Would you compare your real estate business to a slow cooker, or a microwave?

We like microwaves: they bring fast results! Put your food in, press a few buttons, and two minutes later, it’s done.

In business, we often want microwave results, but the key to a long lasting business is to treat it like a slow cooker.

It may take a long time to warm up, and slowly cook the food, but it’s delicious. You just can’t beat some meals that come from a slow cooker: the flavor is just incredible.

For a slow-cooked business, it can take time, but it’s built to last!

Many people try to get their business off the ground fast, microwave style, just to see it explode.

Gem Mutlu has been in the real estate business for more than 20 years, and is a prime example of how a slow-cooked business works. He’s been spending years developing relationships and building his expertise in the area, and is now seeing his business explode exponentially. He’s working in the Boston market, and is here to share his best advice on building a slow-cooked business.

Highlights of this episode:

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  Tom introduces Gem and his business.

  
  
  
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  Gem shares that the last five years have been game changing in his business, as he’s seeing results of all his hard work.

  
  
  
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  Building a business is like building a house: you have to do it brick by brick. When people try to rush it, things don’t always go so well.

  
  
  
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  Gem has a few hallmarks of his business: do right by all clients, and honor the people who have honored him.

  
  
  
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  When someone helps you, do what you can to help them back!

  
  
  
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  Gem throws client appreciation parties to show his clients how much he appreciates them. These are meant to be fun opportunities to show his clients how appreciated they are. This also helps bring people together.

  
  
  
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  Thinking of doing the same? Talk to your CPA to learn how you can use it as a tax write off, and what you may or may not do that could impact the ability to write it off.

  
  
  
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  The phrase “it takes a village” can also apply to your business.

  
  
  
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  Encourage people to bring friends to the party, and build those connections.

  
  
  
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  Leverage the story of these parties - bring in a photographer, and get pictures of all the new friendships being made.

  
  
  
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  When connecting with people, look for ways to solve their problems and serve them. This will help bring in referrals!

  
  
  
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  Whether it’s a fellow real estate agent, or someone looking for a home, treat them the same and find ways to serve them.

  
  
  
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  Remember, building a “slow cooked” business means that you don’t keep an eye on the money: you focus on the people.

  
  
  
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  Real estate agents fear the internet, but the reality is, true connections are the most powerful in our business.

  
  
  
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  How can you increase your referrals? Ask! Consider running a referral competition, and give a great prize to the person who brings you the most.

  
  
  
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  Specific advice for agents serving the second home industry: work in college towns! Many parents will consider buying a condo, and renting it to their college-aged student, and recoup their costs by renting out the other rooms.

  
  
  
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  One piece of advice for new agents: if you had a $15 budget, and 3 people to meet with (your mother, your sibling, and an old high school buddy), split the money in 3 parts, take them out for a cup of coffee, and just ask, “what can I do for you today?” Just looking for ways to go out of your way to help others will push you far!

  
  
  

Hey everybody, thank you so much for spending time with us today: would you do me a giant favor and share this podcast with fellow realtors, and leave a review. Your reviews help this podcast get shared with more people.

Connect with Gem:

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  Website

  
  
  

Connect with me (Tom):

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  2nd Home Agents website

  
  
  
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  Facebook

  
  
  
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  Instagram

  
  
  
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  YouTube

  
  
  

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Don’t miss a single episode of the podcast. You can search for “Selling the Dream” on any of your favorite listening platforms, or follow the links below:

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As always, thanks for listening. Don’t forget, you’re not selling a home: you’re selling the dream.

See you next time!