What did you do before entering real estate?

My background is in hospitality. During my career I have held management positions in general operations; event management including weddings and other celebrations; and also in HR.

Why did you enter the real estate industry?

As a mature worker I was looking for a new challenge and the opportunity came up to go into real estate. I have always been interested in property, gardens, interior design and the like and so I was very excited to be able to work amongst things that were of interest to me. I also thought that with my background in customer service it would be a natural fit. I was also attracted to the flexibility real estate offers and the potential earning capacity the industry offers.

You mentioned that the ‘opportunity came up’. How did that come about? 

My current boss knew me by reputation and thought that I would make a good agent and so I was offered a position.

Do you think that the skills/ attributes that made you successful in your last position are transferable to real estate?

Definitely! Customer service, follow-up and an eye for detail are essential for a real estate agent. Also, I think that the same attitude I had in hospitality which was that you ‘do what you have to do to get it done and you make it work’ is essential in real estate.

What or who has been your greatest influence in real estate and why?

Definitely my clients! The positive feedback they give me and the testimonials I have received have given me the energy and motivation to increase my client base.

What’s the best advice you have received in business?

Believe in yourself and treat people with respect and understanding – this came naturally to me as I believe in the adage ‘treat people how you would like to be treated’.

What have been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote yourself / your business?

I have done a lot of charity work over the last 20 years. I found it extremely rewarding to provide help and raise funds for others. A completely unexpected result of that is that people know me, recognise me and trust me and so that has helped to build my profile. I work hard at keeping up-to-date with computer programs that are available to help with current market trends and values. As a mature person, I have realised the place of Social Media in business and so I have tried to embrace it and use it to help me in my marketing.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Winning the REIA 2016 Achievement Award and prior to that winning the REINT 2015 Achievement Award.

What have been the most useful training activities or resources you have used for professional development?

Attending Christine Guidotti Women in Business Conference in the Gold Coast and following Glen Twiddle’s ideas on marketing.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

I would like to achieve 70% market share in my local area. I am always looking to grow my client base. Currently my appraisal to listing ratio is 67% and my percentage of referral appraisals is 46%.

What have you found to be the benefits of your career choice?

Self-satisfaction, and the flexibility of working within a supportive team. Going into real estate was a big decision as it meant forgoing a regular income and becoming a commission only salesperson. But, it has given me the opportunity to earn enough to provide myself with a comfortable lifestyle so that ultimately I will be able to spend more time with family.

What is it that you love about your profession?

I love that it is a very challenging but rewarding profession to be involved in. And that it is constantly changing. It gives me great satisfaction helping clients when they are either buying or selling their family home or building an investment portfolio as this is one the biggest decisions that they may ever make.

What difference has winning the national award made to you and how do you think it will impact on your business?

I think that in terms of prospective clients, it (the award) will give them the confidence to employ me as their agent. Winning the award has proven to me that the little extra things that I do are worthwhile and are appreciated by my clients. It’s all about building that relationship with your clients, striving to go above and beyond for them and exceeding their expectations. That’s what gives me a point of difference.

Do you have an ambition for the profession as a whole?

Absolutely! I would like to see all people involved in real estate to step out of their comfort zone and do something extra for their clients to help improve the image of real estate across the board.

This article originally published in REIA News April 2016.