Ignite Your Estate Agency Sam Ashdown & Phil Jones

This episode of the Ignite Your Agency Podcast dives deep into the brave athlete mindset, revealing how the qualities that define sports heroes can empower property professionals to achieve greatness. 
Join us as we explore the critical interplay between passion, motivation, and a profound love for the craft, all essential for both a winning athlete and a top-performing agent.
Discover the fascinating dynamics between the emotional "chimp brain" and the analytical "professor brain." Learn how mastering this balance can propel you beyond common fears like rejection, enhancing your sales tactics and overall resilience. 
Sam and Phil share gripping anecdotes from both the demanding world of athletics and the high-stakes realm of estate agency, illustrating how the principles of heart, wings, and fight are as crucial in closing deals as they are in crossing finish lines.
Whether you’re pushing through the last mile of a marathon or navigating a tough sales negotiation, the insights from today’s episode are must-listen! 
Tune in to learn how to harness your competitive instincts and transform pressure into performance, setting you on the path to IGNITE your agency!



http://www.ajmastemind.co.uk/market-response-plan-spring24
When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 


Some key takeaways:
➡️ Success in property requires heart (passion and motivation), wings (rising above obstacles and ego), and fight (competitive instinct), which parallel the attributes of a successful athlete.
➡️ Emotional resilience and the ability to handle rejection, along with practice and self-awareness, are critical for overcoming fears and succeeding in sales.
➡️ Reflecting on one's thoughts and reactions (metacognition) can help distinguish between emotional impulses and logical responses, enhancing decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Some great moments:
✅ “Yeah, it's the reptilian brain, it's the oldest brain, it's the one that saved you from the dinosaurs”


✅ “I don't have a love for property, but I have a love for the way it works. I have a love for the decisions people make to buy and sell houses. I find that fascinating.”

✅ “I don't want to knock on this door right now. That's your chimp brain!”

Do the latest budget changes Impact your Agency? Sam and Phil delve into the recent budget announcement that has left many property professionals seeking answers!
Explore the unexpected cuts to Capital Gains Tax and the decision to freeze lower income tax brackets—actions that appear misaligned with the current economic realities of the housing market. 

From the elimination of stamp duty reliefs to the perplexing adjustments in furnished holiday let taxes, discover how these changes are reshaping the industry.
Experience the effects of excess inventory and limited buyer numbers through understanding the broader implications of property valuations. 

Arm yourself with strategies for effective cash management and seizing growth opportunities in a turbulent market!
Whether you’re a seasoned agent or entering the market, this episode offers crucial insights into thriving amid uncertainty. 
Tune in to IGNITE your knowledge of the latest fiscal policies and learn how to expertly navigate your agency through the evolving housing landscape.


http://www.ajmastemind.co.uk/market-response-plan-spring24
When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 


Some key takeaways:
➡️ The housing market faces challenges with new fiscal policies, such as the furnished holiday let adjustments and the freeze on lower income tax brackets, which could lead to an increase in property supply without addressing buyer demand.
➡️  Despite the tough market conditions, there are opportunities for growth and effective cash management, with strategies like running a lean business and focusing on revenue-generating activities.
➡️ Estate agents need to adapt to policy changes by continuing marketing efforts to build stock and prepare for potential future demand in the property market.

Some great moments:
✅ “There's a lot of holiday lets, that just aren't washing their face!  The owners only holiday let them so that they can justify it to themselves financially”
✅ “If I can't get three million for it, I'm not going to sell this year!”
✅ “Instructions are cheap at the moment, so they're easy to get, easy to win, easy to poach!”

 Ready to dominate the Spring 2024 market? This is a direct call to action for all ambitious agency owners!
🪓 Unpredictable Cash Flow?
🪓 Underperforming Content Strategy?
🪓 Difficulty Adapting to Market Changes?
🪓 Premature Price Reductions?
🪓 Challenging Team Dynamics?
🪓 Lack of a Strategic Plan?

If any of these challenges resonate with you, we've tailored a strategy that can turn these obstacles into stepping stones for YOUR success.
Unlock the power of our Market Response Plan, grounded in four crucial pillars: cash, communication, content, and conversion; A detailed blueprint to transform YOUR business's success.


✅ Dive deep into strategies that ensure your agency’s financial progression, from insightful cash flow forecasting to smart cost management.
✅ Understand how to leverage the rise of the self-employed model to your advantage in a fluctuating market.
✅ Learn how to maintain client relationships effectively.
✅ Prevent premature price reductions.
✅ Craft content that not only engages but positions you as the definitive authority.


Experience firsthand all the success, like the sales surge in AJ's Dale's office, and discover how a market temperature gauge could revolutionise your strategic planning.
Don't just adapt to changes in the market - master them and transform challenges into opportunities!

🔥 Tune in to transform your success in the housing market.


📥 Download your FREE plan and ignite your agency’s potential today. - http://www.ajmastemind.co.uk/market-response-plan-spring24


When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 
Some key takeaways:
➡️ Implementing a Market Response Plan focusing on cash, communication, content, and conversion is crucial to navigating a shifting housing market.
➡️  Carrying out regular cash flow forecasting and expense audits is essential to maintain financial stability and adapt to market conditions.
➡️ Positive team dynamics and client communication, coupled with strategic content creation, can enhance your team's resilience
Some great moments:
✅ “ We ran out of money in one of our accounts because a completion hadn't shown up in the account!”
✅ “When you communicate with your team, if they're feeling uncertain, then one of two things can happen… They can just stop showing up as their best possible self or they can decide to leave and go to a company!”

Are you grappling with the decision to stick with a challenging client or let go? Dive into our latest episode where Sam and Phil explore the delicate balance of managing tough client relationships as an estate agent. 
Learn when to push through the hurdles to turn a demanding client into a die-hard advocate, and when it's wise to strategically disengage for the health of your agency and team morale.
Uncover the secrets to agency growth and how facing tough decisions head-on can be transformative. From the fear of confronting difficult conversations to the stress of unmet expectations, and actionable advice that could reshape your approach to client management. 
Discover the impact of embracing fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo, and how these strategic choices can foster a thriving business and a harmonious team dynamic. IGNITE your agency!
When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 


Some key takeaways:
➡️ Successfully managing tough client relationships can turn challenging clients into super fans and give an agency a competitive edge.
➡️ Agency owners must balance the emotional and team impacts when deciding whether to persevere with a difficult client or strategically disengage.
➡️ Open dialogue and seeking fresh perspectives are crucial for agency growth and overcoming obstacles in client management.

Some great moments:
✅ “Sit down with your team and really think about why they're tricky. What is causing the frustration or anger, however, it's coming out, and are you the best people to help them through that?.”


✅ “Be prepared to hear the answer you don't want”


✅ “Do you expect every client to behave in a way that suits you and your business and your feelings, your emotions?”

Dive into our latest episode where Edward Hartshorne unveils the remarkable transformation of Blenkin & Co which is now a leading independent firm in high-end property sales and lettings. 
Discover Edward's journey from the ground up and how knowledge of agency operations propelled Blenkin & Co to the pinnacle of the estate agency market. 
This episode doesn't just highlight success stories; it delves into the nuanced challenges of client-agent relationships, especially when dealing with high-profile clients with grand expectations!
Learn about identifying potential red flags with clients early on, the strategic use of upfront marketing fees, and when it might be time to part ways with difficult clients. 
Explore the democratic approach within your team, balancing individual leadership with collective wisdom to maintain your agency's integrity and foster a healthy work environment. 
Get insider insights into the art of negotiation with seasoned professionals, the strategic importance of mutual selection in client-agent pairings, and maintaining clear, transparent communication.
Tune in to IGNITE your path to success in the world of selling premium homes.


When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 


Some key takeaways:
➡️ Charging upfront fees for marketing costs could influence the decision-making process regarding whether to maintain or terminate difficult client relationships.
➡️ Identifying red flags early in client-agent interactions and being selective in client choice is crucial for maintaining a healthy and successful agency.
➡️ Involving the team in critical decisions about client relationships helps balance individual leadership and making the best decisions.
Some great moments:
✅ “We've just worked with a billionaire. He loved the fact that it was an independent firm and we were earning our own coin.”
✅ “Being a bit brutal with your worst clients does send a very clear message.”
✅ “The general advice from the crowd is oh, sack him, he's not your ideal client, and I think that's too easy!”

Ready to scale your agency with the perfect work-life balance? Sam interviews Michael Mortimer, whose journey to a million-£ turnover is packed with strategies you can't afford to miss. 

Discover how focusing on high-value tasks and setting non-negotiable personal boundaries could revolutionise your approach to business and life.
Unlock the secrets of building a cohesive team that's in it for the long haul, as Michael shares his transition from HR-averse to a leader who champions effective training and development. 

Learn the dynamics of hiring right and how categorising your team as Rocks, Concierges, or Hustlers can maximise their potential and your agency's efficiency.
Get an insider's look at innovative recruitment with group interviews, a move that's reshaping the hiring process. This isn't just about filling positions; it's about fostering relationships and ensuring your team aligns with your core values for sustained growth and unmatched customer service. 

Tune in to empower your agency's future with insights from those who've walked the path and reaped the rewards. IGNITE your Agency!

When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:
1. Come see behind the scenes of AshdownJones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk


Ask your questions to Sam Or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk  OR Phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
Engage with ambitious agency owners and grow your business by visiting our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth
If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events 
Some key takeaways:
➡️ Smart scaling is about setting boundaries and focusing on high-value tasks, which enabled entrepreneurs like Michael Mortimer to achieve a million-pound turnover while preserving work-life balance, highlighting that success doesn't require excessive working hours, but rather strategic and impactful effort.
➡️ Michael Mortimer's transformation in his approach to team dynamics—adopting effective training, employee development, and strategic staffing—demonstrates the significance of investing in the right people and assigning roles based on strengths, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and efficient team that contributes to business growth.
➡️ Group interviews, can be a game-changer for businesses by saving time, fostering relationships early on, and aligning with company values, which can turn the hiring process into a catalyst for profitability, customer service excellence, and an enhanced company reputation.
Some great moments:
✅ “It's not just about the number of staff I had, that was the big thing, it was also where everybody was sitting and how they were all interacting.”


✅ “I would just show someone how to do something quite quickly and expect them to pick it up, and they would just be like, well, what's just happened? ”


✅ “Do a million things in an hour before your next appointment and I say yes to everything and I promise things!”