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Some agents just stand out.

It seems like everything they do is successful, whether it’s brilliant marketing, delivering the perfect pitch or always landing the big-ticket listing.

Although it appears life simply comes easy for these agents, the truth is there’s a reason they’re successful. They educate themselves. They work hard. They don’t get flustered. And, yes, they take advantage of their natural talent.

Sometimes achieving success and becoming a top producer is as simple as possessing four traits: education, hard work, natural talent and adaptability. Here’s a look at how you can improve in each area and give yourself the tools to become an agent who stands out.

1. Education

Don’t know the answer? Go find it!

You don’t know everything. So ask a mentor, friend or other confidant with more experience than you. If that fails, well, it’s 2018: Google it. It’s a surefire way to find the answer you’re looking for – but be sure to double-check your findings and ensure the information is coming from a reputable source.

You can also take online classes, watch how-to videos or download books, guides and other materials.

There’s also the old-school ways of learning. Take a class, read a book, go to the library – any and all insights will come in handy as you look to further your success and knowledge base.

2. Hard Work

Sure, you can cut corners. Heck, you might even be a little successful for a while. But in the long run all those shortcuts can eventually lead to the undoing of your success, business and/or reputation.

A top producer works hard. They put in hours calling clients and leads. They also market themselves well, successfully hold an active presence on social media, network like a pro and know how to sell – plus, they do all of this on a consistent basis.

As football coach Vince Lombardi once said: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

If you have a weakness, diagnose and develop it. Successful agents put in the work needed to move upward in their career. You have to stick out the tough clients, be a good negotiator, get your name out there and stay on top of everything.

It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding.

3. Natural Talent

Some people work less than others but are still successful because of their natural talent. This doesn’t mean they’re slackers, however; they just know what comes easiest to them.

What talent do you have? Identify what you excel at and run with it, which leaves time for you to focus on weaknesses.

Maybe you aren’t great at negotiating. This is where education and hard work kick in – spend less time worrying about your natural strengths, while working hard, educating yourself and improving in your weaknesses.

It’s a given that agents who have a great deal of natural talent in multiple areas will have an advantage. It’s the same in all walks of life. That doesn’t mean, however, they’re guaranteed to be more successful than you.

4. Adaptability

A top producer is adaptable to change and challenges, both big and small.

Some people enjoy challenges, while others don’t. It’s OK if you don’t, but don’t run from every challenge that comes your way.

Without difficult challenges in our lives, we’d never grow or mature. The key is never backing down from a challenge and always getting back up when we fall.

If you get a sale that falls through, the team you’re on crumbles or something happens in your personal life, it’s easy to get thrown off. One thing that separates top producers from average agents – and successful people in all professions – is their ability to quickly move past challenges and adapt.


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