From North Philly to the NFL
Tony Robinson, better known as “Tony the Closer,” started his journey in North Philadelphia. Born to hardworking parents, his mom juggled two fast-food jobs while his dad served in the military. Struggling with behavior issues, Tony’s life took a sharp turn at the age of 12 when he moved to North Carolina to live with his father. This move shifted his focus toward football, which became his path to success.
In high school, Tony excelled in football and later earned All-American honors in college. Despite not getting drafted, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. Tony and his friend Max Maxwell documented his journey to the NFL through their website, “Road to NFL.” They even sent out highlight tapes to NFL teams, ultimately landing Tony a tryout and signing with the Seahawks.
The Car Sales Prodigy
After a brief stint in the NFL, Tony entered the car sales industry. He started at Rick Hendrick Dodge dealership, determined to make a mark. In his first month, Tony set a goal to sell 20 cars but ended up selling 23.5, thanks to his transparency and relationship-building skills. He continued to top sales charts for three consecutive years.
Tony’s skills caught the eye of the Hendrick automotive group, which led him to Hoover, Alabama. The dealership was struggling, selling only six cars a month. Tony turned the store around, making it the number one Buick dealership in the Southeast within a few months. His relentless training and hands-on approach with the sales team were key to this success.
A Rollercoaster Ride with Gambling
After leaving car sales, Tony took up gambling for a couple of years. He experienced massive wins and losses, living a high-risk lifestyle that eventually caught up with him. In January 2017, Tony was arrested and spent 63 days in jail. This was rock bottom for him, but it also became a turning point.
Legal Troubles & The Path to Redemption
In jail, Tony realized he needed a change. He sought counseling to address unresolved issues from his past and focused on improving his mental health. Tony forgave himself and others, setting the stage for a fresh start. His friend Max Maxwell supported him throughout this journey and encouraged him to get into real estate investing.
Rebranding: Tony the Closer
Tony rebranded himself as “Tony the Closer” with Max Maxwell’s help. In July 2018, he officially launched on Max’s YouTube channel, providing free real estate investing advice. His authentic and transparent approach quickly resonated with people.
Mastering the Art of Closing Deals
Tony believes in the power of transparency and rapport-building to close deals. Here are some of his key strategies:
- Be Transparent: Always be upfront with information. Show sellers all the details so they can make informed decisions.
- Build Rapport: Get to know your sellers. Ask questions and listen to their needs.
- Position Yourself as the Solution: Instead of focusing on the sale, focus on solving the seller’s problem.
The Value of In-Person Meetings
Tony emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions. Many people fear rejection or don’t believe in themselves enough to meet clients in person. However, meeting sellers face-to-face builds stronger connections and trust, which are crucial for closing deals.
- Overcome Fear: The fear of rejection is a significant barrier. The only way to get over it is to face it head-on.
- Stronger Connections: In-person meetings allow for deeper conversations and better understanding.
- Adaptability: Being face-to-face allows you to use multiple tools to solve the seller’s problems.
Words of Wisdom for New Investors
Tony advises new investors to get in front of as many sellers as possible. Consistency and resilience are crucial in this line of work.
- Don’t Quit Too Early: Many give up before seeing results. Success in real estate requires time.
- Be Consistent: Make a daily effort to improve your skills and meet new sellers.
- Avoid Comparisons: Focus on your journey and not what others are doing.
Embracing the “It’s Our Turn” Mentality
Tony champions the idea that success is a collective effort. He encourages fostering an abundance mindset rather than a scarcity one. Supporting others and collaborating leads to mutual success.
- Abundance Over Scarcity: Share knowledge and support others in the community.
- Collaborate, Don’t Compete: There’s plenty of success to go around for everyone.
- Engage: Be active in your community and build relationships.
Resources: Books, Courses, and Blueprints
Tony offers several resources to help individuals succeed in real estate:
- “The Closer’s 21 Proven Secrets”: This book provides a comprehensive guide to effective sales techniques.
- 100K Blueprint: A free action plan to help you reach $100,000 in earnings.
- Cold Calling Course: A detailed course on mastering the art of cold calling.
Key Takeaways
Tony the Closer’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of personal transformation. From a challenging upbringing in North Philadelphia to the heights of the NFL and then onto a successful career in car sales and real estate investing, Tony has consistently overcome obstacles through transparency, relationship-building, and a relentless work ethic. His story underscores the importance of facing fears, seeking personal growth, and embracing a mindset of abundance and collaboration. By sharing his experiences and strategies, Tony continues to inspire and equip others to achieve their own success, proving that with the right mindset and effort, anyone can close the deal on their dreams.
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