As the multiple offer scenario becomes increasingly common in today’s market, so too does agent competition, which can lead to tension and frustration between realtors. Today’s show looks at the importance of having good communication with fellow agents, even though you are in competition with each other, as it is another important aspect of building relationships. Being empathetic and considerate of other agents’ time is extremely beneficial as you grow your business as it can help secure backup offers, early viewings, and ultimately better deals for your clients. When agents do not get along, negotiations can go bad fast. Matt and Garrett offer suggestions for creating cooperative relationships with other agents from the moment you meet, including complimenting them, asking questions to engage conversation, and treating them as you would a potential client. This builds rapport and ensures that they will want to work with you in the future. Matt and Garrett talk about approaching your work with other agents as a ‘co-op-etition,” and remembering that you are all there to cooperate and win together. They discuss being respectful when competing for listings, having an intentional local realtor database that you apply your Ninja Systems to, and working with other agents to share information and feedback that will benefit both agents and their clients moving forward. If you have a reputation for doing the best you possibly can, not just for your clients, but for fellow agents as well, people will want to work with you, refer to you, and reach out to you as a trusted advisor in the real estate world. As agents, we can all achieve greatness together, and today’s episode will show how something as simple as being nice can go a long way in helping everyone succeed. Join the growing Ninja Selling Podcast group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/theninjasellingpodcast, where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other Ninjas. If you have not been accepted to the group yet, please check your messages for a follow-up from Matt. You can also leave a voicemail with your direct feedback at 208 MY-NINJA.    Episode Highlights: Communication with fellow agents Two sides of this - agents have been able to secure backup offer because of their relationships with fellow agents; others have had very frustrating experiences because of unclear communication Being cooperative and considerate of other agents’ time goes a long way Example of Dan Smith’s FAQ sheet for buyers’ agents - builds rapport and connection Working well with other agents is also beneficial for your clients Going into a negotiation with an attitude will start you off with a roadblock Having empathy and working together facilitates a better deal, better contract for your clients When agents don’t get along, the deal can go sour quickly Create good relationships from the beginning Randall O’Dowd’s suggestion to compliment them, ask questions, and treat them like you would a client This builds connection and rapport Be mindful of how you interact with other agents at open houses as well - your reputation can precede you, and you want to make sure it’s positive Approaching your work with other agents as a ‘co-op-etition’ - you’re all here to cooperate and win together Having an intentional local realtor database that you apply Ninja Systems to Good relationships with fellow agents can help overcome judgment if a listing hits the marketplace wrong Have a baseline for treating every agent professionally as you never know when you might be working with them Communicating with other agents, sharing information and research together will change your business and create so many new opportunities Clients will also take notice of how you interact with other professionals Circle of energy Making sure you have a reputation for making things work for all parties Good relationships with other agents will allow you to have tough negotiations while maintaining respect and profes