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How to Overcome Failure and Build a Thriving Business Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a high level of dedication, creativity and a willingness to take risks.

By Chris D. Bentley Edited by Micah Zimmerman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Being an entrepreneur in the real estate industry is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a high level of dedication, creativity and a willingness to take risks. Throughout my journey, I have learned that challenges and failures are inevitable but should not deter you from achieving your goals. It is crucial to remain optimistic, persistent and adaptable in facing challenges.

One of the significant lessons I have learned is the importance of building and maintaining solid relationships with clients and other industry professionals. Providing excellent customer service, being transparent, and treating clients with respect and integrity can go a long way in building trust and long-term partnerships. Additionally, staying up to date with market trends and changes in the industry can help you stay ahead of the competition and provide value to your clients.

Related: 10 Steps to Achieve a Growth Mindset in Business

Entrepreneurial mindset as a broker

I have also learned the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset. This means being willing to take risks, thinking outside the box, and constantly looking for new and innovative ways to grow your business. In the real estate industry, there will always be market conditions that could be more favorable. Still, if you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you can find ways to succeed even in the toughest of times.

Another critical lesson that I have learned is the importance of networking. As a real estate professional, your ability to connect with others in the industry is vital to your success. This means joining networking groups, attending expos and events, and actively building relationships with other professionals in the field. By expanding your network, you will gain access to new business opportunities, learn from others in the industry and build a reputation for yourself as a well-connected and respected professional.

Setting goals you can measure and improve

One of the most common challenges that real estate professionals face is the issue of generating leads. This is an ongoing process that requires constant effort and attention. I've always leveraged social media to communicate with potential clients, acquire new clients and get more deals. Setting goals and creating a plan to achieve them is critical to success. By setting specific, measurable, and attainable goals, you will be able to stay focused and motivated, and you will be more likely to achieve the results that you are looking for.

Another critical aspect of building a successful real estate business is having the ability to negotiate and close deals effectively. This means being able to understand the client's needs and preferences and being able to present them with options that will meet those needs. It also means negotiating purchase/sales prices and terms for purchase/sales agreements and advising clients on ways to structure their offers to win the bid. By being an effective negotiator, you can secure more deals and build a professional reputation for getting the job done.

Building your reputation as a professional who delivers high-quality products and services is essential. This means exceeding client expectations and providing them with the support and resources they need to make informed decisions about their real estate transactions. By building a solid reputation, you will be able to generate more leads through referrals, and you will be able to command higher fees for your services.

Related: How to Build Reputation in an Industry From Scratch

Investing in yourself as a real estate professional

In addition to the fundamental principles mentioned above, investing in yourself as a real estate professional is essential for success. This means continuously learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices. It also means investing in tools and technology to help you work efficiently and provide better client services. Some of these tools include customer relationship management (CRM) software, marketing automation tools, and virtual tour software for showcasing properties online. By investing in yourself and your business, you will be better equipped to handle challenges and provide top-notch services to your clients, ultimately leading to long-term success and growth.

Wrap up

Who's ready to build a real estate empire! It seems like you've learned a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in this cutthroat industry. But let's be honest here, it's not just about having a nice suit and a flashy car (although those things certainly help).

Building a successful real estate business takes grit, determination, and a whole lot of caffeine. You've got to be willing to put in the work, network like your life depends on it, and close deals like your commission check depends on it (because it does). But don't worry, with a little bit of elbow grease and good luck; you too can be the next Donald Trump. Or, you know, maybe just a successful real estate agent who doesn't get impeached. Either way, you got this.

Chris D. Bentley

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

Award Winning Dallas Real Estate Broker

Chris D. Bentley is an award-winning real-estate broker and owner of Bentley Fine Properties. He is a eight-time multi-million dollar producer, author of four eBooks, was voted D Magazine's "Best Realtor in Dallas" six times, and has been featured in multiple popular magazines.

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