FIRESIDE CHAT WITH MARC ELLIS

ALWAYS TAKE THE STAIRS

Insights, Inspiration, and the Path to Real Estate Success

Welcome to the inspiring journey of Marc Ellis, a distinguished realtor at Keller Williams Realty in Pasadena, California. Marc recently shared his thoughts in an intimate fireside chat, where he spoke about his experiences, struggles, and successes in building a real estate career that spans nearly two decades. In this blog, we'll recap some of Marc's key insights and explore what makes his business model not only successful but also distinctly different. For aspiring agents and anyone interested in real estate, Marc's journey is a beacon of inspiration.

From Loan Officer to Real Estate Pro

Marc's real estate journey began back in 2004 as a loan officer. In 2008, he transitioned to real estate sales with Keller Williams. What drew Marc to Keller Williams wasn't just the opportunity to sell homes—it was the company's values, models, and systems that really resonated with him. He mentioned how walking into his first Keller Williams office in Chino Hills, seeing the books on the wall, and experiencing the culture motivated him to take the next step. The challenge to read "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" book in three days and his commitment to do so became a pivotal moment, showcasing his dedication and willingness to push his own limits.

Consistency, Resilience, and Growth

Throughout his career, Marc has faced moments where he felt challenged to the point of wanting to quit. However, what kept him going was understanding that in real estate, it's often "you versus you." Marc learned that success isn't just about getting a "yes"—it's about navigating through all the "no's" and continuing to believe in yourself and your abilities. This mindset helped Marc grow from struggling with setbacks to thriving in a competitive industry.

He also talked about leaving Keller Williams for three years, which ultimately gave him a fresh perspective. During that time, Marc realized the value of Keller Williams' culture and models. His experience outside the company allowed him to develop skills in building a sales team and recruiting agents, experiences that helped him grow as a leader. Eventually, he returned to Keller Williams with a renewed appreciation for the support and resources that make it a special place.

Marc's Secret to Success: An Organic Approach

When asked what makes his business successful, Marc highlighted the importance of consistency and an organic approach to his database. Marc's business thrives on the relationships he's built over the years. His sphere of influence is based on repeat and referral business, and he's dedicated to nurturing those connections in a genuine way. By staying consistent with prospecting, marketing, and personal touches—such as handwritten cards and regular follow-up—Marc has created a loyal client base.

Marc's day-to-day strategy includes making 20 calls per day, five days a week, sending direct mail, and keeping in touch with his sphere through handwritten cards and emails. He uses these consistent touches to create value for his clients, whether it be market insights, client reviews, or helpful real estate tips.

Social Selling

• Platform Choice: Marc uses Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to connect with his sphere of influence. He finds LinkedIn particularly useful for initial professional connections, while Facebook and Instagram are more casual and allow for a deeper connection over time.

• Content Strategy: Marc shares a variety of content, including market insights, client reviews, and valuable real estate tips. He ensures that every post provides value to his audience.

• Organic Lead Generation: Marc does not rely solely on social media for lead generation but does receive leads organically through his presence on these platforms. His main focus is staying connected with his sphere of influence.

• Video Content: Marc recognizes the power of video in creating connections. He believes that video content allows potential clients to evaluate him in a more personal way before making contact, bridging the gap between initial interest and direct engagement.

• Professionalism: He emphasizes keeping social media content professional, avoiding controversial topics like politics and religion, to ensure he does not alienate potential clients.

Key Takeaways

1. Stay Consistent: Success in real estate isn't instantaneous. Marc emphasizes the importance of being consistent with your activities, even when you don’t see immediate results. Consistency is what builds trust, recognition, and ultimately, results.

2. The Power of Relationships: Marc's business is built on strong relationships. His focus on his sphere of influence, which includes everything from family to community groups, allows him to create genuine connections that lead to referral and repeat business.

3. Embrace Challenges: Marc openly shared that there were moments when he felt like quitting. Overcoming these moments by trusting the process and believing in his "big why" (the purpose driving him) was key to his success. Marc highlights that it's all about learning by doing—the more you engage, the better you get.

4. Focus and Professionalism: Marc's success stems from treating real estate like a true business. Setting goals, tracking activities, and staying disciplined are all part of his formula for success. He uses tools like a tracker sheet to monitor his daily activities and ensures that he sticks to his business plan.

Philosophy on being a Realtor

Marc's authenticity, focus, and willingness to serve others truly make his business stand out. His mantra of "you versus you" and his dedication to always putting the client first has created a trustworthy brand that people rely on. He's committed not only to his clients but also to being a mentor for new agents, helping them find their way in the real estate industry. Marc's approach is a blend of consistency, genuine relationships, and always being willing to grow and adapt—and that’s what sets him apart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does Marc stay in touch with his clients?
Marc keeps in touch through multiple channels: he sends direct mail eight to twelve times a year, sends handwritten cards five days a week, and emails his database twice a month. He also uses social media to maintain connections with his sphere of influence.

2. How did Marc start building his real estate business?
Marc began with a focus on his sphere of influence and geographic farming. He also hosted open houses and reached out to expired listings, all while being consistent with follow-up and offering value to potential clients.

3. What advice does Marc have for new real estate agents?
Marc emphasizes the importance of consistency and resilience. Trusting the process and staying focused are key, especially during the early stages when results might not come quickly. He also stresses the value of having a big "why" to stay motivated during tough times.

4. What tools or models does Marc use to guide his business?
Marc follows the Keller Williams models, including concepts from "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" book. He tracks his daily activities and maintains a business plan to ensure that he's always working towards his goals.

5. How does Marc handle market shifts?
During market shifts, Marc increases his lead generation efforts to maintain his volume. He also stays adaptable and ensures that his message is always one of value to his clients, regardless of the current market conditions.

Marc Ellis' journey serves as a testament to the power of consistency, authentic relationships, and a never-give-up attitude.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow your business, the key lessons Marc shared—staying consistent, putting in the work, and focusing on your relationships—are crucial for success in real estate. Marc's ability to adapt, stay true to his values, and genuinely care about his clients has shaped his career into what it is today: a successful and sustainable real estate business.

If you're ready to take your real estate career to the next level, take a page out of Marc's book—believe in yourself, stay consistent, and let your passion guide you to success.