In this episode of #padsessions, Gino Pronos hosts Dan Cruz, a real estate expert, to dissect the often harsh realities of building a successful career as a real estate agent. Dan Cruz brings his experience to the conversation, emphasizing that many new agents begin with **unrealistic expectations**. He highlights the critical need for a **self-starter mentality** and the **proactive creation of opportunities** rather than waiting for them to appear.The hosts discuss the challenges faced by real estate agents, particularly those struggling to make a sustainable income. They emphasize that many agents harbor unrealistic expectations about lead generation, believing that simply being licensed will guarantee success. The conversation highlights the importance of establishing a personal referral network and the need for proactive marketing efforts to thrive in the industry. The discussion also touches on the necessity for agents to be self-starters and how managing client relationships can be as critical as technical real estate skills.Gino and Dan explore various essential strategies for real estate agents, from **defining a clear career path** to **leveraging individual strengths** as valuable assets in the field. They stress the importance of **building a sustainable business** through consistent effort and a strategic approach. The conversation also covers the necessity of adopting the right **mindset**, deciding whether to function as an individual agent handling all tasks or as a business owner who builds a team and delegates responsibilities.Dan shares insights on overcoming common challenges, including the **fear of success** that can sometimes hold agents back. He underscores the value of **setting intentions**, creating structure in daily activities, and consistently following up on leads to ensure a steady stream of deals. The discussion also dives into practical advice such as reverse engineering successful activities to replicate them and the significance of continuous growth and adaptation in the ever-changing real estate market.Whether you're a new agent just starting out or an experienced realtor looking to level up your business, this episode provides actionable insights and a fresh perspective on what it truly takes to thrive in the real estate industry.Highlights:* **The myth of easy leads**: Why relying on companies to provide leads is unrealistic and what to do instead.* **The power of self-motivation**: How to cultivate a self-starter attitude and take control of your career.* **Asset leveraging**: Identifying and using your unique strengths to stand out in the market.* **Business owner vs. Agent**: Choosing the right mindset for your goals.* **Goal setting**: Defining your vision and setting clear intentions to guide your path.* **Structured action**: Implementing a structured approach to daily activities for consistent results.* **Lead generation**: Effective strategies for generating and nurturing leads.* **Overcoming fear**: Addressing the fear of success and redefining your identity as you grow.* **Continuous improvement**: Adapting to market changes and constantly refining your strategies.Follow Me Online Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginopronos/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginopronos/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginopronos/Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/ginopronosTwitter: https://twitter.com/ginopronoshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxEx6Cp7mFSNPL6E8ur0ZA?sub_confirmation=1