We talk with Bob Burg, a leading authority on influence and referral marketing and coauthor of The Go-Giver. If you’ve questioned whether nurturing relationships with clients really works to a build business, struggled with implementing a successful referral marketing strategy, or have never been quite sure how to do relationship marketing, then this episode will remove all doubt and answer all your questions. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources ·      Get Bob’s book, The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea, and subscribe to his daily impact email on his website at burg.com ·      Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention by John Ruhlin ·      How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success by Dale Carnegie ·      Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill ·      Peace, Power, and Plenty by Orison Swett Marden ·      Psycho-Cybernetics: The Search for Self-Respect by Maxwell Maltz and Matt Furey We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

In episode 437, we talked about accountability, noting that before you can hold other people accountable, you need to take responsibility and hold yourself to the same standards. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the subject of accountability to talk about how you can embrace self-discipline and achieve the success you want. Listen to discover the most challenging aspect of self-discipline, find out the indispensable first step to tackling the struggles that hold you back, and truly understand what it means to have a goal worthy of achievement. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Book: Musashi's Dokkodo (The Way of Walking Alone): Half Crazy, Half Genius - Finding Modern Meaning in the Sword Saint's Last Words We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 0:37     Experience with 75 HARD 2:46     Consistency is the challenge 5:02     Self-doubt is the enemy of consistency 5:48     #1: Know where you struggle 7:18     #2: Identify and write down your goals 8:32     Select goals that are motivating 12:11   Action Item

David and Elle Denning—the husband-and-wife team behind the 30,000 member “Marketing for Insurance Agents” Facebook group—share their experience about what works (and what doesn’t) when growing a Facebook group, suggest tactics business owners can use to develop a local presence, and talk about how they manage to run a highly successful insurance business—and still stay happily married. Listen to find out why you should worry less about how often you post and instead focus on what you post, how to make the most of Facebook’s algorithm to attract and grow attendance to your Facebook Live sessions, and the steps they’ve taken to fulfill the promise of a 4-hour workweek. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources ·      Join the “Marketing for Insurance Agents” Facebook group ·      Website: jumpstartgonow.com ·      Book: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 2:06     The superiority of Facebook groups 3:26     The need for an engagement strategy 5:13     A posting strategy using Facebook Live    8:37     Facebook Live and organic growth 10:07   Facebook Live vs. webinars 10:41   Tips for promoting Facebook Live sessions     12:38   Leverage short-term strategies first 13:36   Content to grow a Facebook group     14:37   Collaboration among industries 15:31   Involvement in the local community 16:42   People do business with people like them 18:12   About the Producer Academy 20:34   About “limiting beliefs” 21:22   Thoughts on The 4-Hour Workweek 25:18   Key tip: Be pragmatic and just act 26:09   Tips for working with family/spouses 30:46   Action Item

We’re tackling one of the most persistent challenges facing marketers: how to get people to open and respond to emails. Included among the findings we share are the email length that produces a 50% response rate, whether a negative or positive tone gets more replies, and which email closing prompts the most responses. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Free download: Best Practices for Email Marketing is a one-page guide that will help you write emails that produce better open and response rates. 0:00     Introduction 0:44     How to think about your email numbers 2:20     Tip 1: Keep it short     3:53     Tip 2: Keep it simple 6:31     Using moderate emotion in your emails 7:21     Tip 3: Keep it relevant 9:19     Relevant real estate email example 10:03   Tip 4: Keep it specific 11:01   Tip 5: Keep at it 11:37   Bonus Tip: The most effective sign-off 13:46   Action Item

Darin Stubbs is the executive vice president at Symmetry Financial Group. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s just starting out, has hit a lull, or can’t get momentum—or if you simply want more of what being your own boss promises—then we guarantee that Darin’s advice and insight will change the trajectory of your life forever. (That’s a big claim, but we’re sticking by it!) Listen to his interview to discover some of the fundamentally different ways CEOs think about factors that influence business like costs, income, opportunity, and time; a simple but game-changing tool that will dramatically shorten any salesperson’s learning curve; and one of the most valuable, career-advancing tactics top producers consistently swear by. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Connect with Darin at pacwestagency.com/career Website: Symmetry Financial Group Insurance tech: quility.com Book: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 1:32     The CEO vs employee mindset 5:26     Disciplined commitment to revenue generating activities 9:30     Surrendering to your commitments 10:33   Having a job vs being your own boss 12:41   Gain some perspective 14:21   The power of a “Should Have” journal 16:37   Get yourself a mentor and your butt kicked 23:02   How Darin motivates himself (“The Note”)

How do you create raving fans that refer and never leave? After having the privilege to interview the past Client Experience Officer for Disney, Luke shares the number one characteristic all major brands have in common when it comes to raving fans. If you want more referrals, you won't want to miss this episode. This episode was pre-recorded from Luke's weekly program in the Insurance Syndicate Facebook Group. If you are in Insurance and would like more information on how to join this group, email us at [email protected].

Accountability in the workplace is certainly a problem, but did you know that 82% of managers acknowledge that they have limited to no ability to hold others accountable successfully? Obviously, managers, supervisors, and team leaders need help. In this episode, we talk about how you can promote accountability and establish it as a part of your everyday culture, even if you don’t feel supported by those higher up the company ladder. Listen to discover why teams who are tasked with meeting realistic goals are destined for mediocrity, how you can avoid giving subjective evaluations of your employees’ performance, and an infallible 4-step process for setting, communicating, and adhering to set standards. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (Fully Revised & Updated Edition) by Kim Scott   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 1:03     Using excuses rather than candor 2:07     Embrace the awkward 3:15     The power of silence 3:55     Set insanely high standards 7:03     Get an accountability partner 7:50     The highest performers crave accountability 9:47     The value of missions, visions, and core values 11:19   Candor requires relationship 13:03   A model to support accountability 15:51   Action Item

This week on Stay Paid, Adam Rean Bohlen, director of business consulting at Financial Resources Group Investment Services, notes that while an independent financial advisor, real estate agent, or other entrepreneur might be an expert in what they do, it doesn’t necessarily mean they know how to create and manage a profitable company. That’s why mastering the core principles of running a business is essential across all industries. Listen to find out where businesses often fail when it comes to their value proposition, alternative ways to increase revenue that don’t involve converting more leads, and some commonsense approaches to motivating employees to perform at their best. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources LinkedIn: Adam Ream Bohlen Website: https://financialresourcesgroup.net/ 0:00     Introduction 0:41     Adam’s backstory 1:33     Helping advisors find efficiencies 4:09     Doubling down on what you do well 4:50     Evaluating your value proposition 8:12     Squeezing more value out of existing business 11:37   Getting clients to execute on a plan  14:35   The importance of integrity 17:01   Action Item

After losing $1.4M, you learn a thing or two. In this week's bonus episode, Luke shares his thoughts on failure, doubt, fear and how they can be the main killer of any business.   For more Content like this follow Luke on Instagram: @lukeacree   This episode was pre-recorded on 2/20/2023 from Luke's weekly program in the Insurance Syndicate Facebook Group. If you are in Insurance and would like more information on how to join this group, email us at [email protected].

If you haven’t collected and safeguarded the email addresses of your clients, prospects, and leads, then you’re vulnerable to the whims and errors of the systems/marketplaces you rely on. Having your own list of email addresses is an insurance policy against losing the contacts your business needs to thrive. In this episode, we share 7 strategies you can use to gather email addresses from your social media followers. Two of them make directly asking for them easy, while the remaining 5 allow you to collect emails by other means. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Visit our Resource Library for free lead magnets and other valuable tools.   0:00     Introduction 1:07     Why you must develop your own mailing list     2:26     Tip 1: Start a conversation 4:58     Tip 2: Like, engage, and get notified 6:33     Tip 3: Use lead magnets 7:16     Tip 4: Run a contest 7:55     Tip 5: Connect with your strategic partners 8:34     Tip 6: Promote a survey 9:10     Tip 7: Download your LinkedIn connections 11:53   Action Item    

This week’s guest is Katelyn Rhoades, known to her 135,000 Instagram followers as the “social marketing queen.” We ask her majesty a ton of questions that get us down to the brass tacks of creating and promoting Instagram Reels. She shares everything from her #1 priority when creating content, to whether doubling down on what’s working is really the best strategy, to her 4 best tips for turning followers into leads. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources ·      Website: enfluencestudio.com (spelled with an E) ·      Instagram: @socialmarketingqueen   0:00     Introduction 1:09     Katelyn’s backstory 2:42     You have to provide edutainment 4:22     Think about your target audience 5:53     Double down on content that is working 7:11     Time spent making Reels 7:46     Source of content ideas 8:26     Recommended IG channels to follow 9:43     3 reasons to post IG Reels 10:29   How often to post 11:53   The need to pick a target audience 14:23   Treating Reels like a vlog 16:11   Balancing authenticity and production quality 21:10   4 ways to turn an audience into leads 23:31   How to check your hashtags 23:53   Katelyn’s mantra to live by 25:39     Action Item

The idea that people can be afraid of success may seem odd, but when we thought about it a bit, it actually made sense. Change is hard, growth is hard, and our brains are always looking for ways to maintain the status quo, so sure—some people may resist their own achievements. In this episode, we talk about the fear of success and the fear of failure (they’re two sides of the same coin). We review their telltale signs so you can determine whether one or both fears are holding you back. Finally, we offer some actions you can take to alleviate your distress and claim your rightful reward. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Free e-book: Getting Started with Relationship Marketing 0:00     Introduction 0:37     Is fear of success a real thing? 1:24     The excuses we use 2:55     Symptoms of a fear of failure 3:13     Symptoms of a fear of success     3:46     Get into motion | Do something 6:05     Actions to overcome fear 7:16     Thoughts on identity and self-worth 10:33   Action Item

This week on Stay Paid, we’re talking with Mike Saunders. Mike is an expert in helping his clients position themselves as the authority best qualified to serve their audience. In his interview, he shares how he does it along with the steps you can take to promote your own authority—even if you are just starting out. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources ·      Mini audio seminar: AuthoritizeYourAgency.com ·      Website: AuthorityPositioningCoach.com ·      Book: The Medium Is the Massage We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 2:06     Authority marketing | why it’s important 3:41     Use “elevated” platforms 5:41     Promote your podcast interviews 7:53     SEO is dead | Optimize your Google visibility 9:27     Preframing your expertise 10:55   The power of accolades 11:42   Paying for exposure vs. an Authority Positioning Portfolio™ 15:30   The importance of media selection 16:25   Using authority positioning to nurture leads 19:33   Marketing trends: pattern interruption | mini seminar series 24:00   Action Item

In a special bonus episode, Luke speaks on how to overcome defeat. We all face failure. We get beat down, we take the L, but how do you respond? How do you deal with losing and use it to your advantage and not your demise? For more Content like this follow Luke on Instagram: @Lukeacree.   This episode was pre-recorded on 2/12/2023 from Luke's weekly program in the Insurance Syndicate Facebook Group. If you are in Insurance and would like more information on how to join this group, email us at [email protected].

Early last year, we started to notice a trend among our guests. It seemed that regardless of their industry, many were using client events to generate leads with tremendous success. We’ve collected some of these guests’ best ideas into one episode to share with you. We’re also offering an assortment of tips that will help you maximize an event’s lead-generating potential. When you listen to this episode, among the things you’ll discover are six great ideas for client events that have generated leads for our guests, how to create multiple client touchpoints from a single event, and how you can plan an event and not spend a dime of your own budget. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources ·      Episode 58 with Bill Good ·      Episode 101 with Tony Ray Baker ·      Episode 257 with Shannon Gillette ·      Episode 275 with Marc Minor ·      Episode 426 with Garrett Maroon ·      How Million-Dollar Agents Use Client Appreciation Events to Get Referrals   0:00     Introduction 0:36     Top producers routinely host client events 1:20     Client event ideas from our guests 2:26     The principle of reciprocity 2:46     More client event ideas from our guests     3:34     The key to capitalizing on client events     4:55     Collaborate with strategic partners 5:16     Ideas to kick your events up a notch 6:43     Must-follow tips to make your event a success 9:42     Action Item

Right now, there is a huge number of baby boomers who are looking to get out of their businesses but have no one to pass them on to. This situation creates a tremendous opportunity for investors and sellers alike. Whether you're on the selling or buying side of a transaction, this episode of Stay Paid has all the information you need. John Turner serves as vice president of Investment Advisory Lending at Live Oak Bank, and he joins us to discuss some of the more important factors—and a cautionary tale—the different parties should consider before settling on an agreement. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources John’s phone number: 651-212-0141 John’s email address: [email protected] Website: liveoakbank.com   0:00     Introduction 1:28     Interested vs. qualified buyers 3:55     Finding a business for sale | Lists vs. relationships 4:42     3 ways to create a list of businesses to buy [Golden Nugget] 6:05     3 ways to vet your list of businesses to buy 6:43     How approach a potential business seller 8:49     Acquisition, organic growth, and fail rate 10:22   Purchase based on revenue or EBITDA 15:08   Caution to those selling private equity business 16:34   Massive opportunity exists to buy businesses 17:13   More tips for finding and closing the deal 19:25   John’s advice to younger John 21:55   Action Item

In light of the big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, our team here at Stay Paid thought we could share the value hidden in the examples and words of some of football’s greatest stars. Join us and discover what our selected list of football champions have done to contribute to their success along with what they’ve said about their pursuit of excellence. Then judge for yourself the value of what you hear and whether you can apply it to your own endeavors. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. 0:00     Introduction 1:27     Know your numbers | Tom Brady 4:40     Be prepared | Jerry Rice 6:31     Know your competition | Bill Belichick 8:29     Set high expectations | Vince Lombardi 10:41   Action Item | Control what you can | Tony Dungy Connect | Resources Download our free Tailgating Pack. It's got everything you need to make your party a success, from recipes to grilling tips to a list of planning essentials. Send it to your football-loving clients, or save it for yourself! 

Ray Ellen is the team lead at Pixel Properties, a national speaker and podcast host, and a contributor to Broke Agent Media. During his interview, he said something that stuck with us. He said that back in the day, no one was offended by answering machines, and bots today are the answering machines of yesterday. But there are steps businesses need to take to ensure that chatbots aren’t perceived as anything other than helpful tools. Listen to find out what to do to make bots more palatable to your prospects and clients and more useful to your business; the big, costly mistake too many agents make when creating their brand; and the painful lesson Ray learned as a new team lead that he wants to spare others from having to experience. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Instagram: DM @Rayzorback with the word Gear, and Ray will send you a list of the gear he uses for his video and podcast productions. Free e-book: The Relationship Marketer’s Guide to Branding 0:00     Introduction 2:09     Ray’s backstory 3:24     The dangers of “you do you” 6:08     Most have their branding backwards 7:48     People are accepting of bots 9:25     Use of deceptive and disclosed bots 12:32   Testing of bots 13:51   Prompts that work 14:40   Converting from bot to a real person 15:53   Processing leads collected by the bot 19:40   Don’t allow your culture to erode 22:31   Best performing lead-gen sources 23:59   Ray’s advice to younger Ray 26:46   Action Item

If you don’t have a network of business partners with whom you routinely exchange referrals, you’re missing out on a tremendous source of potential new clients. In this Silver Dollar episode, we explain what a strategic referral partnership is and how they can benefit you. We also offer a long list of example partnerships that every real estate agent should consider and discuss how to choose and manage referral partnerships regardless of your industry. Listen to find out the many benefits of strategic referral partnerships, two questions to ask that will point you toward businesses best suited for a potential relationship, and what to say and do to best entice a potential referral partner and manage the relationship. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Blog: Top 25 Best Referral Partners for REALTORS® Free download: Real Estate Referral Partner Worksheet 0:00     Introduction 0:45     Vendors can be partners 1:32     Types of referral partnerships 2:44     Benefits of referral partnerships 3:25     Marketing your referral partnerships     4:16     Examples of marketing partnerships 8:50     Reach out to your database 10:14   Managing referral partnerships 12:10   Action Item

When we were talking with Garrett Maroon, this week’s Stay Paid guest, we were blown away by the fact that he told us that after eight years and 500 transactions, he had never made a cold call, bought a lead, or hosted an open house. From the very beginning, he set out to create a thriving real estate business based solely on referrals. He was told it wasn’t possible, but he succeeded—and how he did it isn’t rock science. Listen to Garrett’s interview to find out how he closed 50 deals with a database of only 40 people; his straightforward, repeatable system for staying in front of those he serves; and why simply showing up for people in small ways makes such a powerful, lasting impact. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Website: Business By Relationships Email: [email protected] Text: 804-878-2200 Free e-book: Getting Started with Relationship Marketing 0:00     Introduction 2:49     Garrett’s backstory 6:49     How 40 people knew 10,000 people 9:54     Systematic relationship building 12:45   Popular client events 14:51   The $2 pop-by 15:53   The easy pop-by script 17:21   The importance of consistent frequency 18:16   Human connection and referrals [Golden Nugget] 22:47   Action Item

Here’s a simple truth: you need to take action to achieve anything. It sounds easy enough—just get off your butt and do something, right? But so many of us are stuck in place because of fear, letting it dictate the limits of what we achieve. Today’s episode is about how to get through that fear. Listen to find out three strategies that will calm your fears and enable you to move forward, to learn about the five benefits of confronting your fears, and to discover the revelatory power of asking “Why?” Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Motivational Quotes: Wallpaper images for your desktop and mobile phone 0:00     Introduction 1:16     What happens when we fail 3:50     Train yourself to face your fear 5:51     Prioritize your goal 6:16     Break your goal into parts and then act, track, and pivot 7:42     The 5 Whys     8:38     Benefits of starting something new 9:24     You are the captain of your ship 11:31   Action Item

We’ve met entrepreneurs across many industries who shy away from investing in their brand because it’s difficult to trace the ROI back to specific actions. Still, we know that branding drives business. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Misty Bolt’s brand, MedicareMisty, is synonymous with Medicare insurance. However, it took some creativity, patience, and persistence to make it so—and she started with no money for marketing. Her story is proof that where you start isn’t where you have to finish. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Website: medicaremisty.com Office phone: 423-240-0794 Free e-book: Lead Generation for Insurance Brokers   0:00     Introduction 1:50     Misty’s backstory 5:46     The road to brand awareness 10:31   Cost and benefits of building brand 13:32   Where’s the payoff?     17:19   Some words of inspiration 20:43   Action Item

Every marketing plan must include a mix of channels to reach its full lead-generating potential. But while each channel has its advantages, there are some distinctly unique benefits to using direct mail that earn it a special status among savvy marketers. In today’s Silver Dollar episode, we talk about these benefits and five reliable ways to maximize the overall effectiveness of any direct mail campaign. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Blog: 5 Proven Direct Mail Marketing Ideas for Real Estate Agents in 2021 Cited statistics: Direct Marketing Statistics for 2022   0:00     Introduction 1:02     Direct mail cuts through the noise 1:38     Direct mail is remembered     2:42     #1: Personalize your direct mail 4:14     #2: Use data to target your niche audience 6:03     #3: Marry print and digital advertising 7:25     The frequency illusion     8:21     #4: Attend to the design 9:28     #5: Automate your direct mail 11:04   Action Item    

It took David Alvarado five attempts to pass his insurance exam and get his license, but once he did, he made a cool $4,500 in his first month. Easy peasy, he thought, but after that first month he couldn’t close a sale. In his interview, David tells the story of his rise, fall, and resurrection in the insurance industry, including the decision that turned his career around and enabled him—at age 24—to buy a new Lexus and a $400,000 home. It was a decision we’re all capable of making. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Instagram: therealdavidalvarado LinkedIn: David Alvarado Website: Alite Financial Professionals   0:00     Introduction 1:54     David’s backstory 5:01     Reality check     8:58     Turning point 11:01   You’re one decision away 12:22   Thoughts on prospecting 15:48   Shorten the learning curve 19:15   Thoughts on scripts 21:03   How to attract and keep talent 27:43   David’s words to live by 31:43   Action Item

At one time or another, we’ve all heard the voice inside our heads that diminishes our confidence and tells us we can’t before we even try. The difference between being able to push forward in spite of your doubts instead of succumbing to them is finding your courage—and knowing how to silence that voice. In today’s Silver Dollar episode, we take a closer look at self-doubt—what it is and what it can do—and offer some behaviors you can practice to hush your self-defeating thoughts. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources A networking event is one situation where our confidence can waver and our self-doubt can take over. See our blog post, Arrive and Thrive: Networking Event Tips to Put You at Ease, and its accompanying free resource, Small Talk/Networking Scripts, that will help you to prepare for your next networking event.   0:00     Introduction 1:07     Your younger self would be proud 1:45     What you say to yourself matters 2:56     The Dunning-Kruger Effect 4:20     When in doubt, be pragmatic 5:21     Even the most accomplished feel doubt 6:18     Thoughts on Imposter Syndrome 7:09     Authenticity is a superpower 8:09     7 actions to mitigate self-doubt 9:24     Keep the promises you make to yourself 10:57   Action Item

Representing nearly 50 years of combined real estate experience in three different markets, Lauren Rocco, Jamie Tulak, and Tara McCarthy—the founders of the Girls with Grit Collective—share their advice for success in what is promising to be a very interesting year in real estate. You’ll discover the hottest niches agents should target in 2023, why old leads you haven’t touched in at least two years are going to be your best source of new business, why you absolutely must stop calling it a “shifting market” and what to call it instead, why client events are the girls #1 recommendation for generating new leads, and how to dominate your local market and become “5-mile famous.” Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Website: Girls with Grit Collective Private Facebook group: Girls with Grit Collective Facebook event page: 2023 Girls with Grit Rhinestone Cowgirl Conference 0:00     Introduction 2:26     Business biographies 7:13     The 3-part mission of Girls with Grit 11:55   4 hot real estate niches in 2023     14:33   Tips for your messaging 18:02   Strategies for keeping in front of audience 20:20   CRM of preference 23:28   Lead gen: being 5-mile famous 25:33   The issue with online leads 26:46   Lead gen: client events 30:03   How do you get started after relocating? 33:40   Girls with Grit conference 35:52   Action Item

No one can predict with certainty which Instagram reels are going to take off. Even so, the insiders at Instagram have identified four production tips that will give your videos an edge over others. In this episode, we discuss these tips, along with a few of our own, in detail with examples to help illustrate how to implement them. Listen to discover two ways you can make your Instagram reels more relatable to your audience, four tips you should be using to make creating reels easier (including one that will encourage Instagram to promote yours), and more hacks and tools we use at Stay Paid to improve our production quality that you can easily use to popularize your reels too. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Check out our reels and model what works! Instagram: @staypaidpodcast TikTok: @staypaid_podcast To add captions to your reels, try captions.ai   0:00     Introduction 1:14     Instagram’s Professional Dashboard 1:52     Tip 1: Create reels that are uniquely you 3:46     Tip 2: Be relatable 4:48     Tip 3: Keep it simple 5:10     Extra tip: Use trending audio 6:25     Tip 3: Keep it simple (continued) 7:12     Extra tip: Develop attention-grabbing hooks 8:48     Tip 4: Add text to your reels 11:22   Consistency builds trust 12:30   Action Item

Erin Botsford is the founder and CEO of The Advisor Authority and the developer of the Elite Advisor Success System. As an advisor, she has been named to every category of Barron’s Top 100, and she’s the author of Seven Figure Firm: How to Build a Financial Services Business that Grows Itself. Our conversation with Erin focuses on two topics: her strategies for attracting prospects Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Get your free copy of Erin’s book, Seven Figure Firm: How to Build a Financial Services Business that Grows Itself, at com Register for webinar: com/unforgettablewebinar

Jumping off the numerous studies that have shown how practicing gratitude positively affects feelings of happiness and improves our physical health, today’s Silver Dollar episode is about how you can shift your focus from lamenting about what you may lack to being grateful for what you do have. We offer four ways you can think deeply about all that is good in your life—no matter how hard it may seem in the moment. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Article: “Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier” Book: The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) Purchase Stay Paid swag   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Michael Snow is a managing broker with Pearson Smith Realty in northern Virginia. He’s a masterful prospector and spends most of his time coaching approximately 1,000 agents on how to attract and find new leads. We asked him to share with us what he’s telling them as they head into 2023. Listen to Michael’s interview to find out the three-part plan for success that he has all his agents implement, understand why he is an enthusiastic fan of hosting open houses and how you can approach agents to run theirs, and discover the necessary steps to getting the maximum ROI from online leads. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Reach out to Michael via email: [email protected]   0:00     Introduction 2:18     Michael’s backstory 6:24     #1: Define categories of lead generation     7:33     #2: Write a detailed business plan 8:45     #3: Create a detailed schedule 10:46   Figuring out your daily activity 14:24   Thoughts on hosting open houses 16:08   Asking agents to host their open house 18:49   Generate multiple touchpoints with events 21:37   The expectation when calling online leads 25:21   Anecdotes about closing rates 28:15   Action Item

Steve Guilfoile is one of the best relationship builders we’ve ever met. About a year ago, he and his business partner, Shane Shafer, talked with us about how they successfully built AffordaCare Insurance by providing value to potential customers before ever asking for their business. But as with every business, there were bumps along the way. Listen to Steve’s interview to discover why focusing on your goal may not be the best approach to reaching it (and what you should focus on instead), find a new way to think about and integrate failure into your processes, and hear some of the best advice for 2023 that will help you determine your priorities. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 1:48     Mindset and motivation 3:27     Breaking goals into parts | Incremental progress 6:30     Failure is an inevitable part of the game 8:47     Just do one more     10:36   Reading vs. doing 12:44   Success leaves clues | Don’t reinvent the wheel 13:37   Advice to agents moving into 2023 15:54   Action Item

Whether you listen to Sherri Somers for the video marketing strategy she used to launch her career as an insurance agent, the advice she gives her coaching students on finding their purpose, or the unique perspective she has as a woman and mom working in the insurance industry, you will walk away inspired by her story, energy, and resolve. Listen to her interview to find out the video marketing strategy she utilizes to save her time and attract rather than chase prospects, learn about her straightforward approach to discovering your “why” and defining your brand, and understand the advantages of remaining true to your authentic self. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Website: joinsherri.com 0:00     Introduction 1:51     Sherri’s backstory 6:53     Look for evidence of success 9:06     Time-saving approach to video marketing 11:15   Being a woman in the insurance industry 14:00   Video strategy: authenticity, pain points, promotion 16:58   Disrupting the insurance industry for women 18:29   Finding your motivating purpose (WON method) 22:52   Action Item

We understand that coming up with what to say in your emails to clients isn’t always easy. That’s why in this week’s Silver Dollar episode of Stay Paid, we encourage you to think about your emails as small chunks of useful information from which you already have stockpiles to choose. We also share five ways to approach these topics and turn them into must-read emails your clients will want to pore over, use, and save. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources FREE: Best Practices for Email Marketing. Done well, email can be the cornerstone of a digital marketing strategy that generates leads and builds relationships. Click the link to print this handy guide of nine email tips and hang it in your workspace. 0:00     Introduction 0:31     Email and content marketing 1:57     Email #1: market and industry updates 4:52     Email #2: local events and community news 6:40     Email #3: “The Ask;” types of solicitations 10:31   Email #4: branding 13:24   Email #5: thank you; types 16:07   Action Item

There are many entrepreneurs who have fantastic ideas they want to make real and would jump at the chance to launch a new venture or expand a current business. Unfortunately, they’re often held back because they lack the capital needed to make it happen. Brad Blazar, this week’s Stay Paid guest, has spent his career getting other people to foot the bill for his ideas. During his interview, he talks about how ordinary people can find investors who want to make their money work for them. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Books by Brad Blazar: On the Wings of Eagles: Learning to Soar in Life Put Some Thrive in Your Hive: Unlocking Potential in Any Organization Winning at the Capital Game: Using Other People's Money (OPM) to Build Wealth We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 1:36     Brad’s backstory 5:47     Find your primary skill     7:49     A lesson in the power of branding 13:30   A brand is a recognized representation 16:40   Mistake #1: Failing to craft a pitch 18:09   Mistake #2: Pitching before validating trust 19:54   How to find potential investors 22:30   Failure is a part of the process 25:07   Investing is an emotional decision 29:14   Action Item

We want to make things a little better for as many people as possible, so this week’s Silver Dollar episode is devoted to helping people help themselves with guidance on how they can improve their mindset. We’re not experts, but we are knowledgeable about taking action. We believe taking action is the only way to improve any situation, including creating a more positive mindset. Listen as we share several practical actions that will elevate your mind, body, and spirit and help you overcome whatever challenges you face. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources The Insurance Syndicate The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) The Purpose-Driven Life Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential

In speaking with Katie Day, today’s Stay Paid guest, we were struck by her matter-of-fact approach to running her real estate business. Hers is an understated success story. Essentially, it is a tale of an entrepreneur who has built a business by adhering to fundamentally sound principles on a consistent basis. During her interview, she talks about two of these essentials: posting a variety of content to social media at a sustainable cadence, and maintaining consistently applied standards. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Connect with Katie on Instagram at movemetotx Katie’s recommended books: White Collar Warrior: Lessons for Sales Professionals from America's Military Elite Exactly What to Say: Your Personal Guide to the Mastery of Magic Words We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 2:35     Katie’s backstory 4:16     Growth on social media 6:01     Thoughts on cadence for posting to social media 7:08     Social media content buckets 9:16     From social media audience member to lead 11:36   Additional lead sources 13:18   Retaining experienced agents 16:11   What 2023 market holds for agents [Golden Nugget] 18:21   How Katie addresses agent accountability 22:00   Katie’s favorite books 25:17   Action Item  

In this week’s Silver Dollar edition of Stay Paid, we suggest five types of technology that real estate agents and, with some modification, all service professionals should add to their toolbox. These technologies will increase your efficiency and, if not already in place, likely point to some areas of your business where you could be more effective. Listen to hear about which of the five types of technology you need to give first priority to installing, discover a key feature you should look for in any system you buy, and find out the feature missing from your content that, if added, would make it 50% more likely to appear on page one of Google. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Blog post: Top 3 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Leverage Technology Blog post: Get to Know Your Clients with the F.O.R.D. Method Resources mentioned in this episode:   Follow Up Boss LionDesk Wise Agent Redtail Minichat Messeger from Meta ai Homebot SmartZip Air DNA TopHap Redfin io Adobe Premiere Rush Upwork Fiverr Trello Jira 0:00     Introduction 0:48     Customer relationship management (CRM) System 2:36     Conversational AI chatbot 4:54     Big data 6:50     Video marketing 8:25     Task management system 11:29   Action Item

This week’s guest on Stay Paid is Letisha Jackson, the CEO of Jackson Insurance Group in Tupelo, Mississippi. Letisha’s a 7-figure producer now, but when she started out, she couldn’t meet her bills. She had so little that when her husband bought a $1 McDonald’s cheeseburger with some found change, they had a huge argument. How she pulled herself up might sound like a hero’s story, but Letisha credits her eventual success to her adoption of an “I’ve got to make this work” mentality. As you listen to her interview, you’ll hear example after example of how taking action leads to progress—proving (once again) that the fundamentals are fundamental for a reason. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources FREE e-book: How Independent Insurance Agents Can Increase Service and Lines of Coverage 0:00     Introduction 1:43     Letisha’s backstory 3:58     What you do when you have no money and no leads 5:27     Tracking toward success 6:52     The pitch that worked (and why) – Golden Nugget 9:12     Implementing grassroots marketing 11:27   The follow-up process 14:24   Closing the sale 16:03   Overcoming objections and rejection 17:30   A purpose-driven business 18:40   Letisha’s coaching program and podcast 21:38   Action Item  

Downturn, adjustment, correction, shift—whatever you call it, the current real estate market is certainly interesting. During this time, there are agents who are playing a wait-and-see game . . . and that’s too bad. In today’s Silver Dollar episode, we talk about why right now is the opportune time to double down on four activities you need to start doing today—because when the dust settles, proactive agents are going to come out on top. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources FREE e-book: Getting Started with Relationship Marketing FREE KPI & Budget Tracker 0:00     Introduction 0:41     Why you want to describe the market as “interesting” 1:20     Be the educator, the trusted advisor 3:33     Double down on the fundamentals 7:16     Manage cash flow | Lead with revenue 8:46     Increase your lead generation           11:57   Action Item

This week on Stay Paid, we talk with Neema Bardi, the founder and CEO of Atllas, Inc. His mission is to empower agents with technology and innovative business models—and he’s delivering big time. In addition to sharing his journey and success as one of the youngest brokers in California, Neema describes the hottest new feature on Atllas’s comprehensive dashboard: a free tool for running open houses that is so successful at changing the game that Atllas secured 2,000 new users in only six weeks. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources OpenHome tool: ai Message Neema on Instagram: @Neema_Bardi Search for lease listings: com Search for virtual assistants: Upwork The book that put Neema on his path: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money—That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for ReminderMedia to earn a small fee by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   0:00     Introduction 1:55     Neema’s backstory 3:58     Chose cold calls over calling his sphere     4:55     Prospecting on Sunset Blvd. 6:18     Hired a virtual assistant 7:24     The frustration of working with a broker 9:28     Managing entrepreneurs who work for an entrepreneur     10:19   Why build your own brokerage/platform? 12:19   The origin story of the Atllas platform 14:42   Paid ads that are working 18:41   Automated follow-up and using bots 20:03   Inspiration, development, and functionality of OpenHome

Talking with the people in your sphere or circle of influence is one of the easiest conversations to have if you assume the proper mindset. In this Silver Dollar episode, we illustrate 3 tips for calling your sphere. The first eliminates the #1 reason why people find it so hard to call their sphere. The second enables you to have conversations you and they will enjoy. And the third removes all awkwardness when calling someone you should have called a long time ago. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources FREE e-book: Getting Started with Relationship Marketing 0:00     Introduction 0:56     Go into the call with the proper mindset 2:29     Have relational conversations: F.O.R.D. 5:09     What to say when you haven’t called in a while 6:38     Calls establish familiarity; familiarity breeds trust 8:00     Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals 13:36   Action Item  

Johnny Nitafan may only be 21 years old, but his story and unbeatable drive to simply keep going will inspire anyone who’s hit a bump in the road, or perhaps already crashed, and has thought about giving up. After numerous failures, Johnny is crushing it as an insurance agent, having written $125,000 in business in 45 days. During his interview, Johnny tells the incredible story of his journey. He also reveals his prospecting strategy and the massive action he continues to take to drive business. Most inspiring is his willingness to be vulnerable and share the details of the hardships he’s endured to get to where he is today. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Social media: Search JohnnyNitafan1 Podcast on YouTube: From Unknown to Unforgettable 0:00     Introduction 2:17     Johnny’s backstory 7:22     Johnny’s move into insurance 8:23     Preparation is key to door knocking and cold calling 9:28     Find the decision maker; persist with the gatekeepers 11:26   Prospecting activity 14:55   Strategy to recruit agents 16:46   The “10-in-play” prospecting strategy 19:49   A spin on the triple dial 21:06   Use of automation 22:29   Use of voicemail drops 23:53   Use of auto text platform 25:09   Advice for new insurance agents 28:16   Life lesson: Act as if . .  . 35:32   Action Item

Hiring salespeople is one of the most important things business owners do. You need to make sure you put the right people in the seat because if you don’t, then you’ve wasted precious resources and put the future security of your business at risk. Is there a way to be certain that the person you’ve decided to interview has what it takes when it comes to the close? In this episode, we share the four traits that have produced the best sales hires for our multi-million-dollar business. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources E-book: The Ultimate Rookie Year Guide. Help your new real estate agents get off on the right foot. Share this e-book with them and set them up for success. Lead magnet: Tailgating season is here! Download our free football tailgating pack, add it to your site as a lead magnet, and collect the email addresses of people who download it. Or, send it to the football fans in your sphere as a small gift to say thank you. The pack includes a printable checklist of essentials, four recipes for tasty tailgating fare, and a visual guide for grilling different meats. 0:00     Introduction 1:44     Do they have positive energy? 2:16     Energy is not volume 4:04     Can they hold a conversation? 5:26     Ask discovery questions 7:07     Do they have the drive? 7:38     Ask about their struggle 10:05   Do they have character, integrity, work ethic? 10:53   Ask revealing questions 13:59   Action Item

Jeremias “JMan” Maneiro crushed his first year in real estate with 43 transactions. How’d he do it? By door knocking, pursuing expired listings, and winning over FSBOs. During this week’s Stay Paid interview, Jeremias shares his advice for prospecting and creating videos that have won him thousands of followers on social media. Listen and hear why adversity in the market can be a boon to the professional real estate agent, discover a killer move that blows away every FSBO objection, and find out the most important tip for shooting videos regardless of your experience. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Website: com Social media: jmanspeaks 0:00     Introduction 1:13     Jeremias’ backstory 2:00     Advice for agents during this market 2:59     FSBOs and door knocking tips 5:21     Staying in touch with clients 6:16     Advice for creating videos 8:55     Thoughts about social media platforms 11:10   Advice for struggling entrepreneurs 12:11  Jeremias’ words to live by 13:49  Action Item

In 2004, Google implemented local SEO to give local companies a shot at competing with their national competitors. If a search indicated a geographic intent such as a search for a real estate agent, restaurant, roofer, plumber, or doctor, Google and other top search engines made local results more visible to users. In today’s Silver Dollar episode, we’re talking about why local SEO is important to your business, and how you can optimize your Google business page so that you rank as high as possible to get featured in the Google Pac. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Blog: How Agents Can Increase Brand Awareness with Local SEO 0:00     Introduction 1:06     Why local SEO matters 1:46     What local SEO is and how it works 3:28     Create a Google business page 4:33     3 ways people will find your business 6:03     Optimize tip #1: Primary  business category 6:28     Optimize tip #2: Include keywords 7:50     Optimize tip #3: Additional categories 8:29     Optimize tip #4: Keywords in customer reviews 10:50   Optimize tip #5: Have a complete profile 11:49   Optimize tip #6: Make your N.A.P. consistent 12:50   Compare and search your Google page 14:16   Action Item      

We’re super excited because not only is this Silver Dollar episode of Stay Paid airing on Halloween, it’s also our 400th episode! Today, we discuss the four critically important and most lucrative groups of people you need to be calling right now and before the holidays to stand out, reconnect, and set the tone for future calls and business in the coming new year. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Download all of our FREE CALL SCRIPTS when you click here. 0:00     Introduction 2:14     Group 1: Prospects 3:02     The best mindset for calling prospects     3:52     The numbers don’t lie: Baylor U study     4:40     Tip: Call old leads 5:22     Best times to call 5:51     Tip: Watch cold calls on YouTube 6:39     Group 2: Past clients 7:19     Why you must ask for referrals 8:21     5 reasons to call past clients 10:03   Group 3: Vendor referral partners 10:48   How to identify vendor referral partners 11:54   Group 4: Sphere of influence 12:41   The best mindset for calling your sphere 16:28   Action Item

Some of the most critical information you can have about your industry and your own local market is what your competitors are doing. After all, if they’re pulling prospects away from you, then you’d like to know how they’re doing it so you can plan your counteroffensive! In today’s Silver Dollar episode, we’re describing 6 awesome tactics you can use to spy on your competition to figure out what marketing strategies are working for them, and then use the same to your own advantage. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Ahrefs Backlink Checker Meta Ad Library (aka Facebook Ad Library) Similarweb 0:00     Introduction 1:20     Meta Ad Library: see Facebook ads 0:00     SimilarWeb.com: tons of info on company, web traffic, audience interests, channels 0:00     YouTube ads: save and study ad videos 9:07     Get retargeted 9:32     Check backlinks 11:09   Additional grassroot efforts 13:02   Action Item

This week, Sean Carpenter joins the Stay Paid pals to discuss the changing real estate market, the various ways agents can effectively reach out to their clients, and what goes into building a high level of trust among clients and prospects. Hear Sean talk about why the clients you’ve served in the last 12 months (LTM) are your best source of new deals and commissions, how to promote the six channels agents in today’s environment must use to stay in front of their audience, how to use a simple formula that will ensure you have 420 touches with clients every month and with minimal effort. Be sure to check out our show notes at staypaidpodcast.com for more in-depth information and added details not included in the episode. Connect | Resources Instagram: @seancarp Blog: carpscorner.net Website: SeanCarpenter.com 0:00     Introduction 3:02     Sean’s backstory 4:51     Practicing the basics     7:15     Advice to agents in a changing market     9:17     The 6 channels of communication 12:53   Easily implement 6 channels of communication 15:05   How many touchpoints is recommended 17:13   The 6 channel challenge = 420 touches 19:20   How to keep touchpoints organized 22:19   Think relationally, not transactionally 25:34   Length of time it took to build these habits 29:54   The Attention Economy 31:08   The 3 Cs of building trust 32:59   Sean’s principle to live by 36:12   Action Item