Whether you're internally or externally anchored, results ultimately are people dependent. Working effectively with your personal style can dramatically impact your success with both buyers and sellers. The first step in increasing your effectiveness is to determine where you are internally anchored as well as where you are externally anchored. The next step is to determine how to best adapt your style so you can experience consistent results leading to success. For people who are externally anchored, the most important step is to create a supportive environment. For the person who is "external," their environment is the strongest influence on their behavior.

If you are "externally anchored," here are ten important tips for how to best work with your style.

1. Remove or eliminate all visual and auditory clutter from your environment. Many agents find it's much easier to be efficient when they're not surrounded by pictures, a ringing telephone, as well as other agents.

2. Keep any "treats" out of your office or home office. Remember, if they're in your environment, you'll probably end up eating them.

3. Set up a structure for your day to help you stay focused on getting your goals or projects completed. Post your schedule where you can plainly see it on your desk or on your computer monitor.

4. Use deadlines and attach a consequence of your own choice — be accountable to someone else like a coach, partner, parent, mentor, etc.

5. Get rid of emotionally draining people from your life — the sellers who won't reduce their price, the buyers who won't buy, the friends who try to use you, competitive peers or work associates, etc.

6. Surround yourself with supportive people who are unwilling to accept anything less than your personal best.

7. Learn that "no" is a complete sentence — use it often.

8. Put results first, people second.

9. Friends can pull you off focus. Be willing to renegotiate commitments with friends rather than renegotiating deadlines you have to keep.

10. Consistency, structure ,and repetition are not four-letter words.

Internally anchored individuals usually march to their own drummer, often to their detriment since they don't place a lot of emphasis on what other people think. If you are internally anchored, you can benefit by paying closer attention to your environment, especially when it comes to working with buyers and sellers. Remember, your job is to match their wants and needs — not have them march to your drum beat.

1. Cultivate relationships with people you trust and who will tell you the straight truth.

2. Learn to say "I don't know" and listen no matter how confident you are. You CAN learn from others.

3. There is always a faster, easier, and simpler way to do something — look for it along the way.

4. Let go of any judgment of others — it distracts you from accomplishing your goals.

5. Learn from others who are traveling a similar path.

6. Let go of any buyer, seller, or other project that no longer supports your values or integrity.

7. Build free time into your schedule for unstructured activities.

8. Put people first, results second.

9. Ask for help once in awhile — you might just be surprised at what happens.

10. Allow others to make and learn from their mistakes.

11. Humility is not a four-letter word.

Now, make your own blueprint. The next time you begin a project, whether it's designing your web page or the marketing materials for your new listing, determine whether you are internally or externally anchored. Next, determine if you need to adapt your style and if so, where. If you are externally anchored, take steps to create a supportive environment before you begin the project. If you are internally anchored, be willing to ask for feedback along the way. Then, begin your project and make adjustments as you confidently move forward to success!