In this powerhouse episode, Chris McAllister and Laci LeBlanc unveil 59 essential rules for becoming a top 1% real estate professional. Inspired by chef David Chang’s 33 rules for becoming a chef, Chris outlines a comprehensive and unconventional set of practices drawn from decades of experience. This episode offers a rapid-fire overview of all 59 rules, broken into six key themes that serve as a roadmap for long-term success in real estate and beyond.

Whether you're a brand-new agent or a seasoned pro looking to level up, this episode delivers the mindset, habits, and strategic frameworks you need to thrive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Your Why & Mindset

• Burn your bridges and commit fully to the profession.
• Be unapologetically yourself; authenticity is your brand.
• Embrace the truth: there are no rules, it’s all made up.
• Avoid distractions like social media and board politics.
• Stay out of the local Board of Realtors unless absolutely necessary.

2. Connecting

• Always be connecting—not closing.
• Be an interesting person.
• Don’t work with people who drain you.
• Set boundaries and be ready to walk away.
• Collaborate instead of competing.
• Never pay for leads—learn how to generate your own organically.

3. Practicing

• The boring stuff (admin, follow-up) makes the magic happen.
• Experience is the best teacher—learn by doing.
• Put your phone down and be present.
• Accreditations mean nothing without competence.
• Stay prepared, organized, and responsive.

4. Planning & Tracking

• Leverage financial constraints creatively.
• Adopt a “Profit First” mindset.
• Track everything—even before there’s anything to track.
• Focus on sustainable and scalable habits.
• Say no to shiny objects and distractions.

5. Growing

• Get a coach or mentor.
• Invest in personal development beyond real estate.
• Make invisible opportunities visible.
• Turn setbacks into advances and develop resilience.
• Focus on your strengths, not weaknesses.
• The skills that got you started won’t get you to the next level.

6. Playing the Long Game

• Eat what you grow—build your own pipeline.
• Embrace slow seasons as reset periods.
• Real estate is a marathon—pace yourself.
• Journaling and early mornings are power tools.
• Build a “perfect week” and design a life you actually want.

LINKS

• Inspired by Eat a Peach by David Chang
• Brian Buffini’s 100 Days to Greatness

P.S. Want more practical tips for growing your real estate business? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips.

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