Advertise on podcast: Ninja Selling Podcast

Eric Thompson interviews Kayla Carosella, a Cleveland-based brokerage owner and Ninja Coaching client, about how she leveraged the Ninja scorecard to drive extraordinary results. During a six-week scorecard challenge, Kayla averaged 112 points per week, totaling 674 points, and generated five listings, new business opportunities, and recruiting conversations—all directly tied to consistent activity tracking. Kayla emphasizes that the foundation of her success was simple but powerful: consistently hitting 50 live interviews per week. She shares how she creates these opportunities through a combination of hosting networking events, attending community events, and making intentional follow-up calls. Her approach is rooted in genuine curiosity, asking meaningful questions, and focusing on learning something new in every interaction. A key insight from Kayla is that the scorecard didn't just increase her production—it re-energized her business. By adding daily text messages, handwritten notes, and structured follow-up, she reconnected with past relationships and deepened existing ones. The process became fun, competitive, and highly motivating, especially when combined with accountability and gamification. Ultimately, Kayla's story demonstrates that the scorecard is not just a tracking tool—it's a launchpad for consistent activity, stronger relationships, and predictable business growth. Her message is clear: you don't need perfection, you need progress, and everything starts with meaningful conversations. Key Takeaways The key to high scorecard performance is consistently achieving 50 live interviews each week Networking events and community engagement are powerful ways to generate live conversations Simple actions like "you came to my mind" texts can create meaningful reconnections and opportunities Tracking interactions in real time is essential to staying consistent and maximizing results Gamifying activity through challenges increases motivation, consistency, and enjoyment Progress matters more than perfection; small improvements week over week create big results Memorable Quotes "You have to get your 50 live interviews." "Just be a real person." "Be the human that tries the hardest." "It's progress over perfection." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Lokal Real Estate: https://www.lokalrealestate.com/ Katie Carosella: https://www.lokalrealestate.com/agent/921/Kayla_Carosella

In this episode, Eric Thompson interviews Hope George, a Richmond, Virginia based team leader who has built a highly effective Ninja-style farming business that generates consistent listings and income. With 60 percent of her nearly $880,000 in GCI coming from farming, Hope shares a clear, repeatable system for farming intentionally and profitably. Hope's approach begins with selecting the right farm using both relationship affinity and data. She analyzes past transactions, proximity, turnover rates, and competition to identify "fertile ground" before committing resources. From there, she implements a multi-layered flow system that combines high-quality monthly newsletters, targeted postcards with dynamic QR codes, and a strong follow-up system that includes handwritten notes, video messages, and in-person events. A key differentiator is her commitment to both art and science in her marketing. Her eight-page newsletter blends community content, real estate data, and local connections, while her postcards and brand kits create strong visibility and credibility. She complements this auto flow with live flow through charitable events, sponsorships, and consistent community presence. Hope emphasizes that farming requires persistence and financial discipline, noting it took eight months before her first listing. However, once momentum builds, the results compound. Her success illustrates that effective farming is not about luck but about consistent execution, strategic selection, and delivering exceptional value. Key Takeaways Start farming where you already have connection, familiarity, or past success Use data to validate your farm including turnover rate, competition, and ROI potential Commit financially and mentally because farming requires consistency before results appear Combine art and science in your marketing to connect emotionally and demonstrate expertise Use systems to convert auto flow into live flow through follow up and personal touches Leverage your listings aggressively to build visibility and momentum within the farm Memorable Quotes "I have clients calling me every month." "It felt like feeding a slot machine until it hit." "I'm trying to live on your fridge." "I had to stay in it until it started bearing fruit." "I almost quit at eight months." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Hope George: https://hopegeorgerealestate.com/

Eric Thompson interviews Jackie Converse, a Dallas-based Ninja with Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who is experiencing extraordinary momentum in her business, describing it as "clients coming out of the woodwork." Jackie shares how this success is not accidental, but the result of consistent, authentic Ninja habits that focus on relationships over transactions. Jackie highlights three key drivers of her growth: handwritten notes, consistent auto flow through a weekly real estate newsletter, and thoughtful real estate reviews. Her handwritten notes, about ten per week, are personal, heartfelt, and not about real estate, which naturally leads to reconnection and in-person meetings. Her newsletter provides valuable market insights, while her real estate reviews create meaningful touchpoints that often convert into business without any pressure. A central theme of the conversation is authenticity. Jackie emphasizes that Ninja has given her permission to be herself and build her business in a way that aligns with her personality. Rather than pushing for transactions, she focuses on caring for people, staying in flow, and letting her marketing communicate her expertise. Combined with coaching support, this approach has helped her set better boundaries, streamline her systems, and attract clients who respect her time and value her guidance. Key Takeaways Handwritten notes are a powerful relationship tool that create emotional connection and natural follow up Consistent auto flow, such as newsletters and market updates, keeps you visible and reinforces expertise Real estate reviews create opportunities for business without being pushy or sales focused Authenticity is the foundation of effective flow and the best results come from being yourself Coaching provides clarity, accountability, and helps set boundaries that protect your time and energy You do not need perfection to succeed, consistent effort and following the system at a moderate level still produces strong results Memorable Quotes "I have clients coming out of the woodwork." "It has nothing to do with real estate." "Ninja has given me free license to be myself." "I market what I do so I don't have to tell them." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Jackie Converse: https://www.jackieconverse.com/

In this episode, Eric Thompson interviews John Zickert about how he has grown his real estate team while staying true to Ninja Selling principles. John shares how his team increased production from $55.6M and 120 transactions in 2024 to $66.6M and 151 transactions in 2025, not by chasing new tactics, but by becoming more consistent with the Ninja Nine, improving team alignment, and deepening their commitment to value-driven relationships. John explains the structure of his team, the role clarity within it, and the "definitive purpose" that guides everything they do: to create value for others. He walks through their flow systems, including newsletters, postcards, local business highlights, client appreciation events, personal notes, and a thoughtful weekly team meeting rhythm. He also discusses how coaching, business planning, mindset habits, and consistency have helped him become more purposeful as a leader. The episode is ultimately about building a team the Ninja way: with strong mindset, simple but consistent actions, community focus, and a commitment to people over shiny objects. Key Takeaways  A strong team starts with a clear purpose. John's team filters decisions through one simple idea: Does this create value? That clarity helps them stay aligned and avoid distractions.Growth often comes from consistency, not reinvention.Their 20% year-over-year growth did not come from a major new initiative. It came from doing the fundamentals more consistently over time. Flow works best when it is both personal and valuable. Their newsletters, postcards, local-love features, Z Crew events, and handwritten notes are all designed to genuinely serve clients and community, not just market to them. Great team meetings are intentional. John's weekly team meeting includes gratitude, word-of-the-year reflection, pipeline review, marketing updates, Ninja teaching, idea sharing, and a positive close. It is designed to build both culture and clarity. Mindset is still the foundation. John credits much of his success to a disciplined morning routine built around gratitudes, affirmations, life-list review, reading, exercise, and meditation. For him, mindset is non-negotiable. Memorable Quotes "If we focus on creating value, we'll have all the business we need." "Anything we do in our business meetings—if it's not going to create value, we're not doing it." "We'd rather do the Ninja Nine 85% of the time than try to do it 100% of the time and only hit 50%." "We're very careful not to look for the new shiny object." "That morning mindset is so critical. It just keeps me focused."\ Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ John Zickert: https://jonzickert.realestateone.com/vp/AgentServlet?SITE=REO&tp_Usage=AgentPersonalWeb&context=AGENT_PAGE&cd_Agent=289214&cd_Web=jonzickert&REQUEST_HOST=jonzickert.realestateone.com

Rob Nelson and Eric Thompson break down one of the most repeated phrases in Ninja Selling: "Flow fixes everything." The discussion begins with a question from a new Ninja who wondered what Auto-Flow really is and where to start. Rob and Eric use that question to explain how flow works and why it is essential to becoming the Realtor of choice. Flow simply means frequency of interaction. In Ninja there are two types: Live Flow and Auto-Flow. Live Flow is two-way communication, such as conversations, calls, meetings, and personal interactions. Auto-Flow is one-way communication, such as emails, newsletters, postcards, social media posts, or gifts that go out automatically. Both play different but complementary roles. Live Flow deepens relationships and builds trust, while auto flow maintains visibility and demonstrates expertise when you are busy or not actively connecting. They also explain the concept of the decision window. People often think about buying or selling real estate for 9 to 21 months, but they typically choose their agent in just 1 to 3 days. The agent who has been most consistently in flow during that period becomes the natural choice. Because most people know multiple Realtors, consistent flow is what separates the professional who gets the call from the one who is forgotten. The episode closes with a simple framework for implementing Auto-Flow. Three value-add touches per month, typically two digital and one print, mixing both art (heart-focused touches) and science (market expertise). When combined with Live Flow, this system keeps you top of mind and reinforces both your relationship and your professional credibility. Key Takeaways Flow means frequency of interaction and is the mechanism that keeps you top of mind Live Flow builds relationships while Auto-Flow maintains visibility and expertise The real estate decision window is extremely short even though the buying process is long Three value-add touches per month, combining art and science, create a simple auto flow system Auto-Flow should support relationships rather than replace live interactions Authentic communication always works better than generic marketing Real Estate Reviews are a powerful tool because they convert Auto-Flow into Live Flow conversations Only 6% of agents consistently stay in flow after a transaction. Memorable Quotes "Flow fixes everything." "People on average know twelve realtors." "Live Flow builds the relationship. Auto-Flow maintains the presence." "You're either visible or invisible." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/  

Rob Nelson and Peter Parnegg explore the idea that fun should not be the reward for success but the fuel for it. The conversation begins with Peter sharing a 30 year life list goal he is about to achieve, a father son heli skiing trip in British Columbia. That story opens a broader discussion about how many professionals postpone joy until "someday" while building businesses that quietly consume their lives. Rob and Peter suggest that fun requires intention and planning. If it is not scheduled, work will always take its place. They contrast bucket list thinking, which often waits until later in life, with life list thinking, which prioritizes meaningful experiences now. The episode also connects fun to productivity, arguing that energy, presence, and joy improve performance rather than distract from it. Whether through small daily moments or major life list experiences, the message is clear: success should include a life you are actively enjoying, not just building. Key Takeaways Fun should be treated as fuel for success rather than something postponed until later Meaningful experiences require intention and scheduling or work will consume the time Small joyful moments can be just as powerful as big life list events Energy and consciousness are the most important professional tools and fun helps renew both Memorable Quotes "What if fun is actually the fuel for success?" "Fun requires intention." "Happiness is not the result of a sale. A sale is a result of happiness." "When there's that moment of should we do it or not, the answer is yes." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/

In this episode, Eric Thompson interviews Ryan Craig of Traverse City, Michigan, along with his Ninja Coach Mark Johnson, to explore a powerful transformation: pivoting from a cold lead centric business to a relationship based Ninja business. Ryan previously ran a high pressure lead generation operation with a large team and roughly 35,000 dollars per month in overhead, including about 10,000 dollars per month spent on cold internet leads. The model produced transactions, but it also created constant stress, fragmented attention, and a life where Ryan was physically present with his family but mentally tied to the phone. After discovering Ninja Selling while listening to the book with his wife, Ryan realized there was a different way to build a real estate career, one centered on relationships rather than relentless lead conversion. In 2025 he fully committed to the Ninja approach with coaching support from Mark Johnson. The result was dramatic: Ryan produced 722,000 dollars in gross commission income from 47 transactions and 34 million in volume, while simultaneously reducing his monthly overhead by about 25,000 dollars. Ryan credits the transformation to mindset, structure, and consistent implementation of the Ninja Nine habits. Instead of chasing cold leads, he began focusing on handwritten notes, proactive relationship calls, gratitude, and intentional conversations with people who already knew and trusted him. Mark helped him slow down, eliminate unnecessary commitments, and prioritize meaningful interactions over constant activity. The shift not only improved his income but restored balance in his life, allowing him to be present with his wife and five children. Ryan's story illustrates how focusing on relationships, consistency, and purpose can produce both better business results and a better life. Key Takeaways Cold lead generation can create a false sense of productivity while increasing stress and reducing meaningful relationships High overhead business models often hide the true cost of lead driven systems Pivoting to a sphere based business dramatically increases income per hour and reduces overhead Relationship calls feel very different from cold lead calls because the trust already exists Handwritten notes and proactive conversations create compounding opportunities Consistent Ninja Nine habits create momentum and confidence Coaching provides clarity, accountability, and perspective during major business transitions Slowing down can actually accelerate growth by focusing energy on the right activities Addition through subtraction is often the fastest way to improve both life and business Fragmentation and constant responsiveness create anxiety, while proactive systems restore control Real estate success does not require working constantly, it requires working intentionally Relationships that already exist are often the most overlooked source of business Memorable Quotes "I bought the book for my wife and it turned out to be mine." "The cold lead style of business is an illusion." "You can only go so far before you run out of gas." "I felt like a robot being told where to go and what to do." "My kids would try to tell me about their day and I'd hold up one finger and say one more minute." "I realized 87 percent of my business had always come from people I knew." "My phone used to ring nonstop. Now it hardly rings at all." "I used to feel fragmented. Now everything feels intentional." "Addition through subtraction changed everything." "The more things I cut out, the more the right things showed up." "Doing the work consistently is what made the difference." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Ryan Craig: https://www.christiesrealestate.com/us/real-estate-agents/ryan-craig/32877/

In this bonus episode, we're sharing a recording from our live Ninja Sales Meeting, held the first Monday of every month, after many of you asked to hear these sessions on the podcast. Peter Parnegg delivers an energizing and practical message focused on one core idea: if you want to quickly build your business, master the subtle skills that create real connection. Drawing on insights from Sarah Blakely and the Ninja principles, Peter explores how entrepreneurship exposes our fears and how many of us avoid live conversations because of discomfort, guilt, or fear of "feeling salesy." In reality, marketing creates awareness, but relationships create business. And relationships are built through consistent flow. This episode is a reminder that nothing happens until something moves and that authentic, emotionally intelligent outreach will always outperform sales pressure. If you're ready to overcome hesitation, reconnect with your people, and create opportunities, this conversation will give you practical tools you can implement immediately. And if you'd like to join us live for future Ninja Sales Meetings, tune in on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time on the Ninja Selling YouTube channel. Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/  

Rob Nelson and Don Tennessen discuss Principle Two of Ninja Selling: Stop Selling. Start Solving. It's built on a simple truth that people love to buy, and they hate to be sold. They explore why most sales approaches push people away, triggering defensiveness and avoidance, and how Ninja flips that dynamic by creating value, asking questions, and building relationships that naturally attract clients. Rob and Don clarify that the goal is not to avoid a process or abandon structure. The goal is to redefine what selling is, to become the trusted guide who helps people decide. They draw a sharp contrast between persuasion and clarity, emphasizing that confidence is built through communication, anticipating needs, reducing surprises, and making the transaction feel "greased" so the focus can stay on the human experience. A major theme is that real estate is uniquely emotional and complex because it is layered on top of life events like career changes, marriage, divorce, children, and moving routines and memories. That makes "fabled service" less about technical excellence and more about how clients feel during uncertainty. Don shares personal examples from selling rental properties and from a longtime doctor relationship to show what people remember most, the moments that communicate, I care about you, and I've got you. The conversation ends with a practical reset. If you feel yourself selling, you likely stopped solving, and the fastest pivot is to ask a question and re-center on the client's next chapter. Key Takeaways People move away from sales pressure and move toward value, so the first goal is to stop pushing people away Stop selling is really about attracting clients instead of chasing them A Ninja mindset focuses on what you can give rather than what you can get The job is not to make people buy, the job is to help them decide Reputation replaces persuasion because what clients say about you is more powerful than what you say about yourself Value creation has two lanes, what you do during the transaction and what you do between transactions Clients want information, a clear process, consistent follow up, and fewer surprises Real estate is more complex than other financial transactions because it stacks on top of life change and emotion Fabled service is less about technical perfection and more about how you make people feel A moment of truth is when a client touches your process, so anticipate stress points and communicate proactively If you feel like you are selling, you probably stopped solving and started thinking about yourself The best pivot out of sales mode is to ask a question and return focus to the client and ask questions Strangers are only strangers as long as you let them be strangers, one meaningful conversation changes that The transaction is not the goal, it is the consequence of consistent relationship and service Memorable Quotes "People love to buy and they hate to be sold." "Our job isn't to make people buy. Our job is to help them decide." "The mindset of a salesperson is to get something from someone. The mindset of a Ninja is what can we give." "Reputation replaces persuasion." "What do I have to do so they don't have to lay awake at night?" "A moment of truth is when your client comes into contact with your process." "You build confidence through clarity." "If I'm solving, then I don't have to sell. If I'm selling, I've probably stopped solving." "The transaction is not the goal, it's the consequence." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/

Eric Thompson interviews Ryan Wentworth and Michael Parsiola of Reve Realtors in New Orleans, Louisiana, who experienced a dramatic turnaround after realizing they had been running their business "on accident." After dropping from 20 million in volume to 13 million in a challenging market shaped by rising interest rates and skyrocketing insurance costs, they consciously decided to rebuild their business on purpose. The shift was not about chasing more leads. It was about returning to fundamentals, implementing consistent flow systems, and intentionally structuring their partnership. In 2025, they produced 29 million in volume, a 123% year-over-year Increase, while the market grew only 3%. They share how they streamlined operations, eliminated inefficiencies, and recommitted to consistent client touches including just sold mailers, newsletters, market reports, and highly creative live flow events like Saints football games and architectural cycling tours. They also discuss how they divide responsibilities within their partnership to maximize clarity and efficiency, with one focusing on listings and the other on buyers, while maintaining unified communication. At its core, their breakthrough came from moving from reactive to intentional, from accidental production to systemized flow, and from perfection paralysis to consistent action. Key Takeaways Being "on accident" often means managing incoming business without proactive flow systems Market shifts expose weak systems and force clarity Rebuilding from the ground up creates stronger, more efficient processes Intentional flow beats accidental momentum Mailers and market reports work when consistent and visible Auto flow creates visibility even when you are busy Invitations are as powerful as attendance for generating connection Creative, authentic flow tied to personal interests increases engagement Partnership clarity prevents confusion and builds client trust Clearly defined roles create efficiency and confidence Coaching provides accountability, fresh ideas, and perspective Perfection is the enemy of good and progress beats paralysis Consistency compounds, even if it feels small in the moment Memorable Quotes "We were managing the business that was coming at us, not on purpose." "We need to go back to basics." "We needed to know how the sausage is made." "Just sold cards were all in my head. Clients loved them." "We didn't want them to feel passed off." "Perfection is the enemy of good." "Look at where you were two years ago." "We're not a 10, but we're a 7, and that's way better than a 2." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Ryan Wentworth: Website Michael Parsiola: Website  

This episode opens with a simple question that hits home for many agents: Do you struggle with consistency? Rob Nelson is joined by Larry Kendall and Eric Thompson to review the pattern they found while researching Ninja Coaching clients who had their best year yet in 2025. Across different personalities, markets, and business styles, the common denominator was not a specific lead source or marketing tactic. It was consistency, and the clearest measurable indicator of consistency was turning in a weekly scorecard. They share that 87% of the "Best Year Yet" Ninha Coaching clients consistently turned in a weekly scorecard, making it the strongest correlation they found. The scorecard is positioned as the truth teller and the ultimate tool for tracking, gamifying, and sustaining the Ninja Nine habits over time. Rather than chasing results, the conversation emphasizes managing activities, because activities repeated over time create predictable outcomes. Larry and Eric walk through what the scorecard is, why it works, and how it has evolved, including modern enhancements like daily personal text messages and tracking open house conversations. They explain the five pathways to consistency, track activities, gamify, join a group, hire a coach, and find an encouragement partner, and show how the scorecard supports all five. They also discuss realistic targets and the idea that perfection is not required. A score of 70 out of 100 is the acceleration point where business becomes consistent, while missing one week is a mistake and missing two is the start of a new habit. The episode closes with practical guidance on how to restart after falling off, how to plan for 45 full on weeks and seven recharge weeks, and why keeping scorecards in a binder becomes a powerful way to measure progress and diagnose a slump. Larry reinforces the message with a personal example, his long running pushup log, showing how tracking drives consistency, and consistency drives results. Key Takeaways Consistency is the common denominator behind best year yet results, even when the specific business style varies Turning in a weekly scorecard is the strongest measurable correlation, with 87 percent of best year yet coaching clients doing it Scorecards shift focus from results to activities, which restores control, reduces frustration, and creates momentum The scorecard supports five ways to stay consistent, tracking, gamifying, joining a group, hiring a coach, and using an encouragement partner Missing one week is a mistake, missing two is the start of a new habit, so the goal is to avoid the second miss Managing activities is more effective than managing production, and it is especially useful for managers and sales leaders Modern enhancements include personal text messages with a FORD question and tracking open houses as a major buyer entry point Plan for 45 full on weeks and seven recharge weeks to build consistency with grace, sustainability, and real life flexibility Memorable Quotes Do you struggle with consistency The number one correlation between having a best year yet is that they turn in a weekly scorecard Most people do not fail because they do not know what to do, they fail because they do not do what they know consistently The answer may be you are not keeping score If you do the activities, the production takes care of itself Stop trying to manage production and start managing activity The scorecard is the truth You can miss one, that is a mistake, but if you miss two, that is the start of a new habit Two weeks at a hundred and ten weeks at zero is not the same as twelve weeks at seventy Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ The Ninja Flow Scorecard: http://www.ninjaselling.com/scorecard

In this Best Year Yet episode, Eric Thompson interviews Derek Walden, a Wichita, Kansas–based agent with At Home Wichita, who more than doubled his business in 2025. Derek closed 56 transactions for approximately 15 million in volume while raising a large family of eight children, with another on the way. He shares how shifting away from a lead heavy, grind based team model and embracing the Ninja approach transformed both his results and his quality of life. Derek describes his early years on a lead generation focused team as a hamster wheel that did not align with his values or his family priorities. Discovering Ninja Selling introduced a relationship centered model built on service, trust, and depth rather than volume and pressure. In 2025, Derek produced his best year yet by staying persistent, tracking his numbers closely, prioritizing meaningful live conversations, and building business with people who know, like, and trust him. A key theme of the conversation is depth over small talk. Drawing from his military background, Derek explains how he naturally gravitates toward substantive conversations and emotional connection, which has become a differentiator in his real estate business. He focuses on long, intentional one on one interactions rather than high frequency surface level contacts, creating an integrated business that feels natural rather than exhausting. With the support of Ninja Coaching and Coach Mark Johnson, Derek also shares how coaching helped him live more on purpose, stay inspired, and remain accountable to the fundamentals that drive consistent growth. Key Takeaways Relationship based business scales better than lead based grinding when aligned with your values and life priorities. Persistence compounds over time and momentum builds like adding cars to a train year after year. Deep conversations outperform small talk by creating trust, emotional connection, and long term loyalty. Tracking your numbers creates clarity and confidence in decision making and business planning. Live conversations do not need to be high volume if they are meaningful, intentional, and unhurried. Auto flow can be simple and personal through consistent mail, newsletters, and authentic updates. Memorable Quotes "If you work hard and do the right things, good things will happen." "I hate small talk." "When it's a friend calling, it doesn't feel like work." "This year didn't feel like a treadmill." "I believe an integrated life is a powerful life." "I was created to love and serve others." "Just relax, take a deep breath, and focus on what you can control." "Coaching helped me move from living on accident to living on purpose." "I've never had a conversation where I wished I hadn't had it." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Derek Walden: https://www.athomewichita.com/agent/derek-walden/

In this Best Year Yet episode, Eric Thompson interviews Belle Caplis, a Brooklyn based Compass agent on the Bateman Fields team. Belle shares how she grew from 9 million in sales volume to 23.6 million in 2025, increasing from 11 to 25 sales transactions, while also expanding rentals and referral business. Belle's story is especially compelling because her real estate career began in March of 2020, just days before New York City shut down. With the city locked down and her new career uncertain, she found structure and community through a Compass recovery meeting that led her to Ninja Selling and a powerful accountability practice called the 10 at 10. Three times a week, Belle joined a Zoom session, started with gratitude, then turned cameras off and called 10 people using FORD questions before regrouping to report back. That early rhythm gave her confidence, listening skills, and the ability to build trust fast, which later made her highly effective even with Zillow leads, where she routinely stayed on calls 30 to 40 minutes to deepen connection. Belle explains that her 2025 growth came from two main shifts. First, she became much better at follow up after open houses, using specific, personalized follow up tied to what the person said and continuing to deliver value through listings, pricing strategy, and education rather than generic check ins. Second, she leaned fully into education and service across her sphere by giving real estate advice freely, offering to find answers when she did not know them, and becoming the person people consult for clarity. Belle's approach is rooted in what she calls rigorous honesty, transparency, and risk analysis. She promises clients she cannot control outcomes, but she can control how honest and clear she is, and she builds deep trust by pointing out both pros and potential risks so clients can make confident decisions. She closes by encouraging listeners to be imperfect, take small steps, be honest about what they are not doing, and start again tomorrow. Key Takeaways Accountability creates momentum and Belle's early 10 at 10 practice built confidence, consistency, and relationship skills fast FORD questions are a business builder because they shift the focus to people, create trust, and help you listen for what matters Attraction over promotion works because you do not need to announce you are an agent, you just lead with curiosity and care Trust building beats pretending and the phrase "I'm not one hundred percent on that, so I'll get back to you very soon" protects credibility and creates natural follow up Longer first conversations create faster trust and Belle's ability to stay connected for 30 to 40 minutes helped her convert leads at a higher level Open house follow up is a growth lever when it is specific, personal, and value based rather than generic check ins Education is a referral engine when you freely explain pricing strategy, negotiation, and why listings sell or do not sell Service creates opportunity because you never know where the next referral will come from, so treat everyone like they matter Define your A list as the people you are rooting for and call them to reset your mindset and get out of your own head Humor and personality can be part of flow and Belle uses memes, "real estate gossip," and stories to stay top of mind while reinforcing expertise Rigorous honesty builds lifetime clients and Belle's promise is transparency, not outcomes she cannot control Risk analysis is a differentiator because clients feel protected, informed, and confident in their decisions Progress matters more than perfection and small daily improvements compound into big years Memorable Quotes "I onboarded at Compass on a Wednesday in March of 2020 and on Friday the entire city shut down." "I don't know how to do real estate, but I know how to go to a meeting." "This is attraction, not promotion." "I'm not one hundred percent on that and I don't want to answer until I am, so I'm going to get back to you very soon." "My goal was to gain trust before I got off that phone call." "I'm not a gatekeeper." "My A's are the people that I am rooting for." "The fastest way for me to reset to factory settings is to focus on other people." "I'm going to tell you no way more than I'm going to tell you yes." "I give you permission to not do it well today. Just do it." "Make one or two baby steps of progress today, then start over tomorrow." Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Belle Caplis: https://www.compass.com/agents/belle-caplis/ Belle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belleclosing

Eric Thompson interviews Jed Inductivo, a Ninja with Compass in Los Angeles, who achieved his best year yet in 2025 with business up 56% year over year. What makes the story remarkable is that it happened during significant adversity. LA faced devastating fires that impacted clients and the community at large. Jed's brokerage dissolved, forcing a rapid transition. Instead of contracting, Jed expanded by choosing a player mindset, leading with value, and committing to simple, repeatable Ninja fundamentals. Jed credits a guiding belief, "This is happening for me, not to me," as the mindset shift that kept him solution-focused. During the fires, he stepped into service by supporting displaced clients, helping people find temporary housing, and sending resource packed newsletters that were widely shared and generated inbound calls for lease support. Jed breaks down the systems that drove his growth. He created two versions of a Real Estate Review, a five-minute version and a fifteen-minute version, to make Habit 7 consistent. He pairs those reviews with a steady rhythm of coffees and lunches, and he built a highly intentional agent referral engine that now contributes roughly two-thirds of his business. He also shares how his hospitality background helps him deliver a Four Seasons level experience through intake forms, milestone moments, and event style open houses. Looking ahead to 2026, Jed's focus is on calm in the hard, protecting mornings for focus and clarity, and doubling down on his vital few activities, including Real Estate Reviews, two coffees or lunches per week, and his power hour. Key Takeaways Adversity can be fuel when you choose a player mindset and stay focused on solutions This is happening for me, not to me, is a practical mental shift that prevents victim thinking and creates forward motion Value creates opportunity, and Jed's fire resource newsletters were shared widely and led directly to new lease clients Real Estate Reviews paired with coffee or lunch became Jed's strongest growth lever and biggest source of sales Simplify the habit so it happens consistently, and the five-minute and fifteen-minute review options removed friction and made execution weekly Follow up with an insight rather than asking if they have questions, which keeps the burden off the client and highlights your expertise Agent referrals are built intentionally through consistent relationship building, two agent connection calls per week, and making it easy to remember and refer you Make referring you easy with a simple one sheet that explains your market areas, specialties, and personal connection points Hospitality creates bespoke service and intake sheets plus milestone touches create a Four Seasons experience Authentic flow wins and the most sustainable systems are the ones aligned with your DNA and interests Memorable Quotes This is happening for me, not to me Real estate agents are problem solvers My biggest sales this year have come from this combination of real estate review, coffee, lunch by far Treat your clients like they're staying at a Four Seasons The best flow is authentic flow Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Jed Inductivo: https://jedi.la/ Jed's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedi.agent/ Schedule a meeting with Jed: http://www.calendly.com/jed_i  

Episode Summary In this special live episode of the Ninja Selling Podcast, Eric Thompson records in front of a live audience at the first Ninja Installation of 2026 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Eric is joined by Denver agent Dave Hettrick of RE/MAX Professionals and Dave's Ninja Coach, Julie WIll. Dave had his best year yet in 2025, growing his business 62% year over year in a market that was essentially flat, and he broke through a major income milestone by earning just over $300,000 for the year. The central theme of the conversation is flow, specifically hyper flow, and how Dave creates massive results without asking for referrals. Dave is known in the coaching community as Mr. Gratitude, and he shares how leading every coaching call with wins and gratitude keeps him in a powerful mindset that helps him see opportunities, stay positive, and show up better for clients. Eric and Julie highlight that Dave's breakthrough came as he learned to trust the process, lean into consistency, and stay committed to incremental progress rather than perfection. Dave explains how he has structured his life around live flow through intentional networking groups, coffees, lunches, and social time with friends, turning everyday connection into a predictable business engine. He shares how he built clarity and focus by knowing his numbers, maintaining a database of 426 people, and identifying a top 100 "client base" who receive extra attention and meaningful experiences such as an intimate annual pie party. He also shares the strategy that made his pie party so effective, emphasizing that the real power is in the touches before and after the event, including calls, texts, handwritten notes, and personal deliveries. Julie shares how Dave's growth accelerated when he stopped rushing out of conversations to handle lower value tasks, and instead stayed present in relationship building while delegating operational and marketing tasks to his wife, Christine, who now works full time in the business. Dave closes by sharing his 2026 goal of 95 transactions, along with the visual accountability anchors he is using, and the creation of a "President's Club" travel reward system that celebrates their success and reinforces the life they are building. Key Takeaways Gratitude is a performance advantage and Dave uses it intentionally to fuel mindset, energy, and opportunity awareness Trusting the process creates momentum and Dave's results grew when he stopped forcing what he thought he should do and committed to what works consistently Flow fixes everything and live flow in particular becomes a predictable engine when it is scheduled and protected on the calendar Hyper flow does not require asking for referrals when relationships are nurtured with genuine care and consistent connection Incremental progress beats perfection and Dave does not miss twice because anything missed gets scheduled and corrected the following week Know your numbers because your database is your primary asset and Dave can immediately state his database size and what matters most within it Focus on a top 100 client base and give them extra love through deeper experiences and more intentional touches Events work best when you maximize the before and after touches because invitations, reminders, thank you calls, notes, and follow up visits create multiple flow opportunities Personal delivery creates outsized impact and Dave generated seven referrals from delivering cookies and handwritten notes to people who could not attend his event Networking groups are only the beginning and the real value comes from turning brief interactions into coffees, lunches, dinners, and deeper relationships Delegation increases flow capacity and Dave's wife took over tasks that do not require a license, freeing Dave to stay in high value conversations A strong warm list is built by listening for change in FORD and Dave is consistently adding people each week because he is in frequent live conversation Anchors increase accountability and a simple visual reminder can keep a goal present and actionable every day Coaching becomes leverage when it shifts from cost thinking to value thinking and when the cadence is customized to what keeps momentum alive Memorable Quotes It was not a strategy. It was a way of life Trust the process The most powerful form of flow is live flow Consistency and just doing the same things every week If you miss it once it is a mistake, miss it twice it is the start of a new habit Consistency brings power It is not just about the event, it is about what happens before and after the event What is it worth, not what does it cost Links: Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-254-1650 Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/ Dave Hettrick: https://david-hettrick.remax.com/