All articles by tim murphy

My Legendary Character Principles I have found over the course of my life, my choices are based on key principles which influence each and every decision I make. As I have grown older my passion and conviction towards following these principles has grown stronger. Be it life experience. Be it Karma. I believe for each person it’s different.  However, for the most successful people in the game of life. I know legendary principles are like beacons of light which guide them through the fog of life. Especially when it’s hard to see exactly where you are going. Murph’s Character Principles: Family First = without a strong family you have nothing. Marriage and children are two of life’s biggest tests & gifts. Neither are easy. Both are extremely rewarding. Deciding not to make this priority #1 leaves you all alone. YourLEGEND = One’s purpose in life Seek to fulfill your purpose and Legend will live on through Legacy. You will have served your purpose when fulfillment overcomes you. Believe = Surround yourself with only those who believe. Gather the best people for each task. Pay them a fair wage. It will be scary. It will test your faith. But, they will help you realize your dream and accomplish your mission. Execute = Win Actions speak louder than words Execute – Just Do It Hard Work – Hustle – Grind Hard Work = give it everything you have and let go. One thing in life we all control is how hard we
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The Choice Is Yours…

How You choose will define the rest of your life. I want to paint a picture for you. A picture that is cemented in my mind at this very moment. “Imagine you are sitting on a park bench in one of the most beautiful parks you can dream of. Big green trees blowing in the wind. Dark green grass that feels like the softest of carpets. Beautiful red, yellow and pink roses all around you. With a large water fountain and kids playing.” As I sit on the bench and look deeper into the park… I find myself staring at a fork in the road. One path leading to the Left for as far as the eye can see. For all I can tell, this path leads to another beautiful park that might be as good or even better than the one I am enjoying today. The other path, leads to the Right… Into a tunnel. It looks dark and I can’t tell where it will go. All I know, I must choose which path to follow.” It’s in this moment, this picture of choice, where I get to decide how my brother’s death… will define my life. It’s in this defining moment where my life will go one of two ways. Which will I choose?   My Choice lies in this video If you have followed me for any length of time… I think you know which choice I have made. Over my 42 years of life I have
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Life Is full of 1’s & 0’s…

The rest is just your mind playing tricks on you. I’ll never forget my first computer programming class in college at Eau Claire University. COBOL (“common business-oriented language”) Here is what it looked like: 10101010101010101010101010101 Say I wanted to spell “Hi”. Here is what it looked like: H = 01101000 I = 01101001 Now just think about that. I wrote one word with two letters. That one word and two letters consisted of 16 digits. What makes this process so painful…. If you get even one of those “01101001” digits incorrect. The code will not work. Your system won’t do anything. It’s DEAD. Now imaging building Facebook!!! Can you feel my pain. Perfection was the game. There was no room for mistakes. Make a mistake and you failed. Plain and simple. My whole 4 year college life was about spending countless hours in a computer lab crunching code. Pulling out my hair trying to figure out where the code was broken… So I could fix it and have a fully functioning system. That made someone else’s life simpler. Kind of like your favorite app on the iPhone. What if, we lived our lives that way. Knowing we couldn’t move to the next phase until we had everything right in the phase before it. Needless to say, I would have dropped out of becoming an MIS (Management Information Systems) Major if I had to do another second of COBOL. It was against my nature. BUT!!! The COBOL code taught me a
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Life On Your Terms…

Is a life worth living. How many times have you caught yourself wishing you were doing something different. Not because you are sick of doing the same thing day in and day out. But because you don’t feel like your leading your life’s purpose. For all of us “Life On Our Terms” can mean something different. For some it is about leading a non-profit that makes positive change in the world for those who need it most. For others, it is inventing a new technology that saves people’s lives. For me, it’s about helping people create a “Self-Image” worth fighting for. So they can stop surviving and start thriving. No matter what your purpose is on earth. The most important thing is embracing it and moving in that direction. When I think about someone who has embraced “Life On Your Terms.” I think about Jenna Colvin. Who is a close family member of mine and someone who doesn’t just believe in “Life On Your Terms” she actually lives it. This week I have the honor of attending the RED TIE GALLA put on by Jenna and her team at FireFighters For Healing. If you have never heard of this non-profit and what they are doing to help families and their children who have been impacted as burn victims. Well, Now You Know!! Check Out What They Are Doing: http://firefightersforhealing.org/news Jenna is one of the leaders of this organization and responsible for putting on the RED TIE GALLA event. Tirelessly, Jenna
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We are connected…

Relationships develop from connections we had in the past My daughter Shay is suffering from anxiety. We don’t know why and the most stressful thing… We don’t know how to fix it. The other day I brought Shay into my office. She was walking around attached right at my hip. You can feel the tension and uncomfortable energy she gives off when in a place she is not familiar. Diana, on my Team noticed this while we were in the office. After I brought shay home and came back to the office that day Diana came in my office and said, “Tim, what is going on with Shay? I can tell she is very close to you and was uncomfortable in the office and around me… She was never like that before.” Diana was right. Her sixth sense told her Shay was feeling anxious about me being too far from her. Leaving her. This all started about one year ago. Sarah, my wife, brought her to school and showed up a little late to pick her up that day. Nothing that didn’t happen before. Well, when she walked into school to pick her up that day Shay was crying and gasping for air uncontrollably. She was having a panic attack. She thought, “Mom is not coming to get me. She is leaving me.” Now we all know, Sarah would be the last person in the world to ever leave her child or let them down. But, for some reason Shay
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A Fork In The Road - 2019

The direction of my life is evolving… As many of you who have followed my story know. I have had my real estate license since 2003. Ever since, I have been on a mission to become a real estate investor. Each and every decision I’ve made, from 2002 forward, stemmed from my goal of becoming a real estate investor who would one day build a beautiful property in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of Minneapolis. How I was going to get there… I had no clue. My second goal, one I set for myself 5 years ago. “Create a self-image worth fighting for. Allowing me to achieve my goals and reach my untapped potential. Because I’m driven to inspire! To inspire through giving, caring, honesty, loyalty and as a Guardian of good.” This came from a place I could have never gone if it was not for my daughter Shay. The day she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes it change my life forever. I was given the choice to become a fighter or to hide from a disease that is out to destroy her. You all know the choice I made. You have supported me, through TeamSugarShay.com, in a way I could have never dreamed of. 2019 has been an amazing year for me. I reached goals I never thought possible. I made my dreams come true. Building the home at West49thStreet.com was a dream come true for me. Raising $30,000 this year for TeamSugarShay.com and over $83,000
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My “WHY”

The other day my mother-in-law asked me, “Why do you share and tell everyone so much about you.” as she shook her head and gave me a look of bewilderment. I can understand her perspective. Coming from a generation where sharing your feelings, talking about your struggles and showing any form of weakness was frowned upon. How can I expect her to understand… It’s not her mind set. Over the course of my life, major adversities has come my way. Just like they do for all of us in different forms during your life. When I was a star athlete in high school I had to have surgery on both my knees. This took away a clear path to Division One sports for me. But, it put a chip on my shoulder. Giving me the drive to be the best I could be at whatever it is I am doing in life. I don’t take anything for granted. Because it could be taken from me in an instant. Alcoholism is something that runs rampant in my genes. This is an internal battle I face. Never letting it take me over… But, slipping to excessive drinking at times in my life, especially high school and college when the going got tuff. But, this internal struggle has shown me the power of positive thinking, conscious health and most of all willpower. Because focus and control over you and your surroundings drives one’s standards. The death of my father at a tender age
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“Focus Your Mind…”

Daily, I find myself discovering new opportunities to improve my mind, body, relationships and business. The problem is… Each new opportunity takes away from something I am working towards being great at already.   The constant mental battle between discovering new things and staying on your path towards greatness… is my struggle to the top.   Creating a daily agenda of monotonous tasks you know need to be accomplished. Then sticking with the agenda to accomplish those tasks over the long haul… makes me feel like all the oxygen is getting sucked out of my lungs.   I embrace the thrill of doing something new. It’s what I live for. However, when it comes to doing something over and over and over and over… Almost like packing products into a box as they come down the conveyor belt. That drives me nuts!!   Like Christopher Columbus, I strive to discover new lands and push myself into understanding the new world. Problem is, once I feel like I have it all figured out… I get bored and want to discover something new. It’s in this discovery about myself where I found the quest from good to great is immense. But, I know the key is focus.   Now, I am on a new quest to discover immense focus in myself. Towards the goal of becoming great at one thing. Instead of good at many.   Like Apa the “Super Sherpa” who has made it to the top of Mount Everest’s summit
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No Regrets

As I held my 96 year old Grandmothers hand Each and every day thoughts creep into our mind, like water dripping on our forehead, about why we didn’t do something. Why we found an excuse to pass up on our opportunity to take action. Yesterday, I made sure there were no regrets when it came to seeing my 96 year old Grandmother. It was a moment in my life for which I have never experience. I can say, it’s not something I’m good at… Sitting at the edge of Grandma’s bed for hours. Holding her hand starring into her squinted, wrinkled, eyes while observing her fight to take her next breath. As she held my hand all her strength went into clinching mine. I believe it was her way of hugging me. Holding onto me as if to say, “I will always be here with you.” As I sat by her side we talked about my wonderful wife, my two girls and all the things we are doing. As a mother of 8 children, Grandma knows what it’s like raising a family… She has done it all her life. With a faint smile and a whisper she said, “Show me pictures, of the girls.” I pulled my phone out and showed her the ones who mean everything to me. My three girls. After 20 minutes of me talking and Grandma fighting to open her eyes and see each picture. She clinched my hand tight saying, “My oldest grandson… Tell the
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Vikings Clean House! It’s time for a change

Change is inevitable for all of us. As many of you know through my emails or social media sites, I had a chance to hang with Case Kennum. If only for a brief moment during a visit when he was with the St. Louis Rams a few years back. I also tried my hand at helping him find a place to live when he first landed in Minnesota. you might be thinking, “Who Cares!” I can tell you, “I care.” Because once you get to know someone, shake their hand and hear their story… Like I do every week on my podcast. You get a brief glimpse into their world, their soul and what they are all about. Most of us call this a “First Impression.” My first impression of Case, “He is a really good dude!” I will never forget the smile on his face and how he genuinely shook my hand, gave a high-five to my kids and was more than willing to take pictures or whatever we wanted. I remember talking with Case when I was trying to help him find a home in a new land, Minnesota. Imagine moving from city to city. Year after year… Never knowing anyone. Always searching for a home. A place you can fit in. He was really excited about Minnesota. One year later… Everything changed. Like in sport, business is much the same when it comes to change. One day you are on top of the world. You feel like
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Purpose Before Profit – Crafting a Legend is about more than just survival

Back in 2003 I became a licensed real estate agent. Just 1 year out of college. Still living in the basement of my parents home, living on the little money I made from my bunk 9–5… Little did I know in 4 short years the market was going to crash and everyone would go into survival mode. Some agents choose to work with the banks, listing foreclosures. Others, like me, choose to help friends battle the banks negotiating short sales. Finally, you had the survivors who refused to do either. Scratching and clawing their way through the market just like all of us… With sheer grit and determination. Each and every one of us doing everything we could to survive. Like a starving child. Walking down the streets in a third world country. I was desperate to find my way in the real estate world. Desperate to grow my business and become the entrepreneur I knew I could be. It was in that desperations I lost focus on my purpose. I was starving… Hungry. As I made more and more money I realized the hunger inside me was not being quenched. When I dabbled in marketing gimmicks, cold calling, 10 days of pain lead generation and follow up I realized they all made me feel sick to my stomach. So sick, I couldn’t do it. But, that’s what the “Big Guys” were doing. Why am I any different… Deep into the real estate bust in 2010–2011 I was grinding on
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What if money didn’t matter ?

Money was abundant, your quality of life was everything you dream of Then what? In our society today it’s hard to ignore “Keeping up with the Joneses.” We all paint a picture of the perfect life. Married, 2 kids, a dog, beautiful home in the perfect neighborhood, with awesome schools and the perfect neighbors. Vacations once or twice a year to experience the world and a job that is fulfilling, not too much work and pays really good money. Doesn’t that sound perfect to you? Now imagine you had all of that and more. So much more you couldn’t even imagine it was real… Because it surpassed your wildest dreams. What would you do? Now, how would you live your life… What would give it meaning. How would you feel a sense of accomplishment. What would get you up in the morning. Do you think your perfect life would remain perfect forever… Or do you think human nature would kick in and maybe… Just maybe… It wouldn’t be as perfect as you thought. Think about it. This is where purpose comes in. When you live your life to fulfill a purpose you’ll find yourself waking up in the morning ready to take on anything. You will focus on achieving goals and positively impacting lives. Because you know. In order to achieve your ultimate purpose in life you can’t stop moving. You can’t stop improving. You will always know where you are going while embracing your journey to get there. You
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Leadership Is A Choice – To Put Yourself Last and Everyone Else First

I read this story from Josh Longawa a friend of mine on Facebook. It was so powerful I felt compelled to share it with you today: “So, I had a very intense event happen today while driving home with my son. I will give you the condensed version. While driving in St, Paul I noticed a car in a corner of a parking lot behind a van with one end of a hose in the exhaust pipe and the other end in the car window which was mostly rolled up. It took a minute to register in my head that someone was attempting to take their own life or perhaps the life of another. I had to turn around and see. I pulled into the parking lot I told my son to say in the car because I did not know what I might find. As I approached the car there was a young man slumped over the center of the front seat. I knocked loudly on the window and the man sat up. I opened the door and said “you can’t do this! This will kill you!” and said “do you promise”. I could feel the pain he was in and I could see it in his eyes. I burst into tears as I said people love you! There are so many people here that you haven’t even met yet that LOVE YOU. We sat for a while and talked. There is a quite a bit more to the
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Hard Work – The One Thing We All Control

I’m sick of hearing, “Those damn Millennial are lazy and don’t know what hard work is.” I was talking with my friend and well respected business owner Tim Murphy (Yes, we have the same name. He’s better looking.). Tim owns Murphy Automotive a very well run and successful company in the Edina and Lakeville area. In our conversation we talked about the frustration and misunderstanding between generations. His being the Baby Boomer generation and today’s Millennial. Our discussion naturally lead to talking about Millennials and how people perceive them as lazy and unmotivated. I told him the only thing I care about is “Hard Work!” If they choose to work hard I love them. If they choose to be lazy I don’t. But, I said, “The real problem is a misunderstanding of when, where and how hard work gets done. Therein lies the frustration.” Hard work is a choice. Every generation: Gen Xers’, Baby Boomer’s, those from “ The Silent Generation” and GI generation had individuals who chose to work hard and those who chose to avoid hard work at all costs. Why are so many saying the Millennials don’t work hard, are lazy and expect everything for nothing? I believe it’s perspective. You see, I’m a Gen Xer the small “forgotten generation” smashed between two large generations, from a population perspective. Gen Xers’ (1965–1984) have the Baby boomers (1946–1964) before us and the Millennials (1985–2004) after us. The majority of people I talk with who are most frustrated with
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Fear vs. Growth – A Fork in the road…

“What are you doing!” My good buddy and business partner Chris said to me when we were talking business this morning. “I am fasting for 120 hours.” I responded. “What does that mean? You’re eating something right?” Chris responded. “Nope, only water, tea and bone broth. It’s been 82 hours.” I told him. “You are NUTS!!! You have to eat. Your body needs it” Chris responded with a strong energetic voice.“Maybe just a little.” I said as I was laughing. Chris is not alone in his thinking. The anticipation of what will happen if my body doesn’t have food boggled his mind. Like Chris, my wife Sarah thinks I am NUTS!!! She is not in favor of this and genuinely fears for my health. I know her fear is real because I can feel her anxiety every time I or someone brings it up. I guess, I just look at it differently. Like most challenges in life… I tend to be the eternal optimist. Always looking at what is to gain not what could be lost. For some, like my wife, it can drive them nuts. For me it’s just the opposite. I will never understand those who always have an excuse for not trying something new. Those who anticipate the worst and block their minds from seeing opportunity. Funny thing is, Chris is one of the most daring people I know. Chris has jumped from air plane. Snowmobile to elevations of 12,000 feet in the mountains with powder so
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Are you likeable? If not maybe you should start liking …

Today I was listening to a podcast and the guest was Dr. Robert Cialdini. He only sold something like 46 million copies of his book “Influence The Psychology of Persuasion.” So you might have heard of him. In the podcast I was listening to him talked about a few of the psychological triggers social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and many others use. Human triggers, Human instincts we tend to utilize without even knowing it. One of them being “Liking” on social media. It might be a thumbs up, a heart, a fist bump or whatever the symbol is. What I found fascinating. This seems like common sense. We as humans know why Facebook put in a function for “Liking” other people’s posts. Because when we like their posts we build a stronger bond with that person on the other end. It is only human to build relationships with others we know, like and trust. That’s why I write you as often as I can. Because I feel safe with you. In return, for the safety you give me I want to give back to you. My way of giving back is by sharing my advice about life and business. It’s what I know. What blew my mind. When Dr. Robert Cialdini talked about how people they called “Fakers” use “Liking” as a tool to manipulate you. Yeah, so instead of being like you and me… The guys who actually take time to read each other’s posts, engage in
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Family First – Is there any other way?

I am so excited!! My daughter Ireland is playing in the District 6, girls 10U — A Team, championship game this coming Thursday. In the last two games they have beaten not only the best two teams in our district, Edina Green & Edina White, but two of the best teams in the state for girls 10U — A hockey. There is nothing like being a parent and watching your children achieve their goals. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The trick, this time of year is usually our busiest time of year when it comes to helping our clients win. As spring market is upon us families are getting the itch to make moves. That’s when they depend on our team to help them buy or sell their home… many times both. Like with my daughter Ireland. There is nothing like helping our clients achieve their goals. Making it all work is the trick. Ben and Erica in the picture with me were no exception. On a quest to find their first home, timing was everything. Today’s market for purchasing homes is fierce. With very little supply and huge demand there is very little room for error. Many times our client’s are finding themselves in multiple offers looking to us for guidance. It’s moments like this Diana (concierge of our team) and I never take for granted. Because we work so hard to achieve them. It’s in these moment when our family values truly shine. For me to make some of Ireland’s
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Relationships… Are Everything.

I was listening to Jordan Harbinger’s interview on the “Self Made Man” podcast today when he said, “I lost may job and my business. When it happened… It felt like I lost everything.” You see, Jordan hosted the podcast “Art Of Charm” which received over 4 million downloads a month. Over the last 10 years he grew his podcast from 0 to 4 million downloads a month. No easy task. Like most entrepreneurs we get lost in the grind and day to day checklists that need to be completed. Doing everything in our power to keep the ship moving forward. Sometimes losing focus of the relationships we build along the way. In Jordan’s podcast on “Self Made Man” today… He talks about how reality slapped him in the face. Feeling down on his luck, stressed about how he is going to fight to get his business back and furious about how someone could have taken everything from him… I mean it was his business!! It was his show! It was all about Jordan and his connection with the audience. How could anyone take that away!!! That’s the point. Jordan had every right to feel furious about what happened to him. He had every right to feel like his baby, the company he build from the ground up, was taken from him. But, as he gained his composure. Doug deep into his soul. he realized something very few of us do. It was not worth fighting for the business, the name,
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Just do it!

Nothing holds her back from doing big things “Dad, Dad!!  Are you excited for hockey today?” Shanley (Shay) said at 8am on a Saturday morning as she jumped in our bed to give me a HUGE Hug. “YES!, honey I’m SUPER EXCITED to skate with you today.” I responded. “Me Too!!” Shanley said with a smile from ear to ear. This time of year, Saturday & Sunday mornings, Shay and I get to enjoy an hour on the ice together doing one of the sports we both love… Hockey! There is nothing like her smile when she wakes up and knows its hockey day.  Immediately, Shay jumps out of bed, rushes downstairs and starts packing her hockey bag. She can’t stop talking about shooting pucks, scoring a goal and practicing her stops… “Dad, don’t forget to tape my stick.” she yells up the stairs. “Dad, do you think we will get to play a game today… I’m going to score a GOAL!” she said to me as I knelt down next to her and helped pack her hockey bag. “Sugar Shay, are you sure you don’t want to get dressed at the house… instead of at the rink.” I asked. “No Dad, I am 6 now and I know how to get dressed like my sister Ireland and the big girls.” she responded. So, we packed up her hockey bag, her diabetes bag and grabbed something quick to eat. Then headed off for the rink. As we drove to the
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A Great Man Teaching Life Lessons

I find it fascinating how Elon crafts his story with this writer. As an icon in the world of innovation and fortune. He speaks to the simple people of this world through pain and tragedy. He touches on true human emotion by telling his personal stories and sharing his personal feelings… If all is true, he is a polarized man. One of great fortune when it comes to changing the world, money and fame. While on the other hand one of great sorrow and pain when it comes to family and self. Like a true superhero, he knows no middle ground. like so many of us he works in the polars. The north pole being his extreme successes and the south pole being his inability to nurture emotional intelligence… never allowing him to connect. The more I read and study amazing people doing amazing things the more I see polarization. The more I see clear strength and weakness. The question I keep asking… Does it take your father hating you, beating you (mentally or physically), does it take great loss (loss of parents, loss of wife, loss of children), great pain (the feeling of being alone, lack of self worth, not fitting in) to break the mold. Pushing our human spirit & psyche to a level so great it is forced to decide between good and evil. Like Elon and his father? Once the choice is made each walks their path. While Elon is saving the world… is he destroying
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Don’t Let Kryptonite Stop You — 

“Murph, you misspelled a word in your email yesterday.” My friend Ryan said to me. As I looked through my email I saw the subject line was “Your Are Kidding Me.” I also saw the intro headline was “Mankind Dreams Come True.” Damn!! I said to myself, as I am one who strives for perfection. But, in the next breath I moved on to my next purpose driven mission of developing a magazine for EdinaAdviceGivers.com, scheduling my next interview with Lou Nanne on our podcast, reaching out to my client who is excited about the home they are buying and working on designing our first million dollar home EHRConstruction.com will be building. Later that day I received this message from a friend and past client: That’s a pretty cool story Tim. Keep changing lives! I recommended you to a girlfriend who’s divorcing — though not sure if she’ll sell or not. Definitely won’t use her previous agent she said…horrible. Told her about my experience with you and she was impressed. Will keep you posted. Tracy Handt There is no better feeling than receiving a messages like this from Tracy. Sure, I was disappointed in my spelling mistake. Spelling has been a challenge I have struggled with my entire life. I will never forget… In middle school one of my teachers told my Mom, “Spelling is not one of Tim’s strengths. He will need to carry a dictionary around with him when he gets older.” I’ll be damned she was right. Till this
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Star Student vs. Problem Child

Today, our public education system is broken as we know it. We know it’s broken and they know it’s broken. The real question… What are we going to do about it? Our current system is diluting the imaginative brilliance of our next generation. Sure, we can sit on the sidelines and tell ourselves, “Well, they are the teachers. They have masters degrees and PHD’s. They know what’s best for my child. Hell, I barely got through school.” Deep down inside, we all know it’s not working. We know this system is destroying the unique individual in each of our children. Like it did with so many of us. I believe, each child and each one of us have been given a unique gift. This gift is one we seek. Once found we feel obligated to use it as our tool to serve. It’s from our service we find purpose. Putting our children in schools with systems that treat each child as if they are all the same. Boxing them in, destroying any ability to find their gift at an early age. Taking away our children’s imaginative brilliance… a naive young mind has. How can we continue down this path. Sit here. Do this. Follow my directions. Do as I say, “I’m your teacher.” At a young age most children don’t know any different. Most children are taught to, “Do as I say.” Thinking for themselves… Is not allowed. Our school system today is one built on “A standardized approach.” A
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Strengthening The Chain of Inspiration

“Murph, your newsletter has inspired me to write something of my own.” The words of a good friend who was born to tell stories. On a Friday, sitting in my car, in front of a home I was tearing down for a new construction project we are working on… I get a call. It’s my good friend Charlie. A successful business owner who is always looking for ways to touch his employees and his friends. Charlie tells me, “Murph, we are going to start implementing a newsletter in our company. I love what you do in your newsletter. Can you help me?” My first reaction, “YES! — you know I am always here for you bro.” That’s when the conversation got really good. At least for me because I couldn’t stop talking. You see… When someone strikes a chord with me on something I really believe in. There is a chemical cocktail of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin that goes off in my brain. My energy level quadruples, I start pacing the room or when sitting my leg starts to bounce. My voice gets louder and passion permeates out of my soul. My first question, “Are you going to be real?” If you are not going to be real and let your audience deep inside Why, How or What you are all about. If you aren’t going to let them see the bad with the good. They will know. “They will know what Murph?” Charlie asked. They will know you are faking it.
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The Inspired Expression Of A Leader

Sitting across the table from Lou Nanne yesterday, as I spoke with him about life, a feeling I will never forget came over me. I was sitting in the booth where we were going to conduct our interview. Taking notes, writing down points I’m going to touch on for the story I wanted to tell. That’s when it happened, something profound struck me. Lou walked up to me, without me knowing… as I was focused on my message. He just stood there. At that very moment a feeling came over me. I can only explain it as an “Energy”. My chest felt heavy, my blood started rushing and adrenaline exploded within me. It’s a feeling I have had around very few people. Nervous… No, Excited… Yes!! But, still — it was something else… I stood up, like a lieutenant in the presence of a Military General. “Hello, Lou!” I said, as I put out my hand to shake his, in all due respect. He shook my hand and looked at me with a look I will never forget. It was a look that pierced deep into my soul. Lou was searching for my identity. The real me. It was at that very moment I knew our interview, this opportunity, was going to be something special. I knew, because his look reminded me of my grandfather. Like my grandfather Ken Murphy, an entrepreneur, who partnered with a good size printing supply company “Litho Supply Depot, Inc.” —  on its last $500 dollars before going
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Seeing The World Through Your Eyes…

Over the last several months I have realized more than ever just how perspective changes everything for each one of you I have conversation with. From the post I wrote about my buddy Charlie Lawson and his brother who suffered severe burns on his body. I received this message from Jenna Colvin: “Tim — I want to chat with you about this . His brother is the type of people firefighters for healing is all about helping …(the board I’m on) …. let’s chat”  www.FireFightersForHealing.com  The story I told in my April newsletter about my good friend Chris Cornelius and his amazing daughter who is battling cancer with a smile on her face. I received this message from Chad Schumacher:  “Murph, Loved the newsletter! I am on the board of a non-profit called Hope Kids. It’s an organization set up for children with life threatening illnesses. They try to offer events for kids and families every day to take their minds off of the treatment schedules and match up families with similar problems. Anyway, you should point her family in this direction………”  www.hopekids.org  My conversation with you on a weekly basis through my emails you continue reading and responding to. I received several responses like the ones from Tracy, Lorrie & Bob: “That’s a pretty cool story Tim. Keep changing lives! I recommended you to a girlfriend who’s divorcing — though not sure if she’ll sell or not. Definitely won’t use her previous agent she said…horrible. Told her about my experience with you and she was impressed.
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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Every move counts — A true leader, realizes they don’t know everything. When that time comes they seek other leaders with more experience and wisdom. For me, one such leader, is my father-in-law Ron Weinke. A man of few words, it has been the sense of observation, from this great leader, which has taught me so many valuable lessons. The day my father, Mike Murphy, passed away began a lifelong relationship which grows deeper every year. As Ron walked into church, for my father’s funeral, I will never forget the look on his face. This is a man who has been to war. A man who has fought for our country. A man who has raised a family and been forever loyal to his beautiful wife, Betty. As he got closer I could see he was scared. I could see this was a moment of reflection as he was a father to 3 children and one day they would be standing in the same shoes I was on that day. Ron approached me and I sensed he knew there were no words to express his condolences. Being a man of very few words it was not expected. What came next, was all a young man who lost his father needed from the only remaining father he would have to help raise his children in a world filled with adversity and struggle. Ron stood before me, for a moment, wrapped his arms around me and said, “We Love You.” As he backed
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Words Crafted Into Stories…

Create Positive Feedback Loops — 9:25am yesterday morning I received a text message. A buddy of mine who I have not heard from in a while. A successful entrepreneur who I enjoy talking with as we bounce ideas off each other and provide honest feedback for problems we are both trying to solve. Knowing how busy we both are I completely understood why he never read my newsletter, until now. “Time” is a very precious asset we all must cherish and spend wisely. So, when I received this text from my friend the feeling was amazing. It stopped me in my tracks. I parked the car, shut off the engine and read his text message… not once, not twice but five times. Every time I read the words I asked myself different questions: Why did it take so long for him to open my letter… I’ve been sending them for 18 months? What did he read in my letter that would motivate him to send me a text message? Man I wish we could hook up more often and share more stories? How is he doing? I’m so glad I wrote that letter this month to reconnect with him. Sitting back reading this message from a buddy of mine it gave me a chance to reflect on “The Power Of Words” an email I sent out a while back: http://www.timkmurphy.com/whats-on-my-mind/beliefs/are-they-just-words-on-paper-or-do-they-have-power/ As I was reflecting I took into account the emotions a simple little text message like this, from a buddy,
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Everyone gets knocked down in life… The real test — getting up

Bam! She got hit in the mouth and went down… That’s what it felt like earlier this year when we found out our daughter, Ireland, made the “C” team for traveling softball. She worked so hard in the offseason to get better on her throwing, hitting and catching knowing tryouts were a big deal this season. We all kept rooting her on. Then, we got the news. This was the first time we had really been vested in sports and the process of tryouts and making a softball team. I’ll never forget those times when I was a kid. As a parent, it’s 10x more intense. You just want to get out there and do it for them. Ireland was devastated, tears started rolling down her cheek, she lost her breath as she started to gasp for air; then she started crying. As a parent this is the most helpless feeling you will ever have when it comes to parenting. The reality of competition just hit home. That’s when your fight or flight instinct kicks in. “Ireland, you don’t deserve this. You are better than this. There has to be some kind of mistake.” I said. Mom, coach and long time collegiate softball player herself, starts running through all of the players out loud. Trying to determine why Ireland landed on the “C” team. After hours of talking it through we both said to each other, “This is a mistake!” Then I thought to myself, Wow! this is so real.
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Leader, Manager & Operator all at the same time…

“Wow!……… I’m speechless Murph, give me a second.” Scott said, as he looked to the sky, then looked down at the table and gradually put his hands on his head pulling his hair back. You have to know Scott to appreciate this moment of silence. Scott is the type of guy who can walk in a room and light it up. Kind of like Norm when he walks into CHEERS. “Norm!!” everyone shouts as he walks in the door. Scott, is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, will give the shirt of his back and loves nothing more than a good conversation. Coming from a military family Scott knows what it means to work hard, do the right thing and treat others with respect. His military father instilled these military principles in him. You can just feel it. Quickly, Scott lifted his head to say, “Bro, I knew you wanted to talk today. But, I didn’t know you were going to completely blow my mind.” Scott said, with a passion in his voice that moved me. He then said, “Murph, you need to understand something about me. I was raised by a military father in a military home. He loved me. But, he was hard on me because as a drill sergeant in the military that’s all he knew. Sure, I hated that as a kid. I fought his orders… to my dismay. As I grew older, I became to respect the lessons my father taught me.
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Murph, “Why The Edina and Southwest Minneapolis Local Advice Givers Podcast?”

Edina-SW Mpls Advice Givers® podcast is an entire media company, in the first place. Let me start by stating the obvious. Media companies today aren’t about serving the local community. Minneapolis or St. Paul. Their only interest (and mission) is to generate advertising revenue, and pulling national stories from the Associated Press. We, Edina-SW Mpls Advice Givers®, are here to help break that mold. It used to be that you could visit a media company’s website, or read their publication, and find stories about local entrepreneurs. Business people and leaders in the community, striving to build interesting things, solve problems and make impact. When you read these stories, you were inspired. “If he or she can do it, why can’t I?” Further, you often knew the people that were featured. Maybe it’s a parent of your kids’ friend, at the local school. Or a young entrepreneur who invented a gadget, solving a painful problem. Or a service provider, like a financial planner or local chiropractor, helping individuals, families, and retirees to live better lives. Now though, you open that publication, and it doesn’t matter which it is, only to find more ads. In the famous words of Dave Thomas, Wendy’s founder, “Where’s the beef?” And the stories that are published, aren’t even about the people in our local community, city or county. They’re from someplace we’ve never heard of. Then there is the issue of content. What has happened to the art of great storytelling? Where did the human element
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It’s moments like this That Remind You…
This Disease Is A Bitch!

Yesterday, I was golfing with a friend of mine and he asked me, “How are you doing Murph… Got any fun trips planned?” In an instant I thought about this trip I have been begging my wife to go on with me as a celebration of my 40th birthday. Very rarely do we get time alone together. Now a day’s… The only time we see each other is just before our heads hit the pillow. I look at her — she looks at me — and we say, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Like two ships passing in the night. You know the other is there but, you’re both so focused on navigating the dark and the fog that you pass without a sound. I have been tracking flights to San Francisco. Man they are cheap. I saw one the other day for $250 per ticket round trip. I don’t fly a ton but, usually take 1–3 trips a year and I have never seen tickets this cheap. Man, I need to jump on these. So, I keep emailing her, let’s go, let’s make this happen, we deserve it, we need some alone time, etc…. Murph, I love you — you know that. I would love nothing more than to take this trip to San Francisco. I have always dreamed of being there with you, sipping wine, seeing the amazing sights and enjoying a romantic time with the guy I love more than anything.” BUT!!!! We don’t have anyone willing to take care of Shanley for more
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Catch me I’m falling…

Standing on top of a 1,000 story building — jump “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep — the thoughts of “what if” running through my head. My stomach feels like its dropping and will never stop. The worst part… I don’t even know If I’m wearing a parachute. If I am… will it open?” Walking into a realm which you’ve never been. Traveling outside your comfort zone. Pushing yourself beyond the limits you knew possible. As a young child this is an hourly occurrence. As a kid it happens daily. Becoming an adult you start to see it less and less. Then finally you’re “Older” or “Elderly” scared as hell for what tomorrow will bring. As life reveals… There is usually someone or something there to catch you when you’re falling. Sometimes you don’t know who or what — that is the most frightening thing of all. Trust, is a very complex and extremely fragile thing. You think you have it but, then it’s gone. You think you know what it is, like an Eagle flying through the sky, when in the blink of an eye it turns into a vulture swooping down for its next meal. The question trust always leads us to “Why.” Why do I feel the way I do? Why am I not willing to let go and trust they will catch me? As an entrepreneur I live in a world of endless jumps from 1,000 story buildings. You embrace, when jumping, there is no parachute. Confidence lies in an ability to
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The Climb

4:30am, sitting here, I am lost in this picture as I put myself in their shoes. On the bottom of a mountain looking up and all I see is jagged rocks, big boulders (That could drop at anytime), cracks or traps as we like to call them — (Catch your foot or leg in one and potentially break it) get caught in one… it’s a potential setback. I can feel the struggle as their legs are burning. I can hear deep fast breathing as their lungs begin to burn and doubt creeps into their mind. “I don’t know if I can make it.” each one of them is saying. I am thinking to myself, “It’s times like these when you find out what you are really made of.” Looking up the mountain after every step… it seems as if you are not even moving, it seems like the top is getting farther and farther away. Upon each new plateau you realize there is another summit. All along the way you are thinking, “Why am I doing this. There has to be an easier way.” As I shut my eyes, a new vision enters my mind. It’s a picture of me: Sitting behind this computer writing to you. Struggling to find new guests for our podcast each and every week. Pushing hard to find new projects for our development company. Innovating new ways to grow EHRConstruction.com so we can help more families make their dreams come true. Helping friends who trust in us
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Are they just words on paper… Or do they have power?

This made me think about two mothers of individuals I showcased in my “Special People Doing Special Things” section of our newsletter. I wrote about a buddy of mine and I wrote about a gal on my team. The gal Diana, on our team called me yesterday, “Tim, you won’t believe this…” she said. “What! What did I do now?” I responded. “My mom is here reading the section you wrote about me in the newsletter. She is in tears reading it and can hardly finish.” Diana said. In the background I could hear her mom say, “Let me talk to him!” She got on the other end of the line. I could hear her sniffles and her hand bump the phone as she went to wipe her eye. “Give me a second to gather myself Tim.” 2 seconds go buy and she gets on the phone. A deep breath and this is what she says, “Tim, I know we have never met but, Diana has told me so much about you these last 3 years. I want to thank you for everything you do. But, this letter…” she had to take another deep breath and pause. “This letter, these words mean so much. They are so true and so real. Diana does have a huge heart. She is loyal and dependable. Most of all she always sacrifices for others. You and I know the ruff roads she has traveled in these last 3 years. For this I thank you
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The Process Is As Important As The Result – Anxiety of the unknown…

Like a first date, you walk in, sit down and look around you… What do you see? How do you feel? What can you expect? These are all natural feelings when you’re going to meet someone new for the first time. Anxiety sets in as you have prepared, to the best of your ability but, still you don’t know what to expect. You are about to embark on the most significant journey of your life. It will symbolize your step from being a young adult to a responsible grownup. These are the feelings Brad Fisher had just before meeting us at our office. Like everyone else who is buying a home for the first time Brad had questions about the process and needed answers. Because of this, we stressed an initial one-on-one conversation which allowed Brad to walk through the process of buying a home from start to finish. Brad shares the experience of having his first buyer consultation with us: “Tim & Diana were both extremely friendly, informative, and honest right from the start. Being a first time home buyer, I didn’t know exactly what to expect with the process of buying a home, nor did I know what types of homes were realistic to find in my search area and price range. Also, during our first meeting, they supplied suggestions of lenders, home inspectors, etc… to help begin my search and answered all my questions about what to look for in these services. I walked out of my
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A Dream Come True – All You Must Do Is Believe In YOU…

“Murph, brother! It is so good to see you. Thanks for hooking up with me today!” words from my buddy Jason, that changed the course of both our lives, as we sat down for lunch one afternoon in 2006. Jason and I went way back to riding bikes and chasing girls in 6th grade. I lived in Burnsville and he lived in Apple Valley. We both went to Valley Middle school. Jason was a skater and trouble maker. I was a jock and always looking to push my boundaries. I think this was why we liked each other so much. Our friendship lasted all but one or two years as my athletics took up more and more time —  I found myself only hanging out with those whom I played sports. While Jason took a different path… But, I will never forget the times we had. Many years passed —  then I saw Jason at my 10 year high school reunion. I didn’t expect what I saw. I had heard stories about Jason and his struggles to make ends meet just out of high school. But, when I saw him at our 10 year reunion he was wearing a well manicured suite, black shoes that looked like a marine polished them, white shirt with not a single wrinkle, clean —  short — sharp hair cut (I always remembered him with long hair) and he looked lean and healthy. I couldn’t help but walk up to him as I needed to know his story. Come to
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a “Heart” as big as the moon

From the very first day I met her until today Diana has shown me a “Heart” as big as the moon. I’ll never forget that day I called her to say she is hired onto Metropolitan Home Team as our Office Manager. I uttered the words, “I think you are going to be perfect for this job. I would love to have you on our team.” from that very moment I felt what it was like to be in Diana’s presence. The line went silent, I heard a deep breath on the other side… “Tim Murphy I am so thankful to you for giving me this opportunity. I will not let you down.” Diana said just as she couldn’t hold it back any longer. I could hear and feel A sniffle, another deep breath and a soft sense of relief on the other side. This is the first time I felt her heart and there would be many more times to come in the next 3 years. As we have grown to know each other over these last 3 years Diana has been a sounding board for many of my good and not so good days. Many days Diana and I will joke about life, work or family. There are even times when we are laughing so damn loud you will hear doors slam in the office… telling us we are being too loud. It’s times like this we both look at each other as say, “Life is too short
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Procrastination is the killer of fulfillment.

We all yearn to be more, do more and fulfill a higher purpose. This burning desire comes from a passion ignited in all of us. Your path to fulfillment is not obvious. It’s unlike the well light runway you find airplanes landing on. Nor is it as simple as waking up in the morning to brush your teeth. Fulfillment, is an inner desire to be more, do more and leave a life knowing you made the most of it. Some define fulfillment as “Legacy.” Others define fulfillment as “Legend.” You see we all look at fulfillment differently, through a different perspective and influenced by different environments. This is what makes finding “it” so difficult and frustrating. You can feel it, you can envision it but you don’t quite know how to make “it” happen. This is where procrastination ruins the path to fulfillment. Procrastination is like a child inside tugging at your attention. Wanting, needing, screaming for it. You know each child needs attention but, deep down inside that child must grow up and become self sufficient. The trick to caring for procrastination lies in your ability to accept it like you do your children. Identify and relate, aim to educate and empower. only then will procrastination become independent. Once you have created an independence from your procrastinations the door to fulfillment will open. I promise you – walking the path of fulfillment is well worth the discipline and sacrifice it will take to become independent of procrastination. – TimKMurphy.com
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Seeing the world through your eyes…

Over the last few weeks I have realized more than ever just how perspective changes everything for each one of you I have conversation with. From the post I wrote about my buddy Charlie Lawson and his brother who suffered severe burns on his body. I received this message from Jenna Colvin: “Tim — I want to chat with you about this . His brother is the type of people firefighters for healing is all about helping …(the board I’m on) …. let’s chat“ www.FireFightersForHealing.com The stroy I told in my April newsletter about my good friend Chris Cornelius and his amazing daughter who is battling cancer with a smile on her face. I received this message from Chad Schumacher: “Murph, Loved the newsletter! I am on the board of a non-profit called Hope Kids. It’s an organization set up for children with life threatening illnesses. They try to offer events for kids and families every day to take their minds off of the treatment schedules and match up families with similar problems. Anyway, you should point her family in this direction………“ www.hopekids.org My conversation with you on a weekly basis through my emails you continue reading and responding to. Yesterday, I received several responses like the ones from Lorrie & Bob: “Tim, I loved the story. I enjoy following your family, real estate team, and now your broadcasting career. Looking forward to seeing and hearing the red A-H.“ “Good morning Tim, thanks for sending this When your guest was speaking about the year at
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Look for an alternative route… Find it and you will open doors

“I can’t do this anymore. I quit!” My words as I realized the culture in my business was non-existent. Why? because I was to focused on “How” & “What” not “WHY” I thought success meant selling more homes than anyone and making lots of money. I thought it was about numbers and conversion ratios. I thought it was about systems and discipline. I thought wrong. Sure, each one of these things has a place in building a business. However, they are not what create magic. Like Walt Disney, it’s about bringing dreams to life. Over the last 18–24 months I have sought out my “WHY” and defined my purpose. Purpose before Profits I belive my purpose is to inspire. To inspire through giving, caring, honesty, loyalty and as a protector of good. Realizing and defining your purpose gives you clarity. This clarity is why I have been on a mission to help JDRF raise funds to find a cure. This clarity is why I write you as often as possible to show you I care. This clarity is why I won’t lie, in an industry full of deceit. My mission is dedicated to being a loyal advocate for you. The most amazing feeling comes over oneself when you finally realize your purpose. The feeling is how I imagine an eagle feels as it soars high in the sky. This long journey has opened new doors for me. As I walk through them you bear witness to change. For this I thank
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Your Mindset… Will Set You Free

“Hey kid, you and I both know you’re a top player on this team. Hell, you might even be one of the best defenseman in the league. But, if you don’t change your attitude I’ll cut ya off the team next year when you come back. “ The words of coach Marlin Muylaert — who changed my life. That summer I went home questioning who I had become as a person. Questioning how I got to be the man I was. Why… am I so negative about the sport I love, a team of guys I care for. Attitude problem… What attitude problem?. “We can’t have you being negative. It’s like a disease in the locker room. Your teammates look up to you.” These were specific things coach said I needed to work on. “Positive Things Happen To Positive People” Marlin said to me; as I left his office for summer break. Questions just came flooding through my mind and I had to find answer FAST! Over the course of my 2001 summer I promised myself one thing. You are going to do whatever it takes over the next 12 months to change your attitude. How will you know if you actually accomplished your goal? Coach will tell you. If he doesn’t notice an attitude adjustment… you failed. The summer of 2001 I began reflecting on everything I had done leading up to my meeting with coach. I realized my whole life growing up rarely was I ever on a losing team.
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Look in the mirror…

How Does The Person Looking Back At You Feel?   Last night a friend called me furious about the fact his buddy, who is a loan officer, just found out he was shopping him and talking with more than one mortgage lender. He screamed at me, “You made me look like an idiot!!” because, his buddy had ordered up an appraisal — before my friend even signed formal docs committing to work with him as his mortgage lender. This stunt, his mortgage officer buddy pulled, was not typical and/or ethical. Because if I didn’t stop the appraisal and it was completed — this would have costs my friend $450. The test of true character happens everyday. The question is… are you hiding from your true character or have you found strength in your self awareness to admit who you really are. This video reminded me of my friend I worked with. He is a good person. Doesn’t mean to hurt anyone. But, what he doesn’t see is how his actions speak louder than his words. This subjects tests all of our character. Makes us think twice about everything we do. GOOD! because, being different isn’t easy. Being a leader doesn’t happen over night. Leadership is a test. A test not many people pass. Like Jocko that test can come at the worst of times. Your true character can be revealed even when you don’t realize it is happening. So, ask yourself… If I was put in the same position as Jocko. Would I have
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Marleen — a person who follows her heart

“You Remind Me Of My Grandson” Marleen — a person who follows her heart 8 years ago today I walked into the home of a wise women by the name of Marleen. Sitting at a small round table just big enough for 3 with her friend, male companion, or as she like to call him, “My boyfriend!” chuckling (keep in mind she was in her late 70’s at this time. So, I couldn’t help but laugh). I wasn’t but 3 steps in the door when she walked up to me and gave me a BIG hug. At 6 foot 1 I was much taller than this little petite grandmother who maybe stood 5 foot 2. After reciving such a warm welcome she looked up at me and said, “Tim, you know why I asked you to sell my home?” I responded, “No, but that was going to be my first questions since I don’t know you.” “Honey, you remind me so much of my Grandson. Tall, handsome and I just knew by the look on your face (on that yard sign, for the home I was selling down the street with another nice lady in her 70’s) you would take good care of me.” Marleen said with the sweetest look of sincerity and kindness on her face. It is hard to do anything but want to love a person like Marleen. She was my perfect client. It’s times like these, as your sitting down with someone who has never met you but,
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 Matt Wagner & Kim Colvin

Client Stories — Matt Wagner & Kim Colvin Every month I choose a very special Story Of The Month. It’s my way of acknowledging good friends and good people. This month’s Story Of The Month is: Matt Wagner & Kim Colvin These two are so much fun to work with. Both have laid back personalities and enjoy life to the fullest. Matt, is an extremely loyal guy who knows what he wants and when he sees it you know. Matt works at TenA Companies the same company I worked for right after graduating college. This company actually played a big role in getting me into real estate. Funny when you think about it…. how small the world is. Everything comes full-circle. Kim, well let me tell you, she can put a smile on your face any day, any time and any place. You feel energy in the room when Kim is around. Very happy to say she is also my cousin. One of many great cousins on the Colvin (Mom’s) side of the family. Kim is dedicated to helping people which, is something many know and love about her. Having an opportunity to help family members, like Matt & Kim, in making the biggest purchase of their life; is an honor not taken lightly. When purchasing your first home everything is new: Getting financing for hundreds of thousands of dollar (bet you haven’t done that before), Understanding all the “What Ifs” going into buying & owning a home and managing all the
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Jim Colvin & Siobhan O’Malley

Jim Colvin & Siobhan O’Malley Our journey began with a phone call asking me to keep a secret. A secret from some of the most important people in his life.. A secret about one of the biggest decisions in his life. My response, “You are killing me Jim!  You tell me something this big and I have to keep quiet for weeks. Don’t worry cuz… I am good at keeping secrets.” Jim and I have been in talks for a few years about work, life, family and the journey from child, to young man and now grown man. I will never forget a lunch, at Lucky 13’s, he and I had. It was like nothing I expected. We talked for 2 hours about everything. As Jim’s older cousin, he asked me about my life’s journey. Things I’ve learned and stuff I did both personally and in business. We shared philosophies in life and I came to realize he is a very sharp guy who is well traveled and enchanting to be around. On the phone, Jim asks me about Stillwater Minnesota and what I knew. As we talk he learned everything I knew about the community of Stillwater, the downtown area, schools and what people think about raising a family in Stillwater.  He proceeded to ask me about locations in St. Paul, like Highland Park, which offer an old world charm with a smaller city feel, local shops and great food.  As we talked I ask, “Jim, I have a
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Buyer Case Study — Aaron, Niki, Austin & AJ Dwyer

Buyer Case Study — Aaron, Niki, Austin & AJ Dwyer It’s was all worth it in the end If someone said you would need to sell your home 3 times before you could actually move out… How would you respond? If someone said the 2nd buyer on your home would back out of the transaction the day before closing… How would you feel? If someone then reassured you everything would work out because they have been down this road many times before, would you believe them? I wish we could say this was all just a make believe story and every time you sell a home it is smooth as silk. But, that would be a lie. Reality is, more often than not you will run into a bump or two or three along the way. There are so many moving parts when it comes to coordinating a full real estate transaction you can’t possibly imagine. This is why Aaron looked at me just before we listed the Dwyer family home and said, “Brother, I trust you. If you say it is going to go down like that I believe you. If you say we need to do this or do that, I will do it. I know you are always looking out for our best interests. That’s why we are working with you.” To have a family trust in you this much is an honor I don’t take lightly. Aaron has been like a brother to me since we were in
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Approach

My Home Didn’t Sell… Now What? Question: I just took my home off the market because it didn’t sell. What can I do now to try to sell it again? Answer: Sounds to me like you may NOT have avoided “Fundamental Mistake #5” in my book “The Value-Drive Approach To Sell Real Estate.” Cancer is not treated the same as a common cold. So treating them the same because someone didn’t take time to conduct the appropriate tests or to diagnose the proper treatment, results in disaster. Yes, as you now know this happens. There is a saying in the medical community: Prescription without a diagnosis is malpractice. Yet, that is exactly how most real estate agents operate on behalf of their clients. Maybe you experienced it… The agent shows up at your home and upon arriving they conducts their sales pitch, using a flip chart or power point presentation. Maybe they sat at your table and the first thing they began to do was sell you on their “prescription” to sell your home, without first doing any kind of diagnosis to determine the best route of attack. Ask yourself, “Is this what my doctor would do?” Probably not! They would make you fill out a 7 page questionnaire, listen to your heart, lungs, ask you to breath in, breath out, push on your abdomen. While doing this they would be asking you all sorts of questions. Base on your answers they may even refer you to a specialist for
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Challenge Your Mind…. I Dare You!

Excuse me… I am new to the University. I have never used email — can you show me how, please? “Damn this email sucks! People keep messaging me, they won’t pick up their damn phone and want a response the same day. I hate this email crap!” words I can remember clear as day from my old man growing up in the 1990’s. At my house computers were looked at as a pain in the ass and nothing but a piece of plastic. My father was a face-to-face guy. As a salesman, he needed to see your face, hear your voice and feel your energy. This is what made him great. Needless to say that left the rest of us never really knowing what a computer was. There were no computers at the Murphy house during my childhood. sure, I played around with the slow DOS Mac or PC in school back then. Playing Oregon Trail and loving every minute of it. Thinking this is the coolest thing ever. But, back then the computer was like an embryo in your mothers stomach. Just an idea trying to find its way into this world. Actual computers, as we know them today, didn’t really get going until the late 1990’s. At least that’s how I remember it. So, when the time came to pursue my college degree I realized really fast what a computer was — email was my fist real introduction. I’ll never forget walking into the computer lab shortly after arriving to college. It
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My 5 Year Old Leader

Inspiring those around her to do big things 5am, at the gym, while grinding it out on the elliptical machine something suddenly came over me. Tears started rolling down my cheek as I look back on 2016 and lessons my daughter Shanley taught me, well both my daughters for that matter.  Most, in this situation would look around the room to see if anyone saw them crying. Others, would put their head down to hid their tears while grabbing a towel to quickly wipe them away so nobody could see or judge them as weak. I, wore these tears as a badge of honor. They are tears of pride and joy – for my 5 year old daughter taught me lessons about being a leader only she could.  Lessons like “Leaders don’t hide dad.” This came when I felt guilt for talking so much about type 1 diabetes this year. Feeling so much passion about spreading the word and showing people what it means to fight the fight.  I began thinking about Shay. I remember walking upstairs after writing an article and posting it on Facebook.  “Sarah, do you think it is right – posting all of this stuff about diabetes and telling these stories about Shanley? She’s only 5… she really doesn’t understand what I am doing or why I am doing it. Do you think I should try explaining it to her and finding out what she thinks?” So many questions were going through my head that day.
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The Path Of Least Resistance

Haven’t we all looked back and wished we had the foresight to see what was coming? Many times in business and in life you learn, “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” Be it taking a chance on a new path in life hoping it will bring you to the promised land, partnering with another to create a business which will catapult you to the next level, making an investment… crossing your fingers everything you were promised will actually come true and investing in people. Back in 2002, when I was first getting my feet wet as an entrepreneur in real estate I had no life experience in business to reflect on. What is a good decision and what is not. What path will bring me to the top of the mountain. Remembering when you first got started, sitting behind your computer staring off into space just waiting for that epiphany to hit you.  I realize now, I was in survival mode. Most often living on Ramen noodles and eager to make a difference. Patience being your biggest enemy…. For the thought of riches filled your head. I decided in 2002, it would be best, to take the path of least resistance when getting into real estate. I had less than $1,000 at the time. Realizing real estate sales is a gamble and there is a lot more upfront expense than I expected. “Why?” Should I take the chance if I could find someone to bet on me. As I
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