to join the profession. Twenty-seven percent of Asian and Pacific Islander REALTORS(R) were referred by a friend-also the majority share.

Confirmed in the research? REALTORS(R) come from all walks of life. Eighty-two percent got their start in the working world outside of real estate; for 51 percent of female REALTORS(R), real estate is their second career, and for 36 percent of male REALTORS(R), their third. Female REALTORS(R) are more likely to come from a career in education, management or office support, while male REALTORS(R) are more likely to come from a career in management or sales. Sixty-one percent of African American and Black REALTORS(R)-again, the majority share-are in their second career.

Looking at activity and production, Caucasian and White REALTORS(R) (who make up 82 percent of NAR members) have the highest sales volume and transactions of all groups, the report shows. Asian and Pacific Islander REALTORS(R), however, sell the most expensive homes-translating to the highest median gross income ($56,800) of all segments. Caucasian and White REALTORS(R) have a median gross income of $54,200.

Hispanic and Latino REALTORS(R), by comparison, have a median gross income of $41,700 and the second-highest median transactions, and sell the third-most expensive homes. They are also the largest group with less than one year of experience in the field, and the largest segment specializing in the residential sector (71 percent).

In contrast, African American and Black REALTORS(R) sell the least expensive homes and have the lowest median gross income ($23,000). They are also the majority group earning less than half their income from real estate, and working less than 20 hours each week, suggesting part-time status as a REALTOR(R).

Turning to gender, male REALTORS(R) have a median gross income of $54,600, while female REALTORS(R) have a median gross income of $46,700. Male REALTORS(R), however, have a median seven transactions; females, a median eight.

Diversity in the field is reflected in its practitioners, but many REALTORS(R) share similar views, the report shows. Eighty-six percent of REALTORS(R) agree "people skills" are crucial to residential real estate success. Other important talents: self-motivation (84 percent) and negotiation skills (73 percent). When asked what are the most attractive aspects of the profession, "flexible hours," "working with people," the "entrepreneurial" quality of real estate, and "salary possibilities," were common responses.

"A career in real estate offers a work environment and diversity of opportunity that attracts all types of individuals, and the report’s findings are a reflection of that," says NAR President Bill Brown. "That being said, NAR remains committed to ensuring that its membership continues to reflect Americas growing diversity."

NARs diversity initiatives include several programs and resources: the At Home With Diversity (AHWD) certification; the Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity Program, which includes education, events, grants and partnerships; and the NAR Diversity Initiative Grant Program.

For more information, please visit www.nar.realtor.

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Boom, Baby Boomers, BOOM! One of America's Most Lucrative Demographics

Boom Baby Boomers, BOOM! One of America's Most Lucrative Demographics

With more than 75 million people fitting into the American baby boomer demographic, it is easy to understand why this group would be important for REALTORS(R) to understand.

Even more eye-popping to REALTORS(R) is the fact that more than 70 percent of baby boomers own homes, and will be looking to make homeownership changes really soon. This spells big opportunities for REALTORS(R) looking to serve the burgeoning baby boomer market over the next 10-15 years.

NAR takes a deep dive into marketing to baby boomers in its Field Guide to Working With Baby Boomers, which features, among many others, an article from Forbes Magazine entitled "7 Reasons Why Marketing to Baby Boomers Is Unique," which includes the following insights:

1. Baby boomers have money to spend. As opposed to those who grew up in the Great Depression, baby boomers are quite affluent. According to a Nielsen report, they account for $230 billion in sales of consumer-packaged goods like coffee, diet soda and magazines, and make up 70 percent of the nations disposable income. Baby boomers will also inherit $13 trillion in the next 20 years.

2. Baby boomers invented the suburbs. Suburban home development occurred simultaneously with baby boomers ability to make down payments on a mortgage and their desire to leave urban marketplaces. They still live in the suburbs, where many now own 100 percent of their own homes.

3. They plan on living in a better house as they grow older. Seventy percent of baby boomers think their current house is not the best that they can get and they are looking to upgrade. Baby boomers are setting new trends that defy traditional definitions of a "relaxed" retirement. Instead, they are diligently looking for newly constructed homes where they can continue to pursue an active lifestyle surrounded by the latest amenities.

4. Their brand loyalty is tenacious. Once they find a brand they like-one they grew up with-they stick with it; Volkswagen cars, Levi jeans, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Club Med, Noxzema, Leggs. This means that finding out what your baby boomer clients interests are will help guide you toward homes that best meet these trends, and, ultimately, increase the chances of closing a deal.

5. Remembering Woodstock - The famous music festival was a countercultural event which symbolized that the baby boomers were not going to be defined by their parent’s morals and lifestyle. They were going to think and act for they themselves-and they still want to be thought of that way. The least hint of patronizing the baby boomers will flatten any marketing campaign.

6. Baby boomers do use social media, but in a different way. As you develop your social media strategy for baby boomers, be aware that while a 20-year-old is posting photos of their night out on Instagram or Snapchat, a baby boomer is more likely to post a photograph of a new grandbaby or the new RV they just purchased on Facebook. It’s the more "traditional" venues, such as Facebook and Twitter, that are used by baby boomers, so keep your focus there.

7. Baby boomers are not old. Baby boomers do not want to be reminded of their age or be considered as old; rather, they want to be encouraged about their accomplishments and their future. They want to hear about the opportunities that lay before them to experience new chapters in their life.

Other helpful articles in the field guide include "Myths About Boomers and Real Estate," "9 Digital Marketing Strategies to Woo Baby Boomers," and "Baby Boomers Not Showing Any Signs of Downsizing." In addition to marketing resources for the baby boomer market, the field guide also provides tips on reverse mortgage basics, housing trends for the 50+ demographic, related websites relevant to this audience and links to eBooks and other resources.

View the entire Field Guide to Working With Baby Boomers resource from NAR.

To learn much more about how real estate professionals can best serve baby boomers and other 50+ client segments, please consider checking out the education, benefits, and resources offered by SRES(R) Designation. This entire month of September, the featured 25% OFF course at the Center for REALTOR(R) Development is the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES(R)) Designationcourse, which is the basic requirement toward obtaining the SRES(R) Designation.

A version of this article originally appeared on NARs The Members Edge blog. The Members Edge is a blog for new members to learn all about the benefits provided by the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR). It is the go-to resource for everything from real estate ethics to tips for interacting with foreign buyers. The information provided in The Members Edge cultivates a capable and educated community of REALTORS(R).

For more information, please visit onlinelearning.realtor.

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