How Slug Bug Helped Me Discover My RAS

 How “Slug Bug” taught me about the (RAS) Reticular Activating Sensor in my brain

Have you ever searched for something online—say, a new pair of shoes—and then suddenly, your entire internet experience turns into a shoe store? Those pesky algorithms are working overtime, showing you ads based on what you’ve been clicking. Creepy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Now, let’s switch gears for a second. Think back to the last time you bought a car. What kind of car was it? Picture it in your mind. Now, remember when you were thinking about buying that car—didn’t it seem like you suddenly saw that exact car everywhere? Every parking lot, every stoplight—it was like the whole town got the same memo.

Of course, everyone else didn’t magically buy the same car the day you did. Those cars were always there. Your brain just didn’t care about them until you decided they were important. That, my friends, is the magic of your RAS—Reticular Activating System.

So, What is the RAS?

Your RAS is like a nightclub bouncer for your brain. Its job is to filter out the noise and let in only what’s important to you. The moment something becomes a priority—like buying a car or, say, selling real estate—your RAS flips the switch, waking up your subconscious and making sure you notice all the relevant stuff you were previously ignoring.

“Slug Bug” and Survival Mode

Here’s a fun (and slightly painful) example. When I was 16, my friends introduced me to the game "Slug Bug." If you’re not familiar, the rules are simple: every time you see a Volkswagen Bug, you yell “Slug Bug [color]!” and then punch your friend in the arm.

After the first few rounds—and a sore arm—my brain figured out real quick that spotting VW Bugs was critical for survival. To this day, every time I see one, I can’t help but think of that game. (Thankfully, I no longer have to brace for impact!)

How Does This Apply to Real Estate?

Remember when you first became a real estate agent? Suddenly, you couldn’t sit in a coffee shop without overhearing someone mention real estate. “Did they just say escrow?!” Your laser-sharp ears perked up because your RAS was on high alert, letting you know, This is important—pay attention!

Now, here’s the fun part: you can leverage this same principle to get more referrals from your clients.

How I Used the RAS to Grow My Business

When I’d go on listing appointments, I’d take a moment to explain the RAS to my clients. I’d say:
“Now that your home is on the market, you’re going to start noticing conversations about real estate everywhere—at work, at the grocery store, even in line at Starbucks. That’s your brain’s way of saying, ‘Hey, this is relevant to you now!’”

Then, I’d take it one step further:
“If you hear someone talking about buying or selling, let me know! In fact, if someone you refer to me ends up listing or buying with me while your home is on the market, I’ll happily reimburse you part of your commission as a thank-you.”

Why This Works

Not only does this approach educate your clients (and make you sound like a brain expert), but it also plants a seed. They leave the appointment tuned in to conversations about real estate and motivated to send potential clients your way. It’s like turning their RAS into your personal referral generator.

Bottom Line: Make the RAS Work for You

The RAS isn’t just a quirky brain function; it’s a tool you can harness in your real estate business. Whether it’s spotting opportunities, sharpening your focus, or enlisting your clients as unofficial team members, your RAS can be the ultimate secret weapon.

So next time you’re explaining the RAS to a client, throw in a little humor—like the time you played “Slug Bug” and learned to survive a teenage punch fest. Not only will they remember the lesson, but they’ll also remember you—and that’s the first step to becoming their go-to real estate agent.