Why Your Business Needs a "Hit by a Bus" Plan | LeadingLane Podcast | Ep 101

I think one good thing going into the holidays to think about, too, is so that you can give yourself a little bit of a buffer, is just, you know, look at the next 45 day. There's basically three holidays and, like, look to see what's due in those time frames. Right? So, like, is there anything that might fall on Thanksgiving or the day after that you can take care of beforehand? Same with Christmas and New Year's. Like, you know, reach out to any sellers or buyers that you need to before.

Welcome to the Leading Lane Podcast for Real Estate Pros by Real Estate Pros, with your hosts, Ashley Frederick and Stephen Burch. If you're looking for an honest, authentic, and raw perspective, you found it.

Welcome, everyone, to the Leading Lane Podcast. We're here, what, the week before Thanksgiving, it snowed here, like five inches two days ago, which is gross. But I think that there has been a lot going on in the world, a lot going on in our personal lives with clients and friends and agents. And I think it was just a good opportunity to maybe talk about when you are feeling overwhelmed. You know, basically things you can do just as agents. A lot of times we have to unexpectedly step away. I had to for a surgery a couple weeks ago. You had to forget personal appointments. And it is really hard for all of us that are control freaks, I think, and like, things done a certain way. But I do think it's important to take a step back and just realize that maybe we're not actually providing the best service when we're under those situations and really the importance of systems and asking for help. So I think as we're heading into the holiday season, it might be a good opportunity to talk about those things.

Yeah. You know, I think the first thing that I've learned over the years is that the only thing that I can control, truly, is me. And that's it. Right. And so as much as I want to say that I'm a control freak, I can't control everything or everyone by any means. That's not. That's not what this is about. This is about what you can control for yourself. And I think that that's something that's not talked about enough in business and really in society. And then that goes into boundaries. What is. What is going to be good for you and what is not good for you, and don't allow others to cross over into those boundaries, stand firm to what your boundaries are. So, yeah, and I think it's. We have multiple situations that we were talking about before we even started recording, but it's just crazy to really think that, you know, the. I feel, I've always said that give them an inch, they're going to take a mile. And I think that when you start working with more and more people, you're growing your business, more clients, more agents, more sales, more whatever you're doing. If you give an inch to every single person, how much of yourself, how many, how much of your boundaries are you giving up? And now it's just all over the place and there are no boundaries because you're giving exceptions left and right without making the exception to the rule. Be all about yourself.

Yeah. You know, I think that having my recent surgery was kind of, I was thinking about it last night, like those are boundaries that I literally could do nothing about. Along with the follow up appointments, you know, they're two and a half hours away. But it was also kind of amazing to me that nothing fell apart when I, you know, I mean, like people, sure there were a couple people that were like, what do you mean you're not available that day? You know, but so it's basically three Wednesdays in a row that I, I couldn't be available. And the world didn't fall apart, the transactions didn't fall apart. You know, I was very upfront with everyone, like, I'm just not going to be available tomorrow. If anything, you know, you need immediate assistance. This is to contact and I mean everyone was fine and we're all, you know, doing good. But I think what that made me just think about a little bit more was why can't I do that Outside of needing to go to the doctor, it's tough, right?

I mean, we're wired and we naturally want to be the helper or the fixer or you know, just take control, let me do it type of thing. But when we have no other option, like that's when we, I mean, obviously are forced to be able to do it. But I think the more times that we have those, no other options, it opens our eyes a little bit more and more and more to seeing what really is happening. Because sometimes we have blinders on, have a little, what is it? Nose blind. You can't really smell the, the odor in the, the air anymore. And you know, you have to be able to step away for a bit to be able to see what really is, could be improved upon or really needs your focus first. And a lot of times what you're discovering, in my opinion, what you're discovering are things that you would not see if you're down in the weeds on the day to day, you, you look at it from a different perspective and see different opportunities that you can focus on. And I think the big thing, I'm not speaking for you by any means, but the big thing is knowing that you and I both have not been like this all the time, right? We have, we're always the, we used to be the go, go, go, put our head down, does not matter every single time. And, but we realize that's not what we want for our future. And it's that realization of I can't continue to do this forever, my health, my mental health, right? Like all of these things. So it's important even when you're in the weeds to still find those opportunities to be able to say, if I improve this system just a little bit more, the next time that something happens in life, then you know it's going to go a little bit better. And it's like a compound effect. It's building Legos and it's putting one on top of the other versus trying to go and build the whole freaking house all at the same, you know, one time. It's just one step at a time. And it's the small little actions that are truly have huge impact in your business. When people are trying to look for the easy button, they're missing out on the things that can really be the baseline and functionality of your whole operations.

Well, I think you've used the term like hit by a bus plan a lot recently, which I used the other day with someone. And I think that, you know, we all think we're invincible. We're not, right? And I think that when you start to maybe think about that a little bit more, like if I got hit by a bus yesterday, like could people pick up the pieces? Like, like do I have, are the files up to date, does all the contact information, right? Because a lot of times we're just working off our brain off of our sticky notes everywhere. So I think it really is, you know, just something that you need to focus on going into the new year, I think is just, is there that hip by bus plan not just regarding your files, but again, we always talk about too like your wills and your plans and all of that because none of us do have a crystal ball. But you know, then it is, it gives some someone the ability to help you, right? So if your files are kind of ready and you do have to step away unexpectedly, someone can just hop in, take over, get it done for you, right? Hand it right back when you come over. But I think that that's where we all, again, like that control freak of we want our files a certain way, et cetera. But maybe it's not the best way. So I think it's also just being open to hearing from other people, being open to letting people, you know, help you and learning new things and learning new systems that in all reality, you know, should buy some time back. I think, you know, there's a lot of AI things going on, which I still believe that AI will never replace a realtor in the transaction. But, I mean, AI could really help, you know, streamline some processes so that you can not feel so overwhelmed if you have to step away or assign duties.

And, you know, before, when people were talking about systems and processes and things, I'm like, I only automatically went to like, what app is what, what system, what tool? And really the simplistic way to say it is you are the system. And so what we're trying to do is duplicate and replicate yourself, right? And just think how the impact that you're going to have, like, if you are this successful, you do this well at selling real estate, uh, whatever you're doing in your industry, and you are able to pass down and teach people, other people, your tricks, your trade, your model of how you became so successful, look how many people you're now able to bring up with you and be able to have a larger impact in the world and your business and sales, right? So I think it's making sure that. I think at the beginning, I was trying to hold on to everything. I don't want to share my secrets. I don't want to. I want somebody to, you know, come in and steal my. How I do stuff. The reality is nobody can steal you, right? Like, they are still going to be different. You're just showing them the paths, the processes that you have to be able to help you be who you are, to be in front of other people. So I think it's just a matter of the outreach and the handoff and the documentation. And I think that's really the hardest part is how do we take it out of our brain? Like, we know how to do it. It's just. It's like clockwork for us, right? Get rid of my sleep, slow myself down enough to say, step one, this is what I do. And I used to get so irritated when I worked in corporate America. When you call it and you're having an issue, the number one thing that they would say, did you turn it off and then turn it back on? Is it plugged in right? Like, they are starting from the baseline. And it pissed me off so much, you know, when that was happening. But the reality is you have to start that simplistic of what is step one, because your step one of where you think it should be can be somebody else's step seven. And they miss all this first part, which now messes up the whole process. And I think the other thing here too, that I really want to hone in on, and I know you're going there was like asking for help. And the other part of this is providing help, you know, in making sure that if you see somebody struggling, say something, and it doesn't mean that you have to do something for them. You know, it's a simple, simple thing of, hey, is there any. What can I do to help you? How can I help you? What can I take off of your plate? Or where can I help support you? There's a lot of different ways that you can ask that question. And again, I don't think in this world we. We hear that quite enough because everybody's all in this go mode and not slowing down to help one another when truly, like, that's what we're all here for, in my opinion, is to help one another, to lift each other up.

I think a lot of people feel voiced. Speaking for myself, a lot of people feel guilty when they ask for help, you know, because you feel like you're imposing on someone. I'm super thankful for the office culture that we've had. I mean, people are like, literally like, let me help you. What can I do? You know, I know you like to reference the Devil Wears Prada with Devil Wears product number two is coming out soon, you know, but the whole point, and I've gone over this with my admins, is like, I want them to be one step ahead of me, right? So that, oh, like, I was going to do this or I need to do this, and then it was already done because they know the expectations, right? But if you don't set the clear expectations, somebody can't necessarily help you get to that next step. So, again, another opportunity for AI to help, you know, SOPs, etc.

And, you know, I think you sent me a prompt for ChatGPT and it basically was a series of questions. So having ChatGPT interview you with a series of questions one question at a time and only asking 10 questions, I think the total was. But my outcome that I was looking for is tell me, tell me things in the operational business side of things that I'm not seeing my blindsiders or things that I am holding the company back on. And it, like, interviewed me and the answers were a little bit can't lie. Like a little reality check.

For sure.

Yeah. But right there, that shows you, you know, there's a tool to be able to help you lean into figuring out what do I need to focus on first. So I think AI is. I'm here for it. I love it. Any. Any way that I can use it. I'm all about it.

Yeah, I just signed up for this AI summit that I am really interested in, seeing what comes out of it. But, you know, I think. And this will probably be. Everyone goes the extremes on this, but I'll see, like, these real estate groups and a lot of people will say, like, do you take a day off? Like, do you tell your clients? And a lot of agents are right, you're not a realtor unless you're available 365, seven days a week. And I see that a ton. And I am always just amazed like, that. That is some people's train of thought. And I mean, to each their own. But I do feel like, you know, that's an expectation that you set up with your clients from the beginning too. Like, I'm not normally available, you know, after. I mean, mine's getting closer and closer to, like after 8:00pm, you know, weekend, Sunday, whatever that might be. But I think, you know, putting out this Persona that realtors need to be available 24, 7, I think is unhealthy. I tell people, like, what other career is that normal? You know, we're not. We're not dealing with life and death type situations. You know, nine times out of 10, you know, so I think it's just that notation. I know a lot of people feel very strongly about that, but I don't think that it needs to be that way by any means. I remember when I first started, like, you know, it's different when you're. You're hungry and that I'm not hungry, but. Right. Like, you needed checks to pay your bills, et cetera. And I think, like, someone was adamant about looking at houses on Christmas. And I mean, I said that I would, but thankfully it worked out because the seller was like, I'm not letting someone in my home on Christmas and nor should you be not be spending, you know. Right. So that was a good refresher or a good reminder for me that, like, it's not just me. I mean, it's the seller that has to redo their schedules, et cetera. And I mean, really, if Someone is. Is that adamant, you know, not to be able to be available the day after. Like, I just then have concerns of how the rest of the transaction is going to be. But that's also when I tell people, like, maybe those aren't the right people for you. I've had people like that. And I'll just say, you know what? I think another agent might be a better fit and more power to you. If you want to work around the.

Clock, then again, it goes back to the boundaries. And I think what happens is, again, as you tighten those boundaries up, you're, yes, you're protecting yourself, which means that those people that are not a right fit for you, you're not allowing them in your circle, right, you refer them to somebody else, whatever the case may be. But now you're generally working with people that respect your. Respect. You respect your boundaries now and how much of a healthier environment that truly is when you can get rid of that toxic or the negativity or unrealistic expectations that we cannot commit to. There's.

There's no way that's where, like those, you know, I talk about, I. I mean, a good chunk of my friends I would have never met had it not been for, you know, real estate. I mean, a good, good portion of people in my life, including you. And I just think, you know, like, if you do make the time for the right people, like, those are the people that you then do get to keep, you know, as part of your life, that you go to their family events and go to their Thanksgiving and go to their kids things, right? And then it's making more time for those people, which. Not that they. Not that you're doing that for business purposes, but they will serve their purpose, right? Like, they will tell people to work with you, those types of things, versus spending all this time and effort to someone that doesn't respect your boundaries, they're never gonna change. And they're not going to be your referral person either.

Not at all. Not at all. I mean, it's all about, like, you, whatever you put in you, you know, get it back in return. And so I really focus on that as far as if I'm working with good people, I know that return eventually is going to come back. Not necessarily monetarily, but like the vibes, the energy, all the goodness that I want to be. So it starts with you first, always, no matter what we're talking about, but the more that you're able to help others first, and then they'll come back to you when you need help. When you need to look at, you know, yourself, you start with yourself of seeing those flaws or those opportunities, if you will. And once you start correcting yourself, you now can then see and make more space for the people that you need in your life. So, absolutely.

I think one good thing going into the holidays to think about too is so that you can give yourself a little bit of a buffer, is just, you know, look at the next 45 day. There's basically three holidays and like, look to see what's due in those time frames, right? So, like, is there anything that might fall on Thanksgiving or the day after that you can take care of beforehand? Same with Christmas and New Year's. Like, you know, reach out to any sellers or buyers that you need to before Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc, so that then really all questions are answered, all buyers are set, everybody's set, so that basically everyone can enjoy the holidays. They likely don't want to be contacted if they're with family and friends either. So maybe just being a little bit more proactive with your database ahead of the holiday.

My theme lately have been, has been with my team, be proactive, not reactive. And what you were talking about earlier about with your team, you know, with as far as what you want them to be a step ahead of you, like, really what we're trying to do is get them to anticipate your next move. And we all, as much as we don't want to admit it, we are all creatures of habit. And so when we say that, you know, I'm too busy, I'm stuck, you know, whatever the, the story of the story that we're telling ourselves, if you slow down and see what your habits are, what you're repeating, you can find all of this pretty darn quickly, in my opinion. To be able to focus on bettering yourself and bettering those around you as well.

100%.

I love it. Cool. Well, good chat. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Yeah. Tune in next time.

If you've enjoyed today's episode, please, like subscribe and share with others. Stay connected for more genuine insights and strategies to boost your real estate career on Facebook or check out our website. We'll see you next time.