Ignite Your Estate Agency
Welcome to the Ignite Podcast, specifically designed to help estate agents ignite the growth of their agency, hosted by Sam Ashdown and Phil Jones. We'll share original content on all things marketing and agency related - from growth and lead generation, to creating and developing your personal brand and building a dream team. You'll hear from the biggest and best marketers, experts and agency coaches from around the world in exclusive interviews. And discover our top level tips, tricks and tactics that are designed to help YOU accelerate the growth of your business. About Sam and Phil: Sam and Phil are mother-in-law and son-in-lawn and co-directors of AshdownJones (the Lake District estate agency), AJ Mastermind (the home of world-class independent estate agency growth) and several other companies. Collectively they have a couple of decades of industry experience between them. We hope you enjoy the Ignite podcast. Let us know what you think by leaving a review. If you want to find out more about AJ Mastermind and what we can do for your agency go to: https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk
Ignite Your Estate Agency
Your First Year in Agency What No One Tells You (But Should)
This week Sam shares what goes unnoticed during your first year as an estate agency owner, why the early months can test your resolve, and how to manage the emotional roller coaster that comes with launching your own business.
Sending letters consistently, focusing on valuations, and tracking numbers, have been the foundations of sustainable growth for Ashdown Jones, so do you need to shift your focus too? How do you fight imposter syndrome, why should advice from well-meaning outsiders (including accountants) be taken with caution?
Some key takeaways:
➡️ The first year in agency is often more challenging than expected and requires a focus on building habits for the long game.
➡️ Consistent marketing activities build pipeline value and brand standing, even before sales start landing.
➡️ Picking your ideal market from day one sets the path for future growth and reputation.
Some great moments:
✅ “It’s an emotional roller coaster. The highs are really high and the lows are incredibly low.”
✅ “Without valuations, you don’t have a business. It’s about the listings, it’s about valuations and instructions, it’s not about sales.”
✅ “Consistency beats talent. Doesn’t matter how good an estate agent you are, show up every day, especially when it’s tough, because that’s what builds momentum.”
Want to grow your agency with confidence?
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Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
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Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
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Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk
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