Shawn Hayes transformed LJ Hooker Southwest WA from a single office to a 4-location, 73-person operation – and AI tools played a massive role in their growth. Here's exactly how they did it.

Key Takeaways:

• SMS campaigns sharing neighbourhood sales data get 10x more responses than "want an appraisal?" messages

• AI doesn't replace the personal touch – it creates more time for meaningful connections

• One-on-one training beats group sessions for tech adoption

• Start with early adopters, let success stories convert the sceptics

Chapters

Chapters

• 00:01:28 From trainee to operations manager – Shawn's 23-year journey
• 00:03:50 The Darwin market surprise – high-rise apartments and off-the-plan sales
• 00:06:53 Current operation: 73 staff across 4 offices
• 00:09:24 First AI experiments – from fear to amazement
• 00:12:16 The indispensable AI tool: Rita SMS automation
• 00:14:25 Pull vs push marketing – why value-first messaging works
• 00:18:36 How AI handles responses (and when humans take over)
• 00:21:03 The "suggested call list" feature that finds hidden opportunities
• 00:24:29 Four types of AI users in organisations
• 00:26:21 30-minute one-on-one training sessions that actually work
• 00:30:04 Measuring AI impact on appraisal requests
• 00:31:35 GoList: The lead allocation tool that saves hours daily
• 00:35:03 Implementation advice: Soft intros beat hard sells
• 00:40:25 Why personal touch matters more in an AI world

Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT - AI assistant for content creation and analysis (http://openai.com/chatgpt)

• RiTA – SMS automation and lead nurturing (https://www.cotality.com/au/products/rita)

• GoList – AI-powered lead allocation system (https://www.golist.com.au/)

• Rex Software – Property management and CRM platform (https://www.rexsoftware.com)

• REIWA Innovate Conference – A ground-breaking event about the future of Real Estate (https://members.reiwa.com.au/s/innovate)

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About Shawn Hayes

Regional Operations Manager at LJ Hooker Southwest WA. 23 years in real estate, from receptionist to managing 73 staff across Bunbury, Collie, Busselton and Dunsborough offices.

• LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-hayes-528829115/)

• Facebook: Shawn Hayes – LJ Hooker Property South West (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578757919631)

• Website: LJ Hooker Southwest WA (https://southwestwa.ljhooker.com.au/)

• Contact: 08 97 91 6880

• Email: shawn.hayes@ljhsouthwest.com.au

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