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

Eric Thompson interviews Jackie Converse, a Dallas-based Ninja with Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who is experiencing extraordinary momentum in her business, describing it as "clients coming out of the woodwork." Jackie shares how this success is not accidental, but the result of consistent, authentic Ninja habits that focus on relationships over transactions.

Jackie highlights three key drivers of her growth: handwritten notes, consistent auto flow through a weekly real estate newsletter, and thoughtful real estate reviews. Her handwritten notes, about ten per week, are personal, heartfelt, and not about real estate, which naturally leads to reconnection and in-person meetings. Her newsletter provides valuable market insights, while her real estate reviews create meaningful touchpoints that often convert into business without any pressure.

A central theme of the conversation is authenticity. Jackie emphasizes that Ninja has given her permission to be herself and build her business in a way that aligns with her personality. Rather than pushing for transactions, she focuses on caring for people, staying in flow, and letting her marketing communicate her expertise. Combined with coaching support, this approach has helped her set better boundaries, streamline her systems, and attract clients who respect her time and value her guidance.

Handwritten notes are a powerful relationship tool that create emotional connection and natural follow up

Consistent auto flow, such as newsletters and market updates, keeps you visible and reinforces expertise

Real estate reviews create opportunities for business without being pushy or sales focused

Authenticity is the foundation of effective flow and the best results come from being yourself

Coaching provides clarity, accountability, and helps set boundaries that protect your time and energy

You do not need perfection to succeed, consistent effort and following the system at a moderate level still produces strong results

"I have clients coming out of the woodwork."

"It has nothing to do with real estate."

"Ninja has given me free license to be myself."

"I market what I do so I don't have to tell them."

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/
• Jackie Converse: https://www.jackieconverse.com/

In this episode, Eric Thompson interviews John Zickert about how he has grown his real estate team while staying true to Ninja Selling principles. John shares how his team increased production from $55.6M and 120 transactions in 2024 to $66.6M and 151 transactions in 2025, not by chasing new tactics, but by becoming more consistent with the Ninja Nine, improving team alignment, and deepening their commitment to value-driven relationships.

John explains the structure of his team, the role clarity within it, and the "definitive purpose" that guides everything they do: to create value for others. He walks through their flow systems, including newsletters, postcards, local business highlights, client appreciation events, personal notes, and a thoughtful weekly team meeting rhythm. He also discusses how coaching, business planning, mindset habits, and consistency have helped him become more purposeful as a leader.

The episode is ultimately about building a team the Ninja way: with strong mindset, simple but consistent actions, community focus, and a commitment to people over shiny objects.

• A strong team starts with a clear purpose. John's team filters decisions through one simple idea: Does this create value? That clarity helps them stay aligned and avoid distractions.Growth often comes from consistency, not reinvention.Their 20% year-over-year growth did not come from a major new initiative. It came from doing the fundamentals more consistently over time.

• Flow works best when it is both personal and valuable. Their newsletters, postcards, local-love features, Z Crew events, and handwritten notes are all designed to genuinely serve clients and community, not just market to them.

• Great team meetings are intentional. John's weekly team meeting includes gratitude, word-of-the-year reflection, pipeline review, marketing updates, Ninja teaching, idea sharing, and a positive close. It is designed to build both culture and clarity.

• Mindset is still the foundation. John credits much of his success to a disciplined morning routine built around gratitudes, affirmations, life-list review, reading, exercise, and meditation. For him, mindset is non-negotiable.

Memorable Quotes

• "If we focus on creating value, we'll have all the business we need."

• "Anything we do in our business meetings—if it's not going to create value, we're not doing it."

• "We'd rather do the Ninja Nine 85% of the time than try to do it 100% of the time and only hit 50%."

• "We're very careful not to look for the new shiny object."

• "That morning mindset is so critical. It just keeps me focused."\

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/
• John Zickert: https://jonzickert.realestateone.com/vp/AgentServlet?SITE=REO&tp_Usage=AgentPersonalWeb&context=AGENT_PAGE&cd_Agent=289214&cd_Web=jonzickert&REQUEST_HOST=jonzickert.realestateone.com

Rob Nelson and Eric Thompson break down one of the most repeated phrases in Ninja Selling: "Flow fixes everything." The discussion begins with a question from a new Ninja who wondered what Auto-Flow really is and where to start. Rob and Eric use that question to explain how flow works and why it is essential to becoming the Realtor of choice.

Flow simply means frequency of interaction. In Ninja there are two types: Live Flow and Auto-Flow. Live Flow is two-way communication, such as conversations, calls, meetings, and personal interactions. Auto-Flow is one-way communication, such as emails, newsletters, postcards, social media posts, or gifts that go out automatically. Both play different but complementary roles. Live Flow deepens relationships and builds trust, while auto flow maintains visibility and demonstrates expertise when you are busy or not actively connecting.

They also explain the concept of the decision window. People often think about buying or selling real estate for 9 to 21 months, but they typically choose their agent in just 1 to 3 days. The agent who has been most consistently in flow during that period becomes the natural choice. Because most people know multiple Realtors, consistent flow is what separates the professional who gets the call from the one who is forgotten.

The episode closes with a simple framework for implementing Auto-Flow. Three value-add touches per month, typically two digital and one print, mixing both art (heart-focused touches) and science (market expertise). When combined with Live Flow, this system keeps you top of mind and reinforces both your relationship and your professional credibility.

Flow means frequency of interaction and is the mechanism that keeps you top of mind

Live Flow builds relationships while Auto-Flow maintains visibility and expertise

The real estate decision window is extremely short even though the buying process is long

Three value-add touches per month, combining art and science, create a simple auto flow system

Auto-Flow should support relationships rather than replace live interactions

Authentic communication always works better than generic marketing

Real Estate Reviews are a powerful tool because they convert Auto-Flow into Live Flow conversations

Only 6% of agents consistently stay in flow after a transaction.

"Flow fixes everything."

"People on average know twelve realtors."

"Live Flow builds the relationship. Auto-Flow maintains the presence."

"You're either visible or invisible."

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/

Rob Nelson and Peter Parnegg explore the idea that fun should not be the reward for success but the fuel for it. The conversation begins with Peter sharing a 30 year life list goal he is about to achieve, a father son heli skiing trip in British Columbia. That story opens a broader discussion about how many professionals postpone joy until "someday" while building businesses that quietly consume their lives.

Rob and Peter suggest that fun requires intention and planning. If it is not scheduled, work will always take its place. They contrast bucket list thinking, which often waits until later in life, with life list thinking, which prioritizes meaningful experiences now. The episode also connects fun to productivity, arguing that energy, presence, and joy improve performance rather than distract from it. Whether through small daily moments or major life list experiences, the message is clear: success should include a life you are actively enjoying, not just building.

Fun should be treated as fuel for success rather than something postponed until later

Meaningful experiences require intention and scheduling or work will consume the time

Small joyful moments can be just as powerful as big life list events

Energy and consciousness are the most important professional tools and fun helps renew both

"What if fun is actually the fuel for success?"

"Fun requires intention."

"Happiness is not the result of a sale. A sale is a result of happiness."

"When there's that moment of should we do it or not, the answer is yes."

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/