Edition 11 | Start with Structure

The first two years in real estate are the most critical. It’s where habits are set, rhythms are found and resilience is built. Many agents never move past this stage not because they lack potential, but because they lack structure.

If you’re in your first 24 months, your focus isn’t on perfect systems or advanced marketing. It’s on showing up every day with clarity, discipline and intention. The agents who get this right don’t just survive, they accelerate.

This edition, 01 Start Up, is about helping you lay that foundation. We’ll cover the habits that matter, the actions that create confidence and the tools that keep you on track.

Start here. Build your base. The rest will follow.

Renee Lodens

Founder + Strategy Consultant

@reneelodens

Start with Structure

Habits, action, consistency.

The first stage of business growth is called Start Up. It’s where you set the foundation that will carry you through every future stage. Your days should be predictable, not reactive. A clear routine removes the daily decision fatigue: when to prospect, who to follow up with and how to prioritise your hours. Structure doesn’t limit you. It gives you freedom. The freedom to work without chaos, to build trust in your market, and to see measurable progress each week.

7 High Impact Tips for Start Up

Laying the right foundations in your first two years is everything. Here are seven quick wins that can accelerate your start:

1. Build a non-negotiable daily rhythm

2. Make your CRM your second brain

3. Sell yourself before you sell property

4. Learn by shadowing, not just doing

5. Track your numbers from day one

6. Script it until it sticks

7. Be known for responsiveness

Each tip has a simple action you can start today plus a detailed breakdown in 01 Start Up, covering exactly how to put them into practice, what to avoid, and how to track progress.

Download 01 Start Up to get the full list, examples and tools that will keep you on track.

Resources

Tools & templates that support strategy, structure and accountability.

01 Start Up

Build routines, grow your database, take daily action. This guide is a practical tool to help you take control of your business and move forward with clarity.

• Current vs Future State - See what changes as your business grows and the milestones to work towards.

• Priority Checklist - The core tasks and habits that drive long-term results.

• Key Issues - Common challenges that hold agents back in Stage 1.

• Success Markers - Clear signs you’re on track and ready for the next stage.

Download 01 Start Up

State of Play

8 Ways to Impress Your Lead Agent

1. Show up prepared - Know the property, market, and talking points.

2. Be proactive - Spot and handle tasks without being asked.

3. Keep CRM clean - Log every contact and follow-up.

4. Follow up fast - Same-day replies, even if it’s just an update.

5. Track your numbers - Bring your key metrics to catch-ups.

6. Match their style - Present info the way they prefer.

7. Ask smart questions - Offer options, not just problems.

8. Deliver small wins - Book appointments, secure appraisals, post quality updates.

Your Move This Week

One conversation starter. One insight. One shift worth making this week.

Conversation Starter. “What’s the one thing you’d focus on if you were in your first year again?”

Insight. Lead agents carry years of lessons you can shortcut, but only if you ask. Open-ended questions invite stories, strategies, and practical tips that don’t show up in training manuals.

Shift. Stop guessing what works. Use your lead agent’s experience to shape your daily actions, then check back in on your progress. It’s one of the fastest ways to move from learning to earning.

We will explore these further on Instagram & LinkedIn.

"Renee has immensely assisted in my growth including restructuring my day to be more productive, highlighting what’s important and what needs to be focused on more and organising what tasks can be done later so I can get the most out of my day."

Associate Agent | Sutherland Shire, NSW

Renegade News

Over the next six weeks, we’re unpacking the Stages of Business Growth - the goals, the future state of business, the priorities that matter, and what success looks like at each of the 6 stages. Here's what's coming:

1. Start Up - Build structure, set habits, and create consistency.

2. Survival - Stabilise your time, focus your energy, and put repeatable processes in place.

3. Stability - Work smarter with systems, quality clients, and a steady pipeline.

4. Scale - Build a team, lead with structure, and create systems others can follow.

5. Success - Run a strong, structured business with clear roles and reliable results.

6. Significance - Lead at the highest level, grow strategically, and influence your market.

Download the Stages of Business Growth

Listen #21 Oliver Williams  - Thinking outside the box with Gavin Rubinstein. This episode offers strategic thinking and fresh perspectives. Great for Start Up agents looking to expand their mindset, not just their pipeline. Listen to the episode.

Read Real Estate Is Not Rocket Science by Steve Shull is a practical playbook that strips back the complexity and spotlights six building blocks for success through consistent execution of fundamentals. Perfect for agents in their first two years aiming to build structure, reduce overwhelm, and do more with less. Buy the book. 

Drink Every morning starts with a shot of this elixir. My secret weapon for energy, immunity and focus. Learn more. Want to try it? Contact me for wholesale pricing.

Next Edition

[02 Survival] - Breaking the Survival Cycle 

When you’re doing it all yourself, the goal is to stabilise your time, focus your energy and build repeatable processes.