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Agent Rise Podcast

Welcome to Agent Rise, the podcast and movement hosted by Neil Mathweg, the founder of Agent Rise, and co-hosted by Agent Rise Coach Mindi Kessenich. Agent Rise is dedicated to empowering real estate agents to rise above the ordinary, find clarity in their business, and create a thriving, fulfilling career. In a world saturated with noise and conformity, Agent Rise stands out as a beacon of inspiration and innovation within the real estate industry. Neil and Mindi believe that being uncommon is not just a goal; it's a necessity for those who aspire to build a business they truly love. Join Neil and Mindi as they embark on a journey to redefine real estate, one episode at a time. Through insightful conversations, expert interviews, and practical strategies, they'll guide you towards a path of success and abundance. Their mission is simple yet profound: to help you build a business that not only serves your financial goals but also aligns with your passions and values. They're here to prove that you can make a greater impact while eliminating the stress and overwhelm that often plagues our profession. Whether you're a seasoned agent seeking fresh perspectives or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, Agent Rise, with Neil Mathweg and Mindi Kessenich, is your trusted companion on the road to success. Together, they'll break through barriers, shatter limits, and unlock the true potential of your real estate career. Tune in, take action, and join the Agent Rise movement. It's time to awaken your full potential and create the real estate business you've always dreamed of. Agent Rise Podcast is also available in video podcast at youtube.com/agentrise Agent Rise was formerly known as the Onion Juice Podcast.
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Now displaying: July, 2019
Jul 29, 2019

Most of us know what it's like to feel that our weaknesses are dragging us down - so I’ve recorded this episode to help you counteract that feeling by learning to build on your strengths. I’ve been there, I know what it’s like to be discouraged or to feel that certain limitations are holding me back from the success I want. But friends, we can’t let weaknesses or limitations knock us down. We can’t let your perception of our weaknesses dictate what we can and can’t do. We are Risers - we take responsibility for things and make things happen. This episode is going to describe a perspective we all need to have, on that leads us to identify our weaknesses, know our strengths, and address the weaknesses by building our strengths.

Overcome your limitations by reframing them

Oftentimes, the limitations we face in life or business loom up before us, seeming like giants we can’t take down. I get it, feeling a limitation is no fun and definitely demoralizing. But what I’m discovering is that every limitation can be reframed, redefined so that I can look at it in a new way that enables me to build on my strengths because of it.

Here’s an example - I have always wanted to write a book. I’ve always felt like I should write a book. But I can’t ever seem to get started. What I’ve discovered is that my strength is in shorter, creative projects, not longer, research-ish projects (like a book). So a typical book is hard for me to get done. But a friend mentioned that there are lots of shorter books out today, so I’m starting work on a short book - it fits right into my strengths rather than going against my weaknesses. What reframing can you do about the limitations you feel?

When you know your weaknesses, you’ll avoid them in favor of your strengths

If we are going to overcome our limitations, we start by being aware of our genuine weaknesses. For example, If you know you are not good at technology, you should NOT beat yourself up for it OR try to learn the gadgets and gizmos because you believe you should. Instead, give yourself permission to go low-tech. Concentrate more on what you do to create value rather than being online. AND - find others on your team who can handle the tech for you!

When you know your strengths, you can choose the ideal projects for you

Once you know what your weaknesses are (and most of us don’t need a lot of help in figuring out that part) then you need to figure out the strengths you have that can help you reframe or offset that weakness. This can be a bit tougher because we don’t see ourselves objectively. You may need a close friend or coach to help you assess your strengths realistically and then identify how they can be used to counteract your areas of weakness. But once you do and begin operating in that strength instead of obsessing over your weaknesses, watch out!

Examples of building on your strengths in real estate

Everything I’m talking about in this episode could sound theoretical - and that’s the last thing I want. So let’s lay out some quick examples of what it might look like to build on your strengths instead of obsessing over your weaknesses…

  • WEAKNESS: You aren’t fast - STRENGTH: be deliberate and thorough, or niche into bigger deals that take longer and require more detail.
  • WEAKNESS: You aren’t good at marketing or don’t have the budget to do much - STRENGTH: Get creative, be you, learn about guerilla marketing approaches
  • WEAKNESS: You’re genuinely not a people person - STRENGTH: Work on brilliant stuff alone or only work with people who appreciate what you do have
  • WEAKNESS: You’re not very organized - STRENGTH: Simplify everything so you have less to organize, or hire an assistant or transaction coordinator to help with organization
  • WEAKNESS: You don’t feel that you have enough time - STRENGTH: You can block out small chunks and really focus during that time. You can become super-efficient with the time you do have

What are YOUR weaknesses - and what are the strengths that can help you offset them? Listen to this episode of Agent Rise to learn how to reframe and overcome your limitations by building on your strengths intentionally.

Outline of this great episode

  • [0:37] The theme for this episode came from the wildest dream I had!
  • [2:51] The major league dream I had - and why I’m talking about it
  • [5:05] What are the things we blame because we’re not being successful?
  • [7:27] Examples of reframing to find greater success
  • [18:01] Using time limitations to make the most of the opportunites

Recommended Resources

Resources and Links mentioned in this episode

Connect with Neil!

Schedule a free 30 minute breakthrough call with Neil, schedule your call at neilmathwegcoaching.youcanbook.me

And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!

 And finally, if you would be so kind - leave a rating and review for the Agent Rise podcast on Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

Jul 22, 2019

Wow! It’s amazing to think that this podcast has actually reached 200 episodes. I remember way back when I started the Onion Juice Podcast - which was the first 171 episodes AND the craziest name for a podcast EVER - that I was somewhere around episode #9 and thought, “I think I’ve said everything I know to say!” At that moment, I panicked. I thought I was done. But I kept trying and figured out that there is a lot of my story that resonates with others and that I could share what I was learning as I kept iterating and building my own business. So that’s what I did. This episode recounts the story briefly - but more importantly, it clearly defines what I mean when I call you a “Riser” and where we are headed with this podcast.

None of us in real estate start with everything already figured out

If you feel like you’re learning on the job as an agent, welcome to the club! It’s a tough industry and has a lot of moving parts that successful agents need to keep track of. But if my story proves anything, it proves that it can be done if you are willing to stick with it. I’ve tried just about everything and if you’ve been listening to the show for any length of time you know about many of my successes, but also the failures and false starts. Along the way, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that successful agents need to be “Risers” - which is what I believe YOU are. Here’s what I mean...

What is a Riser?

I hope it doesn’t come across as sappy, but I wrote a poem - well, sort of a poem. Not really - it’s more of a manifesto, a call to action, a battle cry for all of us who want to succeed in real estate and are willing to work according to our unique individual strengths to make it happen.

Here’s To The Risers

Here’s to the Risers. 

To the fighters

the survivors,

the stay up all-nighters.

The ones with desire,

with fire,

who want to inspire. 

You can’t ignore them.

They won’t back down. 

They won’t give up. 

They are a Riser. 

They know what they need to do. 

They have a clear plan. 

They work according to a vision.

They avoid shiny objects. 

They are consistent. 

They are 100% responsible,

failure isn’t possible. 

They are a Riser. 

They know the door is revolving.

That won’t stop them.

They know the odds are against them. 

They don’t care. 

They follow the steps.

They work with confidence.

And at the end of the day,

They know they are well on their way.

They are a Riser. 

Is that you? Since you are listening to this podcast, I suspect it is. Listen to this episode to learn how you can join with other Risers who are taking their real estate business to the next level.

Simplify and Amplify: That’s how you grow your real estate business

Next week’s episode is all about this - but I want to introduce you to the topic now. There are really only two things we need to do in order to get our business going toward the next level: Simplify and Amplify.

SIMPLIFY means that you break your business down into its simplest components. It means getting rid of shiny objects, turning off the noise, and dialing-in the processes and approaches that work for your unique personality. Once you do that, you’re able to put a plan in place that works for YOU consistently and effectively.

AMPLIFY means that you take what you’ve simplified and make it known, increase it, and scale it to the point your business is rocking right along. And you keep doing it.

More on these next week, so be sure you subscribe so you won’t miss it.

Outline of this great episode

  • [0:33] What does it mean to be a “Riser?”
  • [5:29] Where are we going from here?
  • [8:54] A shout out to the original “Onion Juice” gang!
  • [10:08] Why simplifying and amplifying is the way to go
  • [15:01] Find out about the upcoming Summit

Recommended Resources

Resources and Links mentioned in this episode

Connect with Neil!

Schedule a free 30 minute breakthrough call with Neil, schedule your call at neilmathwegcoaching.youcanbook.me

And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!

 And finally, if you would be so kind - leave a rating and review for the Agent Rise podcast on Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

Jul 15, 2019

I know you want to become a breakthrough agent - the gal or guy in your office who has pushed beyond the barriers that previously held you back and is an amazing success. How do I know? You wouldn’t be listening to this show if you weren’t. But there are a few things in the way of you accomplishing that breakthrough - and the truth is that most agents in your shoes simply don’t know what they don’t know. That is what is holding them back.

On this episode, I want to tell you what’s holding you back and more importantly, outline the one thing you need to do in order to push past the barriers in your real estate business. Please, listen to this episode with an open mind - and with the same commitment you’ve always had to make your business great. If you do that and are willing to invest in yourself and your business, you could be on the cusp of something great!

As I recorded this episode I almost decided to stop podcasting altogether

I’ve come to see that part of the problem with new or stuck agents is that they are experiencing information overload and they don’t even realize it. There is a LOT Of content you can consume - this podcast included. And the sad thing is that in most cases, that content is not really helping you achieve the breakthroughs you’re seeking. Why? Because you’re not taking action on it in a context that will hold your feet to the fire, that will push you beyond the barriers you’re facing.

I don’t want to be guilty of adding to the noise that holds you back - so I almost decided to stop podcasting. But I didn’t. Please listen to hear how I processed that decision, but more importantly to hear how you can become the breakthrough agent you truly want to be.

You need me to coach you. There, I said it

Sometimes we need to hear things that are hard to accept but are true. And sometimes the person saying it takes a risk by being bold enough to say it. That’s how I feel about this episode. I want you to hear how you can breakthrough - and I decided to be bold enough to say it. If you continue to consume content like this podcast but are not seeing the breakthrough you seek - it’s because you need to invest in yourself. You need coaching.

Hear me out. Even the most talented and amazing sports figures have personal coaches, people who can help them see their weaknesses, understand their strengths, and maximize their game according to those things. Why is it necessary for such a naturally talented individual? Because they don’t see objectively - they don’t know what they don’t know. So the smart ones get a coach to help them see and overcome those things.

On this episode, I say it straight up - you need my coaching. Please, don’t hear me trying to sell you something you don’t need. I want you to be successful and I know that this is what will make it happen.

There are a very few exceptions out there - but not many

I know that there are rare individuals out there who are able to soak up lots of information, sort it out themselves, and apply it effectively to their lives and businesses. Those are amazing individuals who are not very common. You may be one of those people - but I want to caution you about assuming it’s the case. None of us sees ourselves entirely clearly. None of us recognizes all the places where we need help from the outside. So be careful about thinking you don’t really need coaching. That could be one of your largest obstacles to becoming a breakthrough agent.

Clarity and amplification go hand in hand - and they come from good coaching

The first and perhaps the most important benefit of coaching is that you gain clarity - about your strengths, your weaknesses, your opportunities, and so much more. When you have clarity, you are able to create a customized plan that puts you in your sweet spot - and that enables greater success in your real estate business.

Once you have clarity, you are able to amplify your strengths, putting them to work in ways you never even knew to dream of. This is where breakthroughs happen - where amazing results come about. Listen to learn how it happens - and why coaching is the main way you can achieve them in record time. I know this sounds like a sales pitch, but it’s not. It’s me speaking truthfully about what I’ve learned watching and coaching agent after agent. I hope you’ll take the time to consider it.

Outline of this great episode

  • [2:05] Get in on the upcoming Agent Rise Summit! See the link below
  • [4:34] Why I am contributing to the noise
  • [5:42] Here’s why you are not breaking through: lack of coaching
  • [11:25] A word to the rare exceptions to what I’m saying
  • [13:00] The noise prevents you from getting clarity
  • [17:93] Many of us need to get better at saying, “No”
  • [19:01] Get into my upcoming MasterClass

Recommended Resources

Resources and Links mentioned in this episode

Connect with Neil!

Schedule a free 30 minute breakthrough call with Neil, schedule your call at neilmathwegcoaching.youcanbook.me

And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!

 And finally, if you would be so kind - leave a rating and review for the Agent Rise podcast on Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

Jul 8, 2019

This episode of Agent Rise is going to make most of you nervous - because I’m insisting that you hire a transaction coordinator now - no matter where you are in your real estate career. Actually, let me backpedal on that a bit: If you have less than 10 transactions under your belt, this is not for you - YET. But notice what I said - 10 transactions. You’ll be to this point soon enough.

You may think I’m crazy. Maybe I am - No, I’m not. I know that I know that I KNOW from personal experience that hiring a transaction coordinator will set you free to do what you need to do in order to increase your overall business momentum and set you up to do more deals this year. It’s that simple. Listen to hear my reasons, learn what you should look for in a transaction coordinator, know what they can do for you, and hear how I’d go about interviewing a potential TC. It’s all on this episode of Agent Rise.

But Neil, I can’t afford a transaction coordinator!

The thing that holds most Agents back is that we are wrapped up in the details and minutiae of transaction after transaction - and we have no time to build our business. The details are all important stuff that needs to be done, but who says WE have to be the ones doing it? If you are a control freak who can’t delegate, you are holding yourself back. You need to let go. You need to get help.

OK, so let’s talk about the money part of things. I know you feel like you can’t afford to hire a transaction coordinator. I felt the same way for almost 90% of my career. But I’m telling you from hard-learned experience, you truly cannot afford NOT to hire a TC. Why? Because your overall transaction volume will go UP when you hire a TC. That means you’ll have the money to pay them, no problem. Listen to learn how you can get out of your own way and level up your business by hiring a transaction coordinator. 

A real-life example of how a transaction coordinator helps you do more

I have to be honest and let you know - out of the 1000 transactions I’ve done in my career, I’ve only done the last 50 to 100 transactions with the help of a transaction coordinator. And those last 50 to 100 transactions have gone more smoothly and have been done in a way that has allowed me to produce more and provide better service than ever before.

Recently I was in a meeting when my transaction coordinator discovered that a few numbers on the paperwork did not match up. I saw the issue come up on the email app on my phone during my meeting - and a series of emails went back and forth. I knew something was blowing up and it made me nervous about what I was going to have to deal with when I got out of my meeting. When I finished the meeting I checked the last email and it was from my TC saying, “I got everything taken care of - no worries. Enjoy the closing.” 

MAN! That was a powerful reminder to me of why my transaction coordinator is so important. 

What should you look for when hiring a transaction coordinator?

There are so many things that go into a typical closing and most of us do them as second nature without thinking through the details. But if you’ll take the time to look over the home buying process, you’ll see that there is a TON of stuff that you’re doing that you really can pass on to someone else. And here’s the good news - you can pass it off to someone who not only does it better than you, but who also enjoys doing it!

Here’s what you should look for when considering a person as a transaction coordinator: 

  • They need to be experienced so that YOU don’t have to train them
  • Hire someone who knows more about transactions than you do
  • You want a person who stays one step ahead of issues
  • Find someone who will work as a subcontractor and only gets paid when closings take place

What should a good transaction coordinator be doing for you?

You know there is a lot of detail that goes into every transaction. Let’s break down all the things that you can and should delegate to your transaction coordinator...

  • Introduce and coordinate with all parties
  • Create a detailed closing timeline and stay on top of it
  • Email clients the next steps
  • Manage all contingencies and key dates
  • Schedule and coordinate the appraisal, inspection, final walk-through, and closing
  • Review all contracts and paperwork for accuracy and compliance
  • Chase down missing paperwork
  • Open escrow and/or order title work
  • Communicate progress as you go along and keep all parties on track
  • Order home warranties, coordinate transfers, manage HOA documents
  • Monitor closing progress and provide updates

And that’s just a part of what I’m sharing on this episode. I also provide a list of things your new TC should NOT be doing - and tell you how to ask the right questions to find out if the person you’re interviewing is the right fit for you.

Outline of this great episode

  • [2:40] I’ve come to believe a Transaction Coordinator is vital, no matter where you are
  • [4:20] The work a TC can do for you will allow you do do more that you need to be doing!
  • [12:06] What are you looking for when you hire a transaction coordinator
  • [14:30] What should a good transaction coordinator be able to do for you?
  • [17:20] How can you find a good TC?
  • [18:01] Questions to ask a potential transaction coordinator 

Recommended Resources

Resources and Links mentioned in this episode

Connect with Neil!

Schedule a free 30 minute breakthrough call with Neil, schedule your call at neilmathwegcoaching.youcanbook.me

And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!

 And finally, if you would be so kind - leave a rating and review for the Agent Rise podcast on Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

Jul 1, 2019

It’s not uncommon for agents who have been successful so far in their real estate career to question whether or not the role is still a good fit for them. This questioning happens for a lot of reasons. Sometimes they’ve lost the fire and excitement they once had about the industry. At other times they’ve experienced setbacks that have been discouraging or deflating. I’m here to tell you that this kind of questioning is very common - and it also follows a pattern.

In this episode, I want to reveal something that I believe is missing in your career and business when these types of questions arise. Listen to learn how to address these issues - or to be prepared to address it when the time comes that they arise in your real estate career. 

Stress, lack of motivation, and tension in your business are often indications it’s time for a change

Many agents who have been in their real estate career for some time hit the point where stress is taking hold. Others find themselves lacking motivation and feel they are missing the drive they had when they first started out as an agent. Others, in spite of running a very successful real estate business always feel tense about things that are going on.

Every single one of those is an indicator that something needs to change. Often, the agent in question begins to wonder if the thing that needs to change is their career. I’m going to suggest that you’re in exactly the RIGHT career - but that you’re needing a different kind of change. It’s time for you to level up, to step up, and to begin leading others. Before you give in to the discomfort you might feel about that suggestion, listen to this episode. It’s not what you think - and it can happen in ways that energize and motivate you beyond what you can even imagine.

The answer - and hear me out on this one - is that you need to become a leader

When you hear me say that you need to step into leadership you might pull back, saying that you don’t have a high enough volume of leads or big enough budget to provide leads for a team. Be honest, is that what you’re thinking? If so, it’s a clear sign that you are thinking about the issue all wrong. Becoming a leader in the real estate industry is possible without subscribing to that flawed rainmaker model that is so prevalent in the industry. You don’t have to be the one hustling, producing leads, or paying for resources for your team - you just need to lead by example, coach, and equip others to be successful.

This episode highlights how I discovered this to be the case in my own real estate career. It was a glorious day, a career-changing event when I was finally given the opportunity to lead others. It infused me with a motivation I hadn’t had before, gave me something bigger than myself to work for, and enabled me to impact the lives of other agents in ways I hadn’t thought possible before. You’ve got to hear how it happened - on this episode.

You’ll get filled up more than you know when you lead others to build a successful real estate career

It’s amazing what happens in our own souls as we intentionally set our sights outside our private little world. Other people NEED your help. In fact, they already look up to you in ways you’re not even aware of. Think about your day to day life in the office. Who are the agents who seem to come to you for help or advice most often? Where are the places where you are already going over and above in the teamwork of your organization? Those reveal places where your leadership is already being appreciated and noticed, you just haven’t been given the title of “leader” yet. 

Please, consider this leadership option as a way to ramp up your motivation and vision for the future of your real estate business - by helping others to make their business more successful. You’ll find a lot of benefits you didn’t know where possible.

When you inspire and equip others it makes you into a better agent yourself

I’ve heard teachers and leaders in all areas say that they get more from being a leader than they ever give out. I can attest to that fact myself. There’s something about coming alongside others that encourages me like nothing else. I love being able to encourage - to help - to equip - to enable others to overcome obstacles and reach a level of success THEY didn’t think was possible. Doing so builds me up and fills MY head with vision and optimism.

And guess what - I see my production as an agent go up as well. Please - if you’re considering calling it quits on your real estate career I urge you to reconsider in light of what I’m saying. Listen to this episode. Ponder it. Think through the issues I mention - then give it a try. You’ll find the benefits of becoming a leader might be just what you need.

Outline of this great episode

  • [3:06] It’s normal for agents to feel down - unsure of their place in the industry
  • [4:41] It’s time for you to step up and become a leader
  • [7:01] What to do if you don’t feel that you are a leader
  • [14:55] How becoming a leader changed everything for me
  • [19:35] I’d love your feedback on my R.I.S.E. acronymn

Recommended Resources

Resources and Links mentioned in this episode

Connect with Neil!

Schedule a free 30 minute breakthrough call with Neil, schedule your call at neilmathwegcoaching.youcanbook.me

And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!

 And finally, if you would be so kind - leave a rating and review for the Agent Rise podcast on Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

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