During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, is interviewed by Rob the House Guy on The Real Estate Investor’s Roundtable, alongside real estate investor, Scott Derringer. Livingston shares why he got into real estate, why he doesn’t typically work with investors, and the importance of educating everyone on both sides of any deal. Episode Highlights: Scott Derringer, a real estate investor, says he did not see a competitive advantage to becoming a realtor.Sam Livingston started dabbling in real estate as a flipper. When he disliked the agents he came across, he decided to become a realtor himself.Scott likes networking with REO agents and feels they are under-compensated.Realtors who represent REO’s are often more relaxed.Sam likes to approach everything from an educational standpoint.Both Sam and Scott discourage buyers from joining them when making an offer.Scott likes to come up with creative solutions when he finds a home that is overpriced.Sam describes the different types of agents you can become in the state of Ohio.Scott uses agents when flipping homes. There’s no emotional attachment with an investor.Scott describes some of the issues he has with agents, especially misrepresentation of their ability and skill level.Sam sometimes prefers when someone isn't an A-agent because they can give him the reins and he'll take care of it.The MLS system has become a bastardized system.Everyone has an app, but not everyone knows how to use them.When people misunderstood data or do funny math, this is a chance to educate.The number one marketing tool Sam has is price.They discuss the inaccuracies of Zillow Zestimates. This is another chance to educate.Investors have a lot of flexibility.Sam enjoys having professional standards as an agent. He also enjoys the opportunities presented by working in volume.Sam has no issue with investors who become agents.When you have people that have different backgrounds and diversity, it only brings more to the industry.Real estate has given Sam flexibility in raising his three sons.Real estate investing has given Scott flexibility in raising his six children.3 Key Points:A real estate investor may see no competitive advantage to obtaining a real estate license. A realtor may not be interested in         handling the same types of deals that an investor would.Investors approach transactions differently because there’s not an emotional component to the deal. Becoming a realtor or a real estate investor can offer flexibility and financial freedom. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInReal Estate Investor’s Roundtable podcastRob the House Guy Scott Derringer FacebookRealeflow

Sam's On Fire Podcast

Episode 12: Sam’s Conversation with Rob the House Guy on The Real Estate Investor’s Roundtable

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, speaks with Matt Motil. Matt is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and host of the  Cash Flow King podcast. He has worked with hundreds of investors and shares some great advice on entrepreneurship. This one is a must-listen for business owners at any level.Episode Highlights: Matt Motil earned an engineering degree, then an MBA and a doctorate. He found himself unemployable.It's intimidating for people to manage someone with more credentials than they have.He taught at two colleges and couldn't handle the bureaucracy of higher education.He doesn't look at education as a waste.Many people go to school without doing due diligence.No one is coming to save you because you spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to figure out who you are.Take ownership of your life.We’re buying credentials now.Matt and Sam discuss the government’s role in supporting higher education.Every decision we make through life, at that moment it was what you wanted or you thought you needed.When you feel like you wasted your life, you will be surprised later to see how you can actually use that experience.In 2015 Matt decided he would pursue real estate. He landed into wholesaling real estate contracts. Then he pivoted and decided to convince people who want passive income to become private lenders.They should have 2500 rental units by the end of the year.Matt and Sam discuss online haters.No one will ever hate on you that's doing more than you.When he got really busy he didn't have time for things other people were saying.They discuss how they met at a mastermind group in another city.Money is energy and a tool.They discuss the elevator of entrepreneurship.When you realize there are people you can have high-level conversations with, you naturally gravitate to them and become friends with those people.Every time you level up you need to make new friends at that level.When you join a true mastermind, people just help each other without the expectation of return.He feels that when he's generous with money it comes back to him.Matt is in the process of starting a family office.At this point, he has an addiction to growth.He likes the idea of providing his kids with a lifestyle where they can make decisions about their future and it's not tied to money.He wants to leave a legacy for future generations.Learn about Matt’s podcast, The Cash Flow King.3 Key Points:   When pursuing credentials or investing in education, do your due diligence.   No one who is doing more than you are doing, has the time to criticize you online.   When you are generous with money it will come back to you. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInMatt Motil Facebook, InstagramCash Flow King podcast

Episode 11: Take Ownership of Your Life with Matt Motil

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, speaks with Kayleigh Keller Sammarco of Keller Meats. She tells us about her exciting project in Medina that started out as a dream, turned into a plan, and is soon becoming a reality. She will inspire you to tackle big projects with energy and enthusiasm.  Episode Highlights: Kayleigh describes her upbringing in Medina County and provides the history of Keller Meats.Her father always had a passion for farming and wanted to be a full-time farmer.Doing honest work has built their company’s reputation for many years.Kayleigh and Sam discuss how many great companies in different industries started in garages.Kayleigh describes Keller Meats’ expansion.She loves connecting with other people.Becoming the face of the company was never really her intention but she's at the forefront of making more connections.They’ve created a recognizable brand without ever focusing on branding.When you take on anything, try to see what the end goal is.Many people get stuck in the details when they take on something big.Kayleigh has undertaken the huge project of building a new multi-purpose building in Medina.This project began with Kayleigh sitting in the parking lot and asking herself how the building could fill a need for the people of Medina.Sam admires Kayleigh’s mindset.Mindset gets all the work done.This building project originates with the idea of serving others and adding to their happiness.Kayleigh loves feeding off of high energy and bringing other people up.She prays for her energy and God takes care of her.She is fulfilled by helping others and doesn’t have to worry about herself too much.Sam describes Kayleigh’s project as the most exciting thing that has happened in Medina in the last decade.The 40,000 square foot project will include apartments, an exchange market, a restaurant, and a brewery. Kayleigh explains how her passion for food comes from knowing and understanding that you need to have control over your food systems.We learn more about the building’s history and Kayleigh’s vision.This project will meet the need for more housing while providing products people want and bringing back some of Medina’s agricultural history.Kayleigh is passionate about getting fresh food products to people so they can eat better and feel better.She shares the importance of having her family’s support.Kayleigh shares some surprises she ran into during the construction process.She would gladly take on a massive project like this again.3 Key Points:   Connecting with people is the heartbeat of your business.     You can turn your dreams into ideas and your ideas into plans.   Think about how to serve people a little bit better and how to increase their happiness. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInKayleigh Keller Sammarco InstagramGive and Take (book)Keller Meats

Episode 10: Turn Your Dreams Into Plans with Kayleigh Keller Sammarco

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, speaks with Mike Michalowicz, author, entrepreneur, and founder of several extremely successful companies about the Profit First model. Michalowicz shares how you can change your mindset around profit to create amazing results. He will inspire you to manage your backend finances in a whole new way. Episode Highlights: Many people are good at selling but have large failure rates when it comes to backend finances.Mike grew, and exited from, a few businesses but they were never profitable.A healthy business is a calculated profit machine.In healthy businesses, profitability is baked into every transaction.Unfortunately, most people put profit last.Mike’s formula is sales-profit = expenses.Confirmation bias tells us this is hard to do, but it’s actually quite simple.He took the pay yourself first principle and translated it into business.Our behavior starts to adjust to what we have.When you reduce the availability of supply, you consume less and become more innovative.They discuss some habits 1099 workers can have when managing their income and expenses.Mike explains loss aversion.Profit First is a behavioral based cash management system, not an accounting system.Mike estimates that over 200,000 businesses have implemented the Profit First system.Some businesses take an extreme approach to implementation and the system collapses.Mike is passionate about eradicating entrepreneurial poverty and he went through it himself.Driving profitability to your business can drive stability to your life.They discuss the tax implications of the model.In Profit First, one of the allocations is your tax account. The business has reserved the money for taxes proactively.They discuss Mike’s process for writing books.He works on multiple books at a time, but each book takes around five years.Instead of envying someone, ask how you can learn from them to step up your own game. 3 Key Points:Profit First provides a surprisingly simple model for building profitability in your business by managing cash in an innovative way.  Driving profitability to your business can drive stability to your life in general.Mike writes books about challenges he has faced personally to help eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInMike Michalowicz website, Twitter, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTubeProfit First (book)Clockwork (book) The Pumpkin Plan (book) The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (book) Fix This Next (book)

Episode 09: A Healthy Business Profits First with Mike Michalowicz

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, speaks with Christina Tamas, an agent that specializes in wholesaling and working with investors. She shares how she first became involved in wholesaling, why someone might choose to wholesale their home, and how she built her business organically. She will inspire you to think about new ways to collaborate, open up new possibilities for your business, and get out of your comfort zone. Episode Highlights: Christina Tamas worked a corporate job for many years. After having her first child she wanted more flexibility. When she first started in real estate, she worked with an investor-friendly brokerage. She brought on a team so she could leave her business knowing it would still thrive.Attending a mastermind inspired her to automate some of her business processes.Many agents want to be the jack of all trades.Christina likes having a team because she can then focus on her strengths.Christina describes how she runs her business virtually.Everything has to make sense for the investor and if it doesn’t, it isn’t a deal.Working with investors takes the emotion out of transactions.Investors present many opportunities because they're either going to be buying several homes or selling several homes.She doesn’t like to see others as competition. Instead, she focuses on joint-venturing.Once you try to talk to people and collaborate, the possibilities are endless.It’s not only about making money. When you’re truly able to help someone, that feeling is phenomenal.Why would someone want to wholesale as opposed to list?Often they can’t afford the realtor and closing costs.Sometimes they don’t want to list their home because there are too many repairs to do.It’s truly about finding a homeowner’s motivation to sell and then finding out which exit strategy best meets their needs.She grew her network organically and began with Facebook.In the beginning, she attended monthly networking events.Now she holds her own networking events.You will get results if you are consistent on social media.Everywhere you go, you should be talking about what you do.Christina had to push herself out of her comfort zone with social media and networking.Having a great social media presence can help people know, like, and trust you.There are endless ways to make money in real estate investing.If you’re thinking about investing in real estate or wholesaling, first ask where you need to get started.Then ask who you need to connect with in order to get started.Everyone Christina refers out is someone she uses personally.Most people don’t know about private money lenders.Find out more before you stop yourself from being successful.  3 Key Points:   Once you start seeing people as collaborators instead of competitors, the opportunities are endless.   There are many reasons someone might want to wholesale instead of listing their home. The top reasons include money and repairs.You can grow your network organically by being consistent on social media.  Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInChristina Tamas website, Facebook, email 

Episode 08: Is Wholesaling Right for You? With Christina Tamas

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, speaks with Dale Phelps, realtor, coach, and home mortgage specialist. Phelps shares how he uses guerrilla branding to create memorable brands that build relationships. He will inspire you to put yourself out there, connect more meaningfully with your audience, and network in a way that makes an impact.  Episode Highlights: Dale got his start in marketing back in 2002 in Hawaii.He started with guerrilla marketing for a tv show and a haunted house.In branding, it can take a while to be known and recognized.A lot of people market. Branding is where the relationships come in.Marketing is transactional. Branding is about relationships.In this era, all you need is a phone and you can begin creating a brand.Dale describes visiting Waikiki Beach in an unforgettable getup as a marketing strategy.Getting people’s attention is a big piece of starting the conversation.Dale does not let roadblocks or hesitations stop him.It’s all about what you do when you reach a roadblock.Think about content as putting out health food disguised as junk food.Dale strives to put out good vibes with his content.He started doing video long before he wanted to use it as a marketing strategy.When he looks at his videos, he asks himself if he thinks it would make his son laugh. This is his most important measure.His second measure is whether it made him laugh.His greater purpose in all that he does is making something meaningful for his son.Dale shares the backstory for the name Dale the Whale.He shares how the Dale the Whale name unexpectedly returned and he ran with it.His website works as a communication hub that allows visitors to interact with the many different things he provides.Networking is only useful if you do it the right way.Dale shares the story of attending a terrible networking event that still led to important connections in his life.Dale tries to provide value and contribute to his community.Dale shares about The Homebuyer’s Crash Course available on his website.Dale invites listeners to upcoming events. 3 Key Points:Dale Phelps describes the difference between creating a personal brand vs. working with a logo and a corporate brand. Dale gets past roadblocks by thinking about his big why, which is to create something meaningful for his son. Even a terrible networking event can have an important ripple effect on your business and your life.  Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInDale the Whale website, TwitterVan Buren Coffee Homebuyer’s Crash CourseActive Choices (book) 

Episode 07: How to Create a Memorable Brand with Dale Phelps

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, is interviewed by Robert Brus on the Go All In Podcast. Livingston shares more about his background in the military, the important lessons he learned from his service, and what helped him make the decision to go all-in on his business.  Episode Highlights:  Sam provides reasons why he loves living in Ohio.They compare stories about a favorite Australian beer.Sam joined the Marines after the first Gulf War.What are the big differences between the Marine Corps and the Army?Leadership was instilled in Livingston in the Marine Corps.Sam describes his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.In Iraq, Sam worked recon doing roadside clearance.He learned that people are resilient.Most of the soldiers he was with were young and enlisted to pay for college.Rob and Sam discuss the talents and strengths of this generation’s youth.In Afghanistan, Sam was embedded with the Afghan Army.Nothing was more difficult for Sam than worrying about his kids when he was away from them for such a long time.They discuss some of the cultural differences and group dynamics Sam managed on a daily basis in Afghanistan.Communication was an obstacle in Afghanistan.Sam describes effective leadership vs. ineffective leadership.What is Sam’s biggest go all-in story?Sam was a lieutenant in the Cleveland Fire Department while practicing real estate part-time.He left the fire department in 2017 to focus on his real estate business.Quitting is an integral part of the human experience.They discuss the pain of transition.They talk about scarcity vs. abundance.In the military, you can find ways to equate every good and bad thing that happens to you to everyday life.How can people get better at making decisions?Get your ego out of the way.Ask yourself what you want to be accomplishing on a regular basis.Seek help. Find a mentor. Pay a coach.Sam wants to see other people around him succeed and succeed with them.His favorite vacation destination is Outer Banks, North Carolina.Sam recommends his favorite business books at the moment.Sam wants to master running and meditation.Don’t be afraid to subtract.  3 Key Points:Sam Livingston served in the Marine Corps and the Army. His service included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Sam made the leap to take his real estate business full-time when he realized that he was missing more than he was gaining by staying with the fire department.Embrace your struggle because freedom is on the other side. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInGo All In PodcastDavid GogginsHal ElrodThe Purple Cow (book)The Miracle Morning (book)Never Split the Difference (book)Flip The Script (book)

Episode 06: Sam’s Conversation with Robert Brus on the Go All In Podcast

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, is interviewed by Mike Saunders on the Influential Entrepreneurs Radio Show. Livingston shares what he’s on fire about, why he became a coach, and what being coached by him really looks like.  Episode Highlights: What does Livingston coach people to do?Many small business owners ignore the backend and operations side of their business.Livingston wears his emotions outwardly.His past experiences as a fireman and Marine are reflected in his branding.If you don’t know your numbers, you’re pouring water into a bucket with holes in it.Not knowing your numbers is the number one failure he sees.Until you understand your numbers, nothing else matters.Leadership was instilled in Livingston in the Marine Corps.Livingston’s business coach asked him why he wasn’t coaching given his extensive experience as a leader and mentor.What does he do when people initially come to him?A lot of people don’t know how to recognize their own problems.Many people get caught up in shiny objects, which are procrastination tools.When coaching, he asks clients to look at the things they’re not doing consistently.They begin by implementing small changes.A lot of people think coaches can just fix them. It’s actually about being open to addressing issues you may not even know you have.It’s important to figure out if a prospective client will be coachable.Coaches can’t hold you accountable. This is a misconception.Entrepreneurs must learn to be self-accountable.Coaching clients need to identify their real goals.Livingston is always reviewing, tracking, and analyzing his numbers.What are you doing on a daily basis that will get you closer to your goals?Improving one aspect of your life improves all aspects of your life. 3 Key Points:Sam Livingston coaches small business entrepreneurs on how to light the fire in their own business.   Many people who approach Livingston for coaching know they have a gap to close but might not know what it is. Trying to improve one aspect of your life bleeds into all aspects of your life. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInInfluential Entrepreneurs Radio ShowThe Authority Positioning CoachFireman MikeThe Compound Effect (book)

Episode 05: Sam’s Conversation with Mike Saunders on the Influential Entrepreneurs Radio Show

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, talks to Hank Avink, the head coach at National Coaching League. Avink shares how he puts high standards in place to govern his business and his relationships. Learn more about how to structure your life and business with standards and principles in this insight-packed discussion.  Episode Highlights: Hank Avink has been a millionaire and he’s experienced bankruptcy. His mindset shifted dramatically when his son experienced open-heart surgery at six days old. Avink has structured his business to a point that he no longer does anything for money.He says being a father is the hardest thing he’s ever done.Avink looked up to his father, who was self-employed.While supporting a wife and three kids, he left his job making over $500k to start his own business with a one-year non-compete.Avink and Livingston discuss the importance of solid communication in marriage.Livingston asks how to avoid Stupid Tax.Avink reads widely and recommends reading to learn quickly from other peoples’ stupid mistakes.Recommending impactful books helps Avink impact others himself.They discuss Avink’s high standards for referrals.Avink outlines some of the expectations he has in business relationships.Avink even turns clients away. This is part of having high standards.You don’t need everyone. You just need your people.Consider how you can establish relationships that run parallel instead of intertwined.It’s not the end of the world if you have a relationship that needs to go in another direction. When you give more than is expected, you surround yourself with givers.Write down where your triggers are to know when you’re setting yourself up for failure.Avink speaks candidly about alcohol. Avink is currently helping people have better relationships.He describes his future plans for continuing to help those who have helped him. If you’re not happy, go fix it. 3 Key Points:Choose patience and consistency over urgency.    As you raise your standards, you will get better results.Build smart relationships that run parallel as opposed to intertwined.Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInCoach Hank Avink website, FacebookThe Shadow Effect (book)Company of One (book)Profit First (book) The Road Less Stupid (book)Essentialism (book)The Lean Startup (book) Zig ZiglarThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck (book)Unfuck Yourself (book)Give and Take (book)Power vs. Force (book)No More Mr. Nice Guy (book)Unbroken (motivational video)

Episode 04: How to Set High Standards with Hank Avink

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire Podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach and realtor, talks to Nick Krem, a real estate content advisor and Co-founder of Content Cardz! Krem shares how he started his company Content Cardz!, which is now in 41 states after less than a year in business. They discuss why people struggle with creating video content and how to move past limiting beliefs to commit to your own success.  Episode Highlights:Nick Krem began his career in construction. On his 19th birthday, he walked away and found a real estate call center. He eventually managed the whole company. Then he made the leap to start his own business, Content Cardz! Many people get stuck in their lives because they are afraid to take a leap.Krem’s mindset opened up when he attended an event he says he had no business attending. It can be exhilarating to be in a room with successful people, even if it is intimidating at first.Many people in good mastermind groups are there finding ways to elevate themselves by elevating others.When Krem faced doubts about starting a business, he would go for a run to clear his head.When coaching clients, Livingston finds that many people avoid producing video content for three reasons. They fear they don’t have anything to say. They dislike the sound of their voice on audio. They’re afraid they don’t have content or the right content.If you are capable of having a discussion on the phone, you are capable of producing video content.They discuss worrying about what other people will think and how to get over that fear when producing video content.Video is the #1 tool to reach your audience.If you don’t have an online brand, people won’t trust you in the future.Producing video content is one way you can set yourself apart.You need to be able to reach your clients on different platforms. Krem tells the story of working with disruptors in the industry and trying to solve their problems. His business idea was a solution to a common problem he encountered in consultations.Krem wanted his business to be mobile, social, and friendly. How can you make doing business with you the easiest option for your client?Krem shares the value proposition his business offers. In the next five years, real estate is going to change dramatically.The number #1 thing Livingston sees in his coaching practice is that people are unwilling to just make the decision. You have to decide and then make it a reality. Ask yourself: “Are you interested or committed?” 3 Key Points:Using video is the #1 tool you have to reach your audience.Find multiple ways to make it easy to work with you.Decide what you want to do, and then truly commit. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, WebsiteNick Krem:  website  FacebookContent Cardz! Go All In (podcast)Appointments Today Chris Taylor procrastination video Nick Krem’s video on How to Have Fresh Content on DemandCoach Hank AvinkThe One Thing (book) 

Episode 03: Are You Committed? A Discussion with Nick Krem

During this episode of the Sam’s On Fire podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, talks to Kelly Bailey, wellness coach at Kelly Bailey Wellness. Bailey shares about her journey from being a personal trainer focused on fitness and nutrition, to a wellness coach that helps clients transition away from dieting using mindful eating practices. This conversation explores how Bailey’s business shifted as she uncovered her passion for mindful eating. With this refined approach, she feels new excitement about her work and is able to attract the right clientele.  Episode Highlights: Kelly Bailey began her career as a fitness coach and personal trainer. When she found that many of her clients needed help with their eating habits, she became a certified health coach with a basis in holistic nutrition. Bailey guided clients through a variety of fad diets. As she thought about her own struggles with binge eating, she realized that traditional dieting was making the problem worse.Talking the talk, but not walking the walk, in your business is ultimately not sustainable.Bailey was tired of teaching specific diets and even bored by guiding clients through these programs.When Bailey shifted her business to focus on intuitive eating and mindful eating practices, she found a true passion for her work.Shifting the focus in your business to better align with your passion can dramatically change how much you enjoy your work. Finding this passion makes Bailey genuinely excited to wake up in the morning and get started with the day. When you find what makes you feel passionate about your business, you’re able to see clearly what you’re doing that isn’t sustainable. Bailey used to post pictures of herself in a bathing suit. With her new emphasis on wellness, that’s no longer a part of her marketing strategy. When you realize something you’re practicing is unsustainable, you no longer want to teach others that unsustainable practice. You want to show them a better way.When passion is in place, fear can be replaced by excitement.Bailey renamed her business to reflect the shift in her mindset. Bailey knows exactly the type of client she can best serve.It’s a mistake to believe that everyone is the client for you. Avoiding a scarcity mindset will help you ultimately attract the right clientele for your business.In any service industry, it’s a good idea to choose the right clients. When you start working with the wrong people, you start building the wrong clientele.You need to have clients that are going to carry out what you’re telling them to do.When Bailey meets prospective clients that aren’t a good fit, she now refers them to other coaches who are better suited to them. Passion guides her client selection.  Your success depends upon the passion you have with the people you’re working with. Build clientele that you know, like, and trust.  3 Key Points:When you find what makes you feel passionate about your business, your work becomes more enjoyable and even exciting.If you provide passion, you will attract the right clientele for your business. Believing you can serve every client is an unsustainable mindset. If you take the wrong clients, you acquire the wrong clientele. Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, WebsiteKelly Bailey Wellness (website)Kelly Bailey on Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookCoach Hank AvinkGary Vaynerchuk

Episode 02: Provide Passion with Kelly Bailey

During the first episode of the Sam’s On Fire podcast, host Sam Livingston, business coach, and realtor, talks to James Wise, co-owner of Holton-Wise Real Estate. Wise shares how he found the right niche for his business when he followed his interest in real estate investments. With a candid approach, Wise tells realtors to embrace what they’re passionate about and then market aggressively. He shares about his non-traditional approach to real estate marketing and reminds realtors to fully commit to what resonates with them.  Episode Highlights: James Wise is a non-traditional realtor. He wanted to become a landlord first and then became a real estate agent to propel his business forward. His brand is entirely focused around rental real estate. Wise now runs a $50 million dollar real estate portfolio and has sold over $123 million dollars in real estate since 2013. Find a niche and don’t be afraid to go into it full bore.Trying to be a jack of all trades in real estate can bring you down. Embrace your niche. The worst kept secret in the industry is that you don’t get to determine when people buy or sell houses. Market so hard, so frequently, with such laser focus, that when people do decide to sell, you’re the person they think of. Wise has several tv shows that are integral to his marketing strategy. These shows provide massive value and drive traffic through education. Put value into the marketplace. Value = eyeballs. Eyeballs = Sales.Stop posting pictures of your business cards. Instead, find a way to provide value to your audience. Show them that you’re the expert.The goal of any advertising campaign should be to produce a follower or a fan. Once you have a person that has decided you are the expert on that product or service, they will buy from you. Check your ego at the door thinking that you can do everything better than anyone else. Stay on message.Dare to be polarizing. If you want to say something, accept that not everyone is going to like you. What you need to do is get conversations started so you are top of mind. People sometimes miss the opportunity to engage their audience by avoiding polarizing topics.Cutting out the part of his business that wasn’t thriving was liberating for Wise. His company was held back when it was trying to do too many different things. It’s incredibly important to pay attention to cycles in the market. You want to be super niche, but you do have to understand that the market will force you to adapt and adjust.You can screen out the time-wasters. Pick out the one thing you do better than anyone else and replicate that again and again.  3 Key Points:   Analyzing your skillset and assessing your strengths will help you choose the right niche for your business.    Marketing is a long-term process. Provide value to your audience so they will see you as the expert.    Fully commit to doing only one thing and doing that thing exceptionally well.  Resources Mentioned:Sam Livingston on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, WebsiteJames Wise on LinkedIn, TwitterHolton-Wise Real EstateHolton-Wise on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeInvestment Properties for Sale (show)Tenants from Hell (show)Landlords from Hell (show)Ask James (show)The MLS Search & Analysis (show)Viral eviction video on Holton-Wise TVEmployee fired for offensive tweets to Steph Curry’s family Holton-Wise apartment conversion of old hotel 

Episode 01: Commit to Your Niche with James Wise

Sam's On Fire Podcast dives into the mindsets and motivations with other entrepreneurs, creators, visionaries, and leaders to see what makes us tick.

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Sam's On Fire Podcast

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