💡 My Most Important Productivity Tool | Monday Morning Pep Talk # 257 ✈️

Welcome to Monday Morning Pep Talk, Episode 257! Today, I’m diving into one of my most essential productivity tools: the daily planner. In an era dominated by technology—AI, calendar apps, and cloud-based CRMs—I fully embrace these digital advancements. Yet, it’s my analog approach to a daily “dress rehearsal” with my planner that brings all these tools together. This simple practice grounds me and aligns my actions with my broader goals in a way that digital tools alone can’t replicate. In this episode, I’ll share why my daily planner remains my most important productivity tool.

Before I jump in, let me remind you of my purpose: to help you, the full-service, full-fee advisor, optimize your productivity and grow into the best version of yourself. Why? Because “Happy Advisors Sell More Real Estate.” I do this by helping you navigate the daily challenges and opportunities you face in your business. So as we go through this, imagine we’re in a one-on-one coaching session—focused on elevating your approach.

Let’s get into the reasons why my daily planner is still a game-changer for my productivity:

1. Central Point of Focus: My daily planner serves as the focal point of my day. It’s where I structure and prioritize my tasks. When I’m in deep work mode, you’ll find my planner open right in front of me.

2. Creates a Sense of Satisfaction: Checking off tasks releases dopamine in the brain, leading to a sense of accomplishment. I get more satisfaction from crossing off a task on paper than clicking a box in an app. It’s my daily dopamine drip.

3. A Memorization Tool: Writing down my schedule acts as a mental “dress rehearsal.” Physically writing meetings and tasks helps me remember them, making me more consistent and punctual.

4. Declutters My Mind: Just like clearing a physical space, writing in my planner clears mental clutter. It organizes my thoughts and creates a mindful practice that enhances clarity and productivity.

5. Reduces Stress: Having everything laid out in my planner keeps me calm and in control throughout the day. By following each step, I know I’m on track, and there’s a sense of satisfaction at day’s end when I cross off the last item.

6. A Constant Reminder of My Vision: My planner includes my three-year vision and quarterly goals. Reviewing these commitments daily keeps me aligned with the promises I’ve made to myself.

7. Portability and Ease: My planner is always with me—no login needed, no charging required. It’s simple, cost-effective, and reliable.

You might be curious: Which planner do I use? After testing many options, I landed on the TUL planner. I love its customizable disc-binding system, clean layout, and high-quality paper. It includes monthly and weekly layouts, task lists, goal-setting sections, and ample space for notes.

Question for you: Should I create a Take Flight version of a daily planner? It’s been on my mind for years, and the universe keeps nudging me in that direction.

As we approach 2025, it’s time to level up your daily routines. If you haven’t yet seen my Daily Time Management Form, I’ll link it in my weekly email, or you can download it from askjimmiller.com. This tool complements my daily planner and can help you establish a consistent rhythm.

Have an incredible week ahead! To receive weekly resources, just email me at jim@askjimmiller.com to subscribe. And if at any point the content no longer resonates, you can easily adjust your preferences using the unsubscribe link in each email.

💡 My Most Important Productivity Tool | Monday Morning Pep Talk # 257 ✈️

Welcome to Monday Morning Pep Talk! In Episode 268, I’m covering a simple but powerful principle that separates top advisors from the rest:

📌 Delivering the right message to the right person at the right time.

Your CRM isn’t just a database—it’s a tool that, when used correctly, builds trust, drives engagement, and increases referrals. But too often, advisors send generic messages, missing opportunities or even damaging their brand.

This episode breaks down how to structure your CRM so that every outreach is intentional, personal, and impactful.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why segmenting your CRM into five key lists makes all the difference
✔️ How to refine messaging with strategic tags and filters
✔️ The secret to using notes effectively to deepen relationships
✔️ How a well-maintained CRM leads to better conversion rates and stronger trust

🚀 Step 1: Segment Your Database for Precision
Before sending another email or making another call, organize your contacts into five key lists to ensure your outreach is intentional:

✅ Top 100 Clients – Your most valuable past clients and VIPs
✅ Top 100 Referral Partners – People who consistently send business your way
✅ Warm List – Future clients likely to buy or sell within the next 12 months
✅ Hot List – Clients preparing to transact within the next 30, 60, or 90 days
✅ Local Collaborative Brokers – Trusted brokers you work with on pricing, inventory, and deals

This segmentation ensures you’re always speaking to the right audience.

🔎 Step 2: Use Tags for Hyper-Specific Messaging
Once you have your five lists, take it a step further with CRM tags. Tags allow you to personalize outreach based on:

🏡 Neighborhood & Price Point – Send market data or property alerts tailored to their interests
🎟 Events & Open Houses – Target clients with invitations based on past engagement
🎄 Holiday Gifting & Cards – Easily pull a list for thoughtful, seasonal follow-ups
📚 Shared Interests – Whether they’re sports fans, dog lovers, or wine enthusiasts, tagging personal details allows for authentic connections

Using smart segmentation + tagging means no more random emails—just strategic, value-driven communication.

📲 Step 3: Take Notes & Track Conversations
If you’re not logging details after every client conversation, you’re losing business.

Taking notes on goals, preferences, and life updates allows you to:

✔️ Personalize your follow-ups
✔️ Anticipate client needs before they even ask
✔️ Build stronger relationships that lead to long-term referrals

The best advisors don’t just remember names—they remember the details that matter.

📊 Why This Matters: Your CRM is an Asset, Not a Task
🔹 68% of real estate business comes from repeat and referral clients.
🔹 A well-maintained CRM increases conversion rates, builds trust, and drives long-term growth.
🔹 Advisors who master strategic follow-up don’t chase business—it comes to them.

This isn’t about collecting data—it’s about using it to strengthen your business.

📌 Final Thought: Start NOW
Your CRM should be more than a list of names—it should be the foundation of a high-performance, relationship-driven business.

Refine your database.
Be intentional with your outreach.
Commit to tracking every meaningful conversation.

Over time, you’ll see stronger relationships, higher engagement, and a business that runs on trust and authenticity.

👉 Subscribe & turn on notifications so you never miss a Monday Morning Pep Talk!

📩 Get More Coaching & Resources
📬 Join My Weekly Email List: www.askjimmiller.com
📧 Email Me: Jim@askjimmiller.com
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🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-jim-miller/id1490481207
🎵 Stream on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/639ZlTcWjTNW9Cdq8QkwQJ


Right Person, Right Message, Right Time | Monday Morning Pep Talk #268

What if your entire business model came down to one simple principle: give, give, give?

In Monday Morning Pep Talk #269, I’m revisiting the 2011 business plan that completely changed my career trajectory. That year, I made a bold decision to build my business purely on relationships—no transaction goals, no GCI targets, just a relentless focus on adding value. It was the foundation of Take Flight, and the principles I learned then are even more relevant today.

The real estate industry was in crisis—36% of all transactions in Chicago and Cook County were short sales or foreclosures, and we had 12-15+ months of inventory. Traditional lead generation tactics weren’t working. Instead of cold calling, I doubled down on helping people. By consistently providing insights and staying present when others disappeared, my business doubled for the second time in three years. That momentum shaped everything I teach today.

If you’re looking for a predictable and enjoyable way to grow your business—without the constant peaks and valleys—this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:
✅ How 2011 taught me to build a career, not just chase transactions
✅ Why a relationship-based business is more sustainable than prospecting
✅ How top advisors stay top-of-mind by engaging their five lists
✅ The critical role of a CRM in scaling a relationship-based model
✅ Why giving isn’t about bartering—it’s about influence
✅ How leading indicators (client engagement, conversations) drive long-term success
✅ Why today's top brands win by giving first before asking for business

The 2011 Playbook – Still Relevant Today:
📌 Give, give, give—then give more
📌 Your business is built in conversations, not contracts
📌 Stop thinking in transactions, start thinking in decades
📌 If you feel helpless, be helpful—but systematize it
📌 No CRM? No business. CRM = Stability & Scale
📌 Your influence is built on authentic giving, not expectation
📌 Leading indicators (meaningful conversations) predict success, not lagging ones (closings)

Final Thought: The Modern Version of Giving
Today’s most successful brands give value before they ever ask for business. The same applies to a relationship-based real estate business. If you’re not consistently nurturing your network, engaging your past clients, and staying top-of-mind, you’ll always be forced into transactional prospecting instead of a sustainable, repeat business model.

If you want to create predictable success, watch this episode and start implementing these principles today.

📩 Get More Coaching & Resources
📬 Join My Weekly Email List → www.askjimmiller.com
📧 Email Me → Jim@askjimmiller.com
📲 Follow Me on Instagram → www.instagram.com/askjimmiller
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn → www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts → podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-jim-miller/id1490481207
🎵 Stream on Spotify → open.spotify.com/show/639ZlTcWjTNW9Cdq8QkwQJ

🔔 Don’t Forget to:
👍 Like this video if you found it helpful
💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway?
📢 Share this episode with someone who would benefit
🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly coaching content


🔑 The Business Plan That Changed Everything | Monday Morning Pep Talk #269 ✈️

In a competitive market, success isn’t just about selling—it’s about leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, build relationships, and close deals faster.

🔑 In this episode, I’m sharing how I use technology to streamline communication, manage transactions, and engage with my database—so you can work smarter, not harder.

📲 Here’s what you’ll learn:

1️⃣ Mastering "Send Later" for Text, Email & Instagram DMs
Timing is everything. A well-placed message can be the difference between winning or losing a client.

💡 Why This Matters:
✅ Schedule follow-ups for peak engagement
✅ Avoid late-night messages while maintaining workflow
✅ Stay consistent without being tied to your phone

🔹 How to Use It:
📩 iMessage: Tap the plus icon → Select Send Later
📧 Email: Hold send → Choose Schedule Send
📥 Instagram DMs: Hold send → Select Send Later

This strategy keeps your outreach intentional and proactive.

2️⃣ The Notes App: A Simple Yet Powerful Productivity Tool
Smart advisors use apps like Apple Notes, Evernote, or Notion to store repeatable messages.

📝 Why It Works:
✅ Saves time—quickly copy, paste, and personalize
✅ Ensures consistency across platforms
✅ Reduces mental fatigue—your best messaging is ready to go

🔹 Pro Tip:
Create a “Frequently Used Messages” folder for:
✔️ Client Check-ins
✔️ Lead Follow-ups
✔️ Thank You Notes
✔️ Market Updates

Pairing templates with scheduled sending keeps your communication personal and professional.

3️⃣ AI Assistants Like ChatGPT: Your Personal Writing Coach
If you’re not using AI, you’re falling behind. AI helps advisors draft, edit, and optimize messaging in seconds.

🤖 How AI Boosts Efficiency:
✅ Refines emails, texts, and scripts for clarity
✅ Generates client-friendly explanations for market insights
✅ Saves hours—AI gets you 85-90% of the way there instantly

🔹 How I Use It:
✍️ Refining client emails
📢 Drafting social media posts
📊 Summarizing market trends

AI won’t replace your voice—it’ll enhance it.

4️⃣ Scheduling Follow-ups Like a Pro
Forgetting to follow up = lost deals.

🔹 The Fix:
🔁 Use reminders & scheduled messages to follow up before clients expect it
📅 Keep a rolling follow-up calendar for warm leads and past clients
📝 Automate check-ins using "Send Later" to stay top of mind

By combining scheduled messaging, templates, and AI-powered writing, you can run a high-touch business without sacrificing your time.

5️⃣ Small Adjustments = Massive Gains
Success isn’t just effort—it’s strategy. High-performing advisors leverage systems to amplify results.

🔹 Ask Yourself:
✅ Where am I losing valuable time?
✅ Am I open to adopting digital strategies?
✅ Which of these 5 tips can I start using immediately?

The difference between good and great is execution. Take control of your time, maximize client engagement, and stay ahead of the competition.

📩 Get More Coaching & Resources

📬 Join My Weekly Email List: www.askjimmiller.com
📲 Follow Me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/askjimmiller
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago

#MondayMorningPepTalk #TheWeeklyFlightPath #AskJimMiller #TakeFlight #RealEstateCoaching #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurSuccess #HighPerformanceHabits #ProductivityHacks #SuccessMindset #TimeManagement #BusinessDevelopment #RealEstateSuccess #AdvisorCoaching #NetworkingTips #RealEstateAdvisor #CRMStrategy

Mastering Digital Efficiency: 5 Tech Hacks for Real Estate Advisors | Monday Morning Pep Talk #270 🚀

Welcome to episode 271 of Monday Morning Pep Talk. Today, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood aspects of high-performance real estate—the battle between vision and ego.

Vision vs. Ego: The Real Battle
Your vision is the promise you’ve made to yourself—the life you want, the impact you seek. Your ego is the external fuel—rankings, recognition, competition—that pushes you forward.

📌 When ego leads, you lose sight of your purpose.
📌 When vision lacks drive, you struggle to take action.

I’ve lived both sides—from my real estate heart attack in 2008 to rebuilding my career and redefining success. Today, I’ll show you how to turn ego into fuel and ensure every step aligns with your true purpose.

Are You Letting Ego Lead?
Many advisors fall into ego-driven thoughts:
🔹 I need to be #1 to feel successful.
🔹 If I don’t beat my competitor, I’ve failed.
🔹 I must prove something to others.
🔹 I have to dominate at my age.
🔹 I need a comeback to silence doubters.
🔹 I’ll just grind—I don’t need a vision.

If these thoughts drive you, you’re chasing an empty scoreboard. The game changes when ego fuels vision—not the other way around.

Winning the Internal Battle
Ask yourself:
❓ Are you focused on your progress or distracted by others?
❓ Are you making daily commitments or searching for excuses?
❓ Are you surrounding yourself with people who elevate you?

Your mindset, habits, and strategy determine your results. If you wake up chasing external validation, you’re in a losing game. But if you’re committed to becoming the highest version of yourself, you’re on the right path.

The Commitment to You vs. You
This is why I created Take Flight—to help advisors win their battle. But here’s the truth:

➡️ The commitment must come from YOU.

If you don’t commit to competing against yourself, you’ll eventually hit your own version of a real estate heart attack.

💡 The battle is won in your mind. It lasts years, not weeks.
💡 When you push past doubt and distraction, your life transforms.

Lifting Others as You Climb
As real estate award season begins, achievements are recognized, rankings are posted. But true success isn’t just about winning your battle—it’s about helping others win theirs.

➡️ Be the mentor.
➡️ Be the encouragement.
➡️ Be the inspiration.

Take Flight: Your Next Level
At Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, 50 advisors are beginning their Take Flight journey—the coaching program I created to help advisors reach new heights.

Personal and professional growth is a continuous journey. Now is the time to commit to your next level.

🏡 That house I thought I built in 2008? Looking back, I realize the truth—That house built me.

Team, have a great week. I’ll talk to you next Monday.

🚀 Stay Connected with Jim Miller
📩 Join My Monday Morning Pep Talk Weekly Email → www.askjimmiller.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube → www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3o0Wp1nE8dV_r1TFRb_Uw
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🔗 Connect on LinkedIn → www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago

The Journey to 'You vs You' | Monday Morning Pep Talk #271

Most real estate advisors never actually take flight. They stay stuck on the runway, burning energy without ever reaching cruising altitude. Why? Because they never optimize their business for predictable, sustainable success.

In this episode of Monday Morning Pep Talk, I take you behind the Take Flight framework—how I developed it and why it remains the foundation of building a successful, scalable real estate business.

📌 If your real estate business feels unpredictable, exhausting, or like you're constantly starting over, this episode is for you. The key is to break free from the stop-and-start cycle and create a business that runs efficiently, attracts high-quality clients, and supports the life you want to live.

🚀 This is the Take Flight philosophy. It’s not about just working harder—it’s about working smarter, implementing the right systems, and reaching 30,000 feet, where your business becomes self-sustaining.

✈️ Where Are You in Your Business Journey?

🔹 Still on the runway? → You’re working hard but not gaining momentum. It’s time to simplify your strategies, focus on the right clients, and build consistency.
🔹 Climbing but struggling? → You’re getting traction but still feel turbulence. This means it’s time to optimize your CRM, improve branding, build your referral network, and systematize marketing.
🔹 At 30,000 feet? → Your business is running efficiently. Now, the focus shifts to scaling your relationships, optimizing time management, and positioning yourself as a market leader.

📌 Most advisors get stuck in a cycle of constant takeoff. They start and stop, never reaching a level where business is predictable, sustainable, and truly enjoyable.

🚀 In this episode, I’ll help you identify where you are in your business and what you need to focus on next.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ How to transition from an unpredictable, reactive business to a strategic, sustainable one
✔️ The 3 phases of growth (Runway, Climb, and Cruising Altitude) and how to move from one to the next
✔️ Why most advisors stay stuck in the takeoff phase for years and how to break free
✔️ The biggest mistakes real estate professionals make that keep them in constant struggle mode
✔️ How to use CRM, branding, and relationship marketing to create an inbound pipeline of high-quality clients
✔️ What it really takes to build a real estate business that supports your lifestyle—not one that drains your time and energy

📌 If you want to create a business that is predictable, sustainable, and aligned with your personal and professional goals, this episode will show you the path.

📩 Subscribe & Watch New Episodes Every Monday

Join my Monday Morning Pep Talk Weekly Email and get:
✅ Exclusive coaching strategies to optimize your real estate business
✅ Actionable systems to create predictable success
✅ Proven frameworks that top advisors use to scale
📩 Sign up here → www.askjimmiller.com

📺 Watch More Monday Morning Pep Talks

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🔔 Don’t Forget to:

👍 Like this episode if it resonated with you!
💬 Comment below—Where are YOU in your business journey?
📢 Share this episode with a fellow real estate professional.

💡 Jim’s Mission Statement

"My professional purpose is to help you, the full-service, full-fee advisor, optimize your productivity and become the best version of yourself. Why? Because happy advisors sell more real estate."

🚀 If you can effectively manage the challenges and opportunities in your business, you will create a sustainable, scalable career that supports the life you want to live.


Why Most Advisors Never Take Flight 🚀 | Monday Morning Pep Talk #272

Burnout is not a rite of passage. It is a warning light—and this week’s Monday Morning Pep Talk is here to make sure you never ignore it again.

In Episode 274, Jim Miller gets personal and tactical. He unpacks the real reason most real estate advisors and entrepreneurs crash: they don’t schedule rest—they collapse into it. This episode outlines how to prevent burnout before it starts, with a business and life strategy that is both practical and sustainable.

If you’ve ever promised yourself, “this year will be different” but found yourself right back in the grind by April, this episode will show you how to finally break that cycle.


💡 Key Takeaway:
If you do not control your time, your business will control your life. The best advisors don’t just plan their work—they plan their recovery.

🧭 Your Mission
Start planning your business around your life—not the other way around. Be honest about your capacity. Build SOPs. Hire below your pay grade. Protect your downtime.

Because burnout doesn’t just cost you professionally.
It will cost you your joy, your health, your relationships, and your ability to lead.

"This industry will take everything you’re willing to give—and then it will ask for more." – Jim Miller
📲 Stay Connected

📩 Join My Weekly Email List:
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🔗 LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago

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www.youtube.com/@askjimmiller


🔥 Avoid Burnout at All Costs | Monday Morning Pep Talk #274

Summer is a transitional season—routines shift, energy changes, and the structure of your week gets looser. But for top real estate advisors, summer is not a slowdown—it’s a reset. In this episode of Monday Morning Pep Talk, Jim Miller lays out a focused, tactical plan to make this your most intentional, productive summer yet.

Whether you’re closing deals or catching sunsets, this episode is your guide to blending growth with enjoyment—because a purposeful summer builds a sharper fall.

🧠 What You Will Learn in This Episode:
• 5 Essential Books – Curated titles to reshape how you think, lead, and operate.
• 3 Podcasts – Weekly listening to strengthen skills and shift perspective.
• Weekly Check-In Ritual – A Sunday/Monday habit to reset your week with clarity and intention.
• Morning Routine Framework – A 60-minute template to activate your body, mind, and business.
• AI Growth Challenge – Commit to 10 hours of learning and stay ahead of the industry curve.

This is your opportunity to design your growth. Self-development is not about doing more—it’s about becoming more. Let this be the season you upgrade your inputs, sharpen your tools, and build a business that reflects the best version of you.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY COACHING CONTENT
New episodes every week with real estate strategies, systems, and insights to help you grow, lead, and Take Flight.
• Weekly Coaching Email → https://askjimmiller.com/contact/

📚 RESOURCES
• Reading List → https://askjimmiller.com/my-reading-list-2024/
• About Jim + Useful Docs → https://askjimmiller.com/take-flight-2/

📲 CONNECT WITH JIM
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/askjimmiller
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmillerchicago
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AskJimMiller

📘 Your Summer 2025 Self Development Syllabus | Monday Morning Pep Talk #282

For more information on Mental Fitness Training with Chance Potts & John Perry go to OneMoreBenefit.com

Visit HelpFromDad on Instagram for educational videos that one may ask their dad. Website: HELPFROMDAD.NET

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Welcome to the Never Stop Getting Better Podcast, where we dive deep into personal and professional growth strategies to help you reach your fullest potential. In each episode, host John Perry explores topics ranging from leadership and productivity to mindset and self-improvement, featuring insightful interviews with experts and thought leaders.

If you have any suggestions, questions, or feedback, don't hesitate to email John Perry at johnperry@neverstopgettingbetter.net. You can also go to the website neverstopgettingbetter.net

Join us on this journey of continuous improvement, and let's strive to never stop getting better together!"

Jill Phillips, strategicsoulutions.com, Linkeden: Jill Phillips Instagram: jillphillipscoaching Email:jill@jillphillipscoaching.com
Jill Phillips, an Executive Leadership and Business Coach and the visionary founder of Strategic Soulutions. With over two decades of experience, Jill blends transformational psychology, high-performance habits, and foundational business strategy to help leaders break through chaos and stress into clarity and ease.

She’s a certified EOS Implementer, a Board Certified Hypnotherapist, and the only Professional EOS Implementer in southwest Missouri. Her holistic approach empowers CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high-performing leaders to scale their businesses, build cohesive teams, and lead with authenticity—mind, body, soul, and strategy.

Whether she’s coaching 1:1, leading mastermind groups, or captivating audiences on stage, Jill brings real, actionable insight that transforms how people lead and live. Get ready to elevate your leadership and unlock the life and business you were designed to build.

213: Leading with Strategy and Soul: The Jill Phillips Method

Jim Miller is a success mentor and life coach who guides top real estate brokers from around the country while managing 2.3B+ in sales production as Designated Managing Broker with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago, Illinois.  He is also recognized as a top real estate coach to top Sotheby's International Realty brokers in 35 luxury markets.

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