#631: Unlocking Success with Real Estate Mastery with Mike Collier

John Kitchens Coach Podcast | Life. Coaching. Real Estate

Unlocking Success with Real Estate Mastery with Mike Collier

In the latest episode of our podcast, Mike Collier, a seasoned real estate professional and a prominent figure within the EXP Realty ecosystem. Mike has had a fascinating career journey—from working as a Disney ambassador to becoming a two-time ICON agent at EXP Realty. In this episode, Mike shares valuable insights on his experiences, the power of adaptability in business, and why strategic planning is the key to success.

Whether you’re a new real estate agent or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, Mike’s story will leave you inspired and ready to take action. Read on to explore the highlights of this insightful conversation, learn some of Mike’s proven strategies, and discover how you can implement these tips to elevate your real estate business.

From Disney to Real Estate: Mike’s Inspiring Career Path

Mike Collier’s story begins in Atlanta, Georgia, but his journey to success took him to Orlando, Florida, where he started working with Disney. What started as a six-month internship in 2004 turned into a rewarding 12-year career. Mike excelled in various management roles and was eventually chosen as one of only two Walt Disney World ambassadors out of 65,000 cast members. This role allowed him to gain invaluable experience in public speaking, managing large-scale projects, and understanding the intricate workings of a multinational company.

While Mike found success at Disney, he always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2016, he left his corporate job to pursue real estate investing, a decision that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. However, like many entrepreneurs, Mike faced several challenges along the way. One of the most significant obstacles was a business deal gone wrong, where he lost $125,000 to a dishonest partner. At that point, Mike found himself at a crossroads: would he return to the stability of a 9-to-5 job, or would he push forward and build the entrepreneurial life he had envisioned?

How Open Houses Helped Build Momentum

One of the key strategies that helped Mike rebuild his business was leveraging open houses. In the podcast, he emphasizes that open houses are one of the most effective, cost-efficient ways to generate hot leads in real estate. However, Mike didn’t just hold traditional open houses—he treated each one as an event.

Mike believes that many agents overlook the potential of open houses because they don’t fully utilize their power. Instead of only focusing on the day of the event, Mike explains that success comes from treating open houses as part of an overall marketing strategy. He recommends promoting the event days in advance through social media and personal outreach to the surrounding neighborhood.

Mike also offers practical tips on how to maximize open house results:

1. Use Social Media Effectively: Create buzz around the open house by posting engaging content in the days leading up to the event.

2. Door Knocking: Mike knocks on the doors of surrounding homes to invite neighbors and generate interest.

3. Treat It Like an Event: View each open house as more than just a showing—it’s an opportunity to connect with potential buyers and build relationships.

Through consistency and intentionality, Mike was able to generate significant leads, even during tough market conditions. His efforts paid off—within a year of focusing on open houses, he was able to make over $200,000 and avoid bankruptcy.

Why Sunday Planning is the Game-Changer You Need

Another key takeaway from Mike’s success story is his emphasis on the importance of Sunday planning. While many people view Monday as the start of the workweek, Mike believes that planning your week on Sunday gives you a significant advantage. He describes Sunday as a day for reflection, rejuvenation, and strategic planning.

In the podcast, Mike and John discuss how Sunday planning allows you to approach Monday with a clear mind and a sense of purpose. Instead of reacting to the demands of the week, you’re able to stay ahead of your tasks and manage your time more effectively. Mike uses Sunday to map out his week, set his priorities, and prepare for any challenges that may arise. By doing this, he ensures that he’s not caught off guard when the workweek begins.

The concept of Sunday planning aligns with John’s 168-hour strategy, which encourages individuals to maximize their time each week. Mike’s approach of using Sunday as a planning day has allowed him to stay organized, focused, and productive—even in the face of unexpected challenges.

Lessons on Adaptability and Resilience

One of the recurring themes throughout Mike’s story is the importance of adaptability. From overcoming financial setbacks to navigating a constantly shifting real estate market, Mike has demonstrated the ability to pivot when necessary. He highlights the need to stay in “learning mode” and remain open to new strategies, even when your current approach seems to be working.

For Mike, one of the most significant challenges came in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Just as he had begun to rely heavily on open houses, public health restrictions made them impossible to host. Instead of giving up, Mike found alternative ways to connect with potential clients and continued to build his business despite the limitations.

This mindset of resilience and adaptability is something every real estate agent can benefit from. As Mike points out in the episode, there’s always a way to move forward—even when you feel like you’ve hit a dead end. The key is to remain focused on your goals, be willing to adjust your approach, and never give up.

Key Takeaways for Real Estate Agents

Here are some of the most valuable lessons Mike shares in this episode:

• Consistency Pays Off: Whether it’s hosting open houses or networking with potential clients, consistency is the key to success.

• Treat Your Time Like Gold: Use Sunday as a day to plan your week, set your priorities, and prepare for what’s ahead.

• Stay Adaptable: In the real estate industry, things change quickly. Be ready to pivot and find new opportunities, even in tough times.

• Build Relationships: Real estate is a people-driven business. Whether it’s connecting with clients or fellow agents, strong relationships are essential for long-term success.

Ready to Elevate Your Real Estate Game?

Mike Collier’s story is proof that success in real estate is achievable through hard work, intentional planning, and adaptability. If you’re looking to take your real estate business to the next level, consider applying some of the strategies Mike discussed in this episode. Start by incorporating Sunday planning into your routine and experimenting with open houses as part of your lead generation strategy.

Be sure to listen to the full episode of Expert Mentors Live for even more insights and actionable advice. Subscribe to the podcast and follow us for the latest episodes featuring top experts in real estate.

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