Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word: How to Develop the Unstoppable Confidence to Own Any Room

by Tracy Tutor

Instant Wall Street Journal bestseller!

From the first female real estate broker on Million Dollar Listing LA , a no-nonsense guide to analyzing big egos, deflecting power plays, and taking control of any room.

Behind Tracy Tutor's on-screen persona is an uncanny knack for projecting confidence in the most intimidating of circumstances. The breezy, tough-talking, utterly inimitable businesswoman has rivaled her male co-stars to land increasingly high-profile deals in the world of LA real estate. Now, Tracy is leveraging her years of experience to write the go-to manual for any woman struggling to convince people she's in charge.

If you get thrown off course by narcissistic personalities or freaked out by high-stakes situations, don't assume you're weak. When fear is running the show, you get wrapped up in your head and start missing important cues. Yes, the people you're dealing with seem scary, but they're more predictable than you think. Once you understand them, it's easy to push the right levers of influence to get what you want.

Through candid, hilarious stories of her rise through a world of misogyny and cutthroat business dealings (text message screen shots from creeps included!), Tracy offers a crash course in the psychology of power dynamics and social signaling. You'll


This book is a must-read for any ambitious woman who wants to win her next business confrontation before she even walks into the room.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2020

Reviews

[Amanda Hayes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just ok. It was more of an insight to the life of the author as a real estate agent than practical ways to manage fear. While it did have some intriguing insights into different personality types and ways to navigate challenging people/situations, it did not develop any of these ideas beyond a couple sentences. Overall, ended up being pretty basic and underwhelming.

[Elizabeth Jorgensen]

This was quick, easy read. Not a lot of substance. Mostly surface. This would be a really good book for someone just starting out in real estate. In fact, I recommended it to someone I know who just started working as an agent. As I'm not at all interested in this topic, I found myself struggling to find a way to apply the real estate lessons to my career. I wish Tracy would have included more text chains, more emails, more specific stories. The language was informal (I have a pet peeve against using gotta). Overall, I enjoyed it because I know Tracy from MDLLA.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This freaking book!!! Girls, you all have to read this! The Audible is even better because it is her voice and she nailed! Yes, I know she is from BRAVO but I swear, the way Tracy walks into a room. You just gotta read it!! Its on fire!!!!!

[Jeremy Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was supposed to be a filler book while I waited for my other library audiobooks to come to me. There was no wait, so I figured "why not?"

I try to read as many books by people who are making it in competitive industries so I can learn from their wisdom. That said, I knew nothing about Tracy Tutor or her show, and had zero expectations going into this read. In fact, I was prepared to return it if it didn't resonate.

I'm quite surprised this book has below a four-star review. (After I submit my review, I'm going to read what people didn't enjoy about it; I'm so curious!) Tutor was so candid with her mistakes and what she learned from them and didn't just give fluffy words of empowerment like many of the other books I've read.

This book isn't just for those in the real estate industry, but anyone trying to get ahead in life. It's geared toward women, but most of the advice benefits everyone.

I ended up ordering a physical copy so I can skim through and highlight some parts that really struck me. Not recommended for anyone with a sensitivity to cursing, Tutor at times has the mouth of a sailor.😜

[Laura Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a serious pump you up book. It also felt like I was watching Million Dollar Listing LA, so it made me happy. Tracy is fierce and I loved learning her strategies. I will go back to this book often!

[Gabriella McColeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read for those new to the professional world. Page 194 who’s adding value is great. The same way we have to evaluate our business annually is the same way we need to evaluate friendships and the time we spend with people.

[Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a real estate agent in New York City I appreciate Tracy's perspective and experience as a woman in this highly competitive industry. I will be using this book as a reference guide throughout my career, I wish I had a book like this when I first entered the industry! Highly recommend to women working in competitive environments especially where power dynamics are at play, as well as if you are in sales.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many great tidbits - I will return to the advice in here over and over. So good to see someone be vulnerable so that we can all learn how to get stronger. A wealth of useful strategies to have in your back pocket at all times.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for women. Loved Tracy's honesty and I related with many chapters and situations. I shared this book with my sister and recommended it to my friend.

[Matt Hutson · Rating 4 out of 5]

😰What is the biggest FEAR you have when running or starting a business?⠀
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Mine is the fear of the complete loss of my time invested in something that doesn't make a sustainable difference and profit.⠀
-⠀
"Any time I’m nervous, I let myself feel scared, but only for a beat. You get to be nervous for one full minute.  Leave the room if you have  to. Let yourself feel every single emotion coursing through your body. Then put it the hell away and do you. Tell yourself that fear is a natural emotion, that you honored it, and that you now have  to make space for your intuition to tell you what to do or say next." - Tracy Tutor⠀
⠀
MY THOUGHTS ABOUT ⠀
Fear is Just a Four Letter Word ⠀
⠀
After rereading my marginalia and other notes a few times, I've come to the conclusion that this book is worthy of my time invested. It'll be worth your time especially if you are involved in business, real estate, or a leadership role.⠀
⠀
Tracy writes for women but fear, failure, and success is a topic all of us experience. So if you're a man, I'd also recommend reading this book.⠀
⠀
Here are some of the topics discussed:⠀
▪︎Know Your Room - Negotiation ⠀
▪︎Follow Your Intuition - Standing Up For Yourself ⠀
▪︎Get Gritty⠀
▪︎Lighten up and Win⠀
▪︎Dress For an Edge ⠀
▪︎Self Awareness ⠀
▪︎Refocus⠀
▪︎Keeping Momentum⠀
⠀
These are all situations anyone can relate to and learn from. Tracy has experienced it all firsthand. Now you can learn from her.

[Andy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book does offer good advice, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

Tracy Tutor is a famous real estate agent in LA who is best known for being on Bravo's reality show, "Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles". I came across this book because I was trying to find material that could help me be more confident in my everyday life, from simple discussions to life-changing decisions.

This book most certainly does that. Tutor uses some interesting anecdotes to help explain her techniques. There are a few chapters that I found quite helpful, like how to have good intuition and how to manage your emotions in different scenarios in order to communicate your feelings without coming across as "emotional". The last couple of chapters on refocusing your life came for my neck.

But although this book does offer help for me in that regard, I can also acknowledge that I was not the target audience for this. According to the back of the sleeve jacket, this self-help book is meant for young women going into the business world, so there are certain aspects to it that don't apply to me.

Not only that but because I'm not very interested in the world of real estate, I found that the stories Tutor shared didn't resonate with me personally.

Despite everything though, I still enjoyed this book and loved how Tutor's personality leapt off the page. This book certainly made me a fan of her work and I would highly recommended it to anyone who could use some helpful words of advice regarding how to uplift yourself professionally.

[Christopher Malmevik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen the show occasionally but it must have been before she joined because I didn’t recognize the name. However, I had the chance to read her book and I found it very interesting. It’s not long being around 215 pages.

This book came along exactly when I needed to be reminded that everyone is always going through something. I’ve annoyed many of my friends by trying to be a calming influence when I’m a passenger in their car. It’s even more amusing when pre-medicated me was basically a wailing banshee amongst a flurry of middle fingers but I digress. The author reminded me that those thoughts of others’ struggles carries into more than just driving.

Everyone has their insecurities and anxieties; it is how you handle it. This book is centered in the real estate industry from a woman’s point of view but her points carry validity to all people. Center yourself. Breathe. Make time for family. And do your research before entering a work environment that requires finesse with personal touches.

It is a bit repetitive but that’s not really a huge criticism. She exposes multiple instances of vulnerability that takes courage to write about. Believe me; I relate. I recommend this book to everyone but especially if you are timid or take things personally without standing up for yourself, with grace and professionalism. And let things go. That’s what is hard for me too.

[Sammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tracy Tutor is big time real estate broker in LA featured on the show Million Dollar Listing.

“Fear is a Four Letter Word” allows Tracy to share her wisdom to all the ambitious, business driven ladies out there hustling in a “mans world”. Tracy is a straight talker and gives no nonsense advice. She shares stories of her mess ups and of all the crazy people she’s interacted with. Most important she explains how to best deal with these personalities while still staying true to yourself and making sure you’re taken care of.

While I am a woman working in a "man's" world in the STEM field - real estate and so many other sales dominated jobs have a different power struggle. I rarely have to deal with gaslighting or people undercutting me at work because it is not a competition, whereas sales is. Tracy explains how to deal with this and how to move past it. While I enjoyed this book truly is a fountain of knowledge for women in the sales force and I highly recommend reading it if you think you are in or considering that career path.

Overall, this is a must read for women-in-business! It has great, meaningful advice and most importantly, NO FLUFF! Thank you to Portfolio Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leigh Ann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tracy because you can tell she has lived the life of a Realtor and I'm one too. So many crazy clients, so little time! Being in the business you grow so much and so much of what's she writes is who you become the longer you've been in the business. I've had to pick myself up after so many crazy deals and that has made me a stronger agent. Bravo Tracy! Love your style, your mouth and how you handle your business! I will reread this again when I need a kick in the ass!

[Jennifer Rumack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept seeing this book on social media so decided to reserve the audio from the library. I do not watch million dollar listing and did not know anything about this author. I thought the book would be more about removing fear as a barrier to your next step in your goals, but it ended up being more of a "how to be a bad ass woman in business" - Not something that I really needed at this point in my life :).

[DeNay Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I am a huge fan of Tracy and the Million Dollar Listing show so I knew I have to get the book and it was good!. I started a new job in Sales so reading this book has helped me a lot especially the last chapter I felt like she knew my situation for these last few weeks. Overcoming fear is the hardest thing to do but I believe it can be done. You have to surround good people around and have confidence!

[Danielle Klompmaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Tracy on MDLLA and her attitude and approach to life. She cuts to the chase and doesn’t mince words. I found a lot of the advice to be quite shallow and things I already knew. A couple good takeaways, but don’t think I’d recommend people to read this one unfortunately. I’m also not in real estate so the stories didn’t connect as much. Nonetheless, Tracy remains an inspiration to working in a male-dominated field, something I can relate to!

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t typically like the self-development books because I feel that they’re a bit cheesy. However, I must admit, I’m a huge fan of Tracy’s on million dollar listing LA and needed a copy! I read the entire book in Tracy’s voice. She’s funny, confident, and helpful. Overall a fun, quick, and easy read.

[Calle Holmgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Tracy and had hoped she’d dare to be a little more honest and personal in this book. The book provides some good insight on how tough it still is for a woman in business and the stuff they have to put up with and think about. Overall, she tried to cover too much ground and would have been better odd daring to dog a little deeper on just a few subjects.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love watching Tracy on Million Dollar Listing LA, and reading this book was like getting a series of pep talks from her. She has a very distinct voice that shines through while she dishes out life, relationship, and business advice.

[Tegan McKernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guide to getting over the imposter syndrome without ever mentioning ‘imposter syndrome.’ Refreshing tone and not too heavy to read. Helpful tips without you feeling like you’re reading a self help book

[Megan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Even though I’m not in real estate many of these teachings and principles I can incorporate into my business and personal life. This is also like a “older sister/best friend tough love” kind of book that I truly appreciate.

[Ginger Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pretty good! 3rd year into real estate and definitely found some useful information. Love watching Tracy on MDL LA. She always has a confidence that just scream when she walks into a room! Will be taking some of the pointers into play to build mine!

[Kim Darwaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tracy’s tell it like it is personality! Great book to motivate and inspire women.

[Nicole Gottlieb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tracy is a boss babe but this book was very basic. If you’re in college this might be a good read but for someone that has been working for 5+ years in the real world, this was common sense.

[Sandra Graef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the Audiable version. Loved it! Will definitely be purchasing a physical copy so I can go back and highlight certain parts.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic info in my opinion

[Lucy Leigh J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:

[Jenny Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to listen versus read this book

[Emily Feldman · Rating 3 out of 5]

What you expect it to be.... I liked the most when she told stories from her life, I wish there were more.