Start With A Win

Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

The topic of this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is the 10 worst excuses that Adam has heard about why people can’t grow their businesses and why these excuses are not true. These excuses really come from a self-limiting mindset which will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you don’t alter your thinking.“I’m an introvert.” – When it comes to marketing yourself, it doesn’t matter if you like talking in front of people and getting yourself out there; you have to do it in order to build your brand and establish rapport with your potential clients. If it helps, establish an alter ego that you assume when you need to talk in these settings and then relax, be happy, and talk.“I don’t have time!” – We all have the same 24 hours in a day, so if you feel that you don’t have time to build your business, you must be making poor time management choices.“My technology doesn’t work.” – With all of the advances in technology and the continual updates, chances are the issue you are having is human error.“There are no customers left in my market.” – There are plenty of customers to go around, so you must not be looking hard enough or in the right places. Take responsibility and put in the effort to find them.“I don’t do social media – I’m too private.” – Social media is one of the easiest ways to reach the most potential customers, so you need to be present. You can have boundaries around your usage, but you at least need to be active on one platform.“I need more leads.” – It is your responsibility to generate enough business for yourself and to take care of the leads you already have. Increasing your conversion rate is just as good as – if not better than – getting new leads.“They don’t want my product/service.” – Most of the time when you give this excuse, what the customers really don’t want is you. They are looking for the end result that can come from your product/service, so be genuine, tell your story, build relationships, and show them the result you can provide.“I can’t do it.” – This really means that you won’t do it. If it is important, you will find a way.“It’s too hard!” – If it is too hard for you right now, then go get the training needed for you to know how or outsource that task to an expert in the field.“I’ll get to it.” – Now you are just finding a passive-aggressive way to say “no.” Don’t tell people that you will get to it if you have no intention of doing so.Links:“The Alter Ego Effect” by Todd Herman: https://www.amazon.com/Alter-Ego-Effect-Identities-Transform/dp/0062838636/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam talks with Richard Robbins, the acclaimed business coach who has been helping RE/MAX agents and brokers and professionals from many other industries for more than 20 years. Richard describes being coachable as “crazy curious”, meaning that the person knows that they don’t know it all and they consistently ask questions and desire to learn.Many people are held back from future personal or professional success because of their fear of uncertainty or change. The coachable person, on the other hand, recognizes the benefit of knowing their blind spots and working to improve despite any fear they may feel.The real estate agents that Richard has worked with over the years tend to have one main issue: complacency. They have figured out a good system for “getting by” every day and they don’t see any need to change their ways to make their dreams come true, potentially because they haven’t allowed themselves to dream. Many agents and brokers get too focused on the money and they fill their days up with busy work that is not truly productive just to earn the paycheck. Their main motivators, in fact, should be much deeper: their “why”, their purpose, their desires, and the greater cause within them.Richard finds that when working with people who are complacent, they have renewed vigor when he adjusts their plan to get them to the goal they had been neglecting. Research has shown that 95% of the over 60,000 thoughts you think every day are habitual, so what you think becomes what you feel, which becomes how you act, which leads to your results. Richard is a believer in programming your mental state at the beginning of every day with a focus on gratitude and continuous improvement, which will overflow into all other areas of your life. Links:“Trillion Dollar Coach” book: https://www.amazon.com/Trillion-Dollar-Coach-Leadership-Playbook/dp/0062839268 Richard Robbins International: https://www.richardrobbins.com/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

If you tuned into the previous episode of the Start with a Win podcast, you have been equipped with the first five Business Levers of Success. And if you haven’t listened to that episode yet, go back and do it!Adam continues by sharing the final five Business Levers of Success on this episode, plus listeners who are patient and perceptive will receive Adam’s #1 piece of advice for CEOs and executives.6. Saying the right thing – Creating copy is an art form meant to bring people along on the journey of your business. If you are not familiar with copy writing, do some research and review the resources below to understand how saying the right thing can be so impactful in your business.7. Learning and growing – When you stop learning, you start dying. The wisest people in the world soak up everything around them and take notes to be able to reflect back on what they have learned so they can apply it in their everyday lives. They view learning as a way of extracting and delivering value.8. Improvement – Small hinges swing big doors, and as Adam has previously discussed on the podcast, there is great power in the aggregation of marginal gain. Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but small habitual changes can lead to huge improvements.9. The power of associations – Push yourself to associate with people much smarter than you, from your business relationships to personal mentors or coaches to mastermind groups. Frequently evaluate your circles to determine if you have people around you who hold you accountable for your goals.10. Clarity – Confusion is contagious, and you as a leader are confused about the direction of your organization or even just a certain project, your employees will feel lost, unmotivated, and perhaps even lose confidence in you. On the other hand, clarity and focus are the keys to future success.Links:“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X “Habit Stacking” by Steve Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Habit-Stacking-Changes-Improve-Happiness-ebook/dp/B06XP2B5QC “How to Write Copy that Sells” by Ray Edwards: https://www.amazon.com/Write-Copy-Sells-Step-Step/dp/161448502X Ray Edwards’ podcast: https://rayedwards.com/podcast-archives/ “Copy Chief Radio” podcast: https://copychief.com/podcast-all/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam talks about some of the business levers for success based on his experience and the experiences of others. Considering these things can set you up for more wins and keep you on track to reach your goals.Mindset – Your mind is your ultimate weapon, and it is up to you if you are going to cultivate seeds of limitations or seeds of abundance. You can choose to take responsibility for your circumstances or blame your environment when things don’t go your way, but you will find that things go better for you when you give unconditionally of yourself for the benefit of others, which can’t stem from a mindset of blaming everyone but yourself. Producer Mark lives by the motto “Don’t worry. Be present. Expect.” Perhaps you will find this helpful in shaping your own mindset.Emotions – What you convey to your clients or those you are in relationship with is what you will receive back from them. You can choose to give unconditional love or unnecessary frustration depending on what you want to encounter.Time – What you do with your time is ultimately a matter of choice management based in your emotional maturity. Take a look at your typical day in 30-minute segments and determine if each segment was productive or not productive. Reflect on this exercise and plan out ways that you want to change that balance.Relationships – You can view each relationship you have as a bank account. Making value deposits over time will result in a higher balance. Building relationships doesn’t have to be limited to close friends or acquaintances either – you can easily pay into the relationship bank of everyone you meet by smiling or giving them a compliment.How You Show Up – This is all about value delivery and your efforts to become who you say you want to be. So much can be learned from how other people see you, especially if you think you are making improvements that are not translating to how people perceive you.Be sure to tune in next week for the last 5 business levers for success!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Todd Herman, entrepreneur and coach to performance athletes and CEOs, joins Adam for this episode of the Start with a Win podcast. Todd has developed tools to help unlock peak performance at the highest level, which he has recently outlined in his book “The Alter Ego Effect”. Growing up on a farming ranch outside of Calgary, Alberta, with two older brothers taught him an extraordinary amount of mental toughness, which he realized as a college athlete. He had found his mental exercises and tools so helpful that he began to volunteer with high school athletes to teach them about mental toughness as well. Soon, parents of some of those athletes were asking Todd to mentor their kids to further develop their resilience, and Todd knew that what he had was unique.He started speaking at every opportunity to any group who would have him, and when he had worked with enough clients to have a data set, he realized that the main barrier to mental toughness is people getting in their own way by believing they are not capable of more. Todd began building out the idea of a performance-based persona that people could adopt for competition, which would allow them to remain true to their everyday self while also providing them with an outlet to exponentially increase their capabilities.Todd is able to quickly achieve results with performance athletes and leaders by activating traits that already exist within them and helping them create a new identity to break down the barriers that they had put up for themselves. He wakes up every morning saying “come and get me” to any challenges and adversity because he knows that he has the mental toughness and grit within himself to face anything that comes his way.Connect with Todd:https://toddherman.me/https://www.facebook.com/toddhermanconnect/https://www.instagram.com/todd_herman/https://www.amazon.com/Alter-Ego-Effect-Identities-Transform-ebook/dp/B075WPWMSK Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContos

Nothing in life comes easy. If it sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Listen to today's Quick Wins to find out more.

Adam kicks off National Real Estate Agent Safety month by sharing the four keystone concepts of agent (and personal) safety. He has used these concepts as a member of the military, as a law enforcement officer, and now as the leader of thousands of RE/MAX agents.Awareness – This is the primary key to survival in most situations. By paying attention to any physical signs of criminal activity as well as any gut feelings telling you that something is not right, you can avoid entering into danger.Avoidance – Remove yourself from the situation by physically leaving and calling for help. You should have a plan for how you will avoid potential danger and trust your gut when it tells you to follow the plan. In the case of an open house where a person approaches you and makes you feel unsafe, just walk out of the house. You should have already instructed the homeowners to remove any prescription medications, valuables, and weapons from the house, and your safety is more important than possessions. Remember that the best fight won is the fight never fought.De-escalation – Kindness is the first wave of de-escalation and talking your way out of things can help diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. Another tactic of de-escalation is to redirect the person’s attention or the focus of the conversation. If you feel unsafe, it is best to call the police and report what has happened – it is likely that this person’s behavior is a pattern that the authorities need to be aware of.Response – If after following the steps of awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation you still find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, your natural defense system will kick in and you are likely to fight, flight, or freeze. Analyze your surroundings and keep trying to either get out of the situation or choose to do nothing and hope the person moves on. However, if you do find yourself in a fight, fight with all your might by using whatever resources are available to you. You are legally allowed to defend yourself if you feel at risk of bodily harm, and your focus should be to protect, defend, and win.In addition to these safety concepts, it is also important to be familiar with first aid. Have a first aid kit nearby and be prepared to administer basic first aid if the situation arises, either learned during a CPR/First Aid training class or by watching a few YouTube videos. You can have a positive impact on others by being aware and willing to act.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Dan Bertelson is the Director of Opportunities at RE/MAX Preferred in Monona, Wisconsin. His primary responsibilities are recruiting and retention and he leans heavily on being genuine, honest, and raw in his conversations with potential and current employees. Even though text and email would be the easiest communication methods for his line of work, Dan realizes the importance of breaking down barriers and conversing via video or in-person meetings, which just adds to his authenticity and desire to connect. Dan values transparency, humility, and truly caring for others, qualities instilled in him during his time serving in the military and law enforcement.Links:Dan Bertelson: https://www.danbertelson.com/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Elizabeth Mendenhall served as the 2018 National Association of Realtors President and she is the owner of RE/MAX brokerages in Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri. Elizabeth also attributes her team’s success to the culture of volunteerism and building trust, which were essential elements for her team to carry on as she spent the vast majority of last year traveling for her NAR commitments. She described her recommendations to brokers struggling with their cultures or staff members, including involving staff in decision making and delineating roles and responsibilities. Anything you can do to get staff to buy into your culture and vision for the brokerage will be helpful. She also has some interesting thoughts about the future of the real estate industry, particularly when it comes to advances in technology.Links:Elizabeth Mendenhall: http://www.elizabethmendenhall.com/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Sandy Hancock hails from RE/MAX Results in St. Louis, Missouri, where she oversees 190 agents among all of her brokerages. She is very committed to making sure that all of her staff and agents succeed by setting up clear goals and expectations for them. By planning the vision for each year, Sandy wakes up each morning knowing what her tasks will be that day as well as what her staff are to be doing and how she can support them. She believes in providing her staff and agents with the tools and resources that they need and them empowering them to go about their business in the best way they can. Sandy exemplifies “tough love” by balancing tolerance and flexibility with holding her employees accountable, and she has found this culture to be beneficial for all involved.Links:Sandy Hancock: https://www.homestlouis.com/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Do you ever feel like things are taking too long? Be encouraged in today's Quick Wins with Adam Contos.

Our guests on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast are Levi Rodgers and Richard Pacheco of the Levi Rodgers Group of RE/MAX Military City. Levi is Retired Special Forces and he got into real estate in the San Antonio area after being wounded in combat serving our country. Richard is active in the National Guard and he also serves as the Operations Manager for the Levi Rodgers Group. Because of their commitment to helping people in their community buy and sell their homes, Levi and Richard are also very involved with their community at large, reaching out to people in all walks of life and giving back in every way they can.In fact, as a result of their service to their community and their service to our country, the Levi Rodgers Group was awarded the 2019 Freedom Award from the U.S. Secretary of Defense. One of only 15 recipients out of more than 2,000 nominees, Levi and Richard were able to participate in a ceremony at the Pentagon, which was a very affirming culmination of all of Levi’s dedication to freedom. While the transition from military life to civilian life was tough for him, Levi has found much success in creating an organizational culture that allows agents to thrive. He focuses on many concepts that he first learned in the military such as being in the right place at the right time in the right uniform, acting with integrity, looking for the win, and solving problems within yourself before trying to solve problems in others.Links:Freedom Award Recipients Named: https://www.army.mil/article/223172/freedom_award_2019_recipients_namedWebsite: https://www.levirodgersgroup.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeviRodgersRealEstate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi-rodgers-17a138149 Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Over the past two years, Bri White, a RE/MAX agent in Southeast Florida has seen 95% of her business come in directly through social media. What began as an attempt to maximize a low budget quickly became the keystone to Bri’s success, and she wants other agents to learn how to effectively use social media to their advantage as well.When it comes to Facebook, the more you post, the more likely your followers are to see your posts. If your posts have energy, attitude, and authenticity, those posts could garner higher levels of engagement, causing them to continue circulating in people’s feeds for several days. Another thing that Bri has noticed is Facebook’s emphasis on Groups, and the ability to find your “tribe” or community to build connections and show your personality. Bri’s final pieces of advice for Facebook are: make sure that your profession has public visibility on your personal page and make all posts related to your business visible to the public, even when you are posting from your personal page.On Instagram, Bri emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency. If you have a handful of pages that post appealing content, learn from them and try to apply some of their ideas or concepts to your own posts or stories. Bri has found that Instagram is a good way to connect with local businesses, and some local businesses are using Instagram’s Direct Messages as a way to connect with potential clients just like they would on LinkedIn.Links:Website: https://www.breezetokeys.com/Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreezeToKeysBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriWhiteRealtor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BreezeToKeys/Pixaloop: https://apps.apple.com/al/app/enlight-pixaloop-move-photos/id1381206010Cinemagraph: https://flixel.com/products/ios/cinemagraph-pro/“The Slight Edge”: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463 “Compound Effect”: https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy/dp/159315724X

We hosted CMN Champion Ciarlo at the RE/MAX world headquarters to celebrate the Month of Miracles. He was CEO for the day and got to be Adams co-host on Start With A Win.

Verl Workman stopped by the RE/MAX World Headquarters while he was in Denver for the National Speakers Association conference to talk with Adam on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast. One of seven children, Verl learned at an early age the importance of hard work and determination in earning every single thing. Since that time, he has lived with a mindset of abundance, not entertaining any limiting beliefs, and he has committed his life to helping others learn to do the same. When his business was rocked by innovation early in his career, he found himself in real estate school in an attempt to successfully relaunch himself as an entrepreneur. He found that he really loved the sales process, but he realized that real estate agents often put too much stock in their own identity within their business and they overextend themselves. Verl developed a system that shows agencies and brokerages how to set up a team structure with skilled people helping the client each step of the way and then bringing the agent in at the very end for the most important aspects of the transaction. However, rather than focusing on the transaction, Verl likes to focus on the transformation that can occur through this type of business and people development. Verl is a big advocate of the concept of leverage which encourages people to move toward problems and do more with less. A great way to work towards leverage is to have coaches around you who are outside of your work space and can give you objective feedback. It has been said that people give 25% of their capacity during the course of daily life, and it is the role of the coach to bring out the other 75%.Links:Workman Success Systems: https://workmansuccess.com/ “Who Moved by Cheese”: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Mazing-ebook/dp/B004CR6AM4 “Scaling Up”: https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526 “One Minute Entrepreneur”: https://www.amazon.com/One-Minute-Entrepreneur-Sustaining-Successful/dp/0385526024 “Greatest Salesman in the World”: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/dp/055327757X “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756 Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Joining Adam on the Start with a Win podcast today are Jesse Peters and Michael Thorne, Canadian RE/MAX agents known for their expertise in video. They are in town for another Video Bootcamp session at RE/MAX world headquarters. Attendees at previous bootcamps have remarked about how easy Jesse and Michael make video seem and they have been encouraged to just get out there and start creating videos as soon as they leave.Adam is a firm believer in the power of video, which is why he invests so much time and energy into empowering RE/MAX agents and brokers to take full advantage of the platform. Video is the most authentic way for agents to communicate with their clients and communities, establish their own personal brands, and provide value to the consumer all along the way.Jesse and Michael share with participants that video in real estate is not limited to just listings and open houses, but that they can share industry knowledge and just engage with their community in this way. By being consistently in front of your clients and potential clients, they feel like they are getting to know you and can trust you when it’s time for them to buy or sell a house. Many people are hesitant about using video because they are self-conscious or they are afraid that their videos will not be “good enough”, but the fact is that even your worst video will provide you with better ROI than your best print promotional piece. As long as you keep it simple, have fun, smile, create good content, and showcase your own story, you can’t go wrong. In fact, Adam says that if you aren’t working with video, you are preventing yourself from helping people.Links:Jesse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsocialsavvy/?hl=enConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Happiness is a choice. Get a little encouragement from Adam this week on staying happy and choosing the life you want.

There are exciting things going on in the real estate technology space, and RE/MAX’s recent acquisition of the company Booj (which stands for Be Original Or Jealous) is already changing the way our agents and brokers do business. On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam talks with Booj co-founders Ido Zucker and John Sable about the creation and evolution of their company in the 12 years it has existed. When it was founded, Booj was called Active Website, and Ido and Sable focused on providing top-tier websites to real estate agents, but over the years they decided to change the name and shift their focus to targeting brokerages for broader impact. To this day, one of their biggest advantages is the amount of time they spend in the field with agents and brokers to determine their daily needs and create solutions. They would be the first to tell you the value of continuous improvement and that while they are proud of every iteration of their technology that has been pushed out to the world, they immediately start soliciting feedback and improving their system for the next update. They are using some of the science behind consumer behavior and user experience to guide some of the crucial functionality decisions they make as well.Ido and Sable share their vision for the company and its culture, mainly to add value to their customers, to follow their passion, and to collaborate well as a team and with their clients. They believe that their company is different because of their commitment to believing in the mission, people, and environment they have set up for themselves and their employees, which is just one of the ways they try to lead by example. They recommend these ideals as a good place for any new entrepreneur to start.Links:http://www.booj.com/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam interviews Ethan Beute, head of Marketing at BombBomb, headquartered in Colorado Springs. With a background in broadcasting and marketing in the Midwest, Ethan decided about 10 years ago to transition to something more focused on social media and digital marketing. He started with BombBomb about 8 years ago and he has felt at home there ever since.BombBomb is a company that is making it super easy to record videos to be sent over email and social media and allows you to easily track the results. They believe that interactions are better in person, and video is the best way to connect with someone if you can’t be in the same physical location. Their video features allow you to build rapport with leads, clients, and referrals and communicate like only you can, especially in the real estate industry. They have developed some innovative plugins to software like Gmail, which make it easy to use videos in your email communications.Ethan is the co-author of the book called “Rehumanize Your Business” which encapsulates the philosophies and guiding principles of BombBomb and provides readers with insights into the world of video emails. The book presents this as the new way to work and explores questions such as: What does relationship through video look like? Why does it matter? Who is using relationship through video? When should you do this? How? The authors also discuss advanced strategies and how and when to follow up based on your open, click through, and action rates.While it can be awkward to see and hear yourself over video, Ethan points out that everyone else already sees and hears you that way, so it is only uncomfortable for you. And don’t let this get into your head or discourage you from trying; the best way to get over the discomfort is to just keep doing videos and getting more comfortable with it. When you connect with people over video, they feel like the know you before you have even met, which makes it easier to skip the small talk and get straight to the point.Ethan starts his day with an early morning cup of coffee and conversation with his wife followed by his fitness routine and getting out the door to work by 7:00am. His favorite quote is “Be of value and abundance will follow” and his advice to others is to do the next right thing.Links:“Let My People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard: https://www.amazon.com/Let-People-Surfing-Education-Businessman/dp/0143037838 Connect with Ethan:Website: https://bombbomb.com/Blog: https://bombbomb.com/blog/“Rehumanize Your Business” book: https://bombbomb.com/book/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Do you know what direction the wind is blowing in your life? Listen to today's Quick Wins to hear more from Adam.

This episode of the Start with a Win podcast is focused on a prevailing narrative in the market these days: disintermediation. Before you tune out and think that this episode is not relevant to you, you have undoubtedly heard of disintermediation when it comes to Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb. These companies disrupted their industries with their innovative takes on entertainment, transportation, and lodging, and many business owners live in fear that their own businesses are at risk of being disintermediated by some big new company. During a conversation with a titan in the business world recently, Adam was given these 5 questions to consider when wondering if you are at risk of being disintermediated:Is the transaction frequent? – For Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb, the answer is YES. For things like buying or selling a house, the answer is NO.Is the cost big? – Again, Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb are relatively inexpensive per transaction, but for real estate transactions, the answer is YES.Is there a risk? – Considering the financial, emotional, and legal ramifications of each real estate transaction, the answer is YES. Is it complicated or simple? – Compared to streaming a movie or booking a plane ticket, buying or selling a house is incredibly COMPLICATED, necessitating the utilization of an expert full-time real estate agent.Is this a unique product? – Many people seek “artisan” or “one-of-a-kind” products on a daily basis, but even the quirkiest Etsy site is not as UNIQUE as each and every house on the market.After bearing in mind the answers to these questions, real estate agents and brokers are not at very high risk of disintermediation. Perhaps these questions will be helpful for your own business endeavors in helping you adapt to new entrants into your market.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, our guest is Jon Cheplak. Jon helps people dive deep within themselves to find the humility, vulnerability, and transparency they need to be emotionally mature and then able to succeed in their business endeavors. Through a mutual discovery process, Jon asks clients and potential clients questions like “Where did you come from?”, “Why do you want to grow?”, and “What do you to do to experience you from a higher level?” He has found that clients who are willing to be the most transparent and go the deepest with Jon will most likely outperform those who don’t.Jon also talks about the connection between head and heart, encouraging clients to look at the areas that are under performing and be willing to tweak the process internally first, which will make positive changes in their professional lives in turn. Choice management issues are an area of focus for him, since the result of this head-heart connection is the biological desire to get a “hit” of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. If people are choosing the wrong things to give their attention to, they are likely doing so because of the positive feelings those decisions give them. Understanding these dynamics and desires about yourself will help you be able to lead yourself first and use that experience to influence your leadership of others as well.Connect with Jon:https://www.facebook.com/joncheplakhttps://www.cheplaklive.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheplakhttps://twitter.com/joncheplak?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/cheplaklive/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Is it time to hit the reset button? Learn a few tips and tricks on this weeks Quick Wins.

When Benjamin Franklin was 20 years old, he wrote Thirteen Virtues for people to live by. Adam and Mark discuss these virtues, their relevance today, and how they relate to the world almost 300 years after Ben Franklin wrote them.Temperance – Not overindulging, but partaking of an optimal levelSilence – This emphasizes the importance of listening and recognizing that you have two ears and one mouth for a reason; You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with (and, consequently, listening to)Order – Have the right interests in mind for your self and your daily routineResolution – Do what you planned to doFrugality – Waste nothing and spend less than you makeIndustry – Time is money, so be generous and provide value to those around youSincerity – Think before you speak and speak the truth, particularly on social mediaJustice – Do what is right and recognize how your actions impact othersModeration – Be reasonable and consistent, seeking balance in all thingsCleanliness – Take care of yourself and your environmentTranquility – Don’t get upset about little things and do your best to be at peace with everyoneChastity – Be smart and carefulHumility – Keep your pride in check, be honest, be grateful, and imitate Jesus and SocratesLinks:http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Do you know how to win? Prepare. To learn more check out this week's Quick Wins!

G.J. Reynolds grew up in a solid home, and after high school, he joined the US Army to gain exposure to the world and direction about where he wanted his life to go. He was a part of the early version of Verizon and then became an entrepreneur eventually getting into real estate with RE/MAX because of their reputation for being the best. He continued his entrepreneurial journey in the area of satellite communications and telecom and he was eventually encouraged to simplify his branding, which he took literally. Simply G is hyper-focused on simple processes contributing to a specific direction or purpose because if you are unfocused then you are off-track and could become complacent. It is imperative to be focused on the right things and to set yourself up for success in these areas by surrounding yourself with people who complement you and will hold you accountable. In addition to having peers who are your accountability partners, G.J. recommends that you also have a coach or mentor who has walked the path ahead of you and can guide you.G.J. is considered an influencer, with over 4 million online followers, but he doesn’t consider this his primary means of leadership. He says that a leader is someone who chooses to have an impact, and he finds fulfillment in impacting others in their journeys, inspiring them to focus on their goals and how to get there. The keys to this relationship are grace, openness, honesty, authenticity, vulnerability, and no judgment. Authenticity, specifically, connects the head to the heart and can open many doors for connecting with people.Recently, G.J. has become involved in building the Women of Faith brand. He says that what he has learned through this experience can be applied to building any brand: it is all about the people, but it does take time. When people catch a glimpse of authenticity and someone being real, they will embrace it, and this connection is what it is all about. Being in touch with the people and conveying a consistent message is the most important part of building anything.Links:https://www.womenoffaith.com/Connect with G:https://simplyg.com https://twitter.com/1SimplyGhttps://www.instagram.com/1simplyg/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

With the advent of new companies that say they can handle the entire buying or selling process for you without a real estate agent, many people have come to believe that they don’t need a real estate agent to be able to buy or sell their home. On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam and Mark outline the specific advantages of using a real estate agent – specifically one from RE/MAX – and what you are missing out on if you decide to go it alone. So much of the benefit derived from a real estate agent is the relationship they build with you and their desire to understand your needs.Think first about the benefits of a real estate agent’s knowledge of the industry, your specific market, their ability to decipher and translate appraisal and inspection reports, and their expertise in the area of negotiation. That human touch of someone who is familiar with your geographic area, the status of the market as a whole, and simply guiding you through the process that might be foreign to you is unmatched by online services because a computer can only work so hard for you. The algorithms and predictive analytics they base their services on are one-dimensional and not created for the benefit of the consumer. When it comes to selling your home, a full-time real estate agent is able to consider the many variables of your situation to recommend a price that will maximize your home’s value in the marketplace. They will take this recommended price and build the strongest listing they can for you before officially listing your home on the MLS. They can provide suggestions for small changes in the interior appearance and curb appeal of your home that can make a big difference during showings.In terms of buying a home, your real estate agent anticipates your needs and shows you what to look at in a home. Do you have kids? Do you have a pet? How close do you want to be to the neighborhood pool? Is this home in a flight path? How close do you want to be to a specific grocery or other stores?Essentially, when you are buying a home, you are buying happiness. You want an expert real estate agent who is experienced, like a RE/MAX agent who – an average – completes twice as many transactions per year as agents at other companies. You want an agent who will go through the sales contract line by line to help you understand the fees and costs involved as well as dispel any unnecessary costs or inclusions that are not in your best interest. In short, an expert fulltime real estate agent is the best option for you because of their:Education and experiencePrice guidanceNegotiation skillsCommitment to youLinks: Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On today's Quick Wins we discuss habits. Do you know what yours are? If you don't choose your habits, your habits will choose you.

Our guest on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is Bob Tompkins, RE/MAX agent from Greenville, South Carolina, and marketing aficionado. In fact, in the week since its release, Bob’s music video parody of “Old Town Road” has amassed more than 800,000 views. Bob’s parents are both Realtors, and 3 years ago Bob got into real estate as well and he has found great success in the industry. Bob is an advocate of developing a strong personal brand to build awareness, and he has been able to let his customers come to him rather than using old school methods like buying leads or cold calling. By being a presence on social media and in the community, he is recognized as an expert in real estate in upstate South Carolina and remaining top of mind for most people in the community drives his business organically.He is one of the handfuls of real estate agents who have embraced the video platform and he uses a straightforward and genuine approach to educate and entertain his customers. He is proving that a well-thought-out and the well-implemented video does not have to be high budget in order to be effective, and while he has invested in some professional equipment in the past few months, the key with video content is to just get it out there. Video is a long game of consistently getting in front of potential clients until they are in a position to buy or sell a house and you are the first person they think of. Bob is inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk and Ricky Carruth when it comes to building his brand and focusing on relationships and by his dad day-in and day-out to be the best he can be. His latest endeavor is his podcast “Real Talk” which is growing and further building his brand awareness. Bob’s key to starting every day with a win is being the first call, text, email, or message of the day to your clients.Links:“Crushing It” by Gary Vaynerchuk: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676Connect with Bob:https://www.facebook.com/BetterCallBobTompkins/https://www.instagram.com/bobtompkinsrealtor/https://www.youtube.com/user/bobtompkins93http://bobtompkins.greenvillemoves.com/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Our special guest on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is Tony Drees, a Desert Storm veteran, Purple Heart recipient, life coach, motivational speaker, podcast host, and Executive Director of Veterans Passport to Hope. Tony has undergone 74 surgeries in the years since his combat injury and recently lost his right leg to amputation. He has received some recognition over the years for being a war hero, including a spotlight in People Magazine after his 58th surgery. Tony was heavily impacted by his adoptive parents and the empowerment they demonstrated to their many adopted and foster children, and this influence in conjunction with his military service and the adversity he has faced led him to come up with these 3 rules to live by:No lies – Do not believe the lies that people say about you and what you can accomplish.No excuses – Pursue your own expertise and decide how to live your life.Never quit – Do not believe in limitations but stick with what you have set your mind to.Veterans Passport to Hope began in 2012, and they pursued Tony to be the Executive Director after becoming acquainted with him through an award they gave him. The purpose of the organization is three-fold: (1) Advocacy, (2) Cooperation, and (3) Fundraising. VP2H does not provide services, but rather provides recommendations for veteran groups and maintains an extensive grant process for awarding funds to those organizations.Tony starts every day by practicing gratefulness and he welcomes change when it comes, seeing it as a new inevitable adventure. He believes that everyone has a superpower, which is usually the thing that people “accuse” you of as if it is a bad thing. Inspired every day by his children, he says that the key to success is to “manage your beliefs and you can manage your results.”Links:“The Magic of Thinking Big”: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PYSOXUOLW8IE&keywords=magic+of+thinking+big&qid=1557933130&s=gateway&sprefix=magic+of+thinkin%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1 Connect with Tony:https://www.vp2h.orghttps://www.instagram.com/superpower.institute/https://classes.superpower.institute/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shock-awe-2-0-saluting-veterans-with-grace/id1459893480 Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Do you ever feel like there is a slow leak in your productivity throughout the day? It can be so easy to lose focus and get distracted by social media, reading the news, watching “just one” episode of a show, March Madness. But on this quick episode of Start with a Win, Adam gives some suggestions for preventing this productivity leakage:Build in some accountability by convincing yourself that wasting time is wrongJust try to be more committed to focusing – it will make a differenceSet up a system of time blocking and stick to itWork on your emotional maturity and choice managementTry a technique like the “pomodoro” technique – focus on the task at hand with no distractions and then take a 5-minute breakUse an app like Focus@WillLinks:Pomodoro Technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique Focus@Will: https://www.focusatwill.com/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXadamcontos/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Ruben Gonzalez is a 4-time Olympian in the sport of luge, and he talks with Adam about the winding road that brought him to where he is today. Ruben has dreamt of participating in the Olympics since he was 10 years old, but after riding the bench in soccer throughout high school, he realized that he needed to find a different sport. Always one to accept a new challenge and never back down, he decided to pursue a sport that has a high turnover rate due to injuries: luge.Living in Houston, he knew he would need to train elsewhere, so he wrote a letter to Sports Illustrated and – surprisingly – received a response. He talked to a coach in Lake Placid, New York, about his ambitions, and was laughed at for attempting to start an Olympic career from scratch at the age of 21. However, as Ruben told the coach his life story and mentioned that he was born in Argentina, the coach suddenly got excited and agreed to coach him if he would compete for Argentina. The sport of luge had been declining in participation, but an athlete from South America would breathe new life into the sport.After cramming 10 years of training into 2, Ruben qualified for his first Olympics. The lessons he learned began with that first phone call, which instilled in him the importance of perseverance. Over the years, he also learned to be mentally tough in preparing for the fight ahead of him, from the next curve to the next race. On a daily basis, Ruben writes down his goal (which right now is “Beijing 2022”) and he focuses entirely on doing whatever needs to be done to get there. Specifically, he works in 90-minute increments which allows him to be extremely disciplined and productive with a sole focus during that time without being tempted by distractions.Ruben tells the story of his coach telling him after 20 years that he is still too tense. Ruben changed his focus from avoiding the walls on either side of him to a spot 30 feet in front of him, putting on blinders to not even acknowledge the presence of the walls and instead just keep his gaze ahead. He describes this concept of “changing the focus changed the experience” in the business sense as well, encouraging listeners to consider focusing on what is in their sphere of influence rather than being distracted or discouraged by what is going on around them.Finally, Ruben simply states the key concepts that he wishes to convey to listeners: be a student of success by reading biographies and focusing on personal development and by carefully deciding who you spend time with. Those who you allow to speak into your life have the potential to greatly help or harm you.Links:“Think and Grow Rich”: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331Connect with Ruben:Website: https://ruben-gonzalez.com/“The Courage to Succced” book: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Succeed-Unlikely-Four-Time-Olympian/dp/0975554719/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2SVVWBFZ10H3R&keywords=ruben+gonzalez&qid=1557076578&s=gateway&sprefix=ruben+gon%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-5“Dream, Struggle, Victory” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Struggle-Victory-Olympian-Realize/dp/0975554751/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_5?keywords=ruben+gonzalez+olympian&qid=1557076685&s=gateway&sr=8-5-fkmrnullConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam and Mark talk about building your own personal and/or professional brand. Now “branding” has become a buzzword in today’s business world, but most people do not adequately grasp what is means to build a brand, so they aren’t reaping any of the benefits. For the purposes of this episode, we will define your brand as “the thoughts and emotions evoked when people think about you.”Your brand should encompass your values, persona, passions, and focuses in whatever industry you are serving. This needs to be define-able and easy for people to understand, so sit down and really take the time to think about what you want your brand to include. Consult some of your friends and colleagues, and perhaps even go through a 360-degree evaluation process to see how others perceive you. This will help you determine how to tailor your image or and begin to live out your brand through social media and your other platforms.Once you have found your brand, reach out to people who can help you with things like a logo, a website, business cards, etc. as you prepare your content. Based on your brand, determine what types of content you should create, how it should be distributed, and what platforms should be used. It is crucial to understand that you cannot post the same video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn because each of those platforms encourages specific content types and elicits different interactions or engagements from your audience. You also must recognize that “doing Facebook” does not mean scrolling through your news feed and liking one of your clients’ statuses and calling it a day. You would be amazed how easy it is to set up Facebook ads to promote your brand, and the results from just a $5 ad could bring in several new leads with minimal effort on your end.After this episode, Adam challenges you to build your personal or business brand. Go to a freelancing site and hire someone to help you with the deliverables you aren’t strong in, and just launch into the world as a well-defined value-creator.Links:360 rating site: https://www.selfstir.com/Freelancing: https://www.fiverr.comFreelancing: https://www.upwork.com/Brand Viva Media: www.brandvivamedia.comConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

“Opportunities look like threats because they are if you do nothing with them.” When you come to a fork in the road and you are faced with the decision to do something or not do something, how do you look at that decision? Do you see the road before you as an opportunity, filled with abundance and creating value for you and your clients? Or do you perceive it as a threat, characterized by pessimism?In life and in business, it is important that you be in the right mindset to accept and adapt to your new situation, always being ready to eliminate threats and capitalize on opportunities. Once you grasp these concepts for yourself, you have the unique ability to coach your client through this same process, providing them with value beyond their limited interactions with you. RE/MAX takes this idea seriously, even offering the Momentum Training Program for agents through RE/MAX University.Links:Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Our guest on this episode of Start with a Win is The Productivity Pro, Laura Stack. Laura’s father was a Colonel in the US military, so she grew up in a very regimented and structured environment, and since her friends were all living in similar households, there was actually peer pressure to be productive so then you could go have fun. By the age of 21, Laura had earned her MBA. Her local Kiwanis club asked her to speak about her motivation to complete her degree so young, and it sparked in her a desire to share with others who had not had productivity engrained in them from birth how they could jumpstart their productivity.During her years as a consultant and speaker to businesses and entrepreneurs, she has found some common themes about the way people have organized (or not organized) their lives and barriers to productivity. When it comes to distraction, many people know exactly what they need to be doing, but they are looking for any excuse to be distracted. Sometimes they are being lazy, but sometimes distraction creeps in because of the lack of systems and organization to keep them on task. It is a proven fact that it takes 7 minutes for people to gain back their attention after being distracted, and the average person gets one email every 4 minutes, so if you do not have a structure telling you not to check your email every time you hear the ding, you will go through entire days and weeks without being truly productive.Time blocking is an excellent way to combat this and is very easy to do through an Outlook or Google calendar. Then it will just require the discipline to stick with the times and tasks you have set out for yourself. Perhaps you can’t block every moment of every day for specific things, but at least you can block off 1-2 hours every day that is dedicated to working with no interruptions. You will be amazed what you can accomplish if you are not receiving alerts of any kind. Finally, being productive today means preparing for today yesterday. At the end of every work day, take a look at what you didn’t get done. Transfer those tasks to the relevant to-do list – by taking an honest look at your priorities as well as the “soft” time you have in your schedule coming up, you can properly schedule when tasks can be completed. Honestly evaluate which tasks provide you with the highest ROI of your time and do them – even if you don’t want to.Laura relies heavily on Microsoft Outlook Tasks to keep her organized. This is also a reliable method for maintaining a record of what needs follow up. For more information about Laura’s tips and strategies for productivity, check out the content on her website.Connect with Laura:https://theproductivitypro.com/https://twitter.com/laurastackhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYlWxFWalwouknQpizSPM6Q Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

As Adam has talked about before on the podcast, failure is often the key to understanding success in business. During this episode, he outlines the 5 reasons real estate agents (and people in business in general) fail:No System – You likely have a plan or vision for what you want to do, but if you don’t have a system in place, you will not accomplish anything. Think about: What? How? How much? How will I measure?No Accountability – You must be accountable to yourself first. Many people think that if they have a coach, they have accountability. But a coach is only capable of increasing your performance based on the accountability you have set up for yourself and communicated to them. If you are not getting better every day, you are getting worse.Just Watching – If you are not trying to master something by executing habits over time, you are just sitting on the sidelines. Adam has seen this play out many times with people using social media as a business tool, and he provides specific examples of what works and what doesn’t.No Follow-Up – The majority of business comes from repeated customers and referrals, so connect with your customers person-to-person and maintain a relationship with them beyond the initial “transaction.”No Value – People fail in business because they don’t help people with their known or unknown challenges. Meeting customers where they are and anticipating their needs or problems is essential to success.Links:“Atomic Habits” by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

The topic of this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is running a business as opposed to just being a real estate agent. The two might seem unrelated, but Adam explains why the most effective real estate agents actually focus their energy on running their operations like a business.There are 4 key components of running a business:Constantly building a customer base – Whether by networking or marketing, it is imperative that you always have new leads and prospects in your pipeline.Creating value – Make clients want to do business with you. Use your knowledge and experience to truly get to know what makes your clients tick, then use what you learn to help them overcome challenges they are facing. By serving them in this way, you create top-of-mind awareness that will make clients keep coming back.Repeatable systems and processes – There is an initial time investment involved in setting up these systems, but once you are up and running, you will be able to consistently execute and find success.Scaling – Now you are ready to work on your specialty and organize, outsource, expand, and increase your margins. The more time and effort you put into building your business, the more value you will create and the more success you will achieve.Links:Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of Start with a Win, our guest is Ward Morrison, President of Motto Mortgage. He explains to listeners the difference between traditional banks and mortgage brokerages when it comes to getting home loans and demystifies the mortgage process for those who are considering purchasing their first house. The main thing to keep in mind is that mortgage professionals at brokerages such as Motto Mortgage are able to shop around for the best loans for their customers. Gone are the days of a mandatory 20% down payment and only being able to choose between the few loan options presented to you by your bank. Much like independent insurance agencies are able to curate policies from multiple sources for their customers to review, mortgage brokers put in the extra effort to find loans that fit their customers’ specific situations. For instance, the typical down payment for conventional loans such as FHA is 5%, but sometimes 3.5% is all that is required. Through VA loans, veterans are able to secure home financing with 0%, and people living in rural areas can take advantage of the 3-5% down payments through USDA loans. If homeowners do not put 20% down, they are subject to monthly mortgage insurance payments, but a loan professional would be able to talk them through that process and ways to avoid these payments with things like piggyback loans.Overall, Ward wants to encourage potential homebuyers to be aware of their credit scores, take any necessary steps to improve them, and think through their sources of funds before seeking a home loan. But once you are ready to take the first step, a mortgage professional will be right there to meet you and guide you the rest of the way.Links:Motto Mortgage: https://www.mottomortgage.com/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

During this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam shares is top 10 quotes, plus Mark’s bonus quote:“People seem to think that they lack motivation when in fact what they lack is clarity.” Clarity creates action. Take the time to hone in on your goals, seek counsel, come up with an action plan, and then execute. “Burn your boats, not your bridges.” Find a way to commit to a new thing without ruining your relationships associated with the old thing. Be able to gracefully walk away from an employer so that the door remains open for you to go back in the future. “The largest decision you will make will be to choose between fear and confidence.” When you are faced with a big decision, you will likely have to choose between the known (confidence) and the unknown (fear). Either choice is good; just don’t turn around and go backwards. “The most important asset you can own in your business is the attention of your customer. If you don’t own it, someone else does.” So much of your success depends on your ability to build relationships and provide value to your customers. “The quietly successful laugh behind the backs of the critics.” Critics are noisy, but happy people know how to be quietly successful. “Do common things uncommonly well.” The brain recognizes perfection and sloppiness. The way your customers are greeted and taken care of, the appearance of your facility, and the gratitude your employees express to customers could be the key differentiators between you and your competitors. “The level of your success will be in direct proportion to the level of discomfort you are willing to tolerate.” Learning a new skill is uncomfortable, but you will not earn the benefits without putting in the effort. “At the end of the day, your priorities should reflect the time that you spent during the day.” Intentionally plan your day based on your goals, and then assess how your actual day compared to your plans. “You really only have three things to choose from in life: give up, give in, or give it everything you’ve got.” Giving up is not an option. Giving in is not productive. So giving it everything you’ve got is really the only choice. “The noise you almost always hear in life and business is the scream of the urgent drowning out the whisper of the important.” Important things are those that make the biggest difference. Urgent things get in the way and distract you from the important. Don’t try to make everybody happy by responding to their urgent requests; just stay focused on the important. “If you’re committed to it, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” If you want a refresher on this idea, listen to the two previous episodes about commitment. Links:Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

The topic of this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is “getting your ass to market.” Adam recounts one of the famous Aesop’s fables about an old man, a young boy, and a donkey. The old man decides to take the donkey to market to sell it, so the three set off walking to the market. Along the way, they encounter several people with opinions about how they should be making the trip, and because the old man takes all of their suggestions, the donkey never makes it to the market to be sold. This results in a large loss in livelihood for the man, but a deep lesson for all those who learned from his misfortune: if you try to please everyone, you never get where you need to go.In the current business environment, everyone has an opinion, and they are quick to give unsolicited and uneducated advice. There are four types of people who give their opinions:Uninvested, uninterested – These people are the most likely to give unsolicited advice; just say “thanks” and move on.Uninvested, interestedInvested, uninterestedInvested, interested – You should consider how much of what they are saying is true and what their stake is in the situation.Even if you don’t take their advice, just listening to them might cause you to doubt or rethink your plan of action and cause unnecessary delays. You don’t make money on things you don’t launch, so just be a “doer” and get things done.Links:“The Man, The Boy, and The Donkey”: https://www.bartleby.com/17/1/62.htmlConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam is joined by Denver mayor Michael Hancock, who shares with listeners his approach towards leadership. Coming from a challenged background, Mayor Hancock as a prevalent sense of empathy for the people he encounters, and he is also able to keep the right perspective on the privilege of serving the great people of Denver. Waking up every morning with a sense of appreciation and humility allows him to stay focused and grounded not matter the good or bad circumstances that may come his way.Throughout his life, Mayor Hancock has come to realize that the most important thing in everyone’s lives is their relationships, and the same is certainly true in his role as Mayor. Over the years, his version of being a leader has shifted from conceptual and structural, focused on setting up the right structure and then finding the right team, to practical and focused on the people, forming the structure around the people. This allows for a more organic give and take between him and his team with clearer expectations and goals guiding their mission for the project or broader environment. When Mayor Hancock is confronted with challenges, he leans on the people around him and systematically approaches the issue one small step at a time. He does not impulsively jump to conclusions or action, but rather relies on his internal fortitude and awareness of the variables at play to lead him forward. Mayor Hancock starts every day by praying for himself and his family to have the strength and grace to approach the day and then having his personal devotions before anything else. He prioritizes touching base with his children – both the human and canine ones – before getting to work. At lunch, he sets aside time to exercise and get geared up for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Show Notes:This impromptu conversation between Adam and Mark evolved into a Start with a Win podcast episode about helping others, and we hope that you are able to get a lot out of it to apply to your daily life. Helping people is all about genuinely caring for what is going on in their lives, either long-term or in the moment, and it provides value to you and the person you help. Adam has had a lot of memorable experiences helping people, from his time in law enforcement and now in real estate, and he has always tried to go out of his way to be kind, especially when people least expect it. RE/MAX has built this into their company culture by embodying the phrase “everyone carries the boxes”, meaning that no one is above helping out a colleague who is carrying boxes and it is expected that you will lend a hand. This idea of being aware of others’ needs and being 100% committed to those around you creates a cycle of positive human interaction that is contagious. Before you know it, your one small act of kindness could have a butterfly effect on your community, and you could take pride in knowing that you were a part of bringing out the best in humanity. This attitude will build relationships and eventually lead to success in business as well, but you shouldn’t use that as your motivation for doing good.So this week, be intentional about treating someone to a cup of coffee, letting someone into traffic, and just giving unconditionally. You will be surprised by the outcome.Links:(none that were referenced)Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Geoff McLennan, a highly-esteemed RE/MAX Advantage agent in New Westminster, Canada, joins Adam for this episode of the Start with a Win podcast. Geoff has been recognized as one of the top 10% of real estate agents in the Greater Vancouver area, was named a Bomb Bomb video influencer in 2018, and co-hosts the Multiple Offers podcast. Geoff grew up in real estate and got his license at age 25. Just one year later, the left side of his body suddenly went numb, and after a whirlwind of tests, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He went through a season of depression and has had to adjust his work schedule and processes as he experiences waves of exhaustion, but he experienced a mindset shift after reading the story of Michael J. Fox who chooses to be optimistic in the midst of his battle with Parkinson’s. Geoff has found that success is taking the challenges that come with MS in stride and not letting it define him or hold him back. Geoff is well-known for his creative videos posted on social media and integrated into digital communications, which he credits to MS. He was secretive about his diagnosis until he posted a video letting people know that he had MS, that he was raising money for the upcoming MS walk, and he would appreciate financial support for the MS Society. As a result of that video, he raised $6,000 for the cause, and he realized the effectiveness of the powerful tool that is video. He took a 2-day video bootcamp (link below) that further propelled him into using this media, and he has never looked back. He encourages others to do the same and remember that the key to effective videos is transparency and authentically connecting with your audience.Links:“Multiple Offers” podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/multiple-offers/id1380449996?mt=2“The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550192865&sr=8-1&keywords=four+hour+work+week “Lucky Man” by Michael J. Fox: https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Man-Michael-J-Fox/dp/0786888741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550192923&sr=8-1&keywords=lucky+man+by+michael+j+fox Michael Thorne and Jesse Peters’ Video Bootcamp: http://immichaelthorne.wixsite.com/mysite Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/ https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContos https://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Adam finishes up his discussion on commitment by integrating the attitude from last episode with the execution. Many people fall short of total commitment because they believe that they just need the right mindset and things will fall into place. Think about a relationship: if both people had decided to be committed and then they only give 50% effort, the relationship is going to fail. Both people have to give 100% effort in order to be truly committed to each other and the relationship.So how do you turn your commitment into action?Segmenting your goals into microcommitments – When your alarm goes off, don’t focus on the big goal of making it to the gym or getting to that 9am meeting. Focus instead on putting your feet on the floor, standing up, walking to the kitchen, getting your cup of coffee, and so on. These are microcommitments that are very easy to execute and will give you the momentum to just keep going until you’ve accomplished the main goal without being overwhelmed.Mastering the art of showing up – As we have already discussed, the hardest part of commitment is deciding to do it, so now you are equipped to conquer the last hurdle of showing up. Don’t overcommit early on, and surprise yourself and others by overdelivering.Eliminate distractions – Entertainment is the enemy of execution. Designate time in your day for checking social media and set your devices aside when it is time to get down to business. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will be more productive if you take a “brain break” by mindlessly scrolling your feed.Create an environment that facilitates success – Set up some ground rules for yourself about what you will do and not do, and be consistent. The intensity of your commitments will have an impact on other people as well, creating a culture that is mutually beneficial and productive.Links:“Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550070986&sr=8-3&keywords=miracle+morning “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550070966&sr=8-2&keywords=atomic+habits Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Show Notes:On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam describes the first aspect of commitment: attitude. Commitment paves the road to success and happiness, transforming promise into reality and building character, and just as an attitude of commitment helps you start with a win, it enables you to continue winning.A lot of what goes into the attitude of commitment is the decision to do something and overcoming the fear of failure, because failure is just the beginning. By establishing why you are doing something or reaching for a certain goal, you are able to cultivate the willpower you will need to see it through. This mindset shift opens the door to small changes and improvements that can help you fulfill your purpose and master the task at hand. Adam challenges listeners to sit down and write your “why” for the main things they are focused on. Then take each of those “whys” and ask yourself “why” 6 times until you get down to the true motivation or emotion that is propelling your decisions and actions. This ultimate “why” transcends logic and helps you understand more about yourself and your purpose.Links:Urban Dictionary definition of “commitment”: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=commitment“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550070277&sr=8-1&keywords=the+power+of+why Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, we hear the final installment of Adam’s interview with RE/MAX Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Dave Liniger. Over the past 46+ years, RE/MAX has lived through many transitions, economic swings, technological advances, and generations of homeowners. During that time, Dave and his team have often been called “disruptors” to the real estate industry because of their innovative thinking and structuring of their organization, but this name has always served them well. By having an open and curious mindset, Dave has been able to navigate the organization through many ups and downs, and he has gone from earning $95 per month in his military days to being a billionaire. One of the key concepts that Dave has used throughout his life is his intentional planning of his goals and taking the small steps along the way to get there. He talks about the concept of “the three boxes” and the necessity to integrate learning, earning, and yearning into every stage of life. He is not afraid to say “no” or to listen to the ideas of anyone who has a good one.Dave’s top 3 business lessons are:Personal development – Never stop learning: read more books, attend more seminars, and watch less television.Personal associations – Seek out diversity and inclusiveness in your relationships.Personal balance – Balance does not always happen, but you will make time for what is important.Links:“The Three Boxes of Life” by Richard Bolles: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Boxes-Life-How-Them/dp/0913668583 “The Four Burners” by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/four-burners-theory Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

During part 2 of Adam’s conversation with RE/MAX Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Dave Liniger, Dave discusses the foundations of RE/MAX and how these concepts can be applied to business and personal pursuits. In October 1975, RE/MAX had its first cash flow positive month, and Dave and Gail finally felt that the company was stable enough for them to start taking paychecks. One of the key components of their successful business was the environment that they had created, which allowed agents and brokers to flourish and set up a trustworthy system of leadership when Dave had to be away for several months to take care of Gail after her serious plane crash.The key concepts that Dave set up early on were: (1) product, (2) brand/market share, (3) group purchasing, and (4) unique training programs. It was also during this time that they began franchising and setting up regions within the company, which provided them a way to manage their growth while still keeping the brand cohesive.Dave emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will challenge you and make you a better person, and he references Jim Rohn’s thoughts on the subject. He continues by saying that it is important to stay focused and be a disruptor, always paying attention to changes in the market and being willing to change in response.Links:Jim Rohn: https://www.jimrohn.com/ Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/

Our guest on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is Ryan Harris, husband, father, author, speaker, and 10-year NFL veteran who won the Super Bowl with the 2015 Denver Broncos. Ryan is a huge advocate of building your mindset and then putting in the work needed to get better or grow. He has used the phrase “I am, I can, I will” throughout his life to push himself to overcome and accomplish whatever is in front of him. It might sound counterintuitive, but Ryan says that your goal is not the most important thing to work towards. In fact, it is critical to develop your mindset and set up your system for reaching goals, because this system will outlive any of your goals and if it is effective, it will help you crush more goals than you ever dreamed you could achieve. Like many athletes, Ryan welcomes failures because he sees them as opportunities for learning and growth, encouraging him to improve and succeed the next time.Ryan has been very encouraged by “The Man in the Arena” speech by President Theodore Roosevelt when it comes to facing public scrutiny, and he is constantly reminding himself that internal validation is more gratifying than external praise. He recognizes that the key component of the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl win was their passion for the details throughout the season and the game, and he applies that passion to his speaking, broadcasting, and parenting.Links:“Mindset for Mastery” by Ryan Harris: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Mastery-Champions-Reaching-Greatness-ebook/dp/B07JB8P7QB “The Man in the Arena” speech by Theodore Roosevelt: http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/adamcontosREMAXCEO/https://twitter.com/REMAXAdamContoshttps://www.instagram.com/REMAXadamcontos/