Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
It’s playoff time in Major League Baseball. We are down to the League Championship Series with the Boston Red Sox battling the Houston Astros in the American League while in the National League, it’s the Milwaukee Brewers facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two series winners will face off in the 2018 World Series.
While great pitching is always critical this time of year, there is no doubt that teams that can leverage their roster to get their best players at the top of their game this time of year will have a better chance to winning is all. The same goes for Realtors at this time of year as they look to finish the year strong and bring that momentum into the new year.
In baseball, players who possess a tremendous array of skills are referred to as “5-Tool Players.” Throughout history, there have been very few true 5-Tool Players, so when they come along, they are in high demand. Great examples would be Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle. In recent years there was Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez. Probably the best current example of a 5-Tool Player in today’s game is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
These elite players are superior when it comes to:
- Running for speed
- Arm strength
- Fielding
- Hitting for average
- Hitting for power
Teams that can build their lineup around a multi-faceted superstar increase their chances for team success. Players that display these talents can also demand large salaries and respect.
Just like there aren’t many 5-Tool Players in baseball, there aren’t many true 5-Tool Agents in real estate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a perennial All-Star and maximize your strengths to have a more successful real estate career. As you look to “raise your game” in 2019 and beyond, assess your talents and areas of expertise and try to identify what areas you might need some focus, coaching or assistance to manage around specific areas.
How many stars would you earn in…
Prospecting?
Do you have an array of systems, methods, and processes to focus on business development activities that will help you secure appointments with people who have a real estate need or might know someone who does?
Personal Marketing?
Do you leverage all the available methods to create and maintain consistent “connection” with your network? This includes social media, direct mail, local “top of mind awareness” and a mix of personal and brand recognition. When people see (insert your company logo here) out in public or in print, do they think of you?
Property Marketing?
You promised your Sellers maximum exposure of their property in order to secure the “best buyer.” How do you feel about your ability to capture the most eyeballs regardless of price range, location or condition? Do you leverage video, print, word of mouth and any other avenues to reach a larger audience?
Transaction Service?
It really boils down to this – do you under promise and over deliver? From start to finish, are you providing truly remarkable service to each and every client you work with?
Client Follow Up?
It costs more to build a new relationship than it does to maintain an old one. Are you satisfied with the systems that you have in place to ensure that people who have done business with you in the past will be able to consider you “their Realtor” on their next transaction or for that next referral they may have?
Don’t worry if you’re not worthy of 5-stars in all five areas. There are many great players in baseball who possess three or four “tools” but they keep showing up to the ballpark every day, focused on their strengths and managing around their weaknesses. (And when you make it to the Major Leagues, you’re getting paid for the tools you do have, not the ones you don’t)
What will you do this week to make sure when it’s your turn to “get in the game” that you’re ready to throw, catch, hit, or run your way to a win? Don’t stop building relationships, solving problems, or having fun. Grab your tools. It’s time to get to work.
Photo credit: Lesly Juarez
Photo credit: Hunter Haley