Dirk Zeller: From Dummy to Power Player: Timeless Skills Every Agent Needs
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
Release Date: 01/09/2026
Melissa Cruz: Time Is Your Only Currency: Vision, Buckets, and Boundaries
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Melissa Cruz discuss: Vision casting with 10–5–3–1 year planning Aligning daily time blocks with long-term goals Using color-coded “buckets” to organize calendar time Prioritizing revenue-producing activities over admin tasks Protecting me-time and family time to avoid burnout Key Takeaways: Long-term vision (10, 5, 3, and 1 years out) should drive what you do today, not the other way around. Time blocking works best when you categorize your life into clear “buckets” like lead generation, customer retention,...
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Dan Mullen: Stop Overpaying the IRS: Tax Strategies Every Realtor Must Know
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax “surprises.” Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth Key Takeaways: Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don’t want to be blindsided at tax time. The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly,...
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Dave Rosenberg: The Real Estate Power Producers Playbook
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dave Rosenberg discuss: Radical accountability’s three elements: mechanics, mindset, and modeling Importance of clear job descriptions, processes, and formal training with testing Counseling and curiosity instead of yelling when mistakes happen Leadership’s impact on safety: fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses to toxic behavior Leaders must “walk the talk” to build trust, accountability, and high-performing teams Key Takeaways: Radical accountability rests on three legs: mechanics, mindset, and modeling, and when any one of these...
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Dirk Zeller: From Dummy to Power Player: Timeless Skills Every Agent Needs
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dirk Zeller discuss: Timeless fundamentals of real estate: persuasion, communication, and objection handling Time management and focus are the biggest challenges for agents and entrepreneurs Importance of daily lead generation and prioritizing high-value, dollar-productive activities Power of practice and role play to master listing presentations and objections Building long-term wealth by investing in real estate, not just selling it Key Takeaways: Time management is the core constraint for most agents, such as too much $25/hour...
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Clay Johnson: Building a Real Estate Life of Daily Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: Power and impact of daily habits Replacing bad habits instead of “dropping” them Starting each day with small, non‑negotiable wins Consistent, proactive communication in real estate Incremental growth by focusing on one to three habits at a time Key Takeaways: Habits quietly run your life because when you train them intentionally, they become “autopilot” behaviors that move your business and life forward without relying on motivation or willpower. You can’t just drop a bad habit; you must...
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Verl Workman: What is your Relationship Capital
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Verl Workman discuss: Leveraging relationship capital Building a vision-driven business Specializing and creating leverage Setting ambitious, unrealistic goals Developing a culture of accountability and productivity Key Takeaways: Cultivating strong relationships and making deposits in others' lives can create a powerful network of support when you need it most. When you can articulate this vision and invite others to be a part of it, you unlock the potential for exponential growth and legacy-building. In a competitive market,...
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Nate Keller: Fatherhood and Mentorship: Shaping a Legacy of Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Nate Keller discuss: Connecting through music and dance Tailoring performance to the audience Embracing authenticity and honesty as a speaker Serving as Honorary Consul for Kyrgyzstan Inspiring others through fatherhood and mentorship Key Takeaways: By representing the United States in international folk festivals, he has fostered meaningful connections and bridged cultural divides through the universal language of performance. Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding the event's purpose, the attendees' needs, and...
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Sheryl Green: The Power of No: How to Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Life
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Sheryl Green discuss: Realizing your right and responsibility to set boundaries Identifying past "icky" situations to find where boundaries are needed Using the PEC system - Pause, Evaluate, Communicate Communicating boundaries graciously and with respect Seeking support to help set boundaries if needed Key Takeaways: Boundaries are a Necessity, Not a Luxury. Recognizing your entitlement and responsibility to set boundaries is the first step. Ignoring this can lead to burnout, resentment, and even serious health consequences. ...
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Kim Johnson: Rediscovering Purpose Through Intentional Living
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kim Johnson discuss: Intentional living and meaningful connection The Darling Day concept and Darling Dinners The 54321 capsule wardrobe method Authenticity and personal style Balancing personal and professional life Key Takeaways: Cultivating a "Darling Day" where intention meets beauty can transform daily life, and by being present and creating meaningful moments, women can rediscover their purpose and confidence, empowering them to show up authentically and make a greater impact. Kim's 54321 method provides a practical framework...
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Jessie Van Wagoner: Mortgage Mindset: Prioritizing Authenticity, Communication, and Growth
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Jessie Van Wagoner discuss: Importance of education and continuous learning Building genuine relationships and providing exceptional service Methodical process and pre-approval to ensure client success Balancing work and personal life by setting boundaries Communicating effectively with lending partners Key Takeaways: Education is the foundation for success in the mortgage industry, enabling professionals to refine their skills, stay informed, and ultimately provide a superior experience for clients. Trust grows through clear...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dirk Zeller discuss:
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Timeless fundamentals of real estate: persuasion, communication, and objection handling
-
Time management and focus are the biggest challenges for agents and entrepreneurs
-
Importance of daily lead generation and prioritizing high-value, dollar-productive activities
-
Power of practice and role play to master listing presentations and objections
-
Building long-term wealth by investing in real estate, not just selling it
Key Takeaways:
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Time management is the core constraint for most agents, such as too much $25/hour work, not enough high-value, dollar-productive activity.
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Skill in persuasion, communication, and objection handling will always matter more than being good at social media trends because reels and TikToks may open doors, but it’s your ability to guide clients through fear, anxiety, and decision-making that actually wins the business.
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Treat scripts, listing presentations, and objection handling like athletes treat drills—repetition off the field so you don’t practice on live prospects.
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Focus is a competitive advantage in a world of constant pings, dings, and notifications, and turning devices off, setting clear boundaries, and creating distraction-free blocks of time is often the only way the compound effect of your actions can actually kick in.
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Real estate sales should be viewed as the engine that funds long-term wealth, not the end goal, and using your commissions to acquire and hold investment properties creates compounding, generational benefits that far exceed a single closed transaction.
“We're on the front lines of wealth creation, friends, in the real estate industry. And you got to get you some, and owning it is better than selling it.”
- Dirk Zeller
About the guest, Dirk Zeller:
Dirk Zeller is recognized internationally as one of the premier speakers and coaches on sales, success, time management, and peak performance. Dirk's proven systems and strategies take ordinary performers and transform them into extraordinary performers. Zeller's strategies on wealth and success enable anyone to achieve financial independence in their life.
Connect with Dirk Zeller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-zeller-a481b83a/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/RealEstateChampions/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
https://web.facebook.com/dirk.zeller1/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
CONNECT WITH CHERYL:
Website: www.cherylknows.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/
Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.