Everyone is talking about. The real estate market is bad…and it’s going to get worse. So what does this mean for agents?

This big unknown has fear spreading like a virus. Agents everywhere are bracing themselves for a catastrophic fall. They’re paralyzed with fear, plagued by the uncertainty of where the next deal will come from.

Working hard or workaholic? What’s the difference? I’ve contemplated this question many times on my journey to my professional goals. I didn’t get to where I am today by doing the status quo. I’ve worked very hard. I’ve worked hours that many would consider insane. And I’ve made my fair share of sacrifices. But I can honestly say that there were points when my devotion bordered on unhealthy—when the significant people in my life couldn’t recall a time when they’d spent a work-free evening with me for months on end. It was during those times that I was forced to take a long, hard look at my priorities and accept the fact that I was a workaholic.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard agents say, I know what to do and where I want to be, but I’m having trouble getting motivated. What can I do to get fired up for my career?”

This is a tough question. And, it’s a universal one. But I can tell you one thing at the risk of sounding cliché, motivation must come from within. That being said, I still believe having external systems to generate new business does play a powerful role.

Now that we can be in touch with anyone at any time, we risk losing touch with ourselves.

The truth is that too much time is spent chasing "the deal" and others start to call the shots ' on your priorities, time and schedule.

Time to rethink the "Top Negotiator" and "Million-Dollar Producer"mentality and consider a campaign that bonds you with your market.

Get off the treadmill and admit that you can't grow a business all on your own.

Too many agents want their own marketing tools used when they hire an ad agency to create a campaign. The results? The roof crashes in on them.

It takes money to make money, and most agents don't realize that they're the product that must be marketed.

As the real estate market continues to normalize, you'll no doubt hear banter (possibly supported by statistics), that smart agents are pursuing buyers now, because that's where the money is. As listings sit for 30, 60 and 90 days the trend is for people to focus on buyers and whenever there's a shift in a tight market, we see this phenomenon.

Depend on search engine placement as a marketing tool and there'll be no "yahoos" when you see your W-2

If you're selling real estate I know you're getting what I'm getting ' those "get rich quick" e-mails from someone promising some miracle if you just wave a magic wand over your cell phone.

Let's face it. These promotions are seductive.

This Is A Time For The Strong, Not The Weak

First and foremost, the branding must always be about you

What's Keeping You From Greatness? A New Book Says One Degree Makes A World Of Difference.

"? As I've discussed here in the last few blogs, I've observed some practices in real estate that some agents think are business boosters. But growing your business goes beyond the methods you use. It has a lot to do with attitude. This week I experienced something interesting I want to share with you. While making a presentation at an office I got some responses from "know-it-all" agents who've run their own companies in the past, have degrees in marketing and generally feel they know more than anyone in the room. As I was speaking to people who were signing up for Hobbs/Herder seminars, a few know-everything agents lent us their two cents on marketing. I kept wondering why agents who are broke are the ones who think they know the most about real estate....

Poking Holes in the 'Staples' of Real Estate Sales Methods

A Deeper Look Into Traditional Sales Methods and Their Effectiveness

The beginning of the year is a wonderful opportunity to see the next 12 months as the canvas of your life. A great painting starts as a blank square, yet the painter is ultimately responsible for the masterpiece he creates. Each year we have the chance to paint a new piece, a unique expression that will fill the gallery of our lives.

Stoke the fires of your holiday spirit, but don't let your business go cold.

Build your business or chase one more deal? Here's the story of one agent's radical shift.

Want the game to heat up? Put your most potent ally up to bat.

It's the season for reflection, but counting your blessings can be a daily practice.

Shred the credit cards? Give up Oreos? Let's examine real change vs. another list of resolutions.