We all have people who’ve made a big difference in our lives. Sometimes they’re people around you. Other times, it’s a someone “out there” – an author, speaker, talk show host (hey, we can dream), or even a politician (okay, that’s REALLY pushing it). But you get the idea.
For us, Tom Hopkins is a guy we really didn’t know personally, but whose ideas made a HUGE impact in our lives. And that was WAY before we became The Real Estate Guys™.
So you can imagine how excited we were when Tom agreed to be our in-studio guest for a full hour (and then some) of face to face conversation. And when it was all over, Tom agreed to join the faculty for The Real Estate Guys™ 2014 Investor Summit at Sea™. WOW! Double prizes!
From the Rich Dad Radio studios in Scottsdale, Arizona for this star-struck episode of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show:
- Your happy host, Robert Helms
- His giddy sidekick, Russell Gray
- A living legend in real estate and sales training, Tom Hopkins
We kick off this episode gushing about the role Tom Hopkins has played in each of our lives. We’ve been recommending Tom’s signature work, How to Master the Art of Selling, in the Sales and Business section of our Recommended Reading area since we first set up our website.
Now before you tune out because you’re not a salesperson, think again. EVERYONE is a salesperson. And everyone is better off for being more skilled in the art of persuasion.
Think about it. Whether you’re looking for a job, asking for a date, recruiting a team member or negotiating the family budget, if you want to be successful, you’d better be able to persuade the other person.
And in addition to being a legendary sales guru and prolific author, Tom Hopkins is also an avid, lifelong real estate investor. His perspectives have been shaped over decades of selling real estate, investing in real estate, training real estate professionals and being connected to people at all levels of the real estate industry.
With that kind of resume, it’s a shame we only had Tom for an hour. But did we mention, he’s agreed to join us for an ENTIRE WEEK on the 2014 Investor Summit at Sea™? We can’t wait!
Tom reminds us that for sales pros (or anyone wishing to persuade another), the tools of the trade are words. And the good news is that unlike heavy equipment, computers and power tools, words are FREE. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be diligently trained and practices in their safe and proper use.
Sadly, because the barrier to entry is so low, many people end up in sales who are unskilled with their words. The result is misunderstandings, ruffled feathers and awkward moments. Or worse.
On the other hand, because so many people are unskilled with their words, when YOU take the time to master your craft, it’s easier to excel. And while persuasion is an art, it’s also a skill. So even people lacking “natural talent” (whatever that is), can become proficient persuaders.
Consider how handy it would be to be skilled when negotiating your next deal, partnership, vendor contract or loan. The applications for sale skills are endless.
So before you label yourself as “just not a salesperson” or “a natural salesperson”, think long and hard about what it means to be a professional in getting teams built and deals done. Can you really afford not to be a proficient persuader? How much more profitable might you be with better skills?
If you’re not already the type of person who invests early and often in your own education and skills, we hope you’ll begin to do so right away. As Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Wise words. No wonder he’s on the hundred dollar bill!
Listen Now:
- Don’t miss an episode of The Real Estate Guys™ radio show! Subscribe to the free podcast
- Stay connected with The Real Estate Guys™ on Facebook!
The Real Estate Guys™ radio show and podcast provides real estate investing news, education, training and resources that help real estate investors succeed. Visit our Feedback page and tell us what you think!
