Across September and October, Leading Ladies of Real Estate held its annual Canapes and Conversations events throughout Australia. There were four events held with close to 750 attendees across four states.

The networking event is designed to bring women in the industry together and share their stories of how they’ve thrived in a typically male-dominated workspace.

Here’s a summary of the event’s tips, advice, and standout quotes from successful women in the industry, alongside the lessons they imparted for aspiring female real estate professionals. 

Key themes and takeaways

1. Relationship building and authenticity

Carla Fetter, a director at Jellis Craig Armadale, highlighted the importance of nurturing client relationships, remarking, “If you put [clients] on the database and don’t take care of them, you won’t get their business.” For Carla, relationships drive repeat business, as clients tend to return due to trust and familiarity.

Emily Richardson of Ray White Rockhampton emphasised focusing on long-term goals and building a “brand within a brand” as crucial to her career achievements.

Jasmyn Calgaro, top sales agent at Ray White Nepean Group spoke on the point of difference between men and women in real estate: “We have that customer service, the empathy, we know how to listen, it comes naturally to us. So take advantage of that and speak to as many people as you can.”

Nyree Ewings of LJ Hooker Property Centre emphasised the importance of building relationships: “It’s about nurturing genuine and authentic relationships, and building advocates for later. Activity breeds activity. Working with the community and forming connections for the right reasons - for the purpose of the sale.”

2. Self-advocacy and breaking barriers

This theme of challenging norms resonated with many speakers, highlighting the ongoing need for women to assert their value confidently and demand their deserved space.

Pru Kelly, EA to Alexander Phillips, director of real estate powerhouse PPD, stressed the importance of being in an environment where you thrive: “Find a mentor and find an office you actually want to work in and surround yourself with likeminded people.”

3. Leveraging confidence and finding your voice

Alisha Hobart, a REIV Committee member and auctioneer, shared her struggles with confidence in the male-dominated field of auctioneering. She reminded attendees, “Your voice is not a tool; it’s an instrument. Learn how to play it.”

Lyndsey Douglas, communications specialist and founder of Writes Who, works with women on “Centred for Success,” spoke about her program which is aimed at building confidence and authenticity. She emphasised self-assuredness, noting, “my goal is to make you so memorable that you very comfortably know who you are.”

Jasmyn Calgaro: “I had some amazing male agents to look up to and I thought if they can do it, I can do it and put my own flair on it.”

Pru Kelly emphasised that effort pays off: “If you're prepared to do the hard work, do it time and time again - that's all that matters.”

4. Leadership through empowerment

As a leader, Carla Fetter takes pride in helping her team achieve their potential, sharing, “All I want is for my team to be the most successful they can be.” Her approach reinforces the idea that leadership is not just about personal success but also fostering the growth of others.

Sally O’Neill from Belle Property Hope Island encouraged teamwork, stressing, “teamwork counts, and girls have to stick together.”

5. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities

Real estate is challenging, and setbacks are inevitable. Jaylee Cooper from not-for-profit crisis centre Catherine House, from her experience in philanthropy, advises viewing setbacks as learning experiences, stating, “I don’t see them as failures but as opportunities for further improvement.”

Similarly, Gina Venzin, director of the Venzin Group, reflected on the ups and downs of her hospitality career, saying, “The hard times made me come back down to earth and figure out my niche.” Her insight into resilience resonates with anyone facing professional challenges.

6. Utilising social media as a marketing tool

For Angela Limanis, auctioneer and sales agent at Ray White Cheltenham, who started in real estate in 1998, social media has become invaluable: “Without social media, I probably wouldn’t be here. It creates opportunities.” She advises women to leverage social media for self-promotion and visibility, a critical step for those aiming to stand out in today’s digital marketplace.

7. Customer service as a foundation of success

Exceptional customer service is essential for standing out in real estate. Gina Venzin emphasised the importance of cheerfulness and customer care in business, saying, “we are cheerleaders and have to be happy and friendly.” Her approach highlights the need to provide clients with a positive experience, a factor that often leads to repeat business and referrals.

Quotes to inspire and empower

The event also featured numerous memorable quotes, each encapsulating core values for women striving for success in real estate:

“Women deliver a quality of worth that is mindblowing.” – Lyndsey Douglas

“If you are honest in this industry and tell them that you stuffed up, the crowds are very accepting.” – Alisha Hobart

“Activity breeds activity.” – Nyree Ewings

“It’s not about winning; if you’re showing up and doing your best, that’s all that matters.” – Emily Richardson

“I had to compete against myself.” – Jasmyn Calgaro

Community and philanthropy

In addition to personal and professional insights, the events also raised money for important causes. In Adelaide, $1,263 was raised for Catherine House, which supports homeless women, and Melbourne contributed $1,250 to Safe Steps, aiding individuals affected by domestic violence.

For women breaking into or currently navigating the real estate industry, these events and speakers collectively encourage:

• Be unapologetically assertive: Women must advocate for themselves and actively pursue recognition, particularly in male-dominated spaces.
• Nurture genuine relationships: Building trust and long-lasting client relationships can drive repeat business and establish a stable client base.
• Master your voice and confidence: Real estate often requires speaking skills and confidence, particularly in roles such as auctioneering; learning to use your voice effectively is essential.
• Embrace social media: In a digital world, social media is a powerful tool for personal branding and reaching a wider audience.
• Foster a supportive network: Teamwork and camaraderie among women in the industry can provide a crucial support system and foster collaboration.