The Upper Left Hand Corner:

The mighty bowling shoe that might be you

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:47:43 -0400

“bowling shoes are the prostitutes of the shoe world we need desperately” & clients are treated similarly, others? Read on… http://ow.ly/1KO7ZV

Bio-signature and bidness

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:05:50 -0400

Only for the curious and the awesome . http://t.co/2s26pcJm

Bringing it to the cheaters: Why you so bad?

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:02:42 -0400

Bringing it to the cheaters: Why you so bad?

So…………..what’s next? what’s...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:43:09 -0400

So…………..what’s next? what’s your conclusion?

So, when you’ve taken all of these steps, and it’s...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:26:53 -0400

So, when you’ve taken all of these steps, and it’s all worked out as close to perfection as you can imagine, what does that look like for you? For everybody?

How’s that look like it’s going for you?

This is where bidnesses get stuck….. not telling the truth...

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:26:34 -0500

This is where bidnesses get stuck….. not telling the truth at this step

Bait or Jigs? Recruiting for money or love of the game

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:32:03 -0500

BAIT “How much will I make?”

You adjust your cup of coffee for it’s fifth rotation, a sign that you’re curbing your temper/anxiousness. You’ve got a business plan, a role, training, a community, that’s your equivalent to cold fusion at cold pizza prices jig and they’re already cashing in, without even one honest days work. why aren’t they asking how much they can help ME make? I’d hire them right here and now.

Note: I’ve got to remember to include vision in the next ad jig. Because this kid, this newb, this “last chance before I leave the business” is in a mindset that’s wondering where the next can of chili bait is coming from, and there’s a business to build, and I need able hands jig.

Scene. How’d you get here? How’d they get here? Are they going up, or down in their own admission jig? If you pulled a Zappos and asked them to keep sitting here or take $2,000 and walk away right now, which would they do? BAIT BAIT BAIT!

Did you lay a plan for them, or did they lay out a plan for you? Did you help them through it? Highlight what tasks are before them to take care of it? What’s the next step they can take in the next 5 minutes? JIG

Are you using bait to close them, or wiggling how they want you to wiggle so the job seems right for them right then? Or are they looking for the next bait to float by while they’re floundering, workin’ for you?

I want to see you in this chair by January. here’s the training to put you there. You’ll have to do these jobs to qualify for that job. Here’s the weekly benchmarks you and I are going to visit every week, and make sure you’re showing up the best you can, and performing the best you can. Your trajectory is set, your energy and timeline is your own choice.

Would you have this conversation at a first interview?

Miss? Nice to meet you. If we ever get married, we’ll move south as the weather’s easier to raise kids in, and the sports programs are better. We’ll be having 3 children, in a contemporary home with a black SUV and I’ll have a coupe……

You can see what a killer first date this would be.

The difference between jigs and bait is that with a good jig, you can use it over and over again. With bait? after a while, it gets rotten, stinks, and changing it for everybody is a pain.

Studying my scripts for coaching through photos, hope these help...

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:53:09 -0500

Studying my scripts for coaching through photos, hope these help you! Susan Scott’s Minieral Rights Conversation has always had a great outline for getting stuff resolved and moving forward.

Because there is an army of people that are begging for help out...

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:00:04 -0500

Because there is an army of people that are begging for help out there, and your laptop makes for a cruel disguise of competence and empathy.

Get out there and do work.

“I need to build my team out, so I can make more...

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:44:38 -0500

“I need to build my team out, so I can make more money.”

“I need to make more money before I can hire an assistant.”

“I make $180K a year, AND I make my own fliers.”

Does this put it in a different light?

Based off of your habits, you have what you’re seeing...

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:35:00 -0500

Based off of your habits, you have what you’re seeing around your board room, office, or bean bag. Want better choices? Talk to better people. Straight up do work.

Why you'll die if you stay in the fast lane

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:18:40 -0500

Love me some Eagles. Seriously, “Life in the Fast Lane” was one of the songs I’d blast, cruising that sweet Chevy Citation in 4th gear down route 95 in Rhode Island, towards high school, and getting my learn on.

Swervin’, speedin’, pushin’ the limit. No expectations, no excuses.

This morning, with me at 36, thinking about the three kids in my backseat, I’m swearing under my breath at that kid. “This idiot is going to meet his maker.” What’s his plan? He’s burning gas, doubling his distance, and while getting their faster, he’s missing integral signs. And while shaking your fist should only mean, “Yes, keep rockin’ ” , it’s what we do when we’re judgin’ and instructin’, instead of getting introspective.

“The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry”. John Jensen

Ask yourself and your board of directors: Where am I in the fast lane? Business? Love? Life? More importantly, where am I NOT in the fast lane?

Where are your buyer’s agents?

Listing agents?

Assistants?

When it comes to getting other job offers, they’ll leave for money, and stay for loyalty. Every time.

Where are your clients? If you love helping people, and you don’t know this about them, then I don’t believe you. I’m setting my calls for this afternoon for ‘touching base’ calls, so I’m a better coach, AND a better person.

And I’m doing 10 over the speed limit, damn it.

Here's the 1 worst hire most RE agents make every month (besides them selves)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:45:26 -0500

Here’s a story, tell me if you can identify our hero:
shows up to work on-time, and is almost always there, hard to find when you need help with a client

Doesn’t necessarily have the look, doesn’t match, doesn’t wear business attire, yet totally means well; first impressions are not his thing. In fact, he’s kind of a wall flower with no style.

You’re not really sure what his job description is, which department he belongs to, where he’s from, and really who’s holding him accountable. He LOOKS busy, you just don’t see a whole lot of production from him.

On top of that, sometimes he’s the guy who just says the wrong thing. And doesn’t say enough of the right things. Mostly uses technical jargon that confuses the clients, and worst of all? Gives away all of your paid information for free. OR he’s quiet. Not very descriptive. Doesn’t describe how the client’s needs are met at all. CONSTANTLY giving out his resume.

And he’s the new guy. Not only do YOU not know who he is, no one on staff knows either, nor do your clients. He shows up on no rosters, no directories, and he has no references anywhere. He just showed up one day, with no announcement, job description, review.

In the world of matching staff on your team with the right jobs, he’s just not the right match.

Bring me your guesses….

New questions to ask the Can’t in you. Because if you...

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:48:36 -0500

New questions to ask the Can’t in you. Because if you say “I Can’t” one more time, and angel doesn’t get it’s wings, and the heavens sign us up for one more season of “Jersey Shore.”

Find out more about the guy who can make this happen for you: about.me/chrismcnamara

Under the Influence Part 1: 2 Factors Pushing You Down or Up

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:51:44 -0500

The Blogs and Music you read listen to are killing you. Or allowing you to kill it. Agree? Sadly, this argument is one where you don’t need to; it’s already happening.

Noticed a few things regarding where motivation comes from. I’ll throw out there for you…and I’ll even invite the trolls to the table. And it’s case study from about 12 coaching clients. Shouldn’t be that shocking yet I’m going to challenge you to do something that might change your mindset.

1st Factor That’s messing with your mind more so than those 3-D posters at the mall is the information you’re taking in. Is it all negative? Is it mostly opinion? Taking a look through the blogs and info sources my clients who were “having a tough one” brought up the following topics:

Gossip Columns
Solely people in their industry, like back-woods incestuous, never leaving the neighborhood
Anything with photos or videos of people getting hurt, punched or told off.
Seahawks or Mariners information. (sorry, I have to take a stance here, my WA friends are hurting)

So……..Nice motivation and information diet. The above is the equivalent of giving your kids a sweet Hostess Snowball and Diet Tab breakfast before you send them off to 8 hours of staring and learning. ”Good luck concentrating, Billy!”

That instinct in your head that causes you to touch something that’s been posted with a wet paint sign? It’s the product of an embedded command. Read that enough and you’re gonna be paintier than a painter in a paint factory.

You’re an intelligent person. The type of intelligence or the diet you operate on? Is your choice, and indicates your wages, your attitude, the way you dress, the next 300 years of your life (you’re still juicing, right?). So feed yourself better.

Advice? Grocery list for getting under a good influence:

Plenty of Motivation: find the right blogs, or sites that boost you. Music is a big helper, as are photo blogs out there, as they’re quick, easy, and with over 65% of people are visual learners, you’re probably one of them.
Pick out industry leaders, and listen. Just not in your industry. Pick influential products in your life and your area. And don’t just go with CEO’s. Ever met a Thought leader, then they’re second-in-command and realize who’s actually doing all the stuff? Me too.
Vegetables-you need to eat them. If you’re an idea guy, you still have to round out what you know with numbers, risk management, technology, book keeping, and fencing. You need to round out your diet because….and here’s the kicker…you’re on Earth and this stuff exists. You’d be amazed at where your next inspiration comes from…Velcro came from looking at dandelion fronds..Bose Headphones were started in 1978 because the plane’s insulation sucked (and people wanted to look like DJ’s as the walked down the street.)
Start it out right: Put down the paper, pick up your laptop in the AM. Grab that cup of coffee and your bran muffin, and take this stuff in early. If you wait until later in the day, it’s dissipated. My professor Rod Zwick caught me cramming in the library one night, and sent me home. “You’re not retaining anything, you’re exhausted. Wake up early and cram then.”

Put down People magazine, and pick up the rest of your life of having a positive mental attitude. Go outside your circle, hit the 5 leaders, and their crew and follow them, eat your veggies (you’re gonna love those accounting blogs!), & do it early.

And then when you get in the car and listen to Rage against the Machine, we’ll talk about the second step, Part 2 Your Music is Killing Your Motivation..

more about me @ about.me/chrismcnamara

Chris McNamara, a celebrated host at his last birthday, can do ten push-ups in a row and has watched I, Robot 100 times

5 Commandment From the notes of a B.A. Exec Assistant:

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:23:09 -0400

We all know the folks working with us make us better or worse. The exponential factor at which we do either depends on that person. I know a woman who’s a killer Executive Assistant, who’s worked with agents for about 10 years. She’s got some stories, let me tell you.

So when I ask my source, whom we’ll call EA-X, what 5 things she’d say to agents when they started, she shot them right off, because she’s passionate about this, and pissed she doesn’t see it more often.

1) Do what you say you’re going to do - make a list each day and do it

2) Call people back. Even if it’s a hard call, it’s easier if you pick up the phone to make the call then have to play defense when they call you

3) Love what you do. Love the people. Love the process from start to finish. If you’re not passionate about RE, get out. There are plenty of people who love it and aren’t there to grind it out. They will kick your ass in CS every single day and they will be the ones getting the referrals

4) Understand the process and the paperwork. It’s not sexy but you need to know your shit.

5)? We’ll never know. She left without a word…probably to get back to work because focus is the one thing she has in spades compared to the average agent.

There’s a key factor in there; and when you hire someone like EA-X, make sure you give them complete control. They’re your agent, and they’re not bogged down by the biases you have in your head. They’re there to make YOU better. Probably the best coaches of all.

EA-X, I salute you.

—

I've got no business, no leads, and don't know what to do

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:35:17 -0400

Right? Never been here, thinking this to yourself? I understand. They don’t have issues like this on Krypton. Wait, didn’t your home planet blow up?

First step, let it out. Go outside and scream like you own Sparta. That’s what you want to do anyway. Get it out. Telling someone to “breathe” when they’re bummed, is like saying “Honey, calm down” when you’re in a fight. That dog don’t hunt. (please don’t do this if you live next an old folks home, you will kill those folks before they finish Cocoon)
Come back inside, and blame the screaming on someone else. Cover your tracks.
Now pick out three groups of people you love working with. LOVE working with, not “like”, not “tolerate.” LOVE. Is this a small group? If it is, you’re getting frustrated because you don’t have a large pool to draw from; you have no audience. This is a good thing…..if you can bring someone somewhere as an educator, you’ll have more value than the guy who’s just “minding the shop.” Write down 3 ways to bring the Average Joe and Jane to be these people. Offer THAT as a complimentary service. Golf course properties? Advertise for the local golf pro. First-time home buyer? Advertise for a financial planner. See what it’s like calling folks to actually help them, with no personal bias in it. It’s good practice.

Tune in for the second half later this week…..

Need more help with your business? Casual hero for hire: about.me/chrismcnamara

I've got no business, no leads, and don't know what to do

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:35:02 -0400

Right? Never been here, thinking this to yourself? I understand. They don’t have issues like this on Krypton. Wait, didn’t your home planet blow up?

First step, let it out. Go outside and scream like you own Sparta. That’s what you want to do anyway. Get it out. Telling someone to “breathe” when they’re bummed, is like saying “Honey, calm down” when you’re in a fight. That dog don’t hunt. (please don’t do this if you live next an old folks home, you will kill those folks before they finish Cocoon)
Come back inside, and blame the screaming on someone else. Cover your tracks.
Now pick out three groups of people you love working with. LOVE working with, not “like”, not “tolerate.” LOVE. Is this a small group? If it is, you’re getting frustrated because you don’t have a large pool to draw from; you have no audience. This is a good thing…..if you can bring someone somewhere as an educator, you’ll have more value than the guy who’s just “minding the shop.” Write down 3 ways to bring the Average Joe and Jane to be these people. Offer THAT as a complimentary service. Golf course properties? Advertise for the local golf pro. First-time home buyer? Advertise for a financial planner. See what it’s like calling folks to actually help them, with no personal bias in it. It’s good practice.

Tune in for the second half later this week…..

Need more help with your business? Casual hero for hire: about.me/chrismcnamara

Hungry Hungry Hippos, Gary Busey, and being a hoarder: how to decompress from a conference

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:14:00 -0400

I’m a hoarder, and it started when i was a little kid. You get stuff, you want more stuff, yet not at the expense of losing stuff. I blame Hungry Hungry Hippos; those fat bastards never had to exchange marbles, and not once did they look at one another across the board and say “Fred, let’s take Saturday and downsize your marble collection.” it was always about collecting more.

Walking the conference floors at a Real Estate convention is similar; you get your Swag Bag, scavenger hunt around for mints, chocolate, coupons, and free books, and in the meantime, take notes from classes, collect business cards, shake more hands than Obama, and then come home. And your bag explodes, leaving you a pile on the floor that looks like Gary Busey celebrated his birthday by being your intern.

Fear not; this is a puzzle you can put back together. Make piles: education, people to follow up with, and an “open house” pile….free stuff to give out the next time you work your next open house.

Take the education pile, and bullet it….you only get 10 or so words so make them count: “OP masterminds talk about motivating workforce” or “how to get your lower 20% up to 4-8 units.” The stuff that’s going to stick you’ll go back to. The stuff that doesn’t? Didn’t grab you, so trash it until the next conference. You can’t specialize in everything…that would be like someone asking you where you live, and responding “Earth.”

Take the people to follow up with pile: either handwritten notes, or quick vids on www.eyejot.com will be your best follow up. Don’t feel like shooting them a vid? Then don’t waste your time with a bulk email…it’s impersonal, and negates that “they’re special, just like everyone else.” You can’t build relationships this way. Don’t believe me? Try dating 18 people at the same time.

Chunking down your conference pile is best to do immediately…so Mountain Dew up and get to work.

You hear it a lot : I can’t do this, I can’t do...

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:05:09 -0400

You hear it a lot : I can’t do this, I can’t do that, I can’t get listings, I can’t cold call. What if your blueprint on “what you can’t do” is holding you back from what you CAN do? Time for a redesign…