06 Aug Week 3: Efficiency, Auctions, and the Power of Communication
Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes
by Alessia Morante
This week at Miller Diversified may have been a shorter one, but it was packed with meaningful lessons. From powering through the end of a massive assignment to sitting in on meetings about client relationships, Week 3 reminded me just how much can be learned in even the most routine work, as long as you’re paying attention!
Wrapping Up the Mailing List
I kicked off the week determined to finally finish the mailing list I’ve been chipping away at for the past two weeks. With my headphones in and some high-energy music playing, I locked in. Music with a fast beat always helps me get into the zone. It puts me in a good mood and makes it easier to enjoy what I’m doing, which helps me stay focused and work faster.
After powering through nearly 600 names, checking each one manually and highlighting or adding them into the list, I hit send on the final version right at 5:00 p.m. It was a great feeling, one of those “I’m finally done!” moments. It taught me the value of pushing through a long task with consistency and patience.
An Empty Office and New Assignments
The next day, most of the office was out attending a strategic planning session, so I took it upon myself to check in with everyone still around to see if they needed help. That’s how I ended up working on a spreadsheet project for Cassie who needed information on hardware pieces. I was gathering SKU numbers, descriptions, prices, and links—something small, but a great task for practicing attention to detail and Excel formatting.
Just as I started to get into the new spreadsheet, Jerry came back with a few new assignments for me!
Auction Ads and Spreadsheets
First, I reached out to six local newspapers to inquire about pricing for an upcoming auction ad. Unfortunately, only three of them answered and all three needed a draft of the ad before they could give me any sort of quote. So while that didn’t get me immediate results, it gave me some solid practice in calling businesses in a more professional way.
From there, I worked on another Excel project, this time drawn out by Jerry on a sheet of paper. It was a comparison between auctioning a property through Miller Diversified versus using a larger platform. I built out a spreadsheet that included: Advertising costs, commission fees, total estimated cost, what happens if the property doesn’t sell, and a real-life example based on a specific client’s numbers.
Right after I wrapped that up, I joined Jerry and Chris on a call with a partner to clear up a misunderstanding. It was eye-opening to see how quickly a potentially complicated issue could be resolved through a quick 20-minute phone call. Sometimes, email can be hard to understand, this reminded me how real conversations are still incredibly valuable.
One of the things I admire most about Jerry is how confidently he handles those conversations. It reminded me that information is power. When you’re confident in your knowledge, it makes you feel more confident in yourself as a whole. It’s something I aspire to continue to grow towards as I keep learning.
Taking the Conversation to the Client
After finalizing the auction comparison sheet, I went with Jerry and Erin to visit the client’s home. We walked him through the auction process, explained the pros and cons, and answered his precise questions. He was kind, curious, and had great stories to share. The meeting felt like a respectful and genuine conversation, we weren’t there to persuade him, but simply to offer clarity and support so he could make the decision that felt right for him.
Afterward, Jerry and I talked about the importance of treating clients like people, not just transactions. He emphasized how building authentic relationships creates loyalty, and how even just being kind can leave a lasting impression. That conversation stuck with me.
Kindness however doesn’t mean being a pushover, it means respecting the people you work with and making sure they feel seen and valued. It’s the kind of mindset that builds trust, and I see that modeled here at Miller Diversified every single day.
Takeaway of the Week:
Whether it’s a massive spreadsheet or a five-minute phone call, how you approach your work matters. Stay efficient. Be kind. And never underestimate the impact of clear communication and genuine relationships.
Each week here adds another layer to what I’m learning, not just about commercial real estate, but about what it means to work with integrity. Can’t wait to see what Week 4 brings!