Social Selling Made Simple

If you think success is about hoarding your secrets, side-eyeing your peers, and treating everyone like the enemy, you're already losing.  I see it all the time in real estate: agents wrapped up in rivalries, clinging to titles, licenses, and tasks that no longer serve them, all because they’re afraid to let go or let someone else shine.  That “crabs in a barrel” mindset will keep you small, stuck, and exhausted.  Here’s the truth: in today’s market, collaboration is the competitive edge. Instead of competing with other agents, we need to be around people who lift us up.  You need allies, a clear niche, and a no-BS understanding of what drives your business forward.  In this very special 200th episode of Social Selling Made Simple, I’m getting real about what helped me level up.  I’m sharing the legacy of entrepreneurship I inherited from my grandfather, how I went from overworked instructor to highly paid keynote speaker, and why choosing collaboration over competition changed everything.    The more I let go, the more I get, and what I’m getting is better than anything I ever let go. -Marki Lemons Ryhal   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  The "crabs in a barrel" trap Clinging to our ideas and treating peers as threats sabotages our growth. How do we break free from this scarcity mindset? Competition vs. contribution How did I turn what other people saw as a real estate rivalry into a powerful collaboration opportunity?   Why focus pays more than hustle How did I increase my hourly rate, free up more time, and lean into the parts of the business I love most?   About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

A real estate license isn’t just for selling homes. It’s a whole launchpad…if you know how to use it right.  If you’re a great agent, you’re doing way more than unlocking doors and writing offers.  You’ve got skills that can help you stand out and stack your income. In today’s market, the old playbook won’t cut it.  Inventory is tight, interest rates are still high, and the NAR settlement changed the game. Agents who stick to business-as-usual are getting left behind.  It’s not just about closing deals anymore. It’s about thinking bigger, leveraging your skill set, embracing tech tools like AI, and getting creative with things like expired listings and renovation loans.  Everyone’s got access to the MLS… but what you do with it?  In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I turned one real estate license into a six-figure, multi-stream business. You’ll hear how top producers are using AI to revive expired listings, bring real value to sellers, and guide buyers with smart financing options like the 203K loan.  With limited inventory and high interest rates, we have to think creatively to get people off the bench. -Marki Lemons Ryhal   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The skill stack strategy How do you leverage one real estate license into a business that includes teaching, speaking, and consulting? How to elevate expireds What’s the secret to turning expired listings into signed clients using AI-powered visual tools? Value that speaks louder than scripts Why do styling guides and tech-based insights beat any sales pitch and get homeowners to call you back? The 203K Advantage How can you use renovation loans to create urgency, secure offers, and add more value in buyer conversations?   About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In today’s real estate landscape, agents aren’t just competing for clients. We’re being forced to justify why we deserve to be paid.  With buyer broker agreements now front and center, it’s no longer enough to open doors and write offers. We have to demonstrate value. And what’s more valuable than walking into a buyer consultation armed with solutions that literally fund the deal?  I’m talking about gift funds, employer-assisted housing, and stacked grant programs. Money that helps your clients buy and ensures you get paid. That’s how top agents are winning right now.  How do you implement this strategy? What questions do we have to ask in every buyer consultation?  In this episode, I’m unpacking the playbook real estate professionals are using to find hidden funds that support both the buyer’s bottom line and their own commission.  I share how top producers are creating win-win transactions and how you can do the same. no matter your market.   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  Value that pays How do you justify your commission in a market where buyers are hesitant and sellers aren’t covering agent fees?  The gift fund advantage  What kinds of gifted funds are out there, and how can you help buyers tap into them to cover costs you used to count on sellers for?  Unlocking employer money  Are your buyers sitting on untapped cash from their workplace? How do we uncover employer-assisted housing benefits that make deals easier to close? Stack cash and secure the deal  What happens when you combine gift funds, employer programs, and down payment assistance?    About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Every agent is out here fighting for more listings, but what if the key to dominating your market isn’t just about pricing, marketing, or staging, but about money that’s already sitting on the table? What most agents overlook is that some listings come with built-in financial power: I’m talking about reverse down payment assistance.  This is money that can be layered to cover buyer agent compensation without your seller having to give up a dime. In today’s market, where buyers are hesitant and sellers want to net top dollar, this strategy is an absolute game-changer. In this episode, I’m breaking down how I use reverse down payment assistance and program stacking to attract buyers, help sellers net more, and give agents a value proposition no one else is talking about.    Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  The anointed listing advantage What does it mean for a property to have an anointing, and how can you use that to make your listings irresistible? Reverse down payment strategy How can buyers get $20k+ in assistance without your seller offering a dime, and what does that mean for your commission? How to walk into any listing appointment with the upper hand What value can you offer sellers that puts you ahead of every other agent they’re interviewing?   About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

On November 30th, 2022, everything changed. ChatGPT hit the streets and instantly began reshaping how we live, work, and run our real estate businesses.  From digital marketing to image creation and even coding, AI has been a total game-changer. And the crazy part? We’re only getting started. AI is evolving daily. Tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript are moving at lightning speed—what seemed impossible 30 or 60 days ago is now totally within reach. So what can AI actually do for us right now? How can we use it to multiply our time, streamline our workflows, and make our businesses even more valuable? In this episode, nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant Katie Lance returns to the show. We dive into the latest, most exciting developments in AI, and how you can put them to work in your real estate business today.   There are a lot more opportunities to duplicate yourself and leverage your time. I get twice as much done in my business because I’m implementing AI. -Katie Lance   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  How to turn a handwritten note into an infographic  We used to need graphic designers for things like infographics. Can we do it on our own now?  The true power of AI AI can’t replace us, but it can duplicate us and make us more efficient. How do we leverage it to get more out of our time?  The next big frontier in AI We’ve seen AI images improve tremendously over the last two years. Is this evolution about to hit video?    Guest Bio Katie Lance is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and the CEO and Founder of Katie Lance Consulting. With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of real estate and digital marketing, Katie specializes in helping real estate agents and brokers become smarter and more strategic with social media, video marketing, and AI. She’s the founder of the #GetSocialSmart Academy, an industry-leading membership program that has empowered thousands of real estate professionals to build a standout online presence without overwhelm. Katie is also the author of the best-selling book #GetSocialSmart, and her thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Inman News, Social Media Examiner, and more. In today’s conversation, Katie shares her top strategies for how real estate pros can leverage AI and video to create authentic, time-saving content that converts, without losing the human touch. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration! Learn more at katielance.com.   About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Real estate pros, if you’re not using LinkedIn to post content, flex your industry expertise, and generate high-quality B2B leads, you’re leaving money on the table. It’s one of the best platforms to grow your brand, so why are so many agents still sleeping on it? Maybe it feels intimidating. Maybe you’re not sure what to say. But here’s the thing: thanks to AI, creating content and making the right connections has never been easier. And yet, so many real estate professionals are still dragging their feet when it comes to using AI, missing out on massive opportunities. Combining LinkedIn with ChatGPT creates the ultimate business intel tool—a tool we would’ve had to shell out thousands for just a few years ago. Now, it’s right at our fingertips.  And the best part?  You don’t need to be a tech whiz or marketing guru to make it work for you. By working on our AI skills and leveraging them on LinkedIn, we can fast-track our way to real estate industry authority—without breaking the bank. So, how do you get past the fear of posting? How can AI help you get better results on LinkedIn? How do you gain the ultimate outreach advantage with a simple prompt?  In this episode, marketing strategist, consultant, and LinkedIn pro Deborrah Ashley is back to share how she’s using ChatGPT to level up her LinkedIn game.    AI provides business intel that used to cost us substantially more money, and now we can get it for little to no cost. -Marki Lemons Ryhal   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  How to improve your AI skill set  How do we use ChatGPT Projects to train our AI instead of spending money on third-party tools?  How to use AI to boost your LinkedIn visibility  AI makes it easier for us to become industry experts, but many people are still afraid to post. What drives this fear, and how do we overcome it? The LinkedIn outreach cheat code Instead of reaching out to people with crowded inboxes, how do we use ChatGPT to find the contacts no one else is talking to?   Guest Bio Deborrah Ashley is a marketing strategist, consultant, and LinkedIn expert who works with clients to develop B2B and B2C LinkedIn social selling strategies that grow and develop not only their business but their personal brand as well. Deborrah has a background that includes two decades in brand management, marketing communications, and business development, where she used her unique style of positioning and launch strategies to generate over $300 million for companies and start-ups. Deborrah has been featured in a variety of media, including Oprah Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The NY Times, on podcast,s and CNBC for her innovative strategies on gaining a competitive edge and building strategic partnerships and has spoken at summits, conferences, and universities. To learn more about Deborrah, find her on LinkedIn, and head to https://www.theauthoritykit.com/.    About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

It’s no secret that real estate commissions have been in the danger zone for a while now. And with moves like Rocket Mortgage snatching up Redfin, it’s clear that real estate professionals need to fight fire with fire. Well thanks to a new dual-licensing program, we might just have the ultimate weapon to turn up the volume on our production!  Most real estate agents have to pass their clients off to a mortgage officer and watch them take a piece of the pie. What if you could handle the whole process yourself, and keep more of the money…all with one simple link?  Here’s the thing: real estate pros who understand the money behind the transaction are way more valuable. By adding loan origination to your toolkit, not only are you protecting your income, but you’re also setting yourself up to earn way more per transaction.  What is the program and how do you get into it? In this episode, I’m joined by Teresa Grobecker, an absolute rockstar in real estate, fintech and proptech. She shares all the details on how to jump on this dual-licensing train, and how it makes us more valuable.    Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  Capture the whole process  Most real estate agents have to refer their buyers to a mortgage officer. What if you controlled the entire process?  Understand the finances  Why are agents who don’t understand the money side of buying/selling homes at a huge disadvantage?  Just another tool in your value-add toolkit  The more skills and competencies we have, the more valuable we are. How do we put ourselves in a position to service more people and earn more money per transaction?    Guest Bio Teresa Grobecker is a recognized innovator in the real estate, fintech, and proptech sectors. With over a decade of experience as a licensed real estate broker and deep expertise in brokerage management, compliance oversight, and technology integration, Teresa has consistently pioneered solutions that bridge the gap between traditional real estate processes and emerging technologies. As the first founder to successfully take a real estate brokerage onto a blockchain, Teresa combines her deep understanding of regulatory requirements with forward-thinking technology strategies to drive operational efficiencies and revenue growth. Her background includes founding and scaling multiple companies in real estate and finance, serving as a venture partner, and contributing as a thought leader in both industries. As the founder of the first online real estate and mortgage brokerage in San Francisco, she showcased her innovative approach. With a background as an equity partner at a global investment bank, Teresa has deep insights into capital markets and has advised the Federal Reserve, SEC, and FHFA on regulatory matters. Additionally, she led three National Association of Realtors portfolio companies during high-growth stages and consulted with Blackstone’s ancillary services, advising bank CEOs and presidents. Her expertise in underwriting loans and enhancing their appeal to secondary and capital markets further strengthens her ability to craft compelling marketing strategies that drive growth. Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In this engaging discussion, Celeste Yamile, an AI-assisted personal branding expert with a rich history working with companies like Google and Apple, shares game-changing insights for utilizing LinkedIn. She reveals how to optimize content strategy using ChatGPT to boost real estate leads without the pressure of daily posting. Celeste emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions over guesswork and offers practical tips on enhancing engagement and personal branding. Discover how to grow your LinkedIn presence intelligently!

In today’s market, every real estate agent is searching for a unique value proposition that will get them more listings and get them paid by buyers.  What most agents don’t know is that they might already have the ultimate value proposition sitting under their noses…or rather sitting in their active listings!  Many homes on the market qualify for down payment assistance, and by simply choosing to hire you as their agent, people could get $20k or more. In other words: some listings have an anointing on them, and you can leverage them to earn six figures. In this episode, I share the strategy real estate agents are sleeping on, and how to implement it in your own business.    Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  The listing anointing  How can we win more sellers and buyers with down payment assistance?  The ultimate client attraction strategy  How do we become so knowledgeable in down payment assistance that people flock to us? How to earn six-figures in real estate Why are agents who are specializing in down payment assistance outearning everyone else? About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

No matter what anyone says, owning real estate is still the most powerful way for families to build wealth and transfer it to the next generation. A lot of people would love to own a home, but can’t afford some of the costs that come with the purchase.  Well, there is a solution…down payment assistance gifts from family, work or even your church. A lot of people are sitting on equity or cash reserves that could be the perfect down payment assistance gift for first time home buyers.  This is a great way to put the wealth vehicle that is real estate in motion, and help more people build wealth for themselves. Real estate agents who are knowledgeable about these programs are more likely to win buyers and get paid what they’re worth, which goes a long way right now.  What should we ask every buyer we talk to? What are some of the pockets of funds first time buyers have access to? In this episode, CRA Residential Loan Officer at Associated Bank, Johnita Herndon shares how buyers can get up to $31,500 in down payment assistance, and all the funds that are available right now.    Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  Down payment assistance dos and don’ts  When it comes to down payment assistance gifts, every lender and home loan type is different. How do we make sure we meet the requirements? The gift of homeownership  From churches and employers to family members, there are many sources of down payment assistance. How can real estate professionals use this to increase their value proposition and help their communities? Homeownership is still important Our ancestors built their wealth by owning houses. How can we pass this wealth on to the next generation?   Guest Bio Johnita Herndon is a CRA Residential Loan Officer at Associated Bank, she has over 10 years of banking experience, having served in various capacities within residential lending. Johnita is passionate about working with First Time home buyers, down payment assistance programs, homebuyer education, and rehab/new construction. As a community loan officer, Johnita also works as a liaison to nonprofit organizations that provide homeowner education to low- and moderate-income families. The focus is to create a successful homebuyer through education and counseling. Johnita Grew up on the Westside of Chicago and currently resides in Maywood, IL. Johnita has been a mortgage and loan professional for more than 10 years. Graduating from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in Economics & Finance. To learn more, call or text 312-401-0702. You can also follow Johnita on Instagram and Facebook.     About Your Host Marki Lemons Ryhal is a ​​Licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR® and avid volunteer.  She is a dynamic keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, both on-site and virtual; she's the go-to expert for artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social media in real estate. Marki Lemons Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate, and with 25+ years of marketing experience, Marki has taught over 250,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their marketing dollars. Marki’s expertise has been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, http://Homes.com , and REALTOR® Magazine.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!