Ignite Your Estate Agency

• Carrots and Sticks - Keeping your team motivated in a flat market

  Sam shares her strategies for keeping your team engaged in a flat market, discussing the challenges of fragmented market conditions and why motivating teams is more crucial than ever for estate agency owners.What is the difference between “carrots” and “sticks” when leading a team? Learn why accountability systems, structured reviews, and recognition schemes matter for coaching performance. Get practical examples you can apply right away.Tools like the ‘Action Impact Report” can address mistakes while building self-awareness, why regular check-ins and sharing small wins help keep spirits high, and the benefits of creating a culture that values both development and responsibility. Download the Action Impact Report form here:https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bvltnyvajg75z4rkjmdpd/Action-Impact-Report-Document.pdf?rlkey=jf4nedwelnksy77dwm6i5arj3&e=1&dl=0Download the Summer 2025 Market Response Plan here:https://ajmastermind.co.uk/market-response-summer-2025/Some key takeaways:➡️ Flat markets call for clear structure, regular reassurance, and visible wins within your estate agency team.➡️ Balancing “carrots” like recognition and wellness with “sticks” like accountability is fundamental for estate agency coaching and leadership.➡️ Building the right systems for reviews and personal development keeps morale high and drives better results, even during slow periods.Some great moments:✅ “It’s not just clients who get nervous. Your team needs reassurance too. When the phones stop ringing, it can feel like you’re failing.”✅ “To me it’s a balance of carrots and sticks. And what I was explaining… was we do have consequences for what I would call poorly chosen behaviour.”✅ “The reason I’m not doing any more than three is because there are no consequences.”If you’re ready to motivate your team and spark progress in your agency, tune in and IGNITE your growth!Want to grow your agency with confidence? Book a free strategy call with SamGet clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate AgencySmart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast Request an AJ Mastermind brochureCall 015394 40892 or email [email protected] Join our private Facebook groupConnect with growth-minded agency owners like you.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth Have a question?Email Sam: [email protected] Phil: [email protected] Don’t miss our next live eventFind out what’s coming up:https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

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• Your First Year in Agency What No One Tells You (But Should)

  This week Sam shares what goes unnoticed during your first year as an estate agency owner, why the early months can test your resolve, and how to manage the emotional roller coaster that comes with launching your own business.Sending letters consistently, focusing on valuations, and tracking numbers, have been the foundations of sustainable growth for Ashdown Jones, so do you need to shift your focus too? How do you fight imposter syndrome, why should advice from well-meaning outsiders (including accountants) be taken with caution?Some key takeaways:➡️ The first year in agency is often more challenging than expected and requires a focus on building habits for the long game.➡️ Consistent marketing activities build pipeline value and brand standing, even before sales start landing.➡️ Picking your ideal market from day one sets the path for future growth and reputation.Some great moments:✅ “It’s an emotional roller coaster. The highs are really high and the lows are incredibly low.”✅ “Without valuations, you don’t have a business. It’s about the listings, it’s about valuations and instructions, it’s not about sales.”✅ “Consistency beats talent. Doesn’t matter how good an estate agent you are, show up every day, especially when it’s tough, because that’s what builds momentum.”Want to grow your agency with confidence? Book a free strategy call with SamGet clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate AgencySmart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast Request an AJ Mastermind brochureCall 015394 40892 or email [email protected] Join our private Facebook groupConnect with growth-minded agency owners like you.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth Have a question?Email Sam: [email protected] Phil: [email protected] Don’t miss our next live eventFind out what’s coming up:https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

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• The 'F' Word - Who has Control of your Finances?

  Sam explores who really holds the reins when it comes to financial control in your estate agency. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to seven figures, Sam breaks down the core functions every estate agency owner should tackle, from financial planning and cash flow management to effective budgeting and tax compliance.Sam shares simple frameworks for tracking key financial numbers and maintaining oversight at every stage of your business and why accurate, up-to-date cashflow forecasts can become your agency’s “financial temperature check.”Be proactive with finances and protect your business through market cycles for more control and less stress around money to build systems underpinning a scalable, resilient business.Sam mentioned ‘Profit First’ by Mike Michalowicz, find out more here: https://mikemichalowicz.com/Some key takeaways:➡️ Agency owners need to take an active role in financial control, especially in the absence of a dedicated finance director.➡️ Accurate cash flow forecasting, budget discipline, and regular cost reviews form the backbone of sustainable agency growth.➡️ Strategic support from accountants or fractional finance professionals can help you plan for investment, scaling, and exit value.Notable moments:✅ “In the list of properties in your cash flow forecast, they should all be actual properties, not a guesstimated number in six months’ time.”✅ “Financial planning is something you should be doing regularly and that’s just making sure you’ve got a handle on all the bits of information you need to make the right financial decisions.”✅ “Most agencies just can’t continue running without a completion at least every couple of weeks.”Want to grow your agency with confidence? Book a free strategy call with SamGet clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate AgencySmart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast Request an AJ Mastermind brochureCall 015394 40892 or email [email protected] Join our private Facebook groupConnect with growth-minded agency owners like you.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth Have a question?Email Sam: [email protected] Phil: [email protected] Don’t miss our next live eventFind out what’s coming up:https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

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• Why Your Sellers Feel Forgotten and What to Do About It

  Why do many property sellers may feel overlooked during slower market periods and what can estate agency owners do about it? Sam and Phil review the growing communication challenges that surface when instruction numbers rise, but sales lag behind.How can staffing changes impact client experience and cash flow? Do you need a renewed approach to client contact using structured time-blocking, accountabilities, and clearer communication channels?Discover the systems you can put in place to support client satisfaction, even with team changes and marketplace uncertainty whilst embracing the value of admin time, process simplicity and strategies to reduce vendor withdrawals.Key takeaways:➡️ Regular, scheduled client communication can address sellers’ concerns and lower withdrawal rates.➡️ Systematic time-blocking for team members ensures crucial admin and client care tasks are not missed.➡️ Clarity in team roles and robust onboarding processes can prevent client dissatisfaction during transitions.Some great moments:✅ “Each client should have a touch point once a week, no matter what.”✅ “No news is news. If you’re waiting for feedback, tell them you’re waiting for feedback.”✅ “I don’t want feedback on my house. I want to know if they want to buy it.”Want to grow your agency with confidence? Book a free strategy call with SamGet clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate AgencySmart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast Request an AJ Mastermind brochureCall 015394 40892 or email [email protected] Join our private Facebook groupConnect with growth-minded agency owners like you.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth Have a question?Email Sam: [email protected] Phil: [email protected] Don’t miss our next live eventFind out what’s coming up:https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

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• Summer Mastermind Takeaways (and how to get your paws on the resources)

  Sam and Emma reflect on the recent Summer Mastermind and unpack the key topics like effective lead generation, using AI tools for productivity, and practical accounting.Emma shares her recruitment and team-building practices, Sam discusses a framework for leveraging ChatGPT and explains why the right resources, support, and systems can provide a foundation that not only grows your agency but transforms your work-life balance.  Take away practical advice on improving recruitment, optimizing operations, and getting the most from the resources available to independent estate agency leaders. Listen in and see how the Mastermind experience can unlock new growth opportunities for your own agency.Here are the links to the resources mentioned in this episode:Andy Crestodina LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrestodina/Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing by Andy Crestodinahttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Content-Chemistry-Illustrated-Handbook-Marketing/dp/0988336499The AI Driven Leader by Geoff  Woods https://www.amazon.co.uk/AI-Driven-Leader-Harnessing-Smarter-Decisions/dp/B0DB8QL3ZKConfessions of the Pricing Man by Hermann Simonhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Confessions-Pricing-Man-Affects-Everything/dp/3319203991The Mortgage Mumhttps://themortgagemum.co.uk/Listen again to Episode 9 of the Ignite Podcast - LEGEND: Our Legendary Conversion Formula to Turn Valuations Into InstructionsSome key takeaways:➡️ Secondary income streams, systemized lead gen, and creative accounting keep agencies agile and future-proof.➡️ AI, when used with strong frameworks, can boost productivity for agency owners at any stage.➡️ Recruitment and retention demand process, structure, and a focus on culture.Some great moments:✅ “If you’re going to do a job application on ChatGPT, remove your prompt and remove the footings.”✅ “When you value a unique home, even if you don’t think you could get the price… you could be wrong. You just need one buyer aWant to grow your agency with confidence? Book a free strategy call with SamGet clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate AgencySmart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast Request an AJ Mastermind brochureCall 015394 40892 or email [email protected] Join our private Facebook groupConnect with growth-minded agency owners like you.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth Have a question?Email Sam: [email protected] Phil: [email protected] Don’t miss our next live eventFind out what’s coming up:https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

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