Sam is joined by AJ Mastermind’s Client Executive, Emma Heath for this episode and they delve into the core principles that make an estate agency truly remarkable. Learn how curiosity and questions can spark deeper connections and understand the delicate balance of building rapport without letting ego steer the conversation.

Gain insights on delivering a world-class customer experience with empathy and avoid generic, insensitive practices.

Explore how Ashdown Jones uses training to refine agency communication to ensure professionalism and personalisation and understand the importance of humility and collaboration within the workplace to tackle challenges collectively.

Key principles like "We do what we say we'll do" underscore the significance of trust and reliability in client relationships.

Find out why it is important to avoid negative language and gossip, and how positive language can foster team cohesion and client satisfaction. Sam shares AJ Mastermind’s guiding principles, encapsulated by green "always" and red "never" disciplines, to underline their commitment to integrity.

We have actionable advice on:

• Handling client challenges with empathy.
• The impact of unsolicited advice versus solicited advice.
• The benefits of mastermind memberships and transitioning to high-end agencies.

Tune in, take notes, and transform your business practices to deliver unparalleled experiences and stand out from the rest.

When you’re ready, here are ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

1. Experience a behind-the-scenes day at AshdownJones HQ in Windermere for FREE! Secure your spot at www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events
2. Listen to more illuminating episodes:
   https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Engage with ambitious estate agency owners and foster growth in your business by joining our private Mastermind Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Don’t hesitate to ask your questions to Sam or Phil: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk or phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Explore upcoming events and more at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Balancing rapport-building and ego in client interactions is crucial.

➡️ Trust builds gradually from consistent reliability and transparent communication.

➡️ Unsolicited advice is best received when permission is sought first.

Notable moments:

✅ “Building trust is like piling up pebbles. It’s done gradually but can be lost all at once.”

✅ “We steer clear of negative gossip to keep our team environment positive.”

✅ “Delivering good news in person helps maintain clear, effective communication and shows clients they’re a priority.”

Embrace these principles to ensure your independent estate agency not only competes but excels in delivering exceptional client experiences.

Are we over-styling homes in our quest to deliver the perfect look? In this episode of Ignite Your Estate Agency we discuss home styling with a focus on balance, efficiency, and truly showcasing a property’s unique charm.

Learn why photographic documentation is critical for maintaining client trust and the importance of aligning with client preferences to avoid unnecessary conflicts. This episode will guide you on how to effectively use home styling to sell a house and a lifestyle, without the pitfalls of intrusive or excessive styling and provides actionable tips to make your photoshoots quicker and more cost-effective.

Sam tells us why it is important to stop over-styling, where adding too many personal touches can cloud the home's actual potential, with cautionary tales about the uneasy balance between effective styling and preserving homeowner comfort.

To simplify the art of effective home styling, Sam introduces her eight golden rules, including:

• “Style the shot, not the room”: Focus on what the camera will capture.
• “Enhance by simplifying”: Remove minimal items to highlight room features.
• “Consider the main features”: Pay attention to key elements like windows and fireplaces.

You can read Sam’s blog on this subject here: https://www.samashdown.co.uk/over-styling-homes/

When you’re ready, here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

1. Come see behind the scenes of Ashdown Jones in Windermere on this unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast
3. Request an AJ Mastermind brochure by calling 015394 40892 or emailing emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Ask your questions to Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk

Engage with ambitious estate 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

Key Takeaways:

➡️ Photographic Documentation: Essential to return clients' items to their original places after a photoshoot, ensuring their comfort and trust.

➡️ Client Preferences: Always be considerate of client desires to maintain positive relationships.

➡️ Purpose of Styling: Style to sell the lifestyle a house offers, not to change the house itself.

Great Moments:

✅ “Taking before shots is crucial for returning clients' items to their original places after a photoshoot.”

✅ "The aim is to conduct quicker and more cost-effective photoshoots, potentially reducing the time required from six to four or even two hours."

✅ "The quality of the items used in styling reflects the brand image, so decisions should be made mindfully.”

Discover the importance of assertiveness training and how it can transform your interactions with clients and colleagues. Unlock the secrets to becoming a confident estate agent without crossing the line into aggression!

We give you techniques to maintain composure using body language, and communication styles that project confidence, ensuring you command respect and reassure clients. Learn from our hands-on experiences and training sessions that highlight the delicate balance between appearing strong-willed yet approachable.

From managing high-status client perceptions to the subtle art of leveraging your physical presence in the office, understand why assertiveness is essential for agency growth and how to foster these skills within your team.

We want to cultivate a culture of confidence and assertive leadership and this episode promises to provide actionable strategies to empower you and your team, transforming how you interact with clients and run your agency. Tune in to elevate your professionalism and IGNITE your agency's potential.

Here’s the book that Sam mentioned in the podcast:

The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charisma-Myth-Master-Personal-Magnetism/dp/0670922870

When you’re ready here are 3 ways we can help you to IGNITE your agency:

1. Come see behind the scenes of Ashdown Jones in Windermere on our unique and FREE day! Book your spot here www.ajmastermind.co.uk/btsday
2. Listen to another episode: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast
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:

➡️ Confidence and assertiveness can transform an estate agent from uncertain to commanding and trustworthy.

➡️ Balancing assertiveness is crucial to manage perceptions and interactions, especially with high-status clients.

➡️ Developing assertiveness is a gradual process involving self-awareness, training, and consistent practice.

Some great moments:

✅ “Confidence in delivery and demeanour is crucial, even beyond credentials or appearance.”

✅ “We emphasise the significance of physical presence and how one’s office setup can influence perceptions of status.”

✅ “Taking a moment to respond, slowing down the conversation, and lowering voice pitch can significantly improve assertiveness.”