Small Business. Big Heart.

Before Women's Small Business month passes us, I want to share a little of my story. Because amidst this backdrop of a pandemic-stricken year, with many people worried about their own job security, I’m so grateful to be able to keep doing what I love.

It may sound cool to be self-employed, but I’ll be the first to admit that running any small business is no small task. It takes a ton of heart. Four years ago, when I first got my Broker’s License, I had no idea how much heart.

Initially, the idea of trading in the comforts of a paycheck and employer-based insurance for the uncertainty of living off commission was off-putting. So off-putting that I’d put off pursuing a job in real estate for all of my twenties. When I finally made that professional pivot I was quite naive to how the industry even operated. I truly had no idea the amount of competition I’d be up against — REALTORS® are one of the largest trade associations in Illinois with over 50,000 members. And, I personally knew no one who worked in real estate, which is probably why I didn’t talk myself out of this.

While many aspects have come naturally, there are always difficulties starting over at any age. Being a novice at something has never been easy for me. And Imposter Syndrome is without a doubt real. And, I hate admitting this, but ‘sales’ has always sounded like a foul word. But I’m told there is room for growth in discomfort, and power if you learn to lean into it.

This is probably a good time to mention that before becoming a Broker, I worked with all sorts of personalities in the worlds of coworking, freelance and marketing/advertising. I’ve toted all sorts of curious Gen Y job titles like Wordsmith, Community Curator, Workspace Operator, etc. But never before in my varied career have I encountered the distrust and misguided assumptions that have repeatedly riddled my path as a new REALTOR®.

In the beginning I ran into people who were reluctant to hire me because, understandably, I was too new to the business. I’ve also encountered people who, regardless of my experience or abilities, refuse to collaborate because they distrust me merely for being a Licensee. And let’s not forget about the skeptics who quickly dismiss my services, all to save a buck that likely wouldn’t have come out of their pocket anyways. Each instance helping to remind me of how much is truly out of my control.

Something I can control but have struggled with is knowing when to take business personally vs. when to let business go. Not all business is good business. And along with the challenges and learning curve of starting anything, there is this tricky self-esteem piece at play now too. When your face is on your business card it can be hard not to take things personally — I know firsthand.

Women are often told to be less emotional, regardless of the situation, but I’ve seen advantages in authentically being myself and letting my emotions lead. It is true that many aspects of work become easier once we believe in ourselves and our value. So, for the sake of my clients and myself, I unapologetically take work seriously and personally. Sometimes you might even catch me wearing my heart on my sleeve, but that’s OK. Because I’d rather be known for giving a shit and giving my all, than not. Wouldn’t you?

Part of attaining a sense of work-life balance is in developing a process that works for you. When you are doing a gig that has no billable hours, like mine, people end up hiring and believing in your process. I don’t make cold calls, chase expired listings, prey on unrepresented buyers at open houses or wait for instruction from a Top Producer. That’s just not my style. — Shout out to Dream Town Realty, for letting me be me!

Instead, I’ve built a process I love and trust that allows me to offer a boutique approach, committing to each client while treating the people I work with the way I’d like to be treated. I know the number of transactions I close in a year doesn’t automatically dictate how successful that year was, or how successful I am. The numbers don’t matter as much as the connections. That’s my Golden Rule — it doesn’t have to be yours, especially if it doesn’t feel right.

A huge part of what keeps me excited about working in real estate, besides all the beautiful interiors, is the feeling that I’m actually helping real people. Helping take the intimidation factor out of buying your first place. Helping other small businesses find and negotiate spaces For Lease. Helping solve somebody’s commute conundrum, or find footing in a new city. Helping a divorcee find space for a fresh start. Or simply helping a family find the next house they’ll love and grow to call home.

Thanks to each client and friend I had the pleasure of working with this year. I appreciate you more than you know! And lastly, to all the female small business owners out here wearing your hearts on your sleeve — I see you. Thank you for inspiring me!