Eric Thompson interviews Tammi Winbauer, a Bismarck, North Dakota Ninja, who shares how she turned her business around after a difficult stretch. At the start of 2025, Tammi was in a slump, dealing with personal challenges, low production, and a mindset focused on simply getting by. By the end of the year, she had dramatically reversed course, earning over $220,000 in the second half of the year and building strong momentum into 2026.

Tammi credits her transformation to recommitting to the fundamentals of Ninja Selling, especially her morning routine, mindset work, and consistent execution of the Ninja Nine. With her coach's support, she shifted from reactive behavior to a highly intentional, structured approach. Her daily routine now includes gratitude, affirmations, note writing, planning, reviewing her hot and warm lists, and proactively matching clients with opportunities.

A key theme is moving from "going through the motions" to deeper, more meaningful execution. Tammi emphasizes writing intentional notes, adding real estate reviews, and staying focused on abundance rather than scarcity. She also implemented clear boundaries in her schedule, which improved both her productivity and her quality of life.

Her story demonstrates that even after a downturn, a business can be rebuilt with purpose, discipline, and consistency. The shift from survival mode to intentional action created both stronger results and a more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways

• Turning a business around starts with shifting from reactive behavior to intentional daily structure
• A consistent morning routine built on gratitude, affirmations, and planning creates a strong mindset foundation
• Meaningful execution of the Ninja Nine drives results, not just going through the motions
• Focusing on hot and warm lists daily creates proactive opportunities and strengthens relationships
• Setting boundaries improves both business performance and personal well-being
• Coaching provides clarity, perspective, and accountability that accelerates growth

Memorable Quotes

• "I was trying to survive."
• "My business today is very on purpose."
• "There are different levels to doing the Ninja Nine."
• "I was going through the motions."
• "Who doesn't like to be thought of?"
• "You are so worth it."

Links:

• Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/
• Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com
• Phone: 1-800-254-1650
• Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling
• Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public
• Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/
• Tammi Winbauer: https://tammiwinbauer.sites.c21.homes/

Eric Thompson interviews Kayla Carosella, a Cleveland-based brokerage owner and Ninja Coaching client, about how she leveraged the Ninja scorecard to drive extraordinary results. During a six-week scorecard challenge, Kayla averaged 112 points per week, totaling 674 points, and generated five listings, new business opportunities, and recruiting conversations—all directly tied to consistent activity tracking.

Kayla emphasizes that the foundation of her success was simple but powerful: consistently hitting 50 live interviews per week. She shares how she creates these opportunities through a combination of hosting networking events, attending community events, and making intentional follow-up calls. Her approach is rooted in genuine curiosity, asking meaningful questions, and focusing on learning something new in every interaction.

A key insight from Kayla is that the scorecard didn't just increase her production—it re-energized her business. By adding daily text messages, handwritten notes, and structured follow-up, she reconnected with past relationships and deepened existing ones. The process became fun, competitive, and highly motivating, especially when combined with accountability and gamification.

Ultimately, Kayla's story demonstrates that the scorecard is not just a tracking tool—it's a launchpad for consistent activity, stronger relationships, and predictable business growth. Her message is clear: you don't need perfection, you need progress, and everything starts with meaningful conversations.

The key to high scorecard performance is consistently achieving 50 live interviews each week

Networking events and community engagement are powerful ways to generate live conversations

Simple actions like "you came to my mind" texts can create meaningful reconnections and opportunities

Tracking interactions in real time is essential to staying consistent and maximizing results

Gamifying activity through challenges increases motivation, consistency, and enjoyment

Progress matters more than perfection; small improvements week over week create big results

"You have to get your 50 live interviews."

"Just be a real person."

"Be the human that tries the hardest."

"It's progress over perfection."

• Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/
• Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com
• Phone: 1-800-254-1650
• Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling
• Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public
• Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/
• Lokal Real Estate: https://www.lokalrealestate.com/
• Katie Carosella: https://www.lokalrealestate.com/agent/921/Kayla_Carosella

In this episode, Eric Thompson interviews Hope George, a Richmond, Virginia based team leader who has built a highly effective Ninja-style farming business that generates consistent listings and income. With 60 percent of her nearly $880,000 in GCI coming from farming, Hope shares a clear, repeatable system for farming intentionally and profitably.

Hope's approach begins with selecting the right farm using both relationship affinity and data. She analyzes past transactions, proximity, turnover rates, and competition to identify "fertile ground" before committing resources. From there, she implements a multi-layered flow system that combines high-quality monthly newsletters, targeted postcards with dynamic QR codes, and a strong follow-up system that includes handwritten notes, video messages, and in-person events.

A key differentiator is her commitment to both art and science in her marketing. Her eight-page newsletter blends community content, real estate data, and local connections, while her postcards and brand kits create strong visibility and credibility. She complements this auto flow with live flow through charitable events, sponsorships, and consistent community presence.

Hope emphasizes that farming requires persistence and financial discipline, noting it took eight months before her first listing. However, once momentum builds, the results compound. Her success illustrates that effective farming is not about luck but about consistent execution, strategic selection, and delivering exceptional value.

Start farming where you already have connection, familiarity, or past success

Use data to validate your farm including turnover rate, competition, and ROI potential

Commit financially and mentally because farming requires consistency before results appear

Combine art and science in your marketing to connect emotionally and demonstrate expertise

Use systems to convert auto flow into live flow through follow up and personal touches

Leverage your listings aggressively to build visibility and momentum within the farm

"I have clients calling me every month."

"It felt like feeding a slot machine until it hit."

"I'm trying to live on your fridge."

"I had to stay in it until it started bearing fruit."

"I almost quit at eight months."

Links:

• Website: https://ninjaselling.com/ninja-podcast/
• Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com
• Phone: 1-800-254-1650
• Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheNinjaSellingPodcast
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjasellingofficial/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling
• Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public
• Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/
• Hope George: https://hopegeorgerealestate.com/
• Hope George's samples: https://1qr.com/kiw9uuq3