Leasing Tip of the Day: Have a Little Patience

Leasing Tip of the Day: Have a Little Patience

I know you’re eager to close deals quickly and move on to bigger ones. But sometimes, you need to slow down, build relationships, and add value to get the right deal done. That’s the Gary Vaynerchuk way—respectful persistence and patience.

Here’s a story about how patience paid off for me:

A few years ago, I wanted to bring a golf store into my Boynton Beach center, which was near many golf communities. I canvassed about 20 golf stores in the area and found the perfect fit: Nevada Bob’s. Their shop was a mile away in a smaller space, but I wanted them in my 6,000-square-foot spot.

I needed to learn more about the owner, Drew, and his situation. After some conversations, I found out that Drew was renting his space, and his lease would be up in two years. That’s when my CRM system became crucial—I made sure to track all these details.

Over the next year, I built rapport with Drew. I visited his store multiple times, bought gifts there, and became the “shopping center lady” in his mind. After about a year, I mentioned expanding into my space. Drew was hesitant, but I explained how long these deals could take.

It took two years, but we finally closed the deal. It wasn’t quick or easy, but the payoff was worth it. Sometimes, you need to invest time and effort to get the best deals. Be patient, and play the long game!

Share

Blog Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Posts

Prospecting in the Scroll Age

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all marketing – today, the riches are in the niches. If you’re blasting out the same post on every platform, hoping the right prospect sees it, you’re doing it wrong. Rockstars know that specificity wins. Want a taco shop? Say that. Want 2nd-gen medical? Target that. Social media prospecting should be laser-focused – and platform-specific:✔️ Use Yelp when canvassing restaurants.✔️ Use Craigslist for second-gen restaurant or office space (don’t forget hood size & ampage!).✔️ Use Facebook & Instagram to reach mom & pops (they’re not on LinkedIn).✔️ Use Nextdoor to crowdsource recommendations—have your friends ask around, too.✔️ Use LinkedIn for national and iconic local retailers.✔️ Use DMs over email blasts when prospecting. Prospects aren’t starving for information – they’re drowning in it. Break through the noise by being ultra-targeted in your messaging and channel selection. And here’s the kicker: if you’re not actively building a social media brand as a leasing agent? You’re already behind. CRE is shifting fast. Time to get niche, get visible, and get leasing!

Read More

Social Media Is Your New Power Tool

If you’re in leasing and not on social media—or worse, using it wrong—you’re missing a major opportunity. Social media is no longer optional. It’s the required reading of our business. Connections are one of the most valuable currencies in real estate. Social media is how you build, expand, and nurture that currency—faster and easier than anything else. It’s networking on steroids. Use it to: But don’t misuse it. Social media is not for: ROCKSTAR TIP: Don’t hand your social media off to a junior staffer. People can spot fake posts from a mile away. Your content should sound like you. Ask for help if needed, but your voice matters. Be real, be present, and be visible. Social media is your modern-day megaphone—use it wisely.

Read More

Befriend Tenant Rep Brokers – And Bring the Coffee

Tenant rep brokers represent tenants in retail deals. If you’re in leasing, these brokers can become some of your most valuable partners. But first, you need to build the relationship—and it starts with respecting their time. Here’s the move: Ask around. Find out who’s brought deals to your peers in the past year. Then call them—and offer to bring them coffee. Rockstar Tip: Never ask a tenant rep to meet you for coffee. Their time is valuable—many are making $100K to $200K or more annually. Your one-hour coffee meeting could cost them $200 in lost time. Instead, bring the coffee to their office. Be in and out in 45 minutes, max. When you meet, focus on learning who they represent and what they need. Don’t pitch your “C” space to someone who reps “A” tenants. Know your match. If you click, keep nurturing that relationship. Tenant reps are responsible for 30–50% of my deals every year. A strong partnership with one can be your most consistent and profitable revenue stream. So find them, respect them, and add value. That’s how Rockstars work with tenant reps.

Read More

Be Known, Not Just Connected

Here’s a question I ask all the time: What’s more important—knowing people or being known? Answer: Being known. Every time. Right now, in your own market, there are hundreds of business owners who need your expertise and don’t even know you exist. That’s on you to fix. Start saying yes. Yes to volunteering at church or synagogue. Yes to that casual networking happy hour. Yes to helping organize an alumni event. Yes to anything that gets you in front of people—and makes you known. And here’s a no-brainer: Join your local Chamber of Commerce. About 10% of their members pay rent to landlords, yet leasing pros are almost never in the room. Why? That’s 30+ potential tenants in a 300-member group—and likely just one leasing agent. I’ll take those odds any day. So get active. Be seen. Be known. That’s how Rockstars grow their networks—and their deal flow.

Read More

Beth's Resources

Beth has established a reputation for “giving back” and creating a legacy of helping others. To support this mission, she offers a wealth of FREE resources for individuals in the retail leasing industry, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional. Her collection includes case studies from her nearly 40 years of experience, providing practical insights and guidance. With Beth’s resources, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of retail leasing and achieve your professional goals.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.