Confession
When asked to write for Agent Genius my response was, ‘Really?’ As an avid reader, I’m often blown away by the insights expressed so eloquently by the writers and the incredible depth of the ensuing conversation. And for the first time ever, I have experienced Blogger Stage Fright.
Let’s start with a confession – I am not much of an original thinker. I don’t have tons of great and unique ideas. Instead, I am a shameless stalker of great ideas.
Lunch is more than lunch
I had been in the real estate business about two years when I went to listen to a top producer panel that changed the face of my real estate career. One of the panelists, Randy Ora, talked about how he had learned a great deal about the business by taking successful agents out to lunch to learn what was working for them. Immediately after the panel, I sent him a thank you note and, of course, invited him to lunch. That lunch was not the last and has indirectly led to tremendous business over the years. Even better, he has became a trusted mentor and friend.
What I learned from stalking…
I continued to take that advice by talking, and masterminding with other successful agents. I still do today. Here is just a bit of what I have learned from my Idea Stalking:
- There are few original ideas – just ideas that have better execution
- There is some nugget to be taken from nearly every interaction
- Sometimes, it’s the smallest idea that can lead to the biggest results
- What makes sense for one person’s business, isn’t always going to work for your business or your personality
- Connect with people; everything you need happens through people
- Sometimes, brand new agents have some of the best insights
- With each new idea, plan, or system ask yourself, ‘How could I tweak this to make it even better?’
- Analyze your business and be flexible enough to respond to what is, and isn’t, working
- Successful agents love to talk about their success
- There’s enough business to go around. Sharing helps to elevate the industry
So I’ll share with you what I learn as I go…but fair warning – you’re being stalked.
Linsey Planeta is the Broker Owner of Belterra Fine Homes in Orange County, California. Linsey rants regularly on her blog, OC Real Estate Voice. She also provides sellers with tips on how to get their home sold on Why Didn't My Home Sell? She has been an active Real Estate Coach and Instructor and loves working with agents so that they may look at their business with fresh eyes, renewed purpose, and defined systems. Linsey can be found in her office or you can also find her on Twitter@Linsey.

Paula Henry
December 30, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Linsey – we are kindred souls – I am more of a stalker than an originalist. I expect to learn something form every meeting, every transaction, every twitter session, everywhere I go.
Because I expect it, I do. This business is a never ending learning expedition and think how boring it would be, if it were not so.
Thanks for sharing – I look forward to getting to know you better in 2009!
Tony Sena
December 30, 2008 at 2:19 pm
My success can be attributed to how well I listen and not by how much I talk. I spend a lot of time listening to other real estate industry professionals describe how they have become successful and I take lots of notes.
I currently have hundreds of blogs feeding into my Google Reader so I can read (listen) what everyone has to say 🙂
Lisa Sanderson
December 30, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Don’t know who said it: “The best communication technology is the ear” This is one of my favorite quotes.
Your observation that there is enough business to go around is awesome. I have said this to competitors in the past and got some very quizzical looks. lol
Missy Caulk
December 30, 2008 at 8:33 pm
What makes sense for one person’s business, isn’t always going to work for your business or your personality.
Amen, gosh I have learned that so many times, some folks love Open Houses, I hate them and think they are a waste of time.
I love my Pay Per Click Campaigns and others think it is a waste of money, if it was a waste for me I would not have closed 52% of my business this year.
I think the thing is we take those great ideas we learn and apply them to our market, our sellers, our buyers and make them out own.
Jack Leblond
December 31, 2008 at 11:38 am
Imagine a world where we all had to invent our own wheel – no thank you. There is something to be said for originality, but learning from others’ mistakes is a lot less painful.
Ines
December 31, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I’m a better Realtor because of bloggin…because I have to read and listen – Welcome to AG and Happy New Year!
Kim Wood
December 31, 2008 at 9:38 pm
First, Welcome to Agent Genius!!
And yay… this definition of Stalking is a good thing!