Bringing #swagga back to real estate…

I’m often asked how I define the #swaggagurlz mission: “Bringing “swagga” back to real estate…one agent at a time.”
(Read more about the #swaggagurlz and listen to the radio show that started it all!.)

Swagger (aka #swagga) is most often defined as “confidence”… I get even more specific and add to that self-belief. When you are confident and believe in yourself you present yourself well to the world…others will be inspired to listen to you and to do business with you.

So how does that translate into a mission? Well, it comes down to these key areas:

Encouraging agents to INFUSE their world with what motivates them, boosts their attitude, and sparks the passion and possibilities inside them!

When we allow ourselves down time to renew, recharge and refresh – we are better people. The reality is that too many agents feel required or compelled to run a 24/7 business (especially with technology becoming such an integral part of our lives) and they forget to stop and take time for themselves. The simple act of writing down a list of what makes them SMILE changes the energy in the room. Already this year agents have shared some fantastic examples of activities that BOOST their attitude: “playing with my grandchildren”, “taking a walk w/my best friend… coffees in hand”, “rubbing my puppy’s belly”, “golfing w/ my husband”, and “breathing in the scent of my children when I tuck them in at night”. Reminding agents to schedule in time (or to put their technology DOWN and be present) for these activities is part of the mission.

INSPIRING agents to take the time to truly define (or redefine) their “WHY?”.

I love Simon Sinek and his passion for WHY. He is on my Top 11 “WHO would you invite to dinner” Guest List… and if you have ever read or listened to him – you know why! (yes, the pun was intended) The essence of his message* is that most of us can easily articulate “what” we do and “how” we do it, however, while defining WHY is the most important, it can be the most difficult to articulate. You have to really search your soul to discover the true reason you do what you do… Knowing your WHY gives you the power to push through the tough times and the motivation to dig deep when nothing seems to be going your way. In real estate, knowing your WHY is a MUST if you want to embrace your #swagga, so one of our top initiatives is inspiring agents to focus, define, and practice expressing and living their WHY. *Check out this TED video showcasing Simon!

IGNITING confidence through education.

Regardless of the current economic conditions, agents must always be prepared to articulate and add value. Helping agents recognize and understand how to have the important conversations and share valuable content with the consumer is a key element in the mission. Agents consistently share that the top two questions they are asked are: “What do you do for a living?” followed by “How is the market?”. Having a well-thought out response with specific, positive (not Pollyanna) information is paramount… and only when one is prepared does the #swagga flow. When an agent confidently shares valuable market updates and stats, they instill and strengthen consumer confidence. Period.

In addition to creating confident conversations… the #swaggagurlz mission includes training our agents on how to effectively infuse technology into their business. It is important to provide systems, tools, and resources for when they are deciding to purchase a smartphone or tablet, choosing which apps/programs will enrich their experience, or trying to figure out how to use the social communication platforms out there like Facebook and Twitter. Once they understand that Social Business Platforms are here to assist them in building their relationships and stay better connected with their sphere of influence it eases the “fear of change” and elevates their confidence!

So, why is MY “why” bringing #swagga back?

I believe that everyone deserves to be part of a process and organization that sparks discovery into what motivates them and encourages activities that positively infuse their world with passion, purpose, and prosperity… not only to ignite confidence in themselves, but in those around them.