147 Why You NEED to Start Systemising Your Agency

Are you constantly battling the clock, feeling there's never enough time for work, family, or yourself? 

Sam and Phil dive deep into the essence of time management, far beyond the usual to-do lists. Discover transformative insights and personal journeys that will revolutionise your relationship with time, ensuring every minute counts towards achieving all your goals in life.

Unearth the concept of 'time tokens', a shift in perspective that assesses the impact of each task on your business and personal wealth. Be inspired by strategies from thought leaders like Dan Martell - learn how to invest every half-hour in activities that nurture both business and personal growth. Elevate the quality of your tasks and their long-term returns, and challenge conventional time management for a life of true value and success.

Delegation at home could also massively improve the progression of your agency, hear Sam and Phil’s approach: from hiring a housekeeper to a personal chef and learning how it all links to more time on your business. 

Optimise every aspect of life and achieve peak efficiency, tune in to transform your approach to time and embrace more productivity.

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:

➡️ Shift focus to high-value properties and niche markets to maximise profitability and provide a VIP experience to fewer, more lucrative clients

➡️ Effective delegation in both business and personal life can significantly enhance productivity and create space for balance.

➡️Investing in strategies to 'buy back' time can lead to exponential business growth and personal wealth over the long term.

Some great moments:

✅ “Sometimes it's shorter than you think. Well, I'm planning on living 101 years, so I'm okay there.”

✅ “Because she's not investing on cleaning the house, she's investing in a housekeeper, which then allows us you to invest better in the business”

✅ “At £120,000 to grow quickly, you're probably giving half of that back into the company”

Are you weary from the constant chase of selling lower-value homes and looking to move up to more premium properties? This episode of the Ignite Podcast could be the breakthrough you've been searching for. Join Sam and Phil as they showcase how shifting focus to higher-value properties can significantly enhance your profitability and transform your agency's branding.

Uncover the strategies that led to AJ's success in the premium market, packed with practical insights on niche marketing and sophisticated sales techniques designed to make your agency a standout. Dive into the essentials of a diversified lead generation strategy, methodical marketing approaches, and the significance of team training (the green team build process).

Focus on mastering effective questioning, steering clear of conversation takeovers, and crafting a robust sales process tailored to meet your client's needs precisely.

Tune in to IGNITE your agency and navigate your way to premium property positioning.

Click HERE to get a copy of the slides from this episode.

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:

➡️ Shift focus to high-value properties and niche markets to maximise profitability and provide a VIP experience to fewer, more lucrative clients

➡️ Implement structured, systemised business processes and lead generation strategies to ensure agency growth and independence from its owner.

➡️ Train your team effectively, master the art of active listening and questioning, and own your sales process to build strong client relationships and secure sales.

Some great moments:

✅ "There are two types of buyers of KFC. One is the people that go there because it's cheap and one is the people that go there because it's a treat."

✅  "If our competitor was to go into a £5 million home, almost certainly they'd be offering less than 1%, probably more like 0.8%, and we would just be sticking to our guns at 1.5%. "

✅ "A really good interview will ask questions about that answer and they will keep asking questions about the answer"

Paul Avins, an expert in entrepreneurial well-being, unlocks the secrets of scaling your agency without burnout. If you're navigating the high seas of agency ownership, this episode is your lighthouse, uncover the balance between ambitious growth and personal health. Discover actionable strategies for building a solid team, crafting a clear business plan, and why stepping back can sometimes be the best step forward for your business.

Dive into the essentials of making your business attractive to buyers, with insights on revenue diversification and the power of a strong team. Plus, hear firsthand the transformative impact a Chief Operating Officer can have on your operations. This episode isn't just about growing your agency; learn the blueprint to thrive in business and personal well-being.

Tune in to redefine success on your terms, embracing a journey that promises not only a flourishing agency but also a fulfilled life. This is your chance to learn from those who've walked the path, gaining wisdom to avoid common pitfalls and embrace opportunities with confidence. 

Learn more about Paul at paulavins.com.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to 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! See when our next dates are:  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 Mastermind page: www.ajmastermind.co.uk 

If you have any questions please get in touch. Also, make sure you check out our upcoming events at: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Join our private Facebook community for independent estate agents only HERE

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Building a successful and sellable business requires a strategic focus on team building, diversifying revenue streams, and planning an exit strategy.

➡️ A business' value to potential buyers is significantly enhanced by having robust systems, predictable cash flow, and a reliable team that ensures the business can thrive without the owner's constant involvement.

➡️ Hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO) can be transformative for a growing business, bringing in essential skills in systemisation, compliance, and task completion that complement the vision and drive of the founders.

Some great moments:

✅ ”Only 18% of businesses ever get sold in the UK and despite how many get put up for sale, there are a number of reasons for that”

✅  ”My heart stopped at the edge of 42 for four and a half minutes, which is a pretty long time to hold your breath. ”

✅ ” If you have a good idea, if you haven't done something practical and measurable on it in 72 hours, bin it”

Delve into AJ’s 'New Branch Playbook' and discover how meticulous process documentation can elevate your agency from survival mode to a thriving, scaleable enterprise.

Experience the empowerment of stepping back without stepping away. Learn from Sam’s journey of taking time off, and see how a well-structured agency can continue its momentum, empowering your team to independently steer the ship. 

Discover actionable strategies on delegation and system creation, ensuring your agency delivers consistent, predictable results, enhancing team autonomy and operational efficiency.

Leverage virtual assistants to systemise and streamline your operations by learning the eight-step process to ensure your agency operates like a well-oiled machine.

Tune in to ignite your agency's future.


Visit bit.ly/ignite-systemise to download a copy of the slides from this episode!

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 Mastermind page: www.ajmastermind.co.uk 

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:

➡️ By systemising your agency with documented processes, you unlock the potential for scalability and operational independence. Meaning, you’ll be creating an environment where your business can grow, and possibly even be sold, without requiring your constant attention.

➡️ When you delegate tasks to your team to manage and document key operations, you're not just ensuring that work continues smoothly in your absence. You're also building a resilient business that consistently delivers quality, even when you or other managers aren’t present.

➡️ Hiring virtual assistants can revolutionise your business operations, giving you more time and resources to focus on strategic growth

Some great moments:

✅ ”I just love spreadsheets. They're my favourite thing. Spreadsheets and whiteboards actually run our business, don't they, Mac?”

✅  ”You need to be able to make it so simple that even a 14-year-old can do it. ”

✅ ”He'd called it who, what, why, where, when? I mean, how on earth was I supposed to find that?”

Learn from Lucy, our lead designer, how creativity isn't just about aesthetics but a strategic tool for innovation and problem-solving. Discover the synergy between creativity and structure, as we reveal how past experiences and cultural histories shape compelling narratives in your marketing, resonating deeply with potential clients.

Unlock the potential of the 'Brand Bible' in harmonising creative freedom with consistency, ensuring your agency's brand stands out. We share insights into transforming standard brochures into captivating stories of future homes, aligning closely with buyers' values and aspirations.

Hear from Liam and embrace the transformative power of change, exploring how it fuels growth similar to the discipline in bodybuilding. 

Discover the significance of embracing new ideas, the resilience in learning from setbacks, and the vital role of fun in driving innovation. 

Tune in and unlock the creative potential of 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 Mastermind page: www.ajmastermind.co.uk 

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:
➡️ Creativity in business is not just about aesthetics but also a problem-solving tool that fosters innovation and growth by approaching challenges from new angles.
➡️ The balance between standardisation and personalisation in branding is crucial for discovering your agency’s unique identity.
➡️ Embracing change, like a bodybuilder seeking growth through new routines, is essential for business growth - a willingness to experiment and learn from both successes and mistakes.

Some great moments:
✅ "We want the site to look amazing and to be branded as us, but we don't want to be bankrupt in the process!"
✅  "How do we keep them happy but still retain the integrity of our brand?"
✅ "Things change and business changes, the environment changes, you've got to adapt, grow and move forwards with it"

Step into "Challenge 2023 - A Year of Challenges," where Sam guides you on an extraordinary path of self-discovery and growth. This episode transcends a mere recount of a year brimming with monthly challenges; it's a call to you to carve your transformative journey. Each challenge, from the thrill of physical feats to the rigour of mental tasks, forms a vital part of a blueprint tailored for your personal and professional evolution.

Discover the transformative power of a screen-free month, unearth how to re-evaluate your digital habits and reconnect with the world anew. Gain valuable insights from Sam's journey of clean eating in the heart of Italy, running 50 miles in 24 hours and learning how to harmonise indulgence with well-being.

As this episode unfolds, consider it your personal invitation to ignite your own "Challenge 2024.” Let this episode be the catalyst for your journey towards overcoming personal barriers and achieving unparalleled success in 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 Mastermind page: www.ajmastermind.co.uk 

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 monthly personal challenges can lead to significant self-improvement and transformation, as experienced through activities such as cold water immersion, fasting, and disciplined eating.

➡️ Consistent participation in personal challenges, such as running daily or engaging in breath work, can alter daily routines and habits, leading to long-term lifestyle changes.

➡️ Documenting personal challenges can ignite the spark when setting future goals and challenges

Some great moments:

✅ ”I went skiing for a week and trying to fit at least a mile running in on slippery, icy, snowy pavements when it was dark before or after skiing. I found really hard. I'm glad I did it because it's done now, isn't it 31 days in the bag?”

✅  ”I was keeping my cardio going, but not just by running. So that's what I did 150 miles on the bike.”

✅ ”We went to Italy, food capital of the world, some people might say.”

Welcome to a special of Ignite Your Agency where we look back on some of our biggest and best episodes from 2023. Embark on a journey of self-discovery as we look back on  episodes including the 'wheels' of life and business, guiding you through a reflective audit of your lifestyle and professional goals. Arm yourself with the tools for a comprehensive lifestyle audit, perfectly aligned with your agency's aspirations.

Engage in an intimate discussion about the essence of relationships, delving into the five love languages and the invaluable impact of quality time with loved ones.

Special guest Julie Hill from The Coastal House joins us to share her remarkable journey from an emerging online presence to a leader in the high-end housing market, a practical guide for excelling in marketing and client relations in the competitive agency landscape.

Experience the thrill and hurdles of establishing and growing an estate agency through the first-hand experiences of Sam and Phil. From conducting mock viewings to crafting innovative showcase strategies, each tale is steeped in entrepreneurial wisdom.

Interested in diving deeper into these subjects? Click the links to listen to the full podcasts in our library:

Episode 90 "The Strategic Business Audit – Lifestyle Wheel Part One,"

100th Episode Special "IGNITE Your Agency,"

Episode 111 "Doing What Most Agents Won’t to Become a High-Value Market Leader – Julie Hill."

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

1. Keep up-to-date with all our open events by visiting: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/non-member-events

2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/

3. If you want our feedback on your letters email: team@ajmastermind.co.uk or sam@ajmastermind.co.uk

Some key takeaways:
➡️  Personal fulfilment and professional success are interconnected, and using tools like the 'two wheels' for self-assessment can help identify areas for improvement in both life and business.
➡️   Understanding and effectively utilising the five love languages can greatly enhance the quality of your relationships, contributing to overall well-being.
➡️ A successful agency requires a blend of disciplined marketing, client relations, and the willingness to learn from challenges and adapt strategies for growth in a competitive market.

Some great moments:
✅ ”But do you think? The time, though, is about the quality of time rather than the quantity. No, it's both.”
✅  ”Right from the word go, people were saying I just keep seeing you everywhere.
✅ ”It's very obvious when people are copying you, isn't it?”

Welcome back to Part 2 of our in-depth exploration of Aaron Ross's "From Impossible to Inevitable," brought to you exclusively, by Sam and Phil.

Transform your approach to achieving supersized deals by implementing niche marketing strategies that target higher-value property markets. Discover how to move away from the relentless competition in lower-value markets, learning how to rebrand and reposition your agency for the big leagues with ease.

Gain insights into the real entrepreneurial spirit required for business growth, appreciating not just the end goals but also the journey and milestones along the way. Embrace the importance of team-building, community engagement, and the joy found in each step of your entrepreneurial journey.

And there’s more – delve into the crucial role of motivation in leadership. Drawing parallels from the world of sports, uncover how adopting the tactics of a football manager can profoundly influence your leadership style and drive business success.

Master the art of setting clear goals, celebrating victories, and boosting team morale to guide your agency towards unparalleled growth. Don't miss this chance to accelerate your agency's journey. Tune in to Part 2 and ignite your agency's potential for extraordinary success!

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

1. Keep up-to-date with all our open events by visiting: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/non-member-events

2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/

3. If you want our feedback on your letters email: team@ajmastermind.co.uk or sam@ajmastermind.co.uk

Some key takeaways:
➡️  By specialising in a specific market niche, your agency can command higher fees and target more lucrative property markets, ultimately leading to greater revenue.
➡️   Embracing the hard work, persistence, and evolution of excitement in your business can lead to long-term success and fulfilment beyond the novelties of getting your first 7/8 figure listing.
➡️ Like a sports manager, a leader's ability to set clear targets, maintain team motivation, and celebrate successes can significantly influence a company's trajectory and success.

Some great moments:
✅ “It's like these adverts on Instagram that I went from fat to ripped in three days, eating anything I wanted. It's that kind of instant gratification society, that which sells.”
✅  If you sell the shop of the Chippy and you're called I don't know wesellanyhouse.com Yeah, does that even exist? ”
✅ ”So maybe all we're doing is looking for bigger and bigger dopamine hits, bigger and bigger deals.”

Have you ever wondered what sets industry giants like Salesforce apart and how you could transfer all that success into your estate agency?

Join Sam and Phil in part 1 of 2, where they dissect Aaron Ross's six-step framework from "From the Impossible to the Inevitable." Discover how this blueprint can transform your agency, from pinpointing your niche to mastering predictable lead generation.

Uncover the secrets behind Salesforce's explosive growth and learn how to apply these strategies to your agency. You'll hear about AJ’s successful direct mail campaigns and how diversifying your marketing approach with seeds, nets, and spears can create a vibrant, high-energy environment.

This isn't just about theories; it's about actionable insights that can reshape your approach to scaling and managing your business. Stay tuned as you’ll learn how to create a culture where every team member thinks like an owner.

Tune in to grasp the full potential of predictable lead generation and its impact on sales growth and scalability. Learn from Sam and Phil’s experiences, exploring how different marketing strategies can stimulate immediate growth for your agency.

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

1. Keep up-to-date with all our open events by visiting: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/non-member-events

2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/

3. If you want our feedback on your letters email: team@ajmastermind.co.uk or sam@ajmastermind.co.uk

Some key takeaways:
➡️  A predictable lead generation system is the foundation for business growth, as it allows for consistent and sustainable sales opportunities.
➡️   Nailing a niche market is crucial for exponential growth, as it ensures a focused approach and avoids the dilution of efforts across too many areas.
➡️ Making sales scalable involves more than just hiring additional staff; it requires structured systems and training to ensure sustainable expansion.

Some great moments:
✅ “Predictable lead generation solves a lot of sales problems.”
✅ ”If you want to have multiple branches three, five, seven plus that it becomes a point where, if you've got enough money in the business, enough money in the pipeline, it's the time to bite the bullet and get somebody in and get them trained and get them converting.”
✅ ”If it's feeling like it's too hard, you probably haven't niched.”

Discover how the team at AshdownJones and AJ Mastermind harness the power of good energy and passion to create an environment that not only draws clients but also inspires and drives team growth. Learn the secrets behind cultivating a magnetic atmosphere and how it fuels motivation and agency expansion.

Gain insights into how unique team-building experiences like icy lake swims can dramatically uplift morale and infuse your agency with vibrant energy. Understand the importance of each team member's unique contribution, from the quiet dedication to the loud enthusiasm, and how it collectively shapes your business success. Plus, uncover the art of syncing your team's energy with that of your clients to enhance communication and service, making your agency stand out.

As you strive to maintain a high-energy, high-achieving environment, let this be your catalyst. Tune in now and ignite your agency's energy!

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

1. Keep up-to-date with all our open events by visiting: www.ajmastermind.co.uk/non-member-events

2. Listen to another episode: https://podtail.com/it/podcast/ignite-your-estate-agency/

3. If you want our feedback on your letters email: team@ajmastermind.co.uk or sam@ajmastermind.co.uk

Some key takeaways:
➡️  Channel your team's passion to create an attractive environment that drives growth and pulls in new clients.
➡️  Welcome challenges and promote diversity within your team to boost energy levels and elevate morale.
➡️ Align your team's energy with your clients' and cultivate a vibrant culture to foster productive discussions and distinguish your agency from the rest.

Some great moments:
✅ “I'm going to scale a wall and get higher up and just show something about you that not necessarily everybody would.”
✅ ” No job too small, so you know who goes and does the washing up when it's needed”
✅ ”The more you spend time in your comfort zone, you get used to it and your energy levels will subside and plateau”