I’ve talked a lot about personal branding, establishing yourself as an expert, and how to conquer the real estate business even when you are new to the industry. However, there’s a fine line between posing as an expert and actually being one. I don’t want you to FAKE it, I want you to ACTUALLY MAKE IT. Here are some tips.
Research, Research, Research
When you’re new to an industry, whether it’s real estate or anything else, there’s always a learning curve. And no one wants to work with someone they feel is inexperienced or unknowledgeable. So you better get to work researching anything and everything that might be important to your client, like, yesterday. Pull comps and really read in to the details. How much are homes going for in their neighborhood(s) of interest? Is there a difference between styles of homes, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage? Tip: Pretend you’re a mind reader and figure out what your clients might need.
Know Your Shortcomings
As a newbie, if you’re getting in too deep, don’t ever actually fake it. Take a break and research, find the right answers. Better yet, assemble a team of experts to help you and your clients with specific needs. You don’t need to be an expert in every topic, but it helps to know someone who is that expert. Tip: Find the best people to work with and form relationships with them.
Start With What You Know
Unless you’re starting out in real estate as your very first career, you bring with you experience from your previous industries. In my case, I had tons of experience in the hospitality industry, running nightclubs. I could bring to the table the ability to treat each and every client like a VIP. I also knew how to hustle and promote in creative ways. In fact, I made that a cornerstone of my real estate business and it has been the best possible strategy. Tip: Whatever your “past life” was, whether it was marketing, finance, or something else – use that as your cornerstone for a successful real estate business.
“Fake it till you make it” may sound cute, but you’re not doing yourself or your clients any favors by faking expertise – follow my tips, do the work, partner with great people and use your knowledge – and you will ACTUALLY make it, even as a newbie!