Be Better - BHGRE

Over the past few years, we've ALL noticed just how important mental health is. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, our host Donald Kelly goes over 5 different ways YOU can improve your mental health going into 2023.   The 80/20 Rule   The 80/20 rule is a simple, but a POWERFUL rule to keep in mind and follow. The rule states: 80 percent of your success, whether that be income or something else, comes from only 20 percent of your effort. What this means for YOU as a seller is: Focus on that 20 percent. Whether that be networking, cold calls, finalizing deals, whatever it is, really HONE In on that in this new year. Maximize that 20 percent of your effort and you'll maximize your profits.   Exercise   You've undoubtedly heard how important exercise is for your physical health. But it's also VITAL for mental health. Working out improves your mood, increases self-confidence, and releases dopamine, among COUNTLESS other mental benefits.   You don't have to do insane exercises to reap the benefits of physical activity. Something as simple as walking or doing a few push-ups is enough to start boosting your mood. Go lift some weights, go for a walk or run, ride a bike, or just do SOMETHING to elevate your heart rate. You'll thank yourself.     Stop Comparing Yourself to Others   One of the QUICKEST ways to drain your mental health is to endlessly compare yourself to others and what they post on social media. You have to keep in mind that what you see on social media isn't the COMPLETE story. Top-level influencers romanticize their lives to an insane degree, but they don't live like that 24/7. Think again of the 80/20 rule. You're not seeing the full picture. You also have to remember: EVERYONE has a different journey in life. We're all at different points in that journey. Why compare yourself to the CEO of some company who's been in the market for 5 years, when you just began yours?   Schedule Me Time   Another VITAL aspect of maintaining your mental health is ensuring you have proper breaks. Schedule some time within your day to just relax and focus on what you want to focus on. It could be something as simple as lying on the ground in the dark or going out for a walk. Do something to take yourself away from work and decompress.   Have Someone to Talk to   The final tip Donald has is to make SURE you have someone to talk to about your problems. Facing challenges and issues alone is never healthy and can make those issues worse. Whether it's a therapist, counselor, or just someone you trust, make sure you can talk to someone. It takes the edge off of situations and prevents you from just bottling up your emotions. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

Reflecting on how you did at the end of the year can help you identify what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how you can improve on your weaknesses. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, our host Donald Kelly tells you what his biggest change for 2023 is, as well as how and why you should implement it.   Identify and utilize a keyword.   Reflect on what you did good in and what you did bad in throughout the past year. What are some commonalities between things you struggled with? Identify a keyword all of those struggles used and focus on it in 2023.   Survey people around you to find your keyword.   Take advantage of your relationships! Donald likes to survey his friends and family to get more insight on where his strengths and weaknesses lie. This lets him better key in on a focus word and strengthen his abilities as a seller.   Find a worthwhile mentor.   Anyone who strives for success has undoubtedly heard the quote “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.”. So find people who share similar goals to you. A mentor, especially, can be a useful resource. Ask if someone successful in your field will mentor you and spend time learning from them.   Make your goals tie back to your keyword.   Once you have your keyword or theme identified, you have to act on it. Make your actions and goals align with whatever your keyword is so you can improve ON said keyword. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

As a new agent you are entering challenging times. However, there are always opportunities out there waiting for you to pounce on. It may be overwhelming with higher interest rates and inflation, but see the trends below you need to adopt today be successful. Through this episode you will learn how you can stand out and improve your game. Green Market. Get educated on the green resources in your area. Buyers are willing to spend more. Look at the marketplace. 24% of new buyers are millennials coming into the market. Be familiar with alternative grass, solar panels, etc. Focus on all aspects that are green in your listings Be a guest on a podcast. You are the tech savvy generation. Podcast in your community. Look for podcasts in your niche. Reach out to 1-2 podcasts a day. Suggest a topic and ask what is the criteria to come on their show. Post daily on social media. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn – whatever is your preferred platform. Share biggest mistakes that buyers make when buying a home. People want to connect with humans that have helpful insight. Be the trusted advisor. Show videos of your listings and what you like about it. Collaborate with others. Seek those who have the ear of your ideal seller or buyer. Attorneys, recruiters, church leaders, etc. Business community such as the chamber of commerce in your area. Up your referral game. Ask your buyer or seller when you complete the sale for referrals. Follow up on a consistent basis with valuable information and ask for the referrals. Share tips – resale value, upkeep to the home, etc. Follow your customers on social media, ask for an introduction. “In order to be successful, do the opposite of everyone else.” – Donald Kelly Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Thanksgiving is a great time to show gratitude for the things you have and the people around you. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, our host, Donald Kelly, tells you 5 ways to show gratitude and serve others this Thanksgiving. Amidst all of the challenges going on in the world right now, there are still things to be thankful for.  Share a post on social media of something you are grateful for. Visit justserve.org and volunteer for a service project. Invite someone to dinner. Buy a meal for someone. Spend time with senior citizens at nursing homes.  In what ways are you expressing gratitude this thanksgiving? Let Donald know by sending him a message on Tiktok.  Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

No matter the economic climate, people are always going to need to buy and sell homes. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, our host, Donald Kelly, tells you 4 reasons why Millennials and GenZ should become real estate agents.  You can do real estate on the side As a real estate agent, you are working on full commission, which can make it difficult to jump into full-time.  Doing real estate on the side will help you build a foundation of relationships before you go full-time.  You have the opportunity to take advantage of skills you already have Utilize the network that you already have. As part of a younger generation, you have the advantage of knowing how to use social media to your benefit.  The capability to take advantage of market share  Many individuals are stepping away from real estate because of the current economic conditions - take advantage of the drop in competition.  Position yourself as an expert in the field by providing educational and entertaining content on social media.  Finding unique opportunities You can focus on unique opportunities and take advantage to get your foot in the door.  Look at foreclosures, expired listings, rentals, Airbnb properties, etc… Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by author and psychotherapist, Amy Morin. They discuss mental health and five things that you can do each day to strengthen your mental health.    Practice gratitude   Gratitude is something that we should practice each day. It doesn't mean that you will be happy all day long, or not struggle with anxiety, but it will start to shift your mindset.    Get social support   It is difficult to connect with those around you. It is important to have someone in your life with whom you can talk about your real issues.    Pleasant activity scheduling   Put something fun in your calendar that you can look forward to.    Schedule time to worry   Block off time in your day to worry. Set a timer for yourself and worry as much as you want during that time. Research has shown that doing this consistently will help you to feel less anxious and focus more.    Move your body   Exercising your body is important for your brain. Exercise can be more effective in improving mental health than medication for many individuals. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Tune into Amy's podcast, The Verywell Mind Podcast.  Visit Amy's website. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

On today's episode of Be Better our host, Donald talks with Davina Hughes about how she followed her dream and changed her life.  Davina's Story Davina started real estate in 2007 and wound up working with a national builder who was thriving during the recession.  She took time off to take care of her children and didn't think she would get into real estate again until she had a dream that inspired her to get in touch with Susan Jenkins.  Davina started working in real estate again by dealing with bank-owned properties and later earning her staging license.  She now works on Short Term Rentals (STR) and staging for both STRs and homes.  What advice does Davina have for individuals who are scared to follow their dreams? Davina says that when people see something that is bigger than themselves they have the desire to partner with scarcity. They think they are not enough or that your dream is already too saturated.  Everyone is created uniquely and we all have different talents to bring to the table. If you don't show up to the table, then something is missing.  Remember, there is only one you, and you are important and vital to the process. Say yes, get burned, and learn quickly.  Davina's advice to her younger self You are more than capable. Do not discredit or disqualify yourself.  To connect with Davina, follow her on Instagram and send her an email at info@ashwoods.home. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Follow Davina on Instagram and email her at info@ashwoods.home Check out the episode with Susan Jenkins Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

  What should I learn about investing now to secure my future The path to growing wealth is the path to figuring out how much it costs to be you and then affording your time.  The fundamentals of growing wealth are savings and investing.  Where do I start?  Taking control of your money has become much easier with technology. You can download an app to have an online investing account.  Ask yourself what are your money goals, your risk tolerance, and how much time you have in front of you.  If you can afford to both save and invest, you should do both things.  If you start investing when you are 21 years old, your 41-year-old self will love you.  What can I invest in? Individual stocks are fractions of a company that is available on the public market. You are making a bet on the future profitability of that company Index funds are baskets of individual stocks. Someone else does the investing for you.  ETFs or exchange-traded funds are like mutual funds but they trade every day like an individual stock.  How does compounding work? Caleb suggests learning about the rule of 72 on Investopedia. Compounding is simply when your money is building upon itself to earn you more money.  What is a ROTH? An investment account. There are several types including ROTH IRA and ROTH 401K. It allows you to invest your money over time and when you take out the money your returns are tax-free.  There are limits to how much money you can put into a ROTH. What do I need to know about crypto? Think of the blockchain and decentralized finance as big highways for the future of commerce. The different coins are cars on the highway, some go faster than others and some are more useful than others.  There are no underlying assets, you are betting on whether or not people think there is value.  Caleb has less than 1% of his portfolio invested in cryptocurrency because they are unpredictable and very new.  Advice Caleb would give to young people It's okay to be the tortoise in this race and not the hare. Investing takes time to build wealth - stay consistent.  Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn. Visit Investopedia.com  Listen to The Investopedia Express and The Green Investor podcast.  Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Attending college isn't right for everyone, so how do you know if going to college is right for you? On today's episode of Be Better, Donald talks with English professor and long-time college admissions counselor, Dr. Allen Grove, about the pros and cons of higher education.  What should I know before I pursue higher education?  Ask yourself what type of career you want to pursue - is it a career that requires going to college? Depending on what you want to pursue, a trade school might make more sense. There are also certificate programs for some types of careers.  The students who aren't succeeding in college are often struggling with motivation and curiosity. If they don't understand why they are in college it is hard to get motivated to do their coursework, because they don't see the point of it.  Think about what skills you want to develop, and why you want a degree.  What are ways Allen helps students identify their purpose?  Many students don't know what they want to do. The majority of college students change their majors.  Allen recommends going to career services during your first year of college. A lot of students have never heard of many of the careers and majors that their school offers.  A liberal arts degree is a great option as you start to identify what you want to focus on.  Many students are chasing a certain degree because of the potential salary, but this ends up leading down a path they don't enjoy. Other pros of a college education You are learning how to learn.  Leaving home and living on your own.  Allen has seen that in some ways it's more valuable to learn how to live on your own than some of the coursework. College helps you to build a network.  What should you look for in a university?  Not all universities are created equal.  If a college is struggling to meet enrollment goals, they may not have the resources to meet your needs.  Apply to more than one school and shop around for your financial aid. Financial aid varies greatly from school to school.  Is the debt worth it? People who get a 4-year degree earn on average 1.2 million dollars more in their lifetime than those who do not. Put your debt into perspective.  If you shop around and are savvy with your choice, the financial burden doesn't have to be bad.  There are around 40 schools that have loan-free financial aid.  If you are a high-achieving student and you apply to a smaller college you can receive significant merit aid.  Community college is always a great option.  One piece of advice from Allen Make sure you know why you want to go to college, and that the schools you are looking at offer what you want.  Pay attention to money.  Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Allen Grove on LinkedIn. Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Many teenagers and young adults never get the financial education to learn how their actions and decisions can drastically affect their financial future. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is going to five of his personal experiences, lessons, and mistakes to help us learn how to plan a better financial future. Strike while the iron is hot. When Donald got his first job, he moved out of his parent's house and got his own place. While renting part of a duplex, Donald was offered to purchase it from his landlord, but Donald turned down the offer. The landlord sold it to someone else, and they sold it to someone else. So what was offered for $150,000 is now worth $800,000. Don't let fear prevent you from taking advantage of a great opportunity. Learn from others and get a mentor. Most of us don't have a financially secure millionaire family member. So find one!  Create a connection with a financially secure person and learn from them. What did they do to build their financial security? Get financially educated by reading books. Find books like Think and Grow Rich or The Psychology of Money to learn the basics of financial literacy. Events like FinCon are a great way to learn personal financing and understand money.  Pay yourself first. The first thing most people do with their paycheck is pay bills and expenses. But instead, use that money to allow yourself to make more money. Put a portion of your paycheck, whatever you can afford, into an investment account to allow your money to start working for you. Have a rainy day fund to utilize and spend as necessary - it's your money. Budget Once you understand where your money is going, you'll be able to get disciplined.  Setting a plan with your money is the best way to ensure you're on track for your goals.  Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Great leadership looks different to everyone. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the CEO and co-founder of Better Homes and Gardens Native American Group, Susan Jenkins, to learn what she values in leadership and how she embraces those traits in her work. It's got to be deeper than money - a ‘why' must be answered. In 2001, a family member approached Susan, said she'd be a great realtor, and offered to pay for her real estate school. She wanted to incorporate her Native American heritage into her work, so she and her husband founded their real estate brokerage. During the market crash in 2008, she and her company worked with foreclosed homes and developed a thriving practice.  If she can help one person, it's worthwhile. Susan looks to help marginalized and overlooked people find the opportunity and success to support their families for generations to come. There are many people she realizes have tremendous potential for greatness; they just need a network of support. Susan's goal is to be that support. Being a servant leader: To Susan, being a servant leader means investing in your clients, showing them the ins and outs of the business, and teaching them how to work through the nuances of real estate. Put people first. At her brokerage, Susan offers loans to the people in her organization to help them get through tough spots - she wants to give everyone the path to success. Her role is to find overlooked people, encourage them, invest, and teach them to be successful. They just need someone to lead them. Many people she meets have fear and doubt about their abilities. She helps them believe they have the right to be in the space. Susan's parting advice? You have value and worth. There is something unique inside you that nobody else has. So find your tribe of people who elevate you to that next position, and don't be afraid to reach for it. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Give Susan a call at 7576726732 or email her at susan@nativeamericangroup.com. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Starting a podcast or launching a foray into entrepreneurship likely won't happen overnight, and it often takes multiple tries to find an idea that sticks. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the podcast princess (and CEO of YAP Media), Hala Taha, to learn how she tried, failed, and overcame obstacles to eventually find a successful career. Hala dropped out of college to pursue her passion: She interned for three years at Hot 97 but was fired when she asked for a paying job.  As soon as Hala was fired, she launched the Sorority of Hip Hop and recruited girls on Twitter and Craigslist to produce content for the blog site. While popular, it failed because she couldn't figure out how to monetize it. MTV scouted her and the business, and they filmed her and the girls for an entire summer. However, they pulled the plug two weeks before it was supposed to air. After these failures, Hala quit entertainment to pursue an MBA: While working toward her degree, Hala earned an internship at Hewlett-Packard, making 70k per year. Then, she landed a full-time role and worked there for four years. While thankful for the corporate experience, she eventually went back to broadcasting and launched her podcast.  What's the difference? There was no gatekeeper! You don't need to be famous or wealthy to start a podcast - just find a niche and get recording. She decided to promote herself on LinkedIn and leveraged that to gain attention on her podcast. She reached out and organized collaborations with CastBox, PlayFM, Riverside.FM and other podcast platforms to gain more exposure. After gaining a following, Hala had guests ask her to work with them and was soon able to scale her company. Hala's major piece of advice? Believe in yourself, believe there are endless possibilities and don't wait to pursue your dreams. If a gatekeeper tells you no, determine what they're saying no to and use that to frame a path to success.  Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Tune into her podcast, Young and Profiting Podcast, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. Follow Hala on LinkedIn for more great content. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Everyone has a strategy for time management. Whether it's your mom, dad, brother, coworker, or neighbor, you've likely heard many different ways to prioritize your time and get things done. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by entrepreneur and bestselling author, Richie Norton, to hear his take on time management and how everyone can find a bit more time in their day. Get things done without doing unnecessary things. Be an architect. They don't build buildings; they draw and have someone else construct them. A dream doesn't get done until it's due - work not for something but from something. Many entrepreneurs lose their time and life to a business when they started it to reclaim those things. In America, we're taught to work 9-5 and retire at 65. While that's changing, work still has a leash and collar for many working Americans. Live to start, start to live. A full calendar is an empty life, and successful people can say yes to whatever they want. Time management is like water. Every decision today is based on Frederick Winslow Taylor's ideation of time management in the 1800s. We think time management is to get our time back. However, it's designed to measure workers' output to complete more work, not give people more time. It's not about what you do with your time but who controls it. How do you put this into practice? Begin with the end in mind. We've made means into ends. Goals, habits, and tools aren't the strength; the goal is to move beyond the goal. Stop managing time and start prioritizing attention. If you measure time flow rather than cash flow, you sacrifice what you love for success, and you get neither. You're more productive when you value your time and start from there. There's a place for training and more expensive results. The problem is ghost-stepping,  or choosing decisions that don't support the dream. Richie's final takeaway for this episode? Don't hope you'll, at one point, have time to do what you want. Make time for it today. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Visit Richie's website, richienorton.com, to connect and learn more with him. Tune into his podcast, The Richie Norton Show, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Take Richie's 90-Day Anti-Time Management Challenge at richienorton.com/time. Purchase Richie's books, The Power of Starting Something Stupid and Anti-Time Management, on Amazon. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Project manager by day and podcast influencer by night, Lloyd George has used media to connect to new people, try new opportunities, and fuel his passions. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Lloyd joins Donald to discuss his work and how he's used media to get where he wants to go.  Lloyd's professional background wasn't traditional:  He wasn't an A-student and knew college wouldn't work. That, plus his lack of funding, made it an easy choice not to go. What Lloyd did know, however, was how to build relationships.  Similar to many people, he's very conscious of how people around him see him as. He's since learned to put himself first and ensure his work, passions, and time are spent doing things that make him and his family happy. Determining your next steps in life: Write down the goals you want to achieve within your personal or professional life.  The most important thing you can do is to build relationships. Each day, go to LinkedIn and connect with two people. Then, when you need a job or a different career, you'll have a network of 600 people to reach out to who know and like you. If you aren't going to connect with individual people, join organizations or online forum groups to see internal information and find advocates for you based on similar interests and passions.  How has media enhanced his ability to manifest opportunities? As Lloyd has integrated into podcasting opportunities, different companies and people have seen his content that he's posted on LinkedIn. When he traveled to Podcast Movement, he found professionals willing to vouch for him for job opportunities based solely on his content.  The beauty of social media - you are the expert on your thoughts. You don't need permission from anyone to create content or share your thoughts. A lack of experience isn't solely a negative thing. Content creators who are new to an industry can often bring a fresh perspective that others might agree with. How can people take advantage of media? Social media allows you to test. If you want to create content for a specific audience, you can trial run different forms of media or various topics until you find something that works. Lloyd's major takeaway? The opportunities and potential available on social media are endless. While the potential is limitless, be cautious and set boundaries with your online presence to feel safe and positive. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Entering the job market after college graduation can be a stressful time. Between discovering the industry, making connections, and managing interviews, navigating the variables can be a difficult time for anyone. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by two Gen Z college students, Mackenzie Carnahan and Junior Germain, to learn how they've set themselves up for post-college success entering the job market (and how you can, too.) Concerns for the business world in today's economy: Inflation, gas prices, and the housing market are changing each day, and accounting for these variables can make it difficult for early-stage career professionals to actively save for their financial goals. It's easy to enter the job market feeling like you aren't worthy of your position. However, take note of your place in your career and be willing to ask questions to learn more. From a Gen Z perspective: What is important when entering the job market? Job stability. Finding a position that offers the employee peace of mind and the ability to save for their future endeavors. Growth opportunities. Young professionals want to work in a company that encourages opportunities to move forward in their careers. To build trust with an employer, college students fear the idea of “networking.” However, setting yourself up for success means putting yourself out there and being willing to interact with others in the industry.  At an internship, shadow, or interview, take note of the company culture and try to emulate it to build rapport and show initiative to those around you. Move past the belief that you'll find your dream job immediately after college. There's pressure for students to have the perfect location and job lined up, often months before college. The pay will come. In many instances, a position that offers more learning opportunities might be more impactful than a position that pays more.  Parting thoughts on the job market: Figuring out what you want to do and what's out there isn't a journey that ends at college; give yourself the time and opportunity to determine your passions, no matter how long that takes. The future of the job market is veering away from the traditional job market - remote work, four-day workweeks, and hybrid jobs that accommodate your lifestyle are becoming more common.  Mackenzie's and Junior's parting advice? Step out of your comfort zone and take risks. You're better than you think you are, and you have more opportunities than you might think. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Connect with Mackenzie and Junior on LinkedIn. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, our host Donald Kelly continues his conversation with internet influencer Danny Peña to learn what work, skills, and content would help anyone become an influencer. For the full interview, check out our prior episode for part one! Building a community is your largest obstacle: For Danny, guerilla marketing was a powerful and (at the time) unique tactic to generate buzz and inform people about the industry.  Use your prior experiences and skills to fuse content generation with someone unique to you. Use the power of media, because it's a powerful tool to inform more people beyond your scope of influence. Danny's advice to people looking to be an influencer or market their passion: Above all, be patient. You should master your craft before sharing it with the world. There are courses and learning platforms online that can help anyone learn how to create content with their phone.  Explain to people why they should follow and engage with your content.  It is possible to make content creation your full-time job. If you have the patience and consistency to hone your craft, you'll be able to achieve your goals. Don't burn your bridges immediately - find opportunities to fuel your passion. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our guest, Danny Peña, on Instagram and YouTube Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. Purchase Danny Loves Video Games on Amazon. Audio Credits: Ruse - Nu Alkemi$t ​​Sunny - AlterEgo 13 Out 1 In - Sam Barsh Asi Es - Matt Wigton Rowdy -  Shane Becker Legends Never Die - Ghost Beatz No Lines - BRASKO You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Being an online influencer is a relatively new and unprecedented form of immense success. But how does one go from posting content to developing a fanbase? In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the host and founder of Gamertag Radio, Danny Peña, to learn how anyone can forge a career out of being an influencer and making the content they're passionate about.  Where did Danny's path to content start? His dad was a DJ, and Danny would mess around with his different equipment and tools.  Danny kept his passion for recording. In 1998, he launched a show and failed.  Fast forward to 2001, with better tech and internet speed, he launched PSO Radio, a gaming show. He then went to launch another, but 9/11 caused that plan to derail. Around that time, Nintendo and Xbox were launching new gaming consoles, and Danny was offered the opportunity for an early edition to showcase them on his show. For anyone looking to capitalize on your passion, you must master your craft. The biggest mistake people make with content creation is they buy the supplies, tools, and tech but don't plan content or generate a community that engages with that content. In today's age, everyone wants success fast. Patience and perseverance are key in this industry, and you won't be a master of your craft in just a few months. Building buzz is hard. What were Danny's early strategies? Danny brought his camera and recorded himself doing interviews with people in line for new video games. He invited these people to then share the video of themselves with their friends, which they did gladly. Each share got him more and more exposure.  Getting your name out there is always a plus. Danny attended events, meet up with other creators and put himself in front of diverse audiences.  Danny's life-changing experiences Danny got the opportunity to do short gaming videos nationally for Telemundo. He also had the chance to interview Keanu Reeves about a new video game. The talents he brought led the interview to go viral, and Reeves himself stated that it was his favorite interview about the game. His “put yourself out there” mentality landed him a free Xbox before it launched to the public and even a few gaming rounds with Bill Gates. Danny's suggestions for people who want to become an influencer: Be patient. Despite what it may look like, lasting success doesn't happen overnight. It's never been easier to experiment and master your craft. Watch videos, download tools, and use all the resources available to continue learning. You must be able to explain to someone why you are worth following. Determine now what value you will bring. Meet with other creators at events and exchange information.  Don't listen to people who say you are wasting your time, even your parents. A positive support system will give you a huge advantage. More About Danny: “Danny Loves Video Games” details Danny's experience turning something he loves to do into a fulfilling career. The book is available on Amazon in English and Spanish on September 15, 2022. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow our guest, Danny Peña, on Instagram and YouTube Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. Audio Credits: Strawberry Shortcake by BRASKO Humid Blues by Desert Dive What's Mine Is Yours by Dr. Delight Speaking Broken English by Common Kid Sound Effect by Pixabay Brooklyn Sunrise by Ghost Beatz How Do I Say This? By Neon Beach Soundchips and Queso by Cast Of Characters Head in the Clouds  by Ian Kelosky Nine Mile by Cast Of Characters Montag by Transmuter You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

The best successes often come from overcoming powerful obstacles. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the co-founder of Solo Stove, Spencer Jan, to discuss how he built a successful company amid the 2008 recession.  Entrepreneurship has been central to his career for the past decade. After seeing the recession's effect on his professional pursuits, Spencer believes we are entering a time when people can derive the same benefits of starting a business during turmoil. His original company barely stayed afloat during the recession, and they told Spencer to start looking for other opportunities, which inspired him to look for alternatives. What inspired his entrepreneurial beginnings? His desire for security led him to dabble in other industries to supplement his income, which led him to e-commerce. His side gigs quickly outpaced his day job, and his excitement for that opportunity led him to create his own company (AKA Solo Stove.) He realized the upside was capped working for another person, while his upside working for himself was limitless - he could make a more substantial future for himself and his family. Determining your entrepreneurial pursuit: If you're being true to yourself, entrepreneurship is not a path to quick riches - overcoming the famine to reach a feast later. Find something you're passionate about that you'd want to learn more about while still working at another outlet to support yourself.  Stay in the game longer than the guy next to you - it takes time and effort to get successful entrepreneurship going. Spencer's final takeaway? Watch Follow Your Dreams by Casey Neistat. If you set yourself up to chase the dream that you want, you'll make it.  Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Spencer on YouTube and LinkedIn for more great content.  Watch Follow Your Dreams on YouTube. Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Before you seek to receive something, seek first to give to those around you. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, to learn his philosophy and simple takeaways to lead a life in service to others. The Go-Giver mentality is a universal practice: A great salesperson focuses not on their product but on their prospect's needs and how their issue is related to the product. Nobody will buy from you because you have a quota to meet, or just because you're a nice person. They'll buy from you only because they believe it is beneficial for them to do so. This mentality can be applied beyond sales - the situation can change, but the principles stay the same. The Go-Giver mentality is, in essence, shifting your focus from “getting” to “giving”(giving defined as "constantly and consistently providing immense value to others”) It's logical, rational, and the best way to secure long-term wealth through providing value to those around you. Go beyond the business while interacting with others. Empathy is the most important people skill an individual can have. Professional skills are essential to get in the game. However, those with people skills can procure the influence to get ahead of the game. Have gratitude and appreciation for the people around you, and you'll attract happy and confident people around you.  The Law of Receptivity: The ability to allow oneself to receive from others. It focuses on other people's interests and creates the benevolent context for your success. The key to effective giving is being open to receiving.  Be Better Episode Resources: Read Bob's book, The Go-Giver (coauthored with John David Mann), available on Amazon, and visit burg.com for more information and resources.  Check out How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Follow our host, Donald Kelly, on Instagram and Tik Tok.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Wherever you go in the world, there is bound to be some degree of turmoil and negativity. So how do you stay motivated and inspired amidst it all? In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of LLJR Enterprises, Larry Long Jr., to learn how he maintains positivity and works toward a better future.  Shaping a positive perspective: While Larry believes he was partially born positive, it still takes practice. His father grew up in Baltimore surrounded by danger, but he made it a point to be positive, a value he later instilled in Larry.   It doesn't matter your circumstance; you can create something with the right attitude and a fresh perspective. The limiting belief you tell yourself is often worse than it is. So don't hold yourself back.  Finding your inner story: Don't worry about setting realistic goals, because you inherently set limiting beliefs on the goals you set. Dream big, and then dream bigger. Then, write that dream down and take action to make it happen. Handling strikeouts: Contextualize failures as moments of growth. Instead of letting those failures be points of negativity, figure out how to take the next best step.  Have the perspective that you'll live, learn, laugh, love, and enjoy the growth process. The basics to staying consistent: You are what you consume. Take audit of the people around you; you want them to be people who push themselves to be better. If you aren't giving your all in everything you do, ask yourself what you can do next. Larry's three-minute challenge: Pick someone from your contact list and take three minutes to find something that will surprise and delight them. The goal isn't to ask for something - it's to bring happiness to the people around you.  Larry's advice to his young self? Learn the power of persistence and perseverance; if you can learn their importance, you'll set yourself up for long-term success. Be Better Episode Resources: To contact Larry, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit larrylongjr.com. Read Larry's book, “Jolt!,” available on Amazon. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Personal branding is the key to setting yourself up for personal and professional success. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by PR pro and owner of Media Maven, Christina Nicholson, to discuss the importance of personal branding, regardless of your industry.  No matter your business, everybody should build a brand. The brand you build makes people want to work with you, and it encourages the trust and rapport that makes deals move forward. If you go to any niche, industry, or city, you'll find personal branding dictating purchases in that area and generating more leads. You can do the same! Types of content that build brands: There are three types of media: your personal media and content (which you have absolute control over), advertising, and earned media.  In terms of personal media, you should have a website as your homebase, with a blog to share specialty content. You can then repurpose that blog into social media. Give your audience value to make them want to see more. Add CTAs in everything, even if the CTA is just to like, comment, and follow.  Podcasts are huge for building personal brands. The intent of someone listening to a podcast is more engagement-driven than scrolling on the phone. Milestones to look for when making a personal brand. It'll be different for everyone. If the goal is organic growth from an online blog, your KPIs could be tied to your Google Analytics. For a podcast host, it could be the number of downloads of show episodes. Ask yourself, “why do I want this?” Make sure your efforts and milestones support that goal. Grab the low-hanging content fruit: Determine where you like being and where your audience is. Then, balance the two. Be consistent. Consider using a scheduler to post content to ensure you have consistent content for people to consume. Consider posting the same thing multiple times, because viewers see millions of things each day, and might need the reminder. Have branded images that show what you do. Don't just take professional headshots (though they're always good to have.) Have candid or action shots that demonstrate your personality. Be Better Episode Resources: Follow Christina on Instagram, Facebook, and other social platforms at @christinaallday. Tune in to Christina's own podcast, Become a Media Maven, on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else podcasts can be found. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald talks about what he had to learn the hard way when starting his own business. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode has the takeaways you need to get your next venture started on the right foot.  You're always selling. If you're too focused on the service or product you offer, you won't have the people necessary to sell it. Always be in sales mode. Tell people about your company, your product, and what makes you unique. You must utilize marketing. Selling connects prospects to your product; marketing advertises that product to generate inbound traffic and spread awareness.  Because of the multiple channels, mediums, and locations marketing is available, ensure your business utilizes marketing in the right areas to best help your business. Find the right product-market fit, and soon. You won't truly know your ideal client until you can see who best uses and purchases your product. Sell as much as possible to see which types of people are most receptive to your sales efforts. Your ideal client can change; refine your target market as your company grows and expands. You don't have to be perfect to start. If you wait for perfection, you'll never get started. Regardless of your goal, idea, or company, just start. Build off of the traction you gain from beginning your efforts. Learn to work with partners and people who can help you. Work with people or other companies who you can mutually benefit from.  Take the opportunity to see what you need and which individuals might benefit from working with you. Be Better Episode Resources: Read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Find The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber on Amazon.  Eric Ries's The Lean Startup is available on Amazon and Audible.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

The best things in life aren't free. In the professional world, that means it's time to take a risk. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined by the co-founder and VP of Content and Community of Podcast Movement, Jared Easley, to discuss the risks he took in creating the world's largest podcast event in the world. Podcasting is a phenomenon for a reason: It allows anyone a low barrier of entry to start creating content. Anyone can get involved. Even now, it's easier now than ever. People can create a podcast right from their smartphone. Jared wanted to create a podcast, so they looked at what content was online for people to get started. And there wasn't much. They did go to an event and made connections. However, it wasn't to the scale they imagined. Jared took a risk to create his event: Forced to crowdsource for the funding for his event, Jared decided to make the event about the attendees, not himself. He realized there was a passion for the event, which galvanized his efforts to make it happen.  While the first few years of the event weren't perfect, it established the trust and proof of comfort needed to make it successful long-term. Mitigating risks can help overcome the fear of failure: For example, in one particular year, Jared's event lost $40k.  Were there mistakes? Yes. And those mistakes were corrected in subsequent years to make the event a more enriching experience. Mistakes can help you learn what you couldn't know any other way, helping you become wiser and more informed for the future. It's okay (and productive) to try new things: Your experiences and efforts make you unique. Try a variety of ideas when creating something new - you'll be surprised what doors that can open. The worst thing you can do is not try. Instead, keep moving, and you'll find that more doors will open. Jared's major takeaway? When starting something new, put your efforts into others and create rapport to yield reciprocity for long-term success. Build an army of supporters to be more comfortable taking risks to further yourself. Be Better Episode Resources: Check out Jared's book recommendation, Will It Fly? By Pat Flynn. To get connected with Jared, visit podcastmovement.com for more content and information.  Listen to Jared's podcast Starve the Doubts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Sales isn't just a career; it's an everyday occurrence for everyone. We sell ideas, thoughts, and actions to our family, friends, and coworkers as a part of everyday life, so sales is an essential skill we all need to develop. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Kim interviews our co-host (and professional seller) Donald Kelly to learn how to be a better seller in everyday life. Sales means many things to many people. Donald considers sales to be helping someone make a decision and persuading them into acting in their own best interests. A great sales professional comes down to helping the person convince themselves. Even if you don't work in sales, you sell time off requests, promotions and pay increases, and team projects and collaborations. You can sell to anyone: While you want to adjust the nuances of communication toward each individual, there are standard practices that apply to anyone. First, build rapport. While it doesn't mean you should learn all about the other person, it means fostering mutual respect with one another. Nobody likes being sold to, so minimize that feeling and maximize the emotional relationship. Focus on the pain or challenge at hand. There's a reason a prospect is talking to you - determine and help solve whatever challenge they face. Asking the right questions: The best sellers talk less; in fact, sellers should only talk about 30% of the time.  Consider asking five ‘whys' during your conversation with the buyer; this will help narrow the scope of the discussion to your core problem. Asking questions is the key to determining the root of a client's problems, which is how the seller can best help the buyer.  Risk comes in the form of rejection. Therefore, sellers should identify potential objections and neutralize them before they become issues.  Donald's final selling takeaway? Don't give up. Sales is challenging, and you'll face many rejections. But the best sellers maintain communication and continually provide resources until they become a win. Be Better Episode Resources: Connect and learn more from Donald by following him at @donaldckelly on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Get connected with Kim on LinkedIn to stay in touch with her! Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Donald is joined again by the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Blu Realty, John Darden. In this episode, the pair dive deeper into practical ways to integrate a successful mindset into your daily life for long-term growth. Picture two agents:  Imagine two realtors: Greg the Gleeful Agent and Mandy the Mad Agent: Greg faced challenging life situations that were out of his control. However, Greg remained uplifting because of the positive habits and routines he made in his life, and he took steps to become better. Mandy didn't face hardship. However, she struggled to save money, invest, or build solid relationships. She lived in chaos and in a constant state of reaction because of her lack of proper habits. Both agents sold real estate and did well from a volume standpoint. However, Mandy's poor habits resulted in her needing extra resources and time to accomplish the same output, whereas Greg positioned himself for success.  Two immediate routines to structure your life: Create a powerful and positive morning routine. Whether you're a morning or night person, how you start your day dictates how productive you'll be the rest of the day. The Empty Cup Syndrome - Most people try to pour into the world from an empty cup of their own life. That issue stems from waking up in reaction mode. Just as important is a solid night routine. Once you've poured from your cup throughout the day, you need to refill it by reflecting on the day and getting ready to sleep. The final takeaway from this two-part series? When you create habits that set you up for success, the world full of opportunity is suddenly at your fingertips. Don't take life for what it is; shape it into what you want. Be Better Episode Resources: Connect and learn more from John on Instagram or email him at john@johndarden.com. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

The Be Better podcast is all about helping you find your path to success, whether that's in real estate or any other career. Today's episode is the first of a special two-part episode featuring the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Blu Realty, John Darden. In this episode, John discusses the psychology of success and how anyone can integrate simple practices into their lives for long-term success in their chosen field. Anyone can change their mindset to be successful.  Your beliefs and mentality indicate your performance, whether in parenting, business, or anything else. You don't have to be the smartest person in the room to have a success-driven mindset. Being positive and speaking words of life is important, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. Why are people challenged by framing success? Success and failure boil down to habits, and many people only have negative habits. A person with solid habits, whether in nutrition, athletics, exercise, parenting, business, or education performs better than those who don't. Conversely, people with negative habits that draw them away from their goals are less successful.  Even people with a silver spoon have the habits to keep or lose their spoon. Luck isn't real. It's the intersection of hard work and opportunity. Life environment impacts your ability to build habits.  For anyone who has experienced challenges, the life experiences that you didn't choose are not your fault. It sucks.  There are many people who have had to overcome hardships to be where they are today.  We all arrive at the crossroads at some point. You can either choose to perpetuate what you saw in your life, or you can choose to change your legacy and path in life. Use those part experiences to mold and create better habits. How to flip the switch and change your mindset. Every human being has every excuse in the world to be unsuccessful. It's just that some people rise above those excuses and use them as a motivator to move forward There's something that has to happen.  Getting into real estate requires John to create his best version of himself. He has to level up as a human being.  Getting into a commission-only friend, getting married, and having a kid all forced him to level up and be a better version of himself.  His company has the idea of personal excellence, and the goal is to be slightly better than they were the day before.  Be Better Episode Resources: Connect and learn more from John on LinkedIn. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Diversity isn't just about gathering diverse people; it's gathering diverse perspectives that create a culture of success for the company, its employees, and its customers. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Donald is joined by broker realtor at Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Premier, Thai Nguyen, to discuss his approach to creating a diverse culture (and how you can do the same.) Company culture is not by accident; it's by design. Thai was a sales agent when he first took over the company. That prior experience helped him understand the environment that creates great workplace culture. His agent perspective helps him understand how his agents feel and what issues they encounter. His office maintains a culture that seeks the personality and skills of the people within it to make them better agents; a good culture is composed of team players.  Creating a team that values diversity: Look at how diverse the company is, not just across the company but specifically in leadership. Actions speak louder than words. While there might be initiatives and values on paper, ensure those are reflected in the company's behavior. Create event and training opportunities for employees to make their workplace a more inclusive environment where everyone can perform their best. It's not diversity of culture; it's diversity of thought. Thai listens to his agents for the best ideas, and he looks to everyone to contribute meaningful ideas based on their unique perspectives, and that's how he grows diversity within the company. For new hires, spend time with the organization's agents (not just leadership.) The owner might sell you on an idea of the company, but the agents will tell you whether or not an owner's words live up to expectations.  Thai's final takeaway? When you walk into the company, your gut feeling about whether or not it's the right fit for you is probably correct. Listen to your heart - it'll tell you if you belong there. Be Better Episode Resources: Visit Thai's company website to contact him for more information and follow his team on Facebook.  Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Over the course of the Be Better Podcast, Donald and Kim have had the opportunity to interview many great people to understand how they've achieved their personal and professional success. In today's episode, we revisit some of our favorite episodes and the takeaways we can apply to our own lives. Our mindset toward life can be a powerful motivator: Josh McGrath stressed how important it is to create our own path and reach for our dreams, even when others tell us no. Don't let others' insecurities dictate your mindset. Sherry Chris's episode was remarkable. It was fascinating to learn about her journey from banking to real estate, all the way to her current role as CEO. She forged her path and overcame every obstacle she encountered. Jennifer Adams was an interior designer, but she didn't start that way - she started out cleaning houses! However, her desire to do something more inspired Jennifer to find a way to make it happen. Financial success is attainable for everyone with the proper knowledge and toolset. Abhi Golhar talked about what we didn't learn from school about wealth. His main takeaway? Learning how to budget and set financial goals helps create generational wealth. Mallorie Denmon started doing something completely different in life, and she's now a real estate agent for Better Homes and Gardens®. She not only transitioned her career but did so during COVID, a difficult time for many people. Guy Kawasaki discussed the key points to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He explained that our first job or investment might not be a big success. However, taking calculated risks is the best way to find success. If you have something you want to share with the world, do it! Our closing thoughts for this episode? We're excited for things to come. Apply these learnings to your lives, and let us know how they foster growth in your personal and professional pursuits! Be Better Episode Resources: Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Entrepreneurship is where passion and hard work collide. Today's guest on the Be Better Podcast learned this lesson firsthand at 16 years old when he dropped out of school to pursue digital marketing. Now a founder and CEO of one of the UK's fastest-growing digital marketing agencies, he has built an empire through the hard work and passion that got him started.  Flynn side-hustled through school by reselling rare shoes and designing websites.  After building a website for a friend, Flynn realized he could make a career from it. At first, he tried to continue both school and his professional aspirations. However, he was unsuccessful. Flynn went all-in on his entrepreneurial endeavors. His first sales task was his most challenging - selling his mom on the idea of dropping out. Entering the business world as a young guy was no minor feat.  Getting people to take him seriously was an initial challenge. He found it difficult to articulate his thoughts to make people take him seriously.  His initial clients were people he knew. After that, he was able to land more clients through his work.  He realized he could find people who saw his age as a positive; he was someone who's grown up in the digital world. Entrepreneurship is an excellent opportunity for young adults: If you have a passion for the industry, it can be gratifying. However, you're going to spend more time working as an entrepreneur than you would in a 9-5 role. It's a time investment, but you get the rewards later down the line. It's a long-term plan, not a short investment. The best way to learn is by doing, and why wait? Just start now and see where it goes. How did Flynn gain knowledge without schooling? Books were the foundational method. If you want to learn a lot from one person, a book is better than any conversation.  He tried to learn from other people's lessons before making the same mistakes himself.  His mentorship was essential. When covid hit, he focused on networking and seeking out people who could provide meaningful input. Flynn's advice to someone looking to be an entrepreneur? Just get started and do it. That doesn't mean you have to drop the ball and quit everything else, but get started and see where it goes. Be Better Episode Resources: Visit Flynn's website flynnblackie.com to get in contact with him and to read more about his company. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Marketing, when done correctly, is a powerful contributor to a business's success. Today's episode of the Be Better Podcast features Better Home and Garden Real Estate's Marketing Award recipient Brittney LaHayne to discuss her tactics and strategy behind a successful marketing strategy. The secret? Brittney dedicates her entire marketing to past business. She set up a program teaching people how to care for their homes after purchase. Her team drops off items for different home maintenance projects for six months after their purchase. Brittney is an agent with Better Home and Garden Real Estate, and within that company, her team consists of her, her husband, and two other individuals who help coordinate sales. She receives the business and support through referrals and recommendations by focusing less on attracting new clients and more on thanking existing clients. It's not about a grand gesture. Rather, it's about the little things that make a difference. Giving back to the community: Her team expresses that they care about their community, not just the money. Every time a client buys or sells a home, Brittney donates $200 to a charity of the client's choice. It was never a goal to get business this way, but she's found people want to work with them because of this practice.  If you don't have money, there are many other ways to give back. You can go to a food pantry, provide the homeless community with small gifts or packages, or volunteer at a local soup kitchen. You can make an impact with whatever you have at your disposal. Brittney's advice to her younger self? Be authentic to who you are, and share that with others to find your people. Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Brittney and her team by visiting honorgrouprealestate.com. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, Kim and Donald are joined by “the dream team architect” Veronica Romney. She and Donald discuss her approach to entrepreneurship and the struggles entrepreneurs face in their daily lives. Veronica's introduction to entrepreneurship: Once Veronica had her first son, she and her husband wanted to center their work lives around their family rather than the other way around. She launched a digital marketing agency, modeling it based on what she knew (a corporate environment.)  She ultimately blew up her expenses before answering the critical questions - understanding her business's niche and what it offered to her audience. She's made many entrepreneurial mistakes: There's a spectrum all entrepreneurs face, building too fast or too slow and draining profitability. Learning when to bring in help became an integral skill. It can be scary to hand control over to others; nobody knows how to manage your business like you do.  If you notice you're spending more time on the business rather than communicating the efforts you've made to reach your mission and vision, you've crossed the line. Outsource the elements you don't have to know: A business has three lanes of nurturing: the prospects, the customers, and the company. While many outsource the marketing, sales, and content, this is a mistake. After all, how do you know a message will resonate with your audience if you aren't there to see it? Don't outsource messaging until you've finalized it and know that it works for you. Instead, outsource elements you know you'll never do long-term, like technical work, bookkeeping, and financial components.  Create KPIs for yourself, not just your team: Whether you're a YouTube star, content creator, or any type of entrepreneur, be conscious of your KPIs.  One of those KPIs is your number of weekly messaging moments. How many days did you share a message on behalf of the company? It could be a conference, a podcast, anything. If those activities are declining, the business is also losing revenue. Time is the greatest resource we have, and we never have enough of it.  If you think you don't have enough time, you aren't spending it in the right places.  Bring in help to buy back time and focus on the KPIs that matter to you. For many people, our brains work the best at certain times. So, safeguard your creative time over your admin time. Veronica's final takeaway? Some of the most significant sources of her early wins came from the humble act of asking for help. So have humility, put your ego aside, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Veronica on social media by searching @vronmey on Instagram and LinkedIn or visiting her website, veronicaromney.com. Read The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, available on Amazon. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Interior remodeling isn't the only way to invest in your property; your outdoor space is valuable realty as well! In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Kim and Donald are joined by garden designer, TV personality, small business owner, and author Carson Arthur. In this episode, he shares his recommendations for going green at home and cultivating your outdoor space for a long-term investment.  Make the most of the opportunities you have with your land. When it comes to renovation, first-time home buyers think about paint colors and kitchen appliances. But outdoor renovation is the only renovation that increases in value over time - trees and plants grow!  Landscaping is a great way to make a great return on investment. Green living should be a passion for everyone. When Carson started talking about low-maintenance outdoor spacing, he noticed less and less of the spaces he featured actually had plants - they were patios, decks and living spaces without the greenery that inspired the idea. Homeowners are unfortunately part of the problem - we remove trees because they're an inconvenience.  Trees and plants help your lifestyle, add value to your space, and help your pocketbook. When first-time homeowners think about a property with trees, they immediately feel more welcome in the space. Just one tree can improve a home's value by 5-8%. How Carson views generational approaches to gardening:  Baby boomers were the original gardeners. However, Gen X hired landscaping companies because they didn't want to do the work themselves.  Those companies realized it's far cheaper to hire regular workers over plant specialists, and they used the same plants repeatedly because that's what people wanted. Millennials didn't have the money to pay for landscapers, so they did it themselves. Upon doing so, they noticed there were better options for their land. Gen Z wants to be part of the solution, so they're following suit.  Many of us want to make our homes more appealing and sustainable:   Internally, there are tons of options like recycling and solar energy. On the outside, you can get creative. For example, use organic fertilizer to help your local environment. Cut back on concrete and cement used in outdoor spaces. Those heat-retaining materials create environmental hot pockets.  Incorporating plant material to provide shade helps combat excessive heat.  Using plants native to the area requires less maintenance because they've been adapted specifically for your environment. Growing vegetables isn't just for adults; kids love it as well! If a kid is reluctant to try vegetables, they'll be far more likely to try something new if they grow it themselves. Growing your food is more sustainable, but how else can gardening improve your life? It's a known stress-reliever.  Gardening is an investment. When you grow the food, you save money. As you continue to build equity in your home, add outdoor space to expand the living area.  This topic is addressed further in Carson's latest book, Vegetables, Chicken, and Bees: An Honest Guide to Growing Your Food Anywhere. Be Better Episode Resources: Visit carsonarthur.com to learn more about Carson's landscaping and gardening work. For more great tips and content on gardening, there's no better resource than Better Homes and Gardens. Find Carson's book, Vegetables, Chicken, and Bees, on Amazon. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Success on social media is largely correlated to one sole platform: Instagram. While other platforms are important, Instagram is the primary medium for anyone looking to build their brand and grow a following. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Kim and Donald are joined by the founder of The Marketing Hunters, Ruben Alvarez, to discuss Instagram best practices, tips, and how you can use it with success.  Why is Instagram so important? Every platform has a unique ability to brand its user, but Instagram (at least for now) carries more weight and credibility than other platforms. Instagram's influence developed because it went uncompeted for years. However, due to Tik Tok, that influence is slowly being chipped away.  Common Instagram mistakes: Don't assume: What some people do to find success won't automatically work for you. Not using new tools and technology within the platform before it's past the early adoption point. Instagram is entirely perception-based, meaning once someone starts commenting, more people will follow. Do things that encourage commenters. Master the Instagram Reel: Ruben's major tip: Create more videos. Every popular video has a three-second hook to draw the audience, and you should master yours. Almost every single video you first create will look stupid to you, but keep going. As you refine your skills, you'll be able to make more professional videos while retaining the creativity and authenticity you had in the beginning. Decide on your brand before making content. Understand what you're comfortable creating, and recognizing that boundary will prevent you from creating content that compromises your brand and values. Remember, content needs to entertain. You can take simple steps to make your content more watchable and entertaining.  Do things the way you want, but your content should resonate with the people watching it. When you follow a variety of people, you'll see inspiration and ideas that can help you think of more content to grow your brand. Ruben's advice for his younger self? Adopt faster; you never know if you're going to get one or 10,000 followers as a result. With branding, you should never compete with anyone. If you're trying to grow an account, do things differently than other people. Be Better Episode Resources: Connect with Ruben on Instagram at @iamrubenalvarez Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

When it comes to real estate, customer service is everything. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Donald is joined by two women who set themselves apart with this key ingredient to more sales - exceptional customer service by putting the customer first. Nicole and Jamie Hilderbrand are a sister-in-law duo married to identical twins. Find out how they match business and family relationships in today's episode. Why is customer service so important? Clients express to them their experience with past realtors is a lack of communication- not giving information or responding to emails. Nicole and Jamie wanted to avoid that mistake, so they decided to make their communication the best it could possibly be. As a family-owned business, they know firsthand the importance of interacting with one another. They just extended that notion to their clients. They often represent the builder, not the buyers. Despite this, they make a concentrated effort to connect with buyers, even once the transaction is complete. Little things make a huge impact: Learning people's backstory will build the relationship. Understand why they're coming to the area and what they hope to get from living in the community. As a realtor, you can help guide and support the buyer to find a house that matches those goals and dreams.  Realtors must have a level of vulnerability when working with others. Honesty is everything, and clients can tell when you're withholding information. Putting the client first makes a good realtor; don't work purely for the transaction. A service mindset leads to financial success: Jamie and Nicole eat, breathe, and sleep service - they want to make their work help others. That dedication and discipline bring them success. It's a learning experience. They're open to learning new things and trying new strategies because the available technology and resources are constantly evolving. Maintaining family ties within the business: Their husbands' parents instilled in them to put their families first, and Nicole and Jamie agreed that they were both taught to work for what they wanted. However, when arguments arise, they come together and work through the issue. To them, there's no other option - if there's a problem, they'll take care of it. Remember, you have to take care of yourself before taking care of others. With anything, walk in with confidence and do what you need to make something happen. If you're too uncertain, that's a sign you need to educate yourself more on your product. Their parting advice to their younger selves? Set high standards, have a plan and don't be afraid to fail. With hard work, you can achieve any level of success.  Be Better Episode Resources: Visit their website at refinedrealtygrouplincoln.com/ to find their social media pages and contact information! Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Working with your significant other can result in an exciting workplace. Josh and Sarah are a married real estate team located in Columbia, South Carolina. After the birth of their second child, Sarah decided to join the real estate industry, and her husband Josh helped accomplish her goal. In today's episode of the Be Better Podcast, they discuss how to create wealth as a team. The secret of working with family: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Sarah and Josh pair their strengths together to deliver the best results. Because they have defined duties and responsibilities, staying in those defined roles prevents conflict and focuses their efforts on what they do best.  When differences arise, they regroup to focus on the bigger picture. At the end of the day, they work together towards a common goal. Creating wealth with real estate: Real estate is a great space to build generational wealth, whether in sales or to invest. The traditional college pipeline is not the only route to wealth. With real estate, there is no ceiling; however hard you work is what you're going to make. Last year, Sarah started her real estate team. To them, moving beyond a family business and adding team members was a huge responsibility.  There are more systems, more technicalities, and the knowledge that their employees' livelihood depends on the business is a challenge. The Bennett's marketing philosophy:  Marketing has dramatically changed over the years, and it will continue to do so. Being adaptable in your efforts will help create a sustainable strategy. Social media is a powerful marketing tactic for realtors. They predominantly use Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, with Instagram being where they generate the most engagement. When it comes to content, don't be boring. They try to take their life and make it interesting, using everyday opportunities as a time for content.  Sarah's advice for her younger self? Hone in on the one thing you want to excel at, and keep working to make it happen. Josh's advice is to marry Sarah, which might be difficult for you to implement in your own life. Regardless, we love the sentiment. Be Better Episode Resources: Visit teamsarah.com to view their real estate website. Follow them on Instagram at @bennettjoshua and @sarahbennettrealtor Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Sometimes in life, you have to adapt. Whether that's because of a change in the market or a global pandemic, adaptability is key to pivoting your career. In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Kim and Donald are joined by Mallorie Denmon. As a salesperson in live entertainment, she had to switch up her career aspirations in the face of COVID, and we learned just how that transition led to her real estate success.  What was Mallorie's plan A?  Mallorie's original aspiration was to be a businesswoman. She had studied, interned, and prepared to join the business world upon graduation.  She ultimately found a position at Altria in Pittsburgh, Kansas, and Mallorie worked there for about a year before moving to Kansas City.  A new entertainment venue was built in Kansas City, and Mallorie got a job selling premium products and suites to business owners. Because of this position, she even had the opportunity to go to the Grammys in 2019!  But then, the pandemic hit. On March 31, 2020, her boss told her to take her laptop and go home. She was furloughed. Mallorie wasn't worried yet, because she was told they'd come back in July. But July came, and 90% of the furloughed workers were laid off. The final 10% (including Mallorie) were now furloughed until September to November.   Mallorie couldn't take the unknown anymore.  She thought real estate aligned with her personality, skill set, and identity. So, she signed up for classes and got to studying. During that time, she wondered whether she should be applying for positions in the job market or if she was genuinely doing what was best for her situation.  But she kept going and later passed her exam. She didn't start making money right away. Mallorie needed to establish a brand. She got her social profiles together, launched a website, and learned to trust the process. Finally, she was ready to get clients. The first sale was special. A nail tech she's known for over ten years asked to be her client. And thanks to help from her broker and her mentor, Mallorie was able to help them find their new home. When the dust settles, impacting her community makes this career worthwhile to Mallorie.  Mallorie's advice to her younger self? Don't wait. If you have a goal, make a plan and execute it.   Be Better Episode Resources: To connect with Mallorie, visit her website at picturesqueproperties.com or Instagram. You can also fill out the contact form on the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes website. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Being successful as an entrepreneur happens with the right mentorship, and we've got the perfect mentor for you. Today's guest, Guy Kawasaki, is the original Apple evangelist, investor of Canva, and all-around top-tier human. Guy shares his secrets to being successful as a young entrepreneur. What determines success? The best quality is luck because success is just being in the right place at the right time. However, you can do things to increase those odds. Outside of luck (which isn't the most actionable podcast takeaway), an entrepreneur's focus should be to make a product or service you like and would use.  You can always learn something from other people because everyone you meet can do at least one thing better than you.  Overcome obstacles with an entrepreneurial spirit: 80% of the battle is the product. You can evangelize a good product, but it's tough to evangelize a bad one. Put your product out there as soon as possible; you're either selling, or you aren't. Once you're on the shelf, it's a matter of revising. How quickly can you fix the mistakes that might have occurred? If all else fails, just don't take no for an answer and keep grinding. (Easier said than done.) Setting crazy versus realistic goals:  Apple's first goal likely wasn't to build a billion-dollar company; it was a more realistic goal. Many companies fail, and many have big goals. After all, if big goals were easy to achieve, everyone would do it.   Aspirations and dreams of success are great, but building an actionable framework produces the momentum to get you there. The future of entrepreneurship: Because of many factors, the barriers to entry in entrepreneurship are getting lower. Many younger people are getting the entrepreneurship bug. It's difficult to determine if the field is skewing lower, but (luckily) aspiring entrepreneurs don't need to worry about that. Instead, focus on the things that can impact you and your success. Guy's advice to younger entrepreneurs: You're either a psychopath, or you experience self-doubt. Every single entrepreneur, from Steve Jobs to Ray Kroc, felt self-doubt. The actual test is how you push through that doubt. Self-doubt is a problem, especially for women because of the imposter syndrome, but pushing through that feeling is necessary for success. Be Better Episode Resources: For more great content from Guy, follow him on LinkedIn. Tune into Guy's podcast, Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Real estate investing isn't a short-term strategy to create wealth; it's a long-term game. But how can someone get started making progress? Today's guest, Abhi Golhar, is here to answer our questions. A much-sought-after voice in real estate investment and entrepreneurship, Abhi has written for publications like Forbes, Inc. and the Huffington Post. So we're thrilled to learn from him how to expand our wealth through real estate investing. Say you have a few grand saved up. What next? How can you be empowered to solve the problem if you don't even know what the problem is? (Hint: you can't.) If you're in college looking to the future, recognize you have time on your side. Don't go all-in on something you don't understand.  Understand the type of investor you want to be because it takes money to make money. Don't take crazy risks; just save wherever possible and focus on understanding the market. The game of education is a game of finance.  If you're young, put yourself in a position to do something with it. Don't let the classroom be your limiting factor.  For real estate investing, start in a city with a relatively low cost of living and flip houses with a low purchase price. Partner with people who understand debt, equity, and bank financing so you can learn and be set up for future success. How to knowledgeably invest in property: If you are overpaying for property and assume the market will increase by the same amount each year, you're making an impulsive decision. Make data-backed buying decisions. Buy within your price range and don't go over 120-150% of the list price. (Because that's where people start to run into trouble.) Real estate is not a get-rich-quick situation - it's planning to create something great for the future. Abhi's advice to his younger self? It's okay to break up with relationships that don't make sense, including your relationship with yourself. Be Better Episode Resources: Read his book “Make It Rain,” available on Amazon. (Or, email hello@abhigolhar.com to receive a free copy!) Connect with Abhi on Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit his website. Listen to Abhi's podcast, the Think Realty Podcast. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

While many people start with the resources to achieve greatness, others work to make their dreams happen. (Today's guest is someone who falls into the latter category.) In this episode of the Be Better podcast, Donald is joined by interior designer Jennifer Adams to discuss her humble beginnings and how she shifted her perspective to achieve worthwhile goals through realizing her intentions. When Jennifer started her business, she had no confidence.  It took time for her to realize she had the skills and talent to charge people more money for her work. Everybody has to start somewhere. No matter where you're at in life, there's time for you to pursue your dreams. It's challenging to imagine successful people just starting out in their careers, but they all started somewhere. And if they can do it, so can you! Creative and service people are the first to undervalue themselves. Remember your worth. Understanding intention: The dictionary has several different meanings for intention. To Jennifer, she considers it the emotion and driving force behind what you do. If your end goal doesn't match your intentions, the process doesn't feel good. When Jennifer sets goals, she images what she wants her life to be like and creates goals with that image in mind. If there are negative or unsatisfied feelings, she reassesses her goals to see what needs changing.  Use intention to build a reality: When she began her interior decorating business, Jennifer felt unfulfilled. She was going through the motions. Once you set intentions, expand your vision to make it as big as possible. You might not accomplish the goal today, but you can break that goal into stepping stones. If you have negative thoughts, write them down to help notice and repress them if they occur again. Jennifer looked at how Martha Stewart expanded her business beyond catering. Then, she took notes and looked at how she could apply those stepping stones to her own career. Just because something has been done before doesn't mean it can't be done better. A frequent limiting belief is the lens of envy and jealousy instead of being joyful for another person and drawing inspiration from them. It's all about catching yourself in a negative mindset and determining what you need to do to fix it. Brainstorm all the things you can do to reach your goal, and then put that goal into action. Reaching milestones will bring you the joy and confidence to continue. If you believe in your own success, others will too. Jennifer's advice to young professionals: If you have the desire, you can and will make it happen no matter your background or circumstances. It just starts with that initial desire. You can do it! Be Better Episode Resources: Find Jennifer's book, How High Can You Soar, on Amazon and anyplace books are sold. Listen to the audio version on Audible to hear Jennifer narrate her book! Engage with Jennifer and her company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit her website jenniferadams.com. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

When you see a problem facing the world (or even just your local community), you might be invigorated to act. But how do you go about solving the problem? In today's episode of the Be Better podcast, Donald is joined by founder and CEO of New Story, Brett Hagler, to discuss how he works to solve the global housing crisis. What made Brett join real estate? Brett didn't plan on joining real estate. However, a post-college trip to Haiti changed his entire perspective.  He saw the reality of homelessness and realized there are still over one billion people without adequate housing. He first searched for charities that excited him, but frustrated by many organizations' old-school approaches to problem-solving, he made a list of things he wished were better. And then, he made an organization that solved those issues. Going against the status quo inspires you to be great.  It can be anything, from attending graduate school, founding a company, or switching careers. Many people become paralyzed by uncertainty if they don't know how to start something. The solution? Dream big, but start small. When Brett founded New Story, his goal wasn't to house all one billion people; it was to house one family. So start with a small, attainable goal you know you can reach.  Looking at a significant problem like inadequate housing can be challenging, but it gets markedly easier when the issue is broken down into attainable milestones.  Brett's strategy to identifying problems:  Usually, the problems aren't rocket science. If you see something operating a certain way, ask yourself if it needs to be like that. Chances are, it probably doesn't. It's about creating a better experience and being transparent in your goals and results.  For any nonprofit organization, donors want (and deserve) to know exactly how their money is spent.  New Story has two bank accounts (with one dedicated to home building), and people can donate directly to that specific account. There is a massive opportunity to use technology to make processes more efficient and effective, from software and cryptocurrency to direct hardware used in construction. The next phase of New Story: Brett started New Story with two co-founders without money or connections. They saw a problem, and they set out to fix it. The takeaway? Make something people want. “People” doesn't have to mean everyone; it just needs to speak to the group of people who care about the topic. Since its inception, New Story has helped tens of thousands of people find multi-generation housing. Brett's advice for listeners? Go after your dreams, and don't let others influence what you do. If you see a problem, think about how you might solve it with a fresh perspective because bringing a creative mindset to solve a problem is a win-win for everyone involved. Connect with Brett and New Story on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Also, they're hiring! Visit newstorycharity.org/careers for more information.  You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Have you ever wondered how a CEO gets to the point where they actually become a CEO? We did. So, on today's special episode of the Be Better podcast, Donald is joined by none other than the CEO of Better Home and Garden Real Estate®, Sherry Chris, to discuss her career journey and how you can establish your road to success. Sherry enjoys helping consumers move into the next phase of their lives.  Despite an initial banking career, Sherry realized while buying her first home that a real estate career would make great use of her skill set.  Homeownership, if managed properly, is a great resource to build wealth for future generations and offer a space for emotional growth - two things Sherry wanted to provide to others. As she began her real estate work, she learned to never view hurdles as a mistake. Instead, look at them as a learning experience.  What does leadership mean to Sherry? Leadership is the culmination of two things: empowering others to be their best and helping others without judgment. When combined, it creates a scenario that benefits everyone you're surrounded by. As a leader, you must build trust with your team. Your team needs to trust you, your judgment, and your ability to lead successfully. Surround yourself with people who offer personal and professional growth: Mentors are an essential part of everyone's growth, and identifying what type of mentor you need is critical. Match yourself with a mentor who appeals to you based on where you are in your career and where you are in your leadership journey. Many believe leadership to be synonymous with being the smartest in the room. In reality, leadership is acknowledging your weaknesses and crafting a team that supports those weaknesses.  It's about ego and humility. Both are powerful, but practicing humility draws others to you.  Where does Sherry see the market in three years? There's currently an extreme industry shortage, which is excellent for some agents but not for all.  She'd love to see a more balanced level where supply meets demand and families can grow wealth without a frenzied situation. Be Better Episode Resouces: Read Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain Get in touch with Sherry on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; she'd love to answer any questions you have. Like, subscribe, and listen to the Be Better podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

The Be Better Podcast is about helping young adults find new ways to drive their success. And what better way to drive success than doing business? In today's episode of Be Better, Donald is joined by author, consultant, and branding expert Jeff Fromm to discuss the millennial and Gen Z way of doing business. Jeff consults on the intersection of marketing, sustainability, and brand innovation. How did he get here? It might be because he led the first large-scale public study of millennials as consumers. If you're interested, google search “American millennials deciphering,” and it'll pop up) He's since written five books on marketing and consumer-focused trends.  Millennials and Gen Z have a bad rep: However, there's not much truth to the notion that young adults are unemployed, broke, and living in their parent's basement. The 2008 recession resulted in a massive unemployment and debt situation among young adults. These macro factors forced a narrative that wasn't true. The Great Resignation, fueled by Covid, caused these myths to resurface.  In reality, the hardest-working trend-setters are young, affluent millennials, and Gen Z will be the most educated generation ever. And, believe it or not, a great marketing strategy does not start with insults. Let's look at the hard data:  Consumers want to live their values, and the brands that can make it affordable and accessible will gain market share.  Concerning younger consumers, use Venn diagrams as a starting point. What do you do well, what do your consumers need, and, most importantly, where do they interconnect? Winning brands have a common thread: they make it affordable and accessible. They have a small premium compared to the cheapest option, but that premium contributes a much larger relative value. Value is more than functional benefits alone - it's also emotional and physical needs. More and more companies today are trying to retain the talent they have. Companies have a built-in advantage if they're willing to meet their workforce halfway. From Jeff's perspective, it's beneficial to join an established company to learn. They have training programs built-in and can provide knowledge. After learning, if you still have the entrepreneurial bug, that's still an option. A result of the 2008 recession is that millennials saw that even if someone was a loyal and dedicated employee, they still might've lost their job. For more amazing content from Jeff, follow him on LinkedIn and email him at jfrommkc@gmail.com for a free e-copy of his latest book, The Purpose Advantage 2.0! (Or, if you purchase, all proceeds go to the nonprofit organization The BrandLab.) Follow us on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram for clips from the show, and you can find the Be Better Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and anywhere podcasts are found. Use #BeBetter to let us know your thoughts for each week's episode. You can help build a better world. Help Better Homes and Gardens fight homelessness across the world by donating at bhgre.com/newstory. With a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of 2022, your contributions will go directly to supporting those affected and helping build a world with homes for everyone. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Regardless of your career or life goals, carving your own path in life to accomplish what you love should be a part of the process. In our first episode of the Be Better Podcast, Kim and Donald are joined by the founder and broker of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, Josh McGrath, to discuss his unusual career journey. Josh took a nontraditional approach with his career path. When Josh graduated high school, everyone asked him where he was going to college. But Josh didn't necessarily want to go through four more years of something like high school. When his parents sold their home his junior year, he was intrigued by the process. Remembering this, he decided to go into real estate. And when he told mother, she cried. He used his graduation money to pay for real estate school. After graduating from real estate school, Josh interviewed with, and was subsequently rejected by, the largest broker in town. They told him to get his feet wet with another brokerage and come back later. To this day, Josh remembers looking the executives in the eyes, saying, “if you're not willing to give me the opportunity now, I'm not coming back.” And he never did. You have to be willing to reject others' expectations of you. We get shoved into expectations to go to college, graduate, and get a job. But the reality is, you don't have to go down this linear path. We're pushed to believe you need higher education to succeed, and that's not the case. Does it take a particular type of person to pursue a different path in life? You can't put others' thoughts about you above your own. If Josh had done that, he wouldn't be where he is today. As a teenager, he worked for a pharmacy, and realtors would come to purchase balloons for open houses. He would ask them what it took to be successful and was told men don't do well in the real estate business, he was too young, and it wasn't for him. But Josh loves what he does, and he now educates young realtors to help them realize their careers in the industry. Josh's final takeaway? Follow your gut. When you're trying to make a decision, you know the answer. If needed, take a pause, let yourself think, and the direction will find itself. Almost every time, that gut feeling will be the right decision. For more content from Josh, find him on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or brokermcgrath.com.  Follow us on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram for clips from the show, and you can find the Be Better Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and anywhere podcasts are found. Use #BeBetter to let us know your thoughts for each week's episode. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

In our relentless effort to be better, the theme of today's episode of the Be Better Podcast is motivation. And what better way to motivate ourselves than listening to host Kim Haynie put co-host Donald Kelly in the hot seat? Find out how Donald motivates himself (and how you can motivate yourself) on today's episode of Be Better. Why did Donald start his company? Ever since he was a child, Donald has been interested in entrepreneurship. And because he was surrounded by salespeople in his family, to him, sales was just how you made money. As a middle schooler, he sold candy around his neighborhood, which later led to a college education and a career in selling.  While he made good money, he wanted to do better. So, he listened to books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and any resources he could find. This determination introduced him to a peer named Jared, who launched a podcast. He interviewed Donald on his show, and Donald did so well Jared suggested he launch his own podcast. So, he did. Donald started his podcast as a side-hustle. Donald's podcast grew slowly but surely, and people began to ask if he could speak at and coach their organizations. In 2015, he made the leap to make his side hustle his full-time business. He didn't know where his podcast was going to take him. But, because of how he grew up, entrepreneurship was in his blood.  Have that vision of what you want.  The path you want to get to might not be the one you initially expected. Donald had no clue where his life would lead, but the success he worked toward resulted in a successful business that has created meaningful opportunities for him.  What is Donald's favorite part about running his own business? Seeing the transformation happening in people's eyes and their team As a sales professional, there were times he thought he was simply wasting his time. Because of personal events, Donald wanted to provide for his family. He wanted his family to feel secure in their lifestyle. That feeling is what fuels him to help his clients today. He enjoys providing the tools and knowledge people need to provide for themselves and their families. Donald's final takeaway for this episode? Listen to other people's success to raise your level of thinking. You can achieve so much more than you think you can. So whether you're a high schooler or a seasoned career professional, don't limit your potential. For more great content from Donald (outside of hosting the Be Better Podcast), follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, or visit his website. In addition, his upcoming book, Sell It Like A Mango, is available for pre-order now on Amazon. Follow us on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram for clips from the show, and you can find the Be Better Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and anywhere podcasts are found. Use #BeBetter to let us know your thoughts for each week's episode. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

Welcome to the Be Better Podcast! Hosted by Kim Haynie, our first episodes will feature producer and co-host Donald Kelly. In this special introductory episode, the pair will discuss why this podcast came to be and what you can expect from the show. A quick intro to our hosts: Donald Kelly runs the podcast production studio, TSE Studios, and a sales training organization. Born in Jamaica and raised in Florida, you can always find him teaching sales or making binge-worthy podcasts. Kim lives in Arizona with her husband and Pat the Cat. She works from home as a mortgage loan advisor, despite studying fashion merchandising in college (which is pretty similar, if you ask us.) When she isn't hosting the podcast, she cooks, reads, and watches movies in her spare time. Why is this called the Be better podcast? There are an infinite amount of title names out there, but Be Better just felt the most satisfying.  Our goal is to help Millennials and Gen Z-ers find a better way to drive their future. And the best way is to simply be better. As a millennial, Donald wanted opportunities to take chances. And thanks to the internet, there's no set path in life. Instead, you can take chances and embrace new things to find opportunities. You can be better in so many areas of life. When we surveyed young adults, they were interested in multiple topics, mainly wealth management and entrepreneurship. There are a lot of opportunities in these departments. Several guests in the show will be entrepreneurs and individuals who broke the typical mold for people looking to succeed. Other notable categories were social causes, motivation, and sustainability. And we'll have episodes covering all of them. With weekly episodes running between 20-30 minutes, you'll learn everything you need each week to Be Better.  Follow us on Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram for clips from the show, and you can find this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and anywhere podcasts are found. Use #BeBetter to let us know your thoughts for each week's episode. This episode is brought to you in part by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate. Looking for a new role that allows you to become your own boss, create your own schedule, and have excellent income potential without the headache of starting a new business? Become an agent with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, an American icon trusted in all things related to the home. Explore career options at bhgrecareer.com/.

The Be Better podcast, hosted by Kim Haynie, aims to provide the knowledge and advice to help you own your future (and yes, to be better.) This podcast, created by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, will give you the tools and knowledge to be the best version of yourself. Through in-depth discussions with successful people from all walks of life, we will uncover insights and inspiration to help you build your own story, achieve your goals and live your best life.   Join us each week as we dive into a new topic, everything from healthy habits to entrepreneurship and wealth management; we've got you covered. Subscribe now to make sure you never miss an episode!