The Ninja Selling Podcast

• The Heart of a Ninja: Building a Thriving Team and Business with John Newman

  Join Eric Thompson on the Ninja Selling Podcast as he welcomes John Newman, a dynamic Ninja from Greensboro, North Carolina, and his Ninja Leadership Coach, Tracy Peterson-Nienaber. Recorded while John was in the Dominican Republic for his daughter's wedding, this episode is a testament to dedication and offers a deep dive into building a successful real estate business and team with "The Heart of a Ninja." Discover how John's 37 years of experience, combined with a passion for teamwork honed through a lifetime in sports, has shaped his approach to leadership and client service. John shares his journey in real estate, from starting in a small company to owning his own and now thriving with Alan Tate Real Estate. Learn about his team's impressive production (44 transactions for John individually and 6 for the team in a "slower" year) and his focus on first-time homebuyers and investors. John emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, individual strengths (everyone brings a "secret sauce"), and fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment. He also provides a unique perspective on navigating industry changes, drawing parallels to the evolving landscape of college sports and the "transfer portal." This episode is packed with actionable insights, including John's innovative "handwritten note parties" and "real estate review events" designed to build camaraderie, reinforce Ninja principles, and have fun while generating business. Hear how John, with Tracy's coaching, has cultivated a team culture where everyone feels valued and inspired, and how he aims for each team member to surpass his own success. Join the community of 16,000+ Ninjas on the Ninja Selling Podcast Facebook Group for more valuable insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities! Leave a voicemail at 208-MY-NINJA if you’d like to offer more direct feedback. Be sure to check out Ninja Selling Events for upcoming installations and other events, and if you’d like personalized help in achieving your goals, visit Ninja Coaching to connect with one of our fantastic coaches.   Episode Highlights: Introducing John Newman (Greensboro, NC Ninja) & Tracy Peterson-Nienaber (Ninja Leadership Coach) John's Impressive 37-Year Real Estate Career and Team Performance Life Before Real Estate: Construction, Sports, and the Foundation of Teamwork The "Transfer Portal" Analogy: Adapting to Constant Change in Real Estate Building a Diverse Team: Recognizing and Leveraging Individual "Secret Sauces" Innovative Team Events: Handwritten Note Parties and Real Estate Review Sessions Fostering Fun and Camaraderie While Building Business The Impact of Ninja Principles on Team Culture and Client Service John's Vision for Team Growth and Individual Success The Value of Coaching: Gaining Perspective, Accountability, and Pushing for Growth Tracy's Perspective: John's "Heart of Gold" and Leadership Evolution John's Proud (and Bittersweet) Moment: His Daughter's Wedding   Key Takeaways: "When a team wins, everyone wins." "My mindset and my goal is I want each of my teammates to be a better agent than me." "[We had] a basically handwritten note party... The rules were you needed to bring in at least five to 10 names of people who you just wanted to thank or write them a note." "...sometimes [experience] can limit you because you think just because you've done it that way, you think that's the only way to do it." "My mindset is that I want my people to outgrow the team. If they do that, that means I've been a great leader, and that's such an abundance mindset." - As shared by Tracy about John. "I learn and grow every day from [my team], and I look forward to talking to them every day." "We want to teach our kids to leave the nest and be, you know, give back in the community and be a blessing to someone." Links: Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1-800-254-1650  Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling  Instagram: @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/  

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  31:19
• How to Go From Earning $8,000 a Year to $308,000 a Year in Five Years

  Get ready for an inspiring story of transformation! Eric Thompson is joined on the Ninja Selling Podcast by Mike DePalma of DePalma Realty in South Jersey, and his Ninja Coach, Mark Johnson. This episode dives deep into Mike's incredible journey from earning $8,000 a year to over $308,000 in just five years – all while maintaining control of his schedule and prioritizing family time. Discover how Mike, initially hesitant about real estate despite his family's legacy in the business, found his path and built a thriving, referral-based business through the Ninja Selling system. Mike shares his "before Ninja" struggles – feeling lost, trying various lead-gen tactics that felt inauthentic, and nearly quitting the industry multiple times. Learn how discovering the Ninja Selling book in 2020 became a "trend bender" moment, leading him to embrace simple yet powerful habits like writing personal notes, which immediately yielded positive results. He discusses the evolution of his business, the crucial role of building a robust database, the power of live flow, and how consistent application of the Ninja 9, even without being "perfect," has been the cornerstone of his success. This episode is a testament to the power of systems, consistency, and coaching. Hear how Mike, with Mark's guidance, built a business where over 90% of his transactions now come from his sphere and referrals, allowing him to work efficiently, enjoy his life, and even explore new ventures like flipping and development. Join the community of 16,000+ Ninjas on the Ninja Selling Podcast Facebook Group for more valuable insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities! Leave a voicemail at 208-MY-NINJA if you’d like to offer more direct feedback. Be sure to check out Ninja Selling Events for upcoming installations and other events, and if you’d like personalized help in achieving your goals, visit Ninja Coaching to connect with one of our fantastic coaches. Episode Highlights: Introducing Mike DePalma (DePalma Realty, South Jersey) and Ninja Coach Mark Johnson The Remarkable Journey: From $8,000/year to $308,000/year in 5 Years Mike's Background: Reluctant Entry into the Family Real Estate Business "Before Ninja": Flailing, Trying Ineffective Tactics, and Near Quitting Discovering Ninja Selling: The Book, Early Wins, and the "Trend Bender" The Power of Coaching: Mike and Mark's 3.5+ Year Partnership Building the Database from Scratch: Strategies and "Aha" Moments Mastering Live Flow: 50+ Live Interviews Weekly and "Gamifying" Connections The Robust Hot & Warm List: Tracking, Follow-Up, and Proactive Engagement Snowballing Success: Consistency, Focus, and the Ninja 9 Impressive Referral Growth: From 25% to Over 90% Sphere-Based Business Controlling the Schedule: Prioritizing Family Time and Working Efficiently Scaling the Business: Hiring an Assistant and Expanding into New Ventures The One-Page "Quick Business Plan": Keeping Goals Top-of-Mind The Value of Coaching: Systems, Accountability, and Personal Growth Key Takeaways: "I just didn't want to do it. I thought, well, this is what it is. And if you're not going to do it, you don't deserve to be an agent. Just quit." "If you were in the grocery store and you saw them and they knew your name and you knew theirs and you waved and it was positive, write them down..." "If you only do live flow and you don't do auto flow, you're just going to be a friend... But if you only do auto flow, now you're just a salesperson." "Ninja is so great because you get to be a really good friend. It's kind of teaching you how to be a good person." "I've gotten really good at focusing during those times because I know from 4:00 to 7:00, it's family." "I think consistency is the magic, I would say, and not getting distracted at all." "I think if you can, if I can do it here, like where I'm from... you can do this anywhere..." "[Mike's] so coachable. Like he does the things he wants to do, but let's focus on the vital few."   Links: Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1-800-254-1650  Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling  Instagram: @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/  

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  44:49
• Your Ninja Nine Challenge with Julianne Rawlins

  Eric Thompson hosts Julianne Rawlins, a Sotheby's agent from Southern Oregon, who recounts her discovery of Ninja Selling after a poor initial real estate experience, calling it a perfect fit. Hear about her "Ninja 9 Challenge" from Nov '24, where, seeking a strong start to the year, she gamified a 3-week push for herself and colleagues, focusing intensely on Ninja 9 tasks. The result? An incredible 700% business increase in Q1 2025!  Julianne discusses pushing past comfort zones (like hitting 50+ weekly calls), shifting her mindset from obligation to the joy of service, and her powerful mantra, "If you're invited, go." She highlights the impact of handwritten notes, insights from the Ninja Now course (like the "corporate athlete" idea), and how coaching provides crucial accountability and consistency. Tune in today to learn how Julianne's commitment and Ninja principles led to extraordinary results, and how it can do the same for you! Episode Highlights: Julianne's Introduction & Market Area Julianne's Ninja Story: Finding the Right Fit Q1 2025 Success: A 700% Increase The Ninja 9 Challenge: Genesis and Structure Pushing from 35 to 50 Forward Conversations Using the Tracker & Overcoming Call Reluctance "If You're Invited, Go" Monumental Mindset Shift What Kept Her Going: Competition and Commitment The Power of Handwritten Notes Success as a Tapestry: It's All the Things Working Together Ninja Sailing Cruise & Ninja Now Experience Insights The Value of Ninja Coaching with Mark Johnson Final Message: Slow and Steady Wins the Race Key Takeaways: "Okay, if I can do real estate this way, then I can definitely do real estate." "I am not going to have that happen in 2025. So what can I do to set up my first quarter to be more successful?" "I know I can get 50 forward conversations in... because I've done it, so why can't I do it every week?" "I just ignored that voice in my head and did it anyways. And no one was mad that I called them." "I heard a great phrase that said, if you're invited, go. And that has been very powerful and has kind of been my new mantra..." "I need to be doing these activities out of that, with that mindset that I am helping them and that I love helping them and not 'I have to do this'." "It's hard to really pinpoint that because it's such a tapestry of everything all working together." "...he called us corporate athletes. And I've been pondering that a lot and about what that means to be an athlete and how we need to train and perform..." "My story is pretty much just slow and steady wins... the race, that's just really my mantra." "I love that Ninja has taught me to dream... it's given me the life of my dreams, honestly." Links: Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1-800-254-1650  Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling  Instagram: @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/  

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  30:37
• A Community of Raving Fans

  Want to know how to build an engaged community of raving fan clients who feel truly connected to your business? You're in the right place! Eric Thompson welcomes Michigan Ninja extraordinaire, Jon Zickert, and his Ninja Leadership Coach, Tracy Peterson-Nienaber, to the Ninja Selling Podcast. Jon shares the innovative strategies that have not only fueled impressive business growth (increasing volume by 38% in one year!) but have also fostered a vibrant team culture and a loyal client following. Dive deep into the concept of the "Z Crew," Jon's exclusive client community designed to maintain connection and provide ongoing value long after the transaction closes. Learn how this initiative, born from a desire to reconnect with past clients, utilizes branded events, targeted communication (including two monthly postcards!), and exclusive perks to make clients feel special and valued. Jon details the structure, benefits, and reception of the Z Crew, offering a replicable model for building your own client tribe. Beyond the Z Crew, Jon discusses the importance of team culture, starting meetings with gratitude, focusing on process over results, and the impact of consistent Ninja practices. He also shares takeaways from attending Ninja Now and the profound effect Ninja coaching with Tracy has had on making him feel truly "on purpose" in his business, leading to greater success and more personal time off. Join the community of 16,000+ Ninjas on the Ninja Selling Podcast Facebook Group for more valuable insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities! Leave a voicemail at 208-MY-NINJA if you’d like to offer more direct feedback. Be sure to check out Ninja Selling Events for upcoming installations and other events, and if you’d like personalized help in achieving your goals, visit Ninja Coaching to connect with one of our fantastic coaches. Episode Highlights: Introducing Jon Zickert (Michigan Ninja) & Tracy Peterson-Nienaber (Ninja Leadership Coach) Jon's Impressive Team Growth & Performance (120+ transactions, $55M+ volume) Building Team Culture: Starting Weekly Meetings with Gratitude The Core Question: How Will This Provide Value to the Recipient? Introducing the "Z Crew": Creating an Exclusive Client Community The Origin Story: Reconnecting with Past Clients Post-Installation Z Crew Mechanics: Invites, Events, Branding, and Exclusivity Benefits of Z Crew Membership: Gifts, Flow Plan (Email & 2x Postcards/Month), Events, Referrals, Vendor Access The Power of Invitation & Connection (Even if Clients Can't Attend Events) Jon's Ninja Now Takeaways: Doubling Down on the Ninja 9, Process Over Results The Impact of Ninja Coaching: Feeling "On Purpose" and Achieving Work-Life Balance Jon's "House" Analogy: Mindset (Foundation), Skillset/Ninja 9 (Roof), Action/Relationships (Framing) Key Takeaways: "...finished 24, serving 120 clients, but our volume went up 38% to 55 and a half million. So attribute a lot of that to the Ninja System." "We started off each meeting with sharing one gratitude... it kind of just starts that meeting out on that great mindset." "...anything we do with our business, we ask ourselves one question... how will it provide value to the recipient...?" "We wanted to create a community where past clients, friends or neighbors... we can stay connected, feel part of the journey." "...it's the thought of us inviting them to be part of something different and the ability for us to reach out to them..." "It doesn't matter even if they come or not. We want them to come... but all the people that can't... they're still feeling very connected to you. And that was... the intent of the task." "I don't need anything else, shiny or new... I just need to double down on the Ninja 9." "...my team has always been process focused, not results focused." "...for the first time in my career, I feel like I'm on purpose..." "Mindset's the foundation, skill set are the Ninja 9... actions really are your interactions with your people..." "Surround yourself with good people and good things are going to happen." Links: Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1-800-254-1650  Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling  Instagram: @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/

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  46:07
• The Level Up Moment: Leading with Mindset, Skillset, and Action featuring Jennifer Lind

  Eric Thompson welcomes a truly special guest and esteemed industry leader to the Ninja Selling Podcast today: Jennifer Lind, Regional President for the West Region at Coldwell Banker. Overseeing 120 offices and 11,000 agents across Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Southern California, and Hawaii, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective shaped by her journey from agent to manager, owner, and now top executive. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with insights for navigating today's real estate landscape. Jennifer shares her perspective on the crucial elements driving success right now, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Mindset, Skillset, and Action. She highlights why this period is a "Level Up Moment" for dedicated professionals and discusses the importance of intentionally cultivating a positive mindset, even amidst industry noise and change. Learn Jennifer's strategies for maintaining her own focus and energy, the power of surrounding yourself with "winners," and how leaders can effectively guide their teams through change by embracing innovation and providing clarity. The discussion explores building agent engagement, the evolution of the real estate industry over the past 20 years, and predictions for the next five – focusing on refinement, sophistication, and the enduring value of the agent-client relationship. Jennifer also reflects on her remarkable career path, sharing key inflection points and the importance of leaning in, making an impact, staying connected to the field, and understanding the powerful link between momentum and morale. Join the community of 16,000+ Ninjas on the Ninja Selling Podcast Facebook Group for more valuable insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities! Leave a voicemail at 208-MY-NINJA if you’d like to offer more direct feedback. Be sure to check out Ninja Selling Events for upcoming installations and other events, and if you’d like personalized help in achieving your goals, visit Ninja Coaching to connect with one of our fantastic coaches. Episode Highlights: Introducing Jennifer Lind, Regional President at Coldwell Banker Jennifer's Impressive Career Journey: Agent, Manager, Owner, Executive The Current Market: Why It's a "Level Up Moment" The Trifecta for Success: Mindset, Skillset, and Action Cultivating a Winning Mindset: Intention, Consumption, and Association Leadership Insights: Leading Through Change vs. Managing Change The Power of Clarity: Knowing Who You Are For (and Who You're Not) Strategies for Building Agent Engagement and Office Culture Industry Evolution: What's Changed and What Remains Constant Since 2003 The Future of Real Estate: Predictions for the Next Five Years Jennifer's Career Growth: Leaning In, Making an Impact, and Staying Connected The Connection Between Momentum and Morale Key Takeaways: "I don't think there's anything we can do in this business that creates any success without mindset." "...managing your mindset is pretty tough... what you consume and who you're around and where you spend your time and where you spend your energy... those all really feed into that." "...this is a level up moment. There's an opportunity." "...whoever is successful right now, it is because they have found a way to get much, much better at the job that they were already good at." "Leading through change is very different than managing the change that's coming to you." "...nobody likes change, but everybody loves innovation." "...if you don't have a good strategy on what change you're going to navigate moving forward, someone will come up with something for you that you may not love." "I personally don't care how many names are on our roster. I want to know that we have the best names on our roster." "There's a lot of strength and a lot of power in clarity." "Agents don't come into the office to do their work. They come in for something much more meaningful... engagement and that connection, that collaboration..." "...wanting to connect and delight and create an emotional connection with your clients... that hasn't changed." "It's about being in the people's lives... when you're in a market like we are, where it's life events..." "...moving forward, this isn't just like a hobby industry. I think there's too much on the line for it to be that moving forward." "[The industry] will get more refined and more sophisticated, which again, I think is great." "...helping [clients] leverage [options]... great news is we're in a market where people have equity and they've got options." "Momentum and morale are very closely connected. You cannot have one without the other..."   Links: Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 1-800-254-1650  Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling  Instagram: @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/

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  41:58

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