Advertise on podcast: Commercial Real Estate Leadership (CRE Success)

If you want to build momentum, win more listings, and operate at a higher level, it starts with doing the right work.  In episode 266 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak introduces the Function Funnel, a practical framework to eliminate low-value tasks and elevate your role. Too many agents and principals are busy but stuck in low-value activity. The Function Funnel helps you shift from asking "How do I get this all done?" to "Should I be doing this at all?"  This episode walks through the five stages of the Function Funnel: eliminate, automate, outsource, delegate, and do (while improving). It also connects these decisions to your effective hourly rate, helping you align your time with high-value, revenue-generating work. It's essential listening for commercial real estate agents and principals who want a structured approach to create capacity, increase efficiency, and focus on purposeful action that drives growth. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Here's the prompt from the episode you can use so that AI can help you get started: "You are an efficiency expert. I am a commercial real estate [principal/agent/property manager] based in [location]. I am looking to create more efficiency in my day-to-day work. I want you to help me find opportunities to eliminate certain processes, automate particular workflows, outsource certain functions, delegate tasks that are below my pay grade, and find more efficient ways to do the work that is within my zone of genius, but I am not sure where to get started. Please prepare a list to help me make progress in each of those areas." Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/266 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Take back control of your time and use your smartphone to build momentum in commercial real estate.  In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak shares 10 practical strategies to help you reduce distractions, improve focus, and turn your phone into a tool for purposeful action. Many commercial real estate agents believe they are being productive on their phones. In reality, constant notifications, app usage, and screen time are pulling their attention away from high-value activities like building relationships, winning listings and closing deals. This episode breaks down simple, actionable ways to reduce wasted time, increase efficiency, and stay focused on what actually builds your pipeline and drives greater production. What You'll Learn: •        How to reduce distractions by controlling notifications and app usage  •        Why setting screen time limits creates better focus and discipline  •        Practical ways to use voice commands and dictation to save time  •        How to use your phone to support deep work and uninterrupted focus  •        Simple habits to improve daily productivity and build momentum --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/265 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Most commercial real estate agencies have a large email database, but few are fully leveraging its potential. In episode 264 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak breaks down how to convert your email list into a consistent source of opportunities using a simple framework: the three Cs of email marketing: Cadence, Content, and Calls to Action. This episode will help principals and agents move beyond sporadic communication and basic listing updates. Darren explains why email remains one of the most effective marketing channels, offering greater control and stronger engagement compared to social media platforms. By implementing the right rhythm, delivering valuable content, and guiding recipients toward the next step, commercial real estate agencies can build stronger relationships at scale and generate inbound enquiries. You'll discover: 🔹 Why email marketing is a high-leverage activity in commercial real estate 🔹 The ideal cadence for staying consistent without overwhelming your list 🔹 The three types of content that build trust and engagement 🔹 How to use calls to action to drive responses and create opportunities 🔹 Why consistent emails reduce unsubscribes and increase connection If your database is sitting idle or underperforming, this episode gives you a practical framework to unlock its full value. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/264 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Using the Dream 100 strategy in commercial real estate is a powerful way to build momentum, win more listings, and focus your energy where it matters most. In this episode, Darren Krakowiak covers the Dream 100 concept, a targeted approach to identifying and prioritising the clients and prospects who can have the biggest impact on your business. Instead of chasing pure volume through more cold calls, this strategy shifts your focus toward high-value relationships and purposeful action. Darren explains how to create your own Dream 100 list, how to refine it using your CRM, and how to align your marketing and sales efforts to engage these key prospects more effectively. He also highlights the importance of balancing direct outreach with leveraged content to attract similar high-quality clients. This episode reinforces a critical principle in commercial real estate: quality trumps quantity. By focusing on the right people, you build stronger relationships, create more meaningful conversations, and ultimately close more deals. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: •        How to build a high-impact Dream 100 client list  •        Why focusing on fewer prospects drives better results  •        How to use your CRM to identify ideal clients  •        Strategies to move prospects from awareness to engagement  •        How to align marketing and prospecting for maximum impact  --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/263 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Quarter time (aka the end of Q1) in commercial real estate is an ideal moment to assess performance, reset focus, and build momentum for the rest of the year. In episode 262 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak breaks down how principals can effectively lead their teams at this stage of the year. He outlines the three key cohorts within agencies and shares practical strategies to support those agents who have the potential to succeed but are currently underperforming. This episode focuses on leadership psychology, motivation, and the power of timely intervention. Darren explains how encouragement, clarity, and consistent direction can help commercial real estate agents regain confidence, refocus on the fundamentals, and rebuild momentum before it is too late. In it, you'll discover: 🔹 The three types of agents in your business right now 🔹 How to support agents who are underperforming but capable 🔹 Why encouragement and belief can shift performance 🔹 How to refocus distracted agents on proven activities 🔹 When to step in and have difficult conversations If you are leading a commercial real estate business and want to maximise performance across the board, this episode provides a practical framework to guide your approach. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. If you're leading an independent, franchised, or boutique firm and want to unlock your team's potential while growing revenue with less stress, visit cresuccess.co/sales and learn more about Sales Management as a Service™ Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/262 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Commercial real estate principals and their teams are facing a perfect storm: stagnation in asset prices, fewer transactions due to the gap between buyers and sellers, and increasing pressure on commissions in an ever-competitive marketplace. In episode 261 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explains how agency teams can protect their income and increase production in this challenging environment. As yields decompress and asset prices soften, many agents feel the squeeze from both ends. Deals are harder to secure, and clients are negotiating harder on fees. Darren outlines practical strategies to combat these pressures while being compensated for the value of your service. The focus is on improving conversion, increasing deal velocity, and leveraging existing client relationships to drive more consistent results in challenging market conditions. You'll discover: 🔹 Why seemingly small fee reductions can dramatically impact your income 🔹 How to push back against commission discounting with confidence 🔹 Strategies to increase deal size and move into higher-value transactions 🔹 How faster deal velocity can increase production without more listings 🔹 Why existing clients and referrals are your most powerful growth lever If you want to stay profitable and productive in a changing commercial property market, this episode provides practical strategies to help you scale your performance. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/261 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Growth in a commercial real estate agency is rarely accidental. It happens when principals intentionally activate the right levers inside their business. In episode 260 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explains the four ways a commercial real estate business can grow. Whether you own a business, run a team, or aspire to do either, understanding these growth drivers is essential. Many businesses aim to simply repeat last year's performance. But in a world of inflation and rising costs, standing still often means moving backwards. In this episode, Darren breaks down the four strategic levers leaders can use to drive sustainable growth in a commercial real estate business. You'll discover: 🔹 Why a business that isn't growing is effectively dying 🔹 The power of organic growth and improving win rates 🔹 How recruitment and retention drive agency expansion 🔹 When mergers and acquisitions can accelerate growth 🔹 Why entering new markets can unlock new opportunities If you want to grow a stronger commercial real estate business, this episode outlines the key levers every leader should understand. --- If you're a commercial real estate principal who wants to know more about working with Darren to grow your business and develop your people, email [email protected] and put 'GROW' in the subject line. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/260 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

When market activity slows, commercial real estate agents cannot rely on volume any longer. Increasing your conversion rate becomes the fastest path to protecting revenue and building momentum. In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak shares five tactical strategies to help commercial real estate agents win more listings in today's uncertain market. As the final part of the Pipeline, Prospecting and Production Power series, this conversation focuses on the conversion side of your pipeline. Listeners will discover how to personalise listing presentations, reduce client uncertainty, strengthen credibility, and confidently lead prospects toward signed authorities. The episode also highlights practical ways to lock in next steps, avoid chasing, and position yourself as the trusted expert in competitive environments. If you want to win more listings, close more deals, and grow your production levels during a slow market, this episode delivers purposeful action you can implement immediately. What You'll Learn: •        How to personalise listing presentations to increase win rates •        How to reduce market uncertainty with authority and information •        How to summarise and lead prospects toward decisive next steps •        Why scheduling the next meeting builds momentum and control •        How client references can accelerate trust and conversion --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/259 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Showing up with prospects is the simplest competitive advantage most commercial real estate agents ignore. In episode 258 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explores why physically and mentally showing up creates more opportunity than any script, CRM, or prospecting hack, especially in periods of economic uncertainty. As markets tighten and competitors retreat, visibility becomes leverage. Darren explains why face to face meetings accelerate relationships faster than Zoom calls, how to create reasons to get in front of prospects, and what to do when meetings do not go to plan. You will discover: 🔹 Why in-person meetings outperform virtual contact in uncertain markets 🔹 How to use the "I'll be in the area" approach to create appointments 🔹 The difference between physically showing up and mentally showing up 🔹 What to learn from being ghosted or stood up 🔹 Why visibility increases when others pull back If you want more listings, stronger relationships, and consistent deal flow, this episode will challenge you to stop hiding behind email and start showing up. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Get your copy of the Top 10 Texts commercial real estate agents should be sending at cresuccess.co/text  Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/258 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

If your year in commercial real estate is not tracking the way you expected, this episode is a timely reset. In episode 257 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explains how to stop blaming the market and start fixing the part of your business that is actually within your control: lead generation. As part of the four-part series on Pipeline, Prospecting, and Production Power, this episode focuses on the top of the revenue pipeline. Darren breaks down how leads flow through meetings, listings, offers, and negotiations, and why a blockage at the very top creates pressure everywhere else. In slower or uncertain markets, relying on referrals and inbound enquiries is rarely enough. Darren challenges principals and agents to create their own market through consistent, persistent, and proactive prospecting. He also explains why many professionals need to work harder to generate the same number of leads, and in some cases, why they may need more leads than before due to longer deal cycles and lower conversion rates. You'll learn: 🔹 How to identify where your pipeline is breaking down 🔹 Why blaming the market keeps you stuck 🔹 The three non-negotiables of effective prospecting 🔹 When to increase lead volume to protect your income If your pipeline feels thin and your results feel off track, this episode provides a clear framework to course correct and rebuild momentum. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/257 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Strong pipelines in commercial real estate are not built by chance. They are built through disciplined prospecting habits that compound over time. In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak breaks down the three most important principles of commercial real estate prospecting: consistent, persistent, and proactive.  Referred to as the Wholly Trinity of prospecting, these principles underpin every high-performing pipeline and remain critical for commercial real estate agents who want to win more listings and do more deals. This episode kicks off a four-part series focused on Pipeline, Prospecting, and Production Power. Darren explains why prospecting must be scheduled daily, how follow-up separates professionals from amateurs, and why relying solely on inbound inquiry creates risk in your future pipeline. Rather than treating prospecting as a sales activity, this episode reframes it as a lead generation and connection process. The focus is on purposeful action, listening more than talking, and setting realistic next steps that build momentum instead of creating pressure. What you'll get from this episode: •        Why daily prospecting is non-negotiable for pipeline stability •        How persistence and multi-pronged follow up increases connection rates •        The difference between being proactive versus waiting for inquiry •        How to prospect without sounding desperate or salesy This is essential listening for commercial real estate agents who want control, confidence, and consistency in their pipeline. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. If prospecting is a skill you want to keep sharpening at any stage of your commercial real estate career, grab the free A to Z of CRE Prospecting at cresuccess.co/abc which includes 26 practical ideas to help you immediately uplevel your prospecting activity. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/256 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Do you find yourself procrastinating when you know you should be prospecting? In episode 255 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak of CRE Success breaks down practical, low-pressure ways to get started with prospecting and build real momentum in your pipeline. This episode is designed as a circuit breaker for commercial real estate professionals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. Rather than aggressive cold outreach, Darren reframes prospecting as a series of conversations that gradually build confidence, context, and opportunity. Drawing on personal experience and listener questions, the episode walks through a simple progression for prospecting, starting with people you already know and moving toward new, ideal prospects over time. It is especially relevant for agents early in their career, those moving into a new market, or anyone struggling to turn intention into action. You will learn: 🔹 Why prospecting is about starting conversations, not closing deals 🔹 How to reduce pressure and stop overthinking outreach 🔹 Where to start if you do not know who to call 🔹 How warm introductions and context improve results 🔹 Why momentum matters more than perfect timing If procrastination has been slowing your pipeline, this episode offers a practical reset and a clear path forward to help you begin, build confidence, and create consistent prospecting momentum. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. If prospecting is a skill you want to keep sharpening at any stage of your commercial real estate career, grab the free A to Z of CRE Prospecting at cresuccess.co/abc which includes 26 practical ideas to help you immediately uplevel your prospecting activity. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/255 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

In Episode 254 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explores how controlled aggression drives results in commercial real estate.  Many agents and leaders work hard but not at a level of proactivity and decisiveness that creates traction. Darren reframes "aggression" as purposeful action that accelerates momentum, creates opportunity, and helps you get the business you already should be winning. This is the third instalment in the special series designed to help you launch 2026 with clarity and confidence. This week, Darren shares practical ways to be more assertive: in pursuing business, expanding into new markets, tackling bigger deals, and improving follow up and negotiation. What You'll Learn: • Why controlled aggression accelerates momentum. • How to pursue business outside your comfort zone. • Ways to handle follow up and prospecting with purpose. • What aggressive negotiations look like without being reckless. Throughout the episode, Darren challenges listeners to step out of "plodder" mode, push beyond limiting beliefs, and take decisive action that drives measurable results. Whether you're an agent or a leader, this episode gives you practical strategies for getting unstuck and producing more in 2026. Tune in and reframe your mindset around purposeful aggression today. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. If prospecting is a skill you want to keep sharpening at any stage of your commercial real estate career, grab the free A to Z of CRE Prospecting at cresuccess.co/abc – it includes 26 practical ideas to help you proactively up-level your prospecting activity. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/254 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

Starting a career in commercial real estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you are competing with people who have years of experience. So in episode 253 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak breaks down exactly what he would do if he had to start all over again. This episode is part of the Momentum and Mindset series designed to help you begin 2026 with clarity and confidence. Darren shares six practical strategies that work in any market. These steps helped him rebuild his career twice, once after moving from Australia to Korea and again when returning home. You will learn how to choose your market, how to leverage your network, and why prospecting early builds long term value. You will also discover how to learn from experienced operators, how to position yourself as a source of value, and why realistic goals matter more at the start than big production targets. What You Will Learn: 🔹 How to pick the right market and study it effectively 🔹 Ways to learn from top performers even if you lack experience 🔹 How to build and leverage a growing network 🔹 Why early stage prospecting creates lasting career security 🔹 How to set realistic goals that build long term momentum Whether you are brand new to commercial real estate or restarting in a new market, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for a strong beginning. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. If prospecting is a skill you want to keep sharpening at any stage of your commercial real estate career, grab the free A to Z of CRE Prospecting at cresuccess.co/abc which includes 26 practical ideas to help you immediately up-level your prospecting activity. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/253 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com

High performers in commercial real estate don't just take action… they take intentional action.  In episode 252 of Commercial Real Estate Leadership, Darren Krakowiak explains why setting goals is essential for directing effort and maximising results. This special episode kicks off a four-part series on momentum and mindset, diving into the relationship between goal setting, leadership, and sustainable success. Darren explores what happens when ambitious agents work without direction, and why leaders with big visions are uniquely positioned to unify and propel their teams. You'll discover: 🔹 Why goal-setters have a performance edge in CRE 🔹 What to do if you're not naturally a goal setter 🔹 How leaders can channel untapped team potential 🔹 The mindset that transforms hustle into progress 🔹 Why vision is non-negotiable for commercial real estate leaders If you want 2026 to be your most focused and productive year yet, this episode shows you where to start. --- Email [email protected] and put the word "GROW" in the subject line to take the first step towards accelerating revenue growth in your commercial real estate agency with the right people on your team, serving ideal clients inside a business that just works. Visit the CRE Success website: cresuccess.co Read the episode anecdote, get the transcript and watch the video recording of the podcast here: cresuccess.co/blog/252 To share this episode or your thoughts on it, tag us on socials: @cresuccess or use our hashtag: #cresuccess If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Connect with Darren Krakowiak on LinkedIn Podcast music sourced from audioblocks.com