• 164 Mastering Difficult Client Relationships: From Emotional Resilience to Effective Communication Strategies
    Jun 14 2024

    Discover how to transform difficult client relationships into opportunities!

    In this essential episode, we uncover the art of managing challenging client interactions, ensuring you maintain professionalism and secure the best outcomes.

    Learn from Phil’s intense experience with a controlling vendor, uncovering strategies to handle passive-aggressive behaviour and mitigate stress effectively.

    Embrace emotional resilience as your shield against the high demands of clients; Uncover the techniques to maintain your composure, as we draw parallels with the calming nostalgia of the Ready Break Glow advert.

    Through Sam’s personal stories, we reveal crucial methods for managing emotions, helping you respond logically to emotional arguments while preserving your mental well-being and personal boundaries.

    Gain mastery over work-related anxiety with actionable steps to manage intrusive communications outside office hours.

    Learn how to reframe your thoughts and view challenging situations from new perspectives - you’ll have all the tools needed to handle demanding clients as effortlessly.

    Join us in this episode and 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://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:

    ➡️ Understanding client motivations helps professionals respond strategically and maintain professionalism.

    ➡️ Emotional resilience aids in managing stressful client interactions by separating logic from emotion.

    ➡️ Setting firm boundaries, like turning off notifications, can reduce work-related anxiety and improve work-life balance.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “When the name pops up on your phone, so does your levels of anxiety, like a little spike on whoop!”


    ✅ “She speaks in a very considered low tone way, very authoritative, and it can be a little bit intimidating for some people, yeah because she talks slowly to make sure that you can't interrupt her as she's talking!”


    ✅ “So when I got to the end I flew up this cliff because if I hesitated for one second they'd have had to helicopter me off that cliff!”

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    35 mins
  • 163 £15m? Why was Fine & Country sold so cheap? David Lindley shares his thoughts with Sam
    Jun 7 2024

    Dive into the dynamic world of real estate mergers and acquisitions featuring David Lindley, an expert with deep roots in prestigious organisations like Fine & Country and the Guild of Property Professionals.

    Discover the game-changing implications of the recent sale of Fine & Country to the Property Franchise Group, which now includes industry heavyweights like Belvoir and EweMove. Explore how this strategic consolidation could reshape the housing landscape.

    Gain insights from David on the unexpectedly low sale price of Fine & Country, a brand renowned for its robust membership model and rich history. We unravel the complexities of the valuation, delving into factors like EBITDA, net profit, and potential undisclosed agreements that might have swayed the figures.

    Uncover the evolving landscape of franchise models within estate agencies - the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology to scale in a competitive market.

    Learn about effective support systems for self-employed agents, compare UK and US models, and anticipate future dynamics between franchisors and franchisees.

    Don't miss this insightful exploration into the evolving trends and future prospects of the estate agency industry. Tune in to IGNITE your agency’s potential!

    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 acquisition of Fine & Country by the Property Franchise Group for £15 million raises questions about the valuation of respected brands with a membership model and residual income, potentially signalling strategic shifts in the housing market.

    ➡️ Integrating technology and maintaining franchise growth in a saturated UK market presents challenges, highlighting the importance of community support for self-employed agents to foster the sharing of ideas and motivation.

    ➡️ The future of estate agency franchises appears uncertain, with a trend towards more franchise-like models and the potential impact on franchisor-franchisee relationships, particularly regarding fee structures and perceived value over time.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “And it's only getting bigger. It's got Belvoir, it's got Ewemove, it's now got Fine & Country!”

    ✅ “Our newest branches are £16 and £14K, whereas if you look at the average fee of an agent in the UK it's like £3k or less. I know it's just crazy, isn't it?!”

    ✅ “There's a weird backstory to this, but there was an overall deal that was worth 60 million pounds. That was a merger between Fine & Country, and back then Easy Property”

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    38 mins
  • 162 Building a Thriving Agency Through Strategic Planning
    May 31 2024

    Dive deep into what truly motivates top estate agents to excel beyond mere competition. Join Sam and Phil as they explore the profound reasons behind their career choices, emphasising the quest for financial stability for their families and the critical role of strategic planning in ensuring long-term growth.

    Discover how to transition from hands-on beginnings to a strategic, numbers-focused approach that can effectively scale your business. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to expand, Sam and Phil provide insights on investing in undervalued properties, building substantial equity, and implementing strong systems to circumvent future obstacles.

    Packed with invaluable advice, this episode will guide you through the complexities of estate agencies, helping you balance personal involvement with strategic oversight and secure a prosperous future for your agency. Tune in to IGNITE your Agency!

    Join us as we also contemplate the rise of the self-employment model in estate agencies and its impact on brand loyalty and consumer behaviour.

    IGNITE growth and set your agency apart.

    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:

    ➡️ Estate agents ought to prioritise strategic planning and scalability to ensure future business success and growth rather than concentrating solely on immediate tasks and client needs.

    ➡️ Agents can bolster their wealth by utilising their industry knowledge to invest in undervalued properties, offering a more effective route to financial growth than solely relying on the agency model.

    ➡️ Agents must maintain a clear vision and avoid becoming too entangled in daily operations, planning for a future where they can step back from the business without it suffering.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “I don't imagine anyone sits in a room and goes right. My vision in 10 years time is to be the best agent!”


    ✅ “I sat down with somebody who they said when they wanted to retire and we worked out how many days they had left in their business and it was 1000 days, but to earn £2 million minimum from only a thousand days scared him!”


    ✅ “You have to be hands-off at some point and you have to accept that it's better for the business if you're hands-off!”

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    23 mins
  • 161 Richard Rawlings Talks Buyer Representation with Sam
    May 24 2024

    Ready to elevate your estate agency to new heights? Tune into our latest episode featuring Richard Rawlings, where we dive deep into the innovative strategies that transformed the property market. From the creation of groundbreaking pre-instruction packs to strategic marketing insights, Richard shares his journey and the pivotal tactics that set agencies apart.

    Discover how simple yet powerful tools like detailed legal documents and well-crafted tangible offerings can significantly speed up transactions and enhance client engagement. We also explore Richard's transition from a photocopying assistant to a renowned Kensington estate agent and consultant, providing you with a roadmap to becoming an industry standout.

    We tackle the challenges of guiding clients through the fluctuating housing market, from setting realistic expectations to managing discretionary sellers during downturns. Learn about "buyer representation light," an innovative strategy designed to double your revenue without doubling your workload, nurturing client relationships to secure instructions under any market conditions.

    Join us as we also contemplate the rise of the self-employment model in estate agencies and its impact on brand loyalty and consumer behaviour.

    IGNITE growth and set your agency apart.

    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 use of pre-instruction packs, which include essential legal documents, can differentiate estate agents in the market, demonstrating professionalism and efficiency in the transaction process.

    ➡️ The rise of self-employment offers significant earnings potential for seasoned agents, though it requires careful consideration of long-term business strategies and may pose challenges for less experienced individuals.

    ➡️ Successful estate agents must adapt to market fluctuations, manage clients' expectations realistically, and use psychological strategies to navigate sensitive discussions, particularly during market downturns.


    Some great moments:

    ✅ “A seller might stick on the market for ages. A hot buyer will probably find somewhere in two weeks. They'll look at seven houses. So just show them seven and they'll buy one of them.”


    ✅ “Fold your arms in front of you as you normally would, now fold them the other way, it's a bit uncomfortable, it's a bit weird, isn't it?”


    ✅ “You've got to have a market for it to work in and sometimes it is just sticking, sometimes even put the price up”


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    47 mins
  • 160 New Estate Agents; 7 Critical Mistakes You MUST Avoid
    May 17 2024

    Are you ready to launch your estate agency while steering clear of the industry's most common pitfalls? Dive into our latest episode where we reveal the seven critical mistakes that often derail new agencies and arm you with robust strategies to avoid them.

    Join Sam and Phil as they navigate through real-life scenarios, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and effective lead generation in achieving estate agency success. You'll learn how to align your ambitious goals with practical actions that focus on high-return activities, ensuring you're not just busy, but productive.

    Discover why pouring funds into expensive advertising isn't always the best strategy. We'll discuss how a tailored, multi-faceted marketing approach can significantly enhance your brand's presence without straining your budget. Furthermore, gain insights on how to manage your resources wisely - from smart budgeting to impactful branding—and maintain an unwavering commitment to your business vision.

    Whether you're just starting out or seeking to rejuvenate your existing strategies, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the competitive landscape of selling homes with confidence and creativity.

    Tune in now to IGNITE your agency's potential!


    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:

    ➡️ Focus on lead generation and time management by conducting a time audit and consistently applying a scalable lead generation strategy, as these are critical for the growth and success of your agency.

    ➡️ Avoid relying on costly marketing shortcuts and silver bullets; instead, adopt a multifaceted and brand-resonant marketing approach that fits within your budget and time constraints.

    ➡️ Steer clear of common startup mistakes such as overinvesting in unnecessary property technology and underestimating operational costs, and instead invest in proven systems and authentic branding.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “So when she said I've signed up to get a right move banner, everybody in the room went ‘huuuh!’ and she realised straight away that that wasn't the answer!.”


    ✅ “Imagine if we're turning over £800,000 a branch and giving away a third of that commission. Oh my god, I won't be able to sleep at night!”


    ✅ “People love a faff!”


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    35 mins
  • 159 Are You Running Naked? Sam and Phil talk figures
    May 10 2024

    Unveil the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. No more guessing games - learn how to set clear financial goals, track your progress, and steer your agency towards unparalleled growth. Discover why accurate measurements are crucial in the competitive housing market.

    Explore the operations at Ashdown Jones HQ and gain insights into handling the "dip" phase of your business. Whether you're curious about the optimal number of lets per team member or need a fresh perspective on business planning, this episode promises actionable insights and a candid look at the tools that drive success.

    Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your agency with practical knowledge and real-world examples. 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:

    ➡️ Tracking financial metrics and key performance indicators is crucial for setting goals and making informed decisions in business.

    ➡️ Understanding key business metrics enables effective management, strategic planning, and resilience during challenging phases like "the dip.

    ➡️ Agencies should adopt a systematic approach to measurement and management, setting industry benchmarks and tracking performance against them.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “If you're not keeping numbers, you honestly will not know whether you're improving or not!”


    ✅ “You're asking them to do double the work and the same amount of money!”


    ✅ “If we were to go back seven years now and do what we are doing now, then I reckon that our revenue would increase now by £500,000 a year!”

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    19 mins
  • 158 What Makes a World-Class Masterminder?
    May 3 2024

    Join us in this illuminating episode of the Ignite Podcast, where Emma, Aj’s ‘Chief Happiness Officer’, shares invaluable lessons from her extensive experience with our AJ Mastermind members.

    Dive deep into real-life success stories, such as Olivia’s strategic mastery in high-value property markets and Simon’s bold leap out of his comfort zone. These narratives aren’t just inspiring—they're a roadmap to cultivating a top performer’s mindset!

    Learn from Michael Mortimer’s insights into team dynamics to Ben’s exemplary grit and accountability - discover each person’s success and understanding of what it takes to excel in today’s competitive property market.

    Unlock the power of self-awareness, the art of effective communication, and the crucial balance of hard work and strategic thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting, Emma’s guidance will light your way to success.

    Tune in to absorb the collective wisdom of the AJ Mastermind community members, learn the secrets to leveraging your strengths, and transform challenges into milestones.

    IGNITE your agency now!

    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:

    ➡️ Embracing an open mindset and the willingness to adapt and try new strategies are key factors in driving agency growth and success.

    ➡️ The power of self-awareness and effective team communication is essential for personal development and maintaining strong client relationships.

    ➡️ Active participation and engagement in mastermind groups, along with balancing hard work with strategic planning, can lead to significant personal and financial growth within your agency.

    Some great moments:

    ✅ “The main difference is your mindset is between people that go in with - I'm going to give this my all, I'm going to listen to everything you say!”


    ✅ “If you're going to pursue actively pursue the high-value homes market, you can't then counter that by going oh, but I'll just put a little 80 grand one on the market.”


    ✅ “We committed to speaking for two weeks every day at four o'clock, and every day at four o'clock, Zack would have updates!”

























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    29 mins
  • 157 The Brave Agent - The 3 factors that will ensure you are playing at the highest level
    Apr 26 2024

    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!”

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    15 mins