During this episode of the Lab Coat Agents Podcast, host Nick Baldwin speaks with Mike McCann, the  #1 agent in Philadelphia, about culture, systems, work-life balance, and the school of hard knocks. Mike is an incredible example of someone who values building trust through cooperation. His success will inspire you to think about how you can serve others with a positive attitude.    Episode Highlights:  Mike McCann was born and raised in Philadelphia. After working a series of different jobs, he became a realtor at age 27. He had no training, but taught himself. He learned how to be a great realtor by attending events, watching top agents, and reading as much as he could.  By his third year, he did ninety transactions and became the #1 realtor in Philly. Going to events is crucial to building your business. He said to himself that he wanted the best reputation in the marketplace among the real estate community. He also wanted to be known as the most educated realtor. He went beyond his own marketplace for knowledge and inspiration. He has always prioritized giving back. When you’re building your business, you’ve got to try to get along with the agent on the other side of the deal.  He responds quickly and thoroughly. He provides tools to the other agent to help them close the deal. The key to success is your reputation among the real estate industry. Ego can get in the way. Be positive with your clients and the other agents throughout the process. Mike’s team values family first and then business. If you don’t have an assistant, you are one. Mike provides his system for taking the risk out of hiring an assistant. Mike shares his criteria for hiring assistants and agents. Hiring correctly is the most important thing. Mike describes a regular day in his office. No matter how good you are, you need to meet people. Mike stresses the law of averages. He likes to have 3-4 appointments each day. He was always ahead of his market. He hired an assistant before people hired assistants. He had a website before most agents had websites. Mike describes how he stopped working weekends to prioritize family time. Facebook has been an incredible source of referrals and direct business. Mike is grateful every day. He has learned to compartmentalize negative things and turn the other cheek. Helping people helps you more than the people you’re helping. Nick and Mike share the books they’re currently reading. Compare yourself to yourself. There’s no one definition of success.   3 Key Points: Cooperation is essential to building your reputation and your business. If you don’t have an assistant, you are one. Choose to be grateful every day.    Resources Mentioned: LCA Marketing Center: LCAmarketingcenter.com Lab Coat Agents: LabCoatAgents.com Mike McCann website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube  The One Thing (book) The Millionaire Real Estate Agent (book) Edison: Inventing the Century (book) Objections (book) Fanatical Prospecting (book)   Connect with Lab Coat Agents: Lab Coat Agents on Facebook Lab Coat Agents on Twitter Lab Coat Agents on Instagram Lab Coat Agents Facebook Group