In the fast-paced world of real estate, building a successful team can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
In this episode of The Team Building Podcast, Jeff Cohn talks with Cali Rethwisch, a licensed realtor with kwELITE, as they offer a deep dive into the team building process and what Cali’s road to success looked like.
Cali’s story is not just inspiring but also illuminates the path for many budding real estate professionals aiming to scale their operations effectively.
Cali’s Transition to Real Estate
Cali Rethwisch began her journey in the real estate industry as an administrative assistant, a role she quickly outgrew.
Driven by a desire for more impactful engagement in real estate, she transitioned into an agent role. Through perseverance and a strategic approach, Cali successfully progressed to lead her own real estate team at a brokerage in Omaha, Nebraska.
Her team expanded from zero to almost ten agents in less than eight months—an impressive feat highlighting her leadership and innovative tactics.
Strategies for Building and Scaling a Real Estate Team
Networking and Recruitment
One of the fundamental strategies to achieve this type of success is the importance of robust networking and active recruitment.
Cali’s approach was far from passive; she frequently attended various real estate events and maximized her social media presence to connect with potential team members.
Her strategy was to engage with other professionals in a meaningful way, ensuring that connections were both organic and productive.
Culture Creation
The creation of a positive and supportive culture within her team is also paramount in building a successful team. This focus on culture wasn’t just about making the work environment pleasant.
It was strategic, aimed at enhancing team cohesion and maintaining high motivation levels across the board.
By fostering an environment where agents felt valued and supported, Cali ensured high retention rates and consistent team performance.
Training and Development
Ongoing training and development are crucial in keeping a real estate team competitive and knowledgeable.
Cali implemented regular training sessions and meetings to ensure every team member was up-to-date with the latest market trends and sales techniques.
This continuous investment in her team’s growth not only built a more skilled team but also reinforced a culture of learning and adaptation.
Challenges and Solutions in Modern Real Estate
Adapting to Market Conditions
The real estate market is perpetually evolving, presenting myriad challenges, such as fluctuating interest rates, varying commission structures, and intense competition.
So, how do you navigate these challenges? To begin, Cali and her team emphasized agility—quickly adapting to market changes and strategically planning their business moves.
This allowed them to remain competitive and thrive even in tough economic climates.
Leadership in Times of Change
Transitioning to a leadership role, especially in a turbulent market, can often lead to self-doubt and hesitation. Cali’s journey was no different.
She experienced moments of uncertainty but overcame them by leaning on her support system and focusing on her long-term vision for her team.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and confidence in leadership.
Personal Insights and Experiences
Transition Challenges
For Cali, there was an initial discomfort with transitioning from an admin role to a team leader. The transition involved not just a change in responsibilities but also a substantial shift in mindset.
Facing and overcoming these internal challenges was key to her later success as she embraced her new role with conviction and purpose.
Team Dynamics and Structure
Understanding the dynamics of various team structures is also crucial. For this reason, Cali explored different models—from community teams where responsibilities and profits are shared, to more hierarchical setups where leaders drive most sales.
Each model has its merits and challenges, and choosing the right one can significantly impact a team’s effectiveness and profitability.
Operational Tactics and Tools
Use of Technology
Embracing technology was a significant factor in Cali’s operational strategy. Tools like Boomtown for CRM and geckoboard for data visualization helped streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes.
These technologies enabled her team to stay organized and responsive, further boosting their productivity.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Cali’s non-aggressive, relationship-based approach to recruitment and retention set her team apart. By focusing on building genuine relationships, she created a team atmosphere that was naturally attractive to prospective agents.
This strategy not only helped in building the team but also in maintaining its stability and loyalty over time.
Future Outlook and Advice
Looking forward, Cali is optimistic about the growth and evolution of her team. She continues to advocate for a growth mindset, encouraging other real estate professionals to embrace challenges as opportunities for development.
Her advice is clear: engage actively with your industry, invest in your team, and always be prepared to adapt to new circumstances.
Success Leaves Clues
Cali Rethwisch’s journey from an admin to a leading real estate team leader is filled with valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience.
By following a strategic approach to building and maintaining a real estate team, she has not only achieved personal success but has also set a benchmark for others in the industry.
Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right strategies, a clear vision, and a dedicated approach, achieving remarkable growth in real estate is not only possible but achievable.
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