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Life at Ten Tenths

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Business planning & Coaching: https://tentenths.co/GPS In real estate, trust is everything—and when it breaks down, your deals, referrals, and reputation are all at risk. In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett Frey and Matt Bonelli share exactly how to rebuild trust, repair strained relationships, and turn tough conversations into long-term client loyalty.We get into:✅ Why avoiding difficult conversations destroys client relationships✅ A simple script for acknowledging lost trust (without sounding defensive)✅ How to spot early warning signs before trust completely breaks down✅ Real examples from coaching top-producing agents✅ The power of customer service calls to prevent small issues from becoming big problemsWhether you’re a real estate agent, team leader, or business professional, this episode will help you master the conversations that save deals and protect your referral pipeline.
** Business Planning at Life at Ten Tenths starts October 22nd. Sign up here: https://tentenths.co/GPSIf you have been in this business long enough you, know buyers getting cold feet is pretty common. But why? And how can you help your clients best?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt share a real story about a buyer who backed out of not one, not two—but three contracts. The problem wasn’t the client. It was the process.Too many agents today act like paper pushers instead of trusted guides. That leads to confusion, fear, and lost deals. We get into:- The #1 hidden reason clients panic at closing- How agents unintentionally create fear and mistrust- The simple process you can use to guide buyers with clarity and confidence- Why “slow is fast” when it comes to building trust and keeping deals togetherIf you’re ready to reduce the drama at the finish line—and start creating raving fans who send you referrals for life—this episode is for you.👍 Enjoyed this episode?- Hit the like button (it helps more agents find this content).
Want to take your business to the next level? Go to TenTenths.co to check out opportunities for coaching, business planning and much more.__________________What happens when a real estate agent makes $150,000 less than the previous year but calls it the best year of their career? In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett break down the story of a successful agent who prioritized 11 weeks of vacation over peak production numbers—and why this might be the smartest business decision you'll hear about.Discover why traditional business planning focused solely on income goals keeps real estate agents trapped in cycles of burnout and why the industry's obsession with annual production numbers misses the bigger picture. Matt and Garrett reveal their process for harmonizing life goals with business objectives, creating sustainable success that doesn't sacrifice relationships, health, or personal fulfillment.We get into:Why quarterly business reviews outperform annual planningThe hidden cost of making your income your identityHow to build "rolling goals" that eliminate the failure mindsetReal stories of agents who redefined success on their termsThe difference between work-life balance and life-business harmonizationWhy your affirmations might be sabotaging your happinessWhether you're a top producer feeling burned out or an agent struggling to find purpose beyond commission checks, this episode challenges everything you think you know about real estate success.
Tracking your numbers can be powerful — but let’s be real, it’s not magic.If you’ve ever felt like you’re tracking everything in your real estate business but still not seeing the results you want, this episode is for you.In this episode of Life At Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett break down one of the biggest traps real estate agents fall into: confusing tracking with progress.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why “tracking everything” can actually hold your business backThe #1 question to ask before tracking anythingHow to turn your data into insight (and insight into results)Why the quality of your conversations matters more than the quantitySimple ways to make tracking actually energize your businessWhether you’re filling out a scorecard, sending handwritten notes, or analyzing market data, this conversation will help you stop wasting time and start making every action count.If you’re ready to run your business like a pro — with more clarity, confidence, and impact — you won’t want to miss this one.
Are you tracking every number, grinding harder, but still feeling stuck? In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt sit down with Ryan Secrist — real estate agent, coach, and industry expert from St. George, Utah — to unpack the one thing that drives everything in business and life: your energy.Ryan shares how energy fuels your leadership, relationships, and results — and why too many realtors burn out by focusing on the wrong things. Download Energy Playbook mentioned.Through this conversation, you'll learn:- What the Energy Spiral is and how it impacts your success- How to shift from burnout to abundance in today’s changing market- Why gratitude and self-leadership are the ultimate business multipliers- Practical steps to thrive as a realtor no matter what the market throws at youThis conversation will help you stop chasing, start leading, and bring your full self to every interaction.To find Ryan in the wild:you can connect with him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryan_a_secrist/ or through The Agency in St George at https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/ryan-secrist(Thank you Ryan!)
Whether you're dealing with buyers who keep pushing back their search or sellers who decide to renovate instead of move, this episode will change how you approach client conversations. Matt and Garrett share real stories, practical strategies, and even some unconventional tactics (like bringing friends on broker tours) that top agents use to stay top-of-mind.This episode is perfect for real estate agents who want to build deeper relationships, generate more referrals, and stop losing clients to the "maybe next year" mentality.We get into:- Why focusing on client timelines kills your business (and what to focus on instead)- The real reason people buy and sell homes (hint: it's not about spring markets)- How to keep clients engaged even when they say they're "not ready"- Creative ways to help clients dream and visualize their future home- Why showing beats telling every single time- The broker tour strategy that could transform your client relationshipsTruth is people move to solve pain or gain pleasure - time is just a distractionWhen clients lose sight of their "why," they'll always choose the easier path of staying put.Your job isn't to sell real estate - it's to help people navigate from where they are to where they want to be.Detaching from outcomes while staying connected to people builds the strongest referral business.
Join us for daily motivation, tips, and connection on the Inside Track at https://www.lifeattentenths.com/#subscription-options _______________________________What if the “real estate market” isn’t actually one market at all? In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, we’re joined by the one and only Matthew Ferrara — philosopher, speaker, and real estate expert. Matthew was our very first guest after having switched podcasts. (Episode 14) We are incredibly excited to have him back for this conversation about today’s shifting market. Together we dive into: Why there’s no such thing as one real estate market (there are millions!) The big difference between being a surfer vs. being a swimmer in business How to stop chasing price reductions and start mastering listing inventory management Why consumer confidence comes from you — not from AI, algorithms, or the latest tech tool How mindset + emotional intelligence shape your success in any market Matthew brings his signature mix of wisdom and energy to help you see this market for what it really is: an incredible opportunity to build skills, deepen relationships, and grow your business with intention. 👉 Want more of Matthew’s insights and stories? Subscribe to his weekly newsletter here: https://www.alwaysinspiring.com 👉 Want more? Subscribe to Life at Ten Tenths for fresh episodes every week, plus tools, strategies, and conversations to help you live at the pinnacle of your ability and purpose.
What if your entire business — and your whole life — could be transformed by just 10 people over 10 years?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt break down the power of Sharran Srivatsaa's 10-10-Forever Rule. They get into the difference between friends of convenience and friends of excellence — and why both matter when building a thriving, relationship-based real estate business.If you’ve ever felt frustrated when friends don’t refer you — or wondered how to balance business and personal relationships — this conversation is for you.In this episode, they cover:The 3 types of friends in your world: Right-Now, Convenience, and ExcellenceWhy you don’t need hundreds of close friends to build a $30M+ businessHow to know which relationships deserve deeper investmentWhy you should stop keeping score if you want genuine connectionsHow 10 incredible people can become your “forever” circle and change everythingBe sure to subscribe and like for more episodes of Life at Ten Tenths, where we help real estate professionals build businesses by relationship — and live life at the pinnacle of their ability and purpose.📲 Ready to go deeper? Download the Life at Ten Tenths App and join our Inside Track community for daily content, resources, and coaching: https://lifeattentenths.comLet's go!
In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, we sit down with San Diego Realtor John Griswold, who opens up about the reality of hitting burnout after running a $45M real estate business—and how hiring a real estate coach helped him rebuild a stronger, more balanced $30M+ business.We talk about:The hidden danger of “What if I fail?” thinkingThe importance of designing an end-of-day shutdown routineHow simple, repeatable systems can double your real estate productionWhy choosing the right coach can help you create both success and a life you loveIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next step, this episode will give you the tools (and the mindset shift) to move forward with confidence.To connect with John or his team, go to https://griswoldgroupproperties.com/(Thanks, John! Such a pleasure to have you in our world! )
What if doubling your business didn’t mean doubling your hours?In this episode, Matt and Garrett share the two simple weekly systems that have helped countless Realtors build sustainable, referral-driven businesses. Drawing on their experience coaching top-producing agents across the country, they break down how to:Use consistent customer service calls to spark new opportunitiesLeverage Market Impact Reports to stay relevant with your databaseCreate an “end-of-day” routine that keeps you clear, focused, and energizedAvoid the chaos of chasing business — and build a business that feels good to runIf you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or wondering how to get more results without working 24/7, this episode is your roadmap to clarity, consistency, and growth.🔑 Listen now to learn how to implement these two simple systems and start doubling your real estate business.
.How do you build a referral-only business that reliably closes ~100 deals a year? Chicago agent Ian Schwartz walks through his 325-person SOI, monthly touches, and talkable client moments like Pint Night—a system he’s refined over 28 years with Coldwell Banker, now nearing $1B in career sales. You’ll learnWhy a focused database outperforms a massive one—and how each contact hears from him monthly. The postcard formula listeners notice (and keep). How “Pint Night” + reviews become referral fuel. The long-game of consistent $30–60M/year volume. Links
Join us on the Inside Track, click here for the details. Lowball offers aren’t insults—they’re signals. In this episode, we show listing agents how to keep emotion out of the negotiation, present every offer with confidence, and win the counter by protecting strong terms while moving price intelligently.You’ll learnThe mindset shift that stops deals from dying on your sideThe exact way to present “bad” offers without triggering seller defensivenessWhy you should break the contract down line-by-line before talking priceWhich terms matter most (financing, timelines, appraisal/inspection, rent-back, credits)When to pick up the phone or meet in person (and stop negotiating by text)If this episode helped:Follow on Apple Podcasts: click hereFollow on Spotify: click hereRate & review to help other agents find the showSubscribe to the newsletter for weekly extras: Click to SubscribeJoin the Inside Track for daily doses of goodness to stay motivated, optimize your business and mindset, and stay connected: info here
Are you one of those real estate agents who lies awake at night with your mind racing through tomorrow's to-do list, wondering if you forgot to follow up with that client or send that important email?In this essential episode of Life at 10/10ths, hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Fry tackle one of the biggest challenges facing modern entrepreneurs: the inability to truly "shut down" at the end of the workday. They reveal why most morning routines fail and introduce the game-changing concept of proper day-end closure.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why your brain keeps mental "tabs" open all night and how to close them systematicallyThe 4 C's framework for perfect day shutdown: Collect, Categorize, Calendar, CloseHow to stop the cycle of checking emails "one last time" before bedWhy successful agents review their next day's calendar during shutdownThe difference between being "always on" and being strategically availablePractical techniques for communicating day-end status with team membersHow to create symbolic rituals that signal work completion to your brainKey Topics Covered:End-of-day routines, work-life boundaries, mental overwhelm, productivity systems, calendar management, team communication, stress reduction, sleep quality improvement, business organization, and sustainable work practices.Matt and Garrett share insights from their recent 11 Circle group coaching session, including real questions from agents struggling with work-life balance. They provide actionable frameworks drawn from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" principles and share personal examples of effective shutdown routines.Perfect for: Real estate agents feeling constantly overwhelmed, entrepreneurs who struggle to disconnect from work, business owners dealing with mental clutter, team leaders seeking better communication systems, and anyone whose work thoughts interfere with personal time and sleep quality.Featured Strategies:The "punch card" mentality for business owners, TV channel switching technique for mental transitions, Simon Sarver's assistant communication protocol, cardboard project tracking system, AI-powered brain dump methods, and symbolic closure rituals.About Life at 10/10ths:Life at 10/10ths inspires real estate professionals and entrepreneurs to live at the pinnacle of their ability and purpose. Hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Fry provide practical, tested strategies for building successful businesses while maintaining fulfilling personal lives and strong family relationships.Connect with Life at 10/10ths:Download the Life at 10/10ths app for exclusive community access and resourcesVisit lifeattentenths.com for comprehensive training programs and coaching optionsJoin the 11 Circle group coaching community for weekly sessions and peer supportAccess Inside Track for daily productivity content and business growth strategiesSubscribe and Review: If this episode helped you create better work-life boundaries, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more entrepreneurs who need these essential business systems.Tags: end of day routine, work life balance, real estate productivity, business systems, overwhelm, time management, entrepreneurship, stress management, sleep quality, mental clarity, business organization
Are you trapped in a cycle of "what if I fail?" thinking that's keeping you from pursuing your biggest goals and dreams?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey tackle one of the biggest obstacles to success: the natural tendency to focus on negative "what if" scenarios instead of positive possibilities. They reveal why our brains default to worst-case thinking and provide practical strategies for flipping the script.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why we always focus on negative "what ifs" instead of positive outcomesThe board-breaking exercise that helps eliminate fear-based thinkingHow to use the "crumple and throw away" technique for negative thoughtsWhy asking "what if nothing changes?" is the most powerful questionThe difference between objective analysis and fear-based excusesReal-life examples of successful "what if it works?" thinkingHow negative media consumption amplifies worst-case scenario thinkingPractical frameworks for making decisions based on possibility, not fearKey Topics Covered:Fear-based decision making, mindset transformation, goal achievement, risk assessment, positive thinking strategies, overcoming limiting beliefs, business decision making, life transitions, confidence building, and success psychology.Matt and Garrett share personal stories about their own "what if" moments, including their decision to launch Life at 10/10ths and major life transitions. They provide actionable techniques for identifying when you're stuck in negative thinking patterns and how to redirect your focus toward empowering possibilities.Perfect for: Entrepreneurs facing big decisions, real estate agents considering career moves, anyone feeling stuck by fear of failure, people contemplating major life changes, and business professionals looking to overcome limiting beliefs.Connect with Life at Ten Tenths:Download the Life at Ten Tenths app for exclusive content and community accessVisit lifeattentenths.com for coaching programs and resourcesJoin the 11 Circle group coaching community for weekly sessionsSubscribe and Review: If this episode helped shift your perspective, subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people who need these mindset strategies.Tags: mindset, fear, decision making, goal setting, success psychology, entrepreneurship, real estate, business growth, personal development, limiting beliefs, confidence, risk taking
Are you a real estate agent feeling overwhelmed, missing follow-ups, or watching deals slip through the cracks? It's time for a critical system check.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey reveal how to identify and fix the "holes in your boat" before they sink your real estate business. Whether you're dealing with longer listing times, client communication gaps, or feeling completely overwhelmed, this system audit will help you build a more efficient and profitable real estate business.This conversation gets into:How to spot hidden problems destroying your real estate systemsThe time audit technique that reveals where you're losing money and opportunitiesWhy customer service calls are the #1 missed opportunity for agentsHow to prioritize which business problems to fix first (and which to ignore)The difference between quick fixes vs. permanent solutions for your systemsStrategies for handling increased business capacity without burning outReal examples of system breakdowns and how to prevent themKey Topics Covered:System audits for real estate professionals, capacity planning, customer service frameworks, time management strategies, business bottleneck identification, market shift preparation, productivity systems, client communication protocols, and business maintenance strategies.When you're moving fast (busy market), you might not notice the holes. But when things slow down, or when you add more capacity, those system failures become obvious and costly.This episode is perfect for: New real estate agents building foundational systems, experienced agents hitting growth plateaus, team leaders managing multiple people, and anyone feeling like their business is "leaking" profits and opportunities.Subscribe and Review: Be sure to like and subscribe Life at Ten Tenths and if you are feeling particularly connected today, leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more real estate professionals.Tags: real estate business, real estate agent training, business systems, productivity, time management, client communication, real estate coaching, business growth, market strategies, real estate success
Build Confidence in Real Estate by Practicing Before Client MeetingsAre you a real estate agent struggling with confidence during client conversations and negotiations? In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey break down why practicing and rehearsing your real estate skills before client meetings is essential to success.Learn how to:Prepare for key conversations and negotiations without risking your client’s experienceUse role-playing, mental rehearsal, and peer practice to sharpen your skillsAvoid common rookie mistakes that can hurt your reputationBuild authentic confidence that shows up in every interactionLeverage tools and techniques to simulate real-world scenarios before “game time”Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, these strategies will help you bring your A-game to every client meeting, reduce stress, and close more deals with confidence.
Join Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey as they sit down with Simon Sarver, a top real estate agent and team leader who has turned his ADHD into a powerful business advantage. Simon shares his journey from solo agent to building a $60M+ real estate team, all while embracing the unique challenges and strengths that come with ADHD.Discover:How ADHD shaped Simon’s approach to business and leadershipThe systems and boundaries he put in place to scale effectivelyThe power of investing in the right team and cultivating trustStrategies for leveraging ADHD traits like hyperfocus to drive growthBuilding a team culture that balances accountability and funReal talk on mindset, productivity, and work-life harmony in real estate. Whether you’re a real estate professional navigating ADHD or looking for fresh perspectives on building a thriving team, this episode offers actionable insights and motivation to help you succeed.
In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett Frey and Matt Bonelli dive deep into the comeback of reverse offers in real estate negotiations. Whether you're a seasoned agent or new to the market, understanding how and when to use reverse offers can transform the way you negotiate deals and close transactions faster.We break down:- What a reverse offer really means and how it differs from a traditional offer- The pros and cons of using reverse offers in today’s real estate market- Key negotiation strategies to serve your clients better and build trust- How agent-to-agent communication and relationship-driven sales impact success- The ethical considerations and nuances every realtor should know- Creative ways to leverage curated marketing and buyer feedbackIf you want to sharpen your negotiation skills and add powerful tools to your real estate toolkit, this episode is for you.For more Life At Ten Tenths check out our app - coaching, resources and tools.
Another fantastic conversation with Eric Simon, founder of BAM Media, to unpack the biggest shift in real estate marketing: the power of hyperlocal content. Forget chasing viral fame—discover why focusing on your local market and creating authentic, community-driven content is the real game-changer for agents in 2025.Eric shares insider tips on building a media company mindset as a real estate agent, avoiding the pitfalls of copycat content, and leveraging AI tools to streamline your content creation process. Whether you're a solo agent or part of a team, learn how to build trust, grow your database, and turn everyday neighborhood stories into business opportunities.Tune in to hear actionable strategies, real success stories, and the evolving role of influencer marketing in real estate today. If you want to attract more clients without the cringe factor, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:Why hyperlocal content is the top trend in real estate marketing right nowHow to create authentic videos that connect with your communityUsing AI to boost your content creation without burnoutThe difference between influencer fame and real estate sales successPractical steps to start building your local media presence
Stuck, scattered, or spinning your wheels? This is the episode that gets you moving again.In this episode of Life At Ten Tenths, we break down exactly what to do when you’re feeling out of sync, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move.They’ll guide you through a real-time reset—helping you reconnect with your energy, clarify what matters, and take aligned action so you can build momentum right away.This isn’t about motivation. It’s about direction.It’s about putting your goals back in the driver’s seat.We'll get into:Why agents get stuck (and how to spot it early)How to run a quick personal reset on your schedule, energy, and prioritiesThe connection between clarity and confidence in your daily actionsHow to finish what you start and get back into forward motionWhat high-performance agents do differently when they feel off If you're ready to stop spinning and start building traction, this one's for you.🎧 Hit play and let’s get into momentum—fast.🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes to grow your business and fuel your life at ten tenths.💬 Drop your biggest takeaway or aha moment in the comments below!