FLORIDA 12-6-21

FLORIDA EDITION

SUCCESS–

THESE 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS

If it’s Good for the Soul,

FEATURED AGENTS

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

MARGARITA ROSA BENITEZ SHAYNA DAVIDOV HANSON JAMIE KITZMILLER NINA PAUL TAMMY & STEVE PHILPOT RAMONE SILVERA ISABELLA TAYLOR

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DAWN MANSUR

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FLORIDA EDITION

RAMONE SILVERA

MARGARITA ROSA DAVIDOV BENITEZ HANSON SHAYNA

to the real estate ago, Ramone Silvera ter the client-centric focus on my clients ionships with them,” ess drive paired with connect with people kly build a base of al clients.

toand spend time on with his began daughter.

Shayna Davidov Hanson her Inreal online.their Working with Dedicated to herloves clients focused that they can achieve dream of 11 19 20 tional network of peop estate relocating Miami from spare time,after he also enjoysto traveling. providing6them his with thecareer highest level homeownership.”

California approximately 20and years ago. with for 20 years, ma “I just got back from Mexico, it was an “I of service, Margarita Rosa Benitez is previously worked in the technology sector in before they amazing vacation.

I work hard so that once confident in what she has to offer to Margarita takes properties pride in her ability the US and Latin America, so I come from a in a while I can her buyers and sellers.

With fivetake yearstime off and see the to connect to clients on a personal corporate background,” Shayna recalls. “Also, Community involvem world.

Traveling is my favorite pastime, of experience, she has recently made level. When a transaction is over, she my family has been in real estate for many Shayna, and she volun and I’ve had the privilege of visiting many one of her biggestyears, real so estate dreams continues to nurture the relationship it’s been a natural fit. I speak several Resource Center at Ch spectacular places.” come true by opening up her own broand remains a trusted resourcedealin for languages (Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, local foundation kerage—MRB Realty them. “I’m checking up also on them withGroup. working knowledge of Italian and Shayna pridesand her Ramone to bestudied motivated and making sure everything wellw French).continues I have lived, and worked Homes is forgoing Heroes, lers, and investors RAMONE enthusiastic about his business internationally and since Miami isSTEVE thelooks hub ofPHILPOTSHAYNA 9/11 tolethelp fin Whether she’s helping first-time homeafter the closing.after I always them SILVERA DAWN MANSUR MARGARITA TAMMY &and NINA PAUL JAMIE KITZMILLER City, Florida, and forward to growing his brand further.

“My Latin American business with people coming (Veterans and active ROSA BENITEZ DAVIDOV buyers or savvy international investors, knowHANSON about any programs they might here from everywhere in the world, it was a ers, firefighters, acad mone’s clients can always countMargarita plan isputs to Ifin keep developing local relationships with the same amount of be able take advantage of.

I’m conTammy and Steve Philpot started Coast Children’s Center and you’re contemplating adecades. move to Naples, to that, she was anto Advocacy earned that loyalty agent when Nina Paul of Illustrated is photographed In addition ngs Top you notice to capture its most unique ® natural progression.

Miami is such a dynamic and first line medical ve a question or concern. “I treateffort ,shortly inspectors, Those other Realtors 23consistency 24and appraisers.

27 29 of working together afteralready they the nonprofit Althea’s Legacy.

They and into every transstantly people and how to Florida, you know why you’re many other Realto integral part in my mom’s transition to anthinking andcity, beautiful features.

Jamie uses those mieProperties KitzmillerinisPalm how Beach Gardens, Florida andIand I have just felt atmany home here.” thanks for all that do. When s met.

“IDAWN wasreason in real estate marketalso be sponsor local schools andthey youth l and I go above and beyond to relationships are crucial to my success and to ensuring MANSUR action.

“The why so repeat and help them and there for them.” is in a helping hardworking, estate going: independent community.” sand beaches, sunlitliving photos toIwhite market the listing to a variety ofwater, takes peo- dedicated real giving back, enjoys doing B ing Steve and met,” Tammy sports. When they are Shayna not working, ionsprofessional throughoutwho the is transaction thatwhen my clients get the most elite level of service,” he referral clients is my customer service.

I am eager and deeply committed to platforms, including theInternational social media sites Shayna eal estate goals. “I’ve and all One offrom the other wonderful things that serves “I go rescue abovesites, andp With Sotheby’s Realty, the and seaSteve turtleenjoy and travelling manatee recalls.

“He was retired the Air Tammy and d adds, “We develop a personal states. ambitiousness and “My passion are theAsexperience excited to help people with thisI would important transaction, she grows her business, Margarita would like to providing customer service toRamone’s senior living allows me towith where the majority of buyers begin their g people and exceptional hearing South Florida Luxury and waterfront market.

The majority ocean and taking road trips to the Force and owned a gym, and spending time their pets. which sometime come with luxury coastal living.

What you up with them after the end of the reasons why his business is thriving, and he has no and I truly enjoy guiding and educating them so that hire additional agents and become a mentor.

Her goal her clients. Nina provide an insider’s point of view in workask him to may help out with showsearch.

For luxury he also uti-and referral experiences,” Jamieis also a Senior Lifestyle ofme Shayna’s business from repeat clients, of Florida. help them box up not know yetproperties, is comes which neighborhoods up their lives.

I checkwho to see plans to slow anytime soon.

“I’m happy with they can He’s make thean best decisions,” she explains, and isand to help them become in their and Transition Expert has earned the ing with these clients,” says Nina.

“We’ll ings. such adown personable person, Looking to thesuccessful future, “Our goal isown right impressive feat that speaks to the trust confidence lizes Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury youwith get to know them, niture if needed. fit your lifestyle and budget, and that’s why ® their dog, ng, I know the name of what I’ve achieved, but I never get complacent.

I keep I put told myself him he should getshoes. his realItounderstand to grow, and increase “I ininspires. their that essential and options, bring changes to theirour community.

“I’d SRES Realand Estate review senior living and we’ll putto is she “Referrals are absolutely to my positive busiShayna currently atagents work on startin Programs, designed match high-end to prestigious be in a position to , Seniors adds, my sleeves.

And you’re going to want to call award winning ® estate license!

He did, and we’ve been and the areas we cover,” Steve says. p,” he says. giving myself new goals because once I set out to do Specialist designation, and brings over a plan and timeline in place.

I offer downbuying a house is one of the most stressful transaclike to teach other agents my methods so that they can ness.

I pride myself on building relationships and clients for in relocation to the area.

“Over 1,000 buyers all f the biggest financial ® over the world with properties Realtor Isabella Fuerst Taylor. ing people about hustling ever since.”

Since then, the “We’ve been increasing our business something, I always excel.” two decades of experience to the table. sizing services, coordinate their relocation life and staying with customers not just through the transacFlorida every day, so I’m working on tions a person can undergo in their lifetime.

I go above help their part of the community and assist as many that meetattheir needs and tastes. m will ever face.” couple an have excelled helping their every year,to and have been with getting a lot considering, I’m n the that years, she has earned and sell their home.

I’ll also meet with ets Throughout of real estate Ramone tion process, but with everything they need.

I love helping help people relocation,” she and beyond to try to make it as easy as possible for the families as possible.”

JAMIE KITZMILLER PAUL TAMMY & STEVE ISABELLA clients achieve theirNINA real estate goals. of referrals. TAYLOR But we’re also looking for exceptional reputation as a trustworthy agent who advotheir families, since they’re often the ones making the people who are relocating and getting acquainted with the avid about continuing education.

S est opinion based “I know this area so well I’m like a Google fact that his work never gets clients, and I practice honesty throughout PHILPOT When patience he is notand working, Jamie can often e real estate industry, quality over quantity in the agents we have joining our city,she and I decision.” try to be their concierge assist withhas anything Associate isthink active withapprec the WE cates for her bestset interests.

In of addition totothis, Nina a Margarita largeplayer,and tion brings on clients’ its own ofthe process. they Map,” laughs.

“ITammy know everything about I’m fighting on their behalf and Outside ofcreated work, can be found be with his under the hood his Mustang, department manager for Winn Thefound strength ofalways theirhead teamwork sets and Steve team.

You have to be a team because you can relaxing they need in the city.”

(IBWI) and Fitwell.

“I’m really pass network that includes expert estate planners, legal seralways eager toofsolve them and the communities and theirwell the rental rates, the apart.

“Specifically inare ourprotected area, covering theHOA’s, entire onlyat grow so muchgetting as an individual. clients or getspending sure that reprethe beach, in a goodWhen workout, or working on they his motorcycle.

He and appreciates beautined a wealth experience onmaking CONTENTS about the intersection between the en Nina was born and raised in New Jersey but relocated vices, long-term care facilities, insurance providers and Florida Panhandle, it’s one rep to area. to meet whole team, that’s when reallysellers under- prepare to of their by me, and that they getfor personalized quality time with son andthey dog.

Isabella helps best places to eat, orindividual the costcustomer ofthe shopping.

I our have lots of her ful cars, and attends ahard lot of Auto Shows in ss,the as next well chapter as insight into lives. whatsented Clients value Shayna’s old-school work ethic, unrelenting lifestyle in our cities and neighborhoo to Florida for college.

After graduating from Stetson home healthcare companies to better serve her clients. get to allalso the areas we service,” Tammy explains.

Theirdrives stand that our teamwork is what sets us apart.” he alsolooks appreciates that it ON gives He has participated some of theI’m charity really like. taken thatservice and best transaction experience.” appeal to today’s buyers. She knowledge toinshare, and always accumulating more 4)He’s BEING Athe GOOD 21) 5 SIMPLE MINDSET SHIFTS communication, caring responsiveness.

“I like to help University with aTIPS BBA“Iin Finance, Ninateam began working entire works together to make sure and someone is pend with his daughter. truly they host. ce as the cornerstone of the busiof every listing with profess because I love talking with people and always have their people withThere everything fromTHAT contractor referrals to schools, all, Shayna forward to c TEAMandLEADER WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE always there for their clients.

Tammy agrees, emphasizing the importance oflooks consisin financial services for a business brokerage.

“From are many reasons for Nina’s success such asAbove her td,this The being andjob. today heflexibility, serves clients inA top producer with close to $5,000,000 in sales footage, video and 360-degre bestand interests input mind!”

I like to people in YOUR touch withand my network.

I pride clients and community.

“When you tency and passion.

“If you’re not consistent with your there,” she recalls, “I began a career in the senior living expert negotiation skills her thorough, intelligent GOALS you won’t go far in this career,” she says. daughter,area andwith thevolume As for the futuremyself ofmarketing his business, wants toonline continue ytime and for the my surrounding last year, Margarita invests into her When it comes to theirJamie they and herfollow-up, on approach being a listings, non-stop, around-the-clock assetCombined, for my athese family top dollaron forall their is thengetmarketed of pr th industry and4) spent ten years as a marketing executive.” to marketing listings.

SUCCESS–THESE 7 HABITS ARE I get to build with my clients.presence to grow, especially the luxury side of the business. lty. their team tailor their approach to the individual prop“Follow-up is extremely important, and you have to put and clever marketing techniques.

However, clients to access.” somebody who was new to the cit During that time, she developed a business plan to incor- from translate intoGermany, fast sales for top-dollar, notatCONTACT: to along with the dedicated real e Originally Passau, Isabella studied themention 25) UNCOMMON erty.the “We useSUCCESS a few methods to market our the Because you’rehome, not sincere, THEcareer REAL SECRET TO “Luxury homes aredifferent also works ofmake art,” says Jamie.

“I customer first always. llingporate and rewarding at the come to iffeel it’s so heartwa impressive numbers that her enthusenior living placementit’s andnot real estate. happy customers. alrequires reachaat through Compass’s College of Further Education in Nuremberg, and has a listings, because different people see different styles of customers know!

Real estate lot of work.

CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE find them very inspiring, and I love the opportunity to s as a licensed agent, Jamie hassiastic Coming a background in the technology sector, Shayna worthwhile,” Shayna says.If“The pers about her work, butfrom rather the lives she gets to bachelor’s degree inthe Business Communications.

Internet presence.

She also ma marketing,” Steve says.

“We don’t do just one type ofand you’re notmarket passionate about your work, you the won’t be are share that with clients.”

Jamie also plans ke his mark in the industry, bothGOOD isretail a big believer in power of technology to herMEDIA garnered through years price THROUGH SOCIAL change.

“Being aTHE real estate agent and now a Broker 17) IF almost IT’S FOR SOUL, Nina found success immediately inappreciation the When she’s not working to help her clients achieve their marketing.

We target our marketing and use multiple able to have continued success.” ® After school she became successful in the hospitality on television and on YouTube listings. a virtual world now, firsthusband need Craig, think of a lot of my clients as my fam to keep growing as a Realtor ducating his sointhey canand ,in and continue building a people ssive 42 transactions his first for my own brokerage is“We’re very special because you and arena, and clients credits mentor friend Jennifer goals, Nina loves spending time with her styles so that weHyland can reach everybody.”

This includes IT’Sher GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS the large network agents industry in California and Hawaii.

Her love of beautiful to be able to get a sense of the property with videography transactions canofreally im and his calm, steady approach to reputation among the people of Panama City as some28) HOW TO THROW Atoestate nd undeterred by the COVID-19 get to accomplish something together with your cli- biking and hiking. real with helping her fully implement her business plan.

“I advertising, traveling, playing Pop tennis, newspaper and magazine direct mail, social and photography,” Shayna says.

“We also do a lot of vircial trajectory, and it’s wonderful to These methods and many more homes and the art of interior decorating eventually led to enever they arise.

His reviews reone who delivers superior service and as someone they utilizes media to showcaseshe media, and ent.says, Their happiness at the end of the transaction had social the finance background,” “and Imore. had senior NETWORKING EVENT THAT CAN tual open houses, and many ofwhich our transactions take place somebody get the bestBenitez deal possible.

For more about Margarita Rosa gnition of the caring attitude and can turn to for whatever they need. service to buyers and sellers a a career shift into real estate, she began in 2008 extensive social media presence living experience.

I wanted toiscombine the two.”

Looking to the future, Nina’s plans include growing my biggest gift. more Most of my clients become my To learn about Ramone Silvera PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP please call (954) 625–5859, ilgethemy brings to the process.

One The Philpots and their team stay close to their past cliDiamond Resorts Vacation Club listings sold quickly andgood friends. Iwith business and working buildingShell a team.

Above all, however, have clientsher that I’ve International, been email ramonesilvera@gmail.com, ents, hosting events to help maintain those relationships.

For more about Shayna Davidov Hanson, call (786)28 ched praisethere of Jamie this:with or email margaritarosasales@gmail.com.

“I his noticed was alike recurring theme amongst seniors remains her overarching and constant objective: to proby Wyndham, and Starwood Resorts selling timeshares.

Whenplease not working, Isabell for the past three years, helping them build panamacitybeachhomesforsale.com visit For example, Steve says, “We hosted a Thanksgiving ur must-haves his questions shaynadavidovhans email shaynahanson@gmail.com, or visit Follow her on social media @mrb_realty_broker who have toand sell their home,” says Nina.

“They didn’t vide the superlative, concierge service that has long been Those years and volunteers lots of time theircelebration credit score and gettingtoimmediately their funds infollowing order Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 to give thanks allor our customers.

Weso the housing crash /agents/ramone-silvera, call 954-330–3095. dng, things we hadn’t evendad realized know where start, and they were overwhelmed with synonymousand with hercusname.spent them honing Ramone is atobusy who She also enjoys attending rid alsoandeducational, Isabella rented out a were restaurant invited all of our past r. He everyitstep of the mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com theguided idea ofus putting on the market.tomers Manytoofcome them didn’t and have a Thanksgiving meal on us.” the skills that would allow her to guide clients through loves to garden.

Copyright Top Agent Copyright Magazine closing. made this a they hadn’t downsized have Jamie local family, andsuch often No portion of this issue may be reproduced inofany manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent any kind market with confidence. e experience. look forward to help before the We move.

I knew I could Being involved in their GA, community is important to are For more about & of Steve Philpot, Magazine is published by them.”

Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions taken to ensure theTammy accuracy published Going forward, Isabella will c urchase with Jamie as our agent.”

Tammy and Steve.

They are active with their local materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. bwp850.com call 850-353-1843, visit Contact Robin Wilson atof847-207-1975 ordo email Isabella has the last Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com 5amount yearsofwith Bex realty, which ness and training new agents so Chamber Commerce, andspent they a large Nina consistently goes above and beyond expected To subscribe or change address,the send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the bwp850@gmail.com U.S. or email charity work, including being involved with the Emerald was recently acquired by Compass.

She leads a team of on its own. She’s excited abo t from Banker’s role Coldwell of a real estate agentgloband she sincerely cares about helpingtechnology her clients achieve resultedcalled “The Fuerst Team” representing clients -of-the-art utilizedtheir to goals. This has 5 agents bers build their own business Top Agent Magazine 3 scores ofresources glowing reviews, “There Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Copyright lersintogether, he takesincluding this one: in Naples, ing myself and sharing my kn Top Agent Magazine If you would like Jamie’s help wordstofor the gratitude help in Whenareit no comes marketing his I feel for Nina’s Over the pastplease year she’s closed 38 transactions been helped in my career by g buyingMyers. or selling a home, reach

ISABELLA FUERST TAYLOR

www.

https://

www.

Tips on Being a Good Team Leader Your business is booming, so much in fact, that you’ve finally made the decision to start a team. You’ve made sure it’s financially feasible, and you’ve found the right people, but there is still one other component of a successful team. And that’s an effective leader. It’s your job to not only generate business, but to motivate your team, which in turn increase productivity. Here are a few simple tips on being a good team leader.

1. Evaluate each team member, making sure to utilize their strengths Hiring the right people is one of the first steps in creating a successful team, but once you have those people it’s really 4

important to figure out where they best fit into the operation. Having every team member be an ‘expert’ in their part of the process leads to seamless transactions and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

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Of course it’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere that allows team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, under your guidance. It’s to the whole team’s advantage when people take initiatives to up their game by taking additional training or mastering a new and innovative technology that can improve productivity. The key is to constantly evaluate not only your systems but the people running them. It’s your job as a leader to encourage that personal growth while making sure to always protect against any major misfires. Which leads us to…

2. Always reevaluate what is and isn’t working It’s a good idea to have a weekly meeting where the whole team can convene and go over any snags they may have hit in the systems that you developed when starting your team. Your team is in the trenches with you and since everyone probably focuses on a different aspect of the transaction, it’s important to make sure things are working on every level. Make sure copious notes are taken during these meetings so you have a track record of what was suggested, as well as a history of things that may have been tried and the results.

Another good thing to focus on in these meetings is goal setting. Set weekly and monthly goals, and use the meetings to discuss what’s being done or needs to be done to meet them. When goals are met, it’s a great bonding experience for everyone. When they aren’t, it’s a moment to learn how you can do better in the future.

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Don’t forget to always take in what you can do to be a better team leader as well.

3. Stay connected and in communication These are your team members! There’s more to that than just a label. Be connected to them on a daily basis. Clear, open and honest communication is important on a busy team and that’s much easier if you actually like and trust your co-workers.

Sure you want to succeed for yourself, but knowing that other people you respect are counting on you, is an additional motivating factor, that is certain to lead to everyone going above and beyond creating a wildly successful business.

4. Be inspiring and supportive If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, it really will be infectious. Encourage innovation and creativity. Yes, systems and consistency are great but don’t let your team get in a rut either.

Support their individual careers, always encourage them to go for more, let them rely on you for mentorship. If they sense that you want each member to succeed as much as you have, you won’t find more loyal employees. And perhaps most importantly focus on what’s being done right. Don’t be the boss that just points out things they don’t like. Let them know when they’ve done an amazing job and be specific about what it is. Make them feel valued and they will become a valuable asset to you and your business.

5

RAMONE SILVERA Since transitioning to the real estate industry over a year ago, Ramone Silvera has been able to master the client-centric approach. “I like to focus on my clients and build lasting relationships with them,” he explains. His limitless drive paired with his natural ability to connect with people has helped him quickly build a base of loyal repeat and referral clients.

Serving buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Panama City, Florida, and surrounding areas, Ramone’s clients can always count on him when they have a question or concern. “I treat my clients really well and I go above and beyond to exceed their expectations throughout the transaction process,” he says, and adds, “We develop a personal relationship. I follow-up with them after the end of the transaction and keep up with their lives. I check to see how their kids are doing, I know the name of their dog, it becomes a friendship,” he says.

There are many facets of real estate that Ramone enjoys, including the fact that his work never gets boring. Each transaction brings on its own set of challenges, and he’s always eager to solve them and help his clients move to the next chapter of their lives.

As a devoted father, he also appreciates that it gives him enough time to spend with his daughter. “I truly love everything about this job. The flexibility, being able to have enough time for my daughter, and the amazing relationships I get to build with my clients.

It’s an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding career at the end of the day.”

Completing an impressive 42 transactions in his first year as a Realtor®—and undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic—Ramone utilizes social media to showcase list listings. “I have an extensive social media presence and use it in order to get my listings sold quickly and for top price.”

loves to spend time with his daughter. In his spare time, he also enjoys traveling.

“I just got back from Mexico, and it was an amazing vacation. I work hard so that once in a while I can take time off and see the world. Traveling is my favorite pastime, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting many spectacular places.”

Ramone continues to be motivated and enthusiastic about his business and looks forward to growing his brand further. “My plan is to keep developing local relationships with other Realtors®, inspectors, and appraisers. Those relationships are crucial to my success and to ensuring that my clients get the most elite level of service,” he states. Ramone’s ambitiousness and passion are the reasons why his business is thriving, and he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, but I never get complacent. I keep giving myself new goals because once I set out to do something, I always excel.”

To learn more about Ramone Silvera email ramonesilvera@gmail.com, visit panamacitybeachhomesforsale.com /agents/ramone-silvera, or call 954-330–3095. www.

When he’s not working, Ramone is a busy dad who 6

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Coreen Nocito is proud to congratulate

RAMONE SILVERA

on being featured for the State of Florida in Top Agent Magazine!

COREEN NOCITO Dir. of Business Development 850-332-9444 coreen.nocito@soleilvaca.com soleilvaca.com www.

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Success– These 7 Habits Are the Real Secret to Success What makes somesome people so sucWhat isisit itthatthat makes people so cessful andand others not? successful others not?Is Isthere thereaa secret secret recipe recipe one one can can follow, follow, as as easy easy as as baking baking aa cake, cake, which which will will give give them them the the strength strength to to achieve achieve their their ultimate ultimate goals goals and and have have ititall? all?

The The answer answer is is that, that,in inaamanner, manner,there thereis. is.The The trick trick is is in in how how you you think think about about success success and and what what itit means means for for you. you. Many Many people people define define success success as as achieving achieving their their personal personal goals, goals, but but could could this this be be leading leading them them to to look look atat the the world a little too narrowly? The people people that that are are truly truly successful successful in in every every aspect aspect of of 8

their lives don’t don’t stop stop at at simply simply achieving achieving goals. They They succeed succeedin inmany many their personal goals. avenues of job,job, reof their theirlife, life,including includingtheir their lationships, health, andand family just to name relationships, health, family just to a few.a few. name It turns ultra-successful people tend turnsout outthatthat ultra-successful people to have quite quite a number of things in comtend to have a number of things in mon. One One main main skill many possess common. skill seem many toseem to is high emotional intelligence, or the abilpossess is high emotional intelligence, or ity to manage your emotions so that you the ability to manage your emotions so can you staycan calm focused even even in high that stayand calm and focused in

TopAgent AgentMagazine Magazine® Top

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high stress situations. Luckily, it seems not all of them are simply born with this ability, but have many strategies they use to help them achieve higher emotional intelligence. Here are seven strategies and habits that will help you achieve success in every area of your life.

1

BE COMPOSED The first thing successful people always seem to have under control is their composure. Successful people stay calmand composed when the going gets tough and fingers start pointing. They don’t panic. The secret? They understand that in life things are always changing.It doesn’tmatter if something is bad at the moment because that will change soon enough. In this topsy turvy life all you can really do is adapt in order to stay happy and remain in control of how you react.

2

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have such awide range of knowledge and interests? Successful people do know more because they are always working to grow and learn. They strive to constantly increasetheir self-awareness. If a spare moment exists,then they will fill it with some kind of self-education. They do this because they are passionate about learning new things and ways to improve their life. Ignore the fear of being judged and ask questions, because that is the only way you can learn. Successful people don’t

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fear asking questions. They fear not asking those questions and growing stagnant.

3

BE DELIBERATE It is important to think and reason before you come to a decision. Successful people don’t rush. They seek out advice from others, they think of all the aspects, and sleep on their thoughts before finally making their decision. Your gut instinct can be misleading, and lead you to make a rash decision that you will come to regret later.

4

BE CERTAIN, AND SPEAK WITH CONVICTION Successful people speak with certainty.

Unless you communicate your ideas with conviction and certainty, then you will have a hard time getting people to listen to them.

5

BE POSITIVE Successful people use positive body language when they are talking to draw other people in. Their tone is enthusiastic, they maintain eye contact, leaning in towards the person speaking to show interest. Successful people use it to draw those other people in. How you say something can be just as if not more important that what you say to people. Positive body language can completely alter how your speech is perceived by others, and helps to keep attention on you and what you are saying.

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BE MEMORABLE BY BE MEMORABLE BY LEAVING A STRONG LEAVING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION FIRST IMPRESSION You only have once to make a first impresYou only haveare oneincredibly time to make a firstas sion, and they important, impression, and they importthey are closely tiesare to incredibly positive body lanant, as You theyhave are around closely 7tied to positive guage. seconds to conbody language.

7 seconds vince a person toYou likehave youaround after you initially to convince a person to like after them you meet them. That is how longyou it takes initially a person to decidemeet whenthem. they After meet that, you. After that simplyisspending the rest ofthe therest converaisperson simply spending of the sation justifying that initial reaction they conversation justifying that initial reaction had. You yousure make a good they had.can Youmake can sure make you make impression by having strong strong posafirst good first impression by having ture, a firm handshake, a warm smile,smile, and posture, a firm handshake, a warm openopen shoulders. and shoulders.

7 7

BE FEARLESS BE FEARLESS Successful people know that to give in Successful peopleThey know that let giving to fear is a choice. don’t the into fear fear a choice.

They don’t let takeisover, instead focusing onthe thefeart rushake of over, instead, they focus on the rush of euphoria that comes with conquering fears. euphoria that comes with conquering fears.

All of this adds up to having a high emotionAll of this addsWhat up tohelps having emoal intelligence. you atohigh succeed is tional intelligence.What helps you toemosucthe ability to control those whirlwind ceed theyou ability control whirlwind tionsisso can to stay calmthose and focused on emotions so you can stay calm andcan focused actually succeeding.

These habits help on Theseintelligence, habits can youactually gain a succeeding. higher emotional help a higher emotional intellibut asyou yougain probably already know, anything gence, but dealing as you probably know, involving with youralready emotions in anything dealing with your a healthyinvolving manner takes serious work.emoSo, tions healthy takestime. serious don’t in givea up if you manner fail the first You work.

So, don’t up again. if you fail the first must always try give and try time.You must always try and try again.

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Top Agent Magazine

DAWN MANSUR Top Agent Magazine

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With an impressive 98% of business coming from repeat and referral clients, Top Agent Dawn Mansur serves the Palm Beach County area, specializing in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Tequesta.

Dawn Mansur began her real estate career after successfully running four of her family’s businesses. “My family was in real estate in Michigan many years ago,” Dawn recalls.

“They tried to get me into the business, but I was finding my own way.” When Dawn moved to Florida, she began working in the mortgage business. “I got introduced to the real estate 12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

industry, and there was no looking back. I love what I do.” The rest is history, and Dawn excels at helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

Dawn serves the Palm Beach County area, specializing in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Top Agent Magazine

Gardens, and Tequesta. She has also sold homes in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie. “It depends on the client and what their needs are,” Dawn explains.

An impressive 98% of Dawn’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat Top Agent Magazine

that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires. “I become friends with my clients,” Dawn says. “I take care of their needs and I listen to them. I end up meeting their families and even doing multiple transactions for their family members and friends. I take care of them like they were my family.”

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“I tell it like it is,” Dawn explains. “I listen to my clients’ needs and wants, and I do my best to facilitate what they are looking to achieve.“ Dawn’s honesty and the depth of her experience combine to make her a valuable resource for her clients. “I tell it like it is,” she explains.

“I listen to my clients’ needs and wants, and I do my best to facilitate what they are looking to achieve.”

When it comes to marketing her listings, Dawn uses a range of resources to ensure maximum exposure. She invests in professional photography and internet advertising, as well as Coming Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Soon listings, and she draws on her sphere of influence to match buyers with sellers. “I will reach out to my sphere of influence, which are agents and buyers, and I will also reach out to the community in which a property is listed.

We also have international reach, which helps tremendously.”

Dawn offers advantages to both buyers and sellers. “If you are a seller, we have the latest and greatest technology to get your home Top Agent Magazine

sold in the least amount of time for the most amount of money,” she says. “For buyers, I have a plethora of off-market inventory that we try to get listed as soon as possible and match buyers and sellers for these properties.

It’s a win-win for everybody, and that’s huge Top Agent Magazine

for me. It has to be a win-win. If I don’t see something that’s going to be good for both sides, I will be honest.”

Community involvement is important to Dawn, and she contributes to Susan G. Komen.

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She also helps out and welcomes new residents to the community by running welcome meetings for her homeowners’ association in Juno Beach. When she is not working or giving back, Dawn enjoys biking on the beach.

In the future, Dawn plans to continue providing top-notch service to her clients. “I love being able to help clients sell their homes, and I love the feeling of handing over the keys to a new property,” she says. “I love meeting new people and making new lifelong friends.”

To find out more about Dawn Mansur, please call 561-373-9816, email dawn@dawnmansur.com or visit dawnmansur.com www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

Top Agent Magazine

If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night?

The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning.

REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their Top Agent Magazine

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing.

Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says.

“There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.”

The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

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Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home.

For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!”

Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie.

We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured 18

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MARGARITA ROSA BENITEZ Dedicated to her clients and focused on providing them with the highest level of service, Margarita Rosa Benitez is confident in what she has to offer to her buyers and sellers. With five years of experience, she has recently made one of her biggest real estate dreams come true by opening up her own brokerage—MRB Realty Group.

Whether she’s helping first-time homebuyers or savvy international investors, Margarita puts in the same amount of effort and consistency into every transaction. “The reason why I have so many repeat and referral clients is my customer service. I am eager and excited to help people with this important transaction, and I truly enjoy guiding and educating them so that they can make the best decisions,” she explains, and adds, “I put myself in their shoes. I understand that buying a house is one of the most stressful transactions a person can undergo in their lifetime. I go above and beyond to try to make it as easy as possible for the clients, and I practice patience and honesty throughout the process. I’m always fighting on their behalf and making sure that they are protected and well represented by me, and that they get personalized customer service and the best transaction experience.”

A top producer with close to $5,000,000 in sales volume last year, Margarita invests into her online presence and clever marketing techniques. However, it’s not the impressive numbers that make her enthusiastic about her work, but rather the lives she gets to change. “Being a real estate agent and now a Broker for my own brokerage is very special because you get to accomplish something together with your client. Their happiness at the end of the transaction is my biggest gift. Most of my clients become my good friends. I have clients that I’ve been working with for the past three years, helping them build their credit score and getting their funds in order so Top Agent Magazine

that they can achieve their dream of homeownership.”

Margarita takes pride in her ability to connect to clients on a personal level. When a transaction is over, she continues to nurture the relationship and remains a trusted resource for them. “I’m checking up on them and making sure everything is going well after the closing. I always let them know about any programs they might be able to take advantage of. I’m constantly thinking of people and how to help them and be there for them.”

As she grows her business, Margarita would like to hire additional agents and become a mentor. Her goal is to help them become successful in their own right and bring positive changes to their community. “I’d like to teach other agents my methods so that they can help their part of the community and assist as many families as possible.”

Outside of work, Margarita can be found relaxing at the beach, getting in a good workout, or spending quality time with her son and dog.

For more about Margarita Rosa Benitez please call (954) 625–5859, or email margaritarosasales@gmail.com.

Follow her on social media @mrb_realty_broker 19 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

SHAYNA DAVIDOV HANSON Shayna Davidov Hanson began her real estate career after relocating to Miami from California approximately 20 years ago. “I previously worked in the technology sector in the US and Latin America, so I come from a corporate background,” Shayna recalls. “Also, my family has been in real estate for many years, so it’s been a natural fit. I speak several languages (Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with working knowledge of Italian and French). I have lived, studied and worked internationally and since Miami is the hub of Latin American business with people coming here from everywhere in the world, it was a natural progression. Miami is such a dynamic city, and I just felt at home here.”

With One Sotheby’s International Realty, Shayna serves the South Florida Luxury and waterfront market. The majority of Shayna’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires. “Referrals are absolutely essential to my business. I pride myself on building relationships and clients for life and staying with customers not just through the transaction process, but with everything they need. I love helping people who are relocating and getting acquainted with the city, and I try to be their concierge to assist with anything they need in the city.”

Clients value Shayna’s old-school work ethic, unrelenting communication, caring and responsiveness. “I like to help people with everything from contractor referrals to schools, and I like to put people in touch with my network. I pride myself on being a non-stop, around-the-clock asset for my clients to access.”

Coming from a background in the technology sector, Shayna is a big believer in the power of technology to market her listings. “We’re in a virtual world now, and people first need to be able to get a sense of the property with videography and photography,” Shayna says. “We also do a lot of virtual open houses, and many of our transactions take place

online. Working with the wonderful international network of people we’ve been dealing with for 20 years, many times we can sell properties before they even go to market.”

Community involvement is important to Shayna, and she volunteers with The Family Resource Center at Chapman Partnership, a local foundation dealing with homelessness.

Shayna also prides herself on giving back to Homes for Heroes, which was established after 9/11 to help find homes for military (Veterans and active duty), first responders, firefighters, academia, teachers, EMS and first line medical professionals- to give thanks for all that they do. When she is not working or giving back, Shayna enjoys doing Bikram yoga, visiting sea turtle and manatee rescue sites, paddleboarding on the ocean and taking road trips to the Keys and other parts of Florida.

Shayna is currently at work on starting a group to specialize in relocation to the area. “Over 1,000 people are moving to Florida every day, so I’m working on building out resources to help people with relocation,” she says. Shayna is also avid about continuing education. She is a LEED Green Associate and is active with the WELL Building Institute (IBWI) and Fitwell. “I’m really passionate about learning about the intersection between the environment, health, and lifestyle in our cities and neighborhoods,” she says.

Above all, Shayna looks forward to continuing to serve her clients and community. “When you know that you helped a family get top dollar for their property, or you helped somebody who was new to the city get acquainted and come to feel at home, it’s so heartwarming and makes it all worthwhile,” Shayna says. “The personal relationships I’ve garnered through the years are priceless, and I’ve come to think of a lot of my clients as my family. I know that good real estate transactions can really impact a family’s financial trajectory, and it’s wonderful to know that we helped somebody get the best deal possible. That’s my mission.”

For more about Shayna Davidov Hanson, please call (786)288-6161, email shaynahanson@gmail.com, or visit shaynadavidovhanson.com https://

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Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

5 Simple Mindset Shifts That Will Help You Achieve Your Goals

Everyone knows that a positive attitude is one of the key steps to achieving success. It’s very easy to let negativity bring you down and oftentimes, people end up quitting at the first set back. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a negative person, you’re probably doing numerous things you don’t even realize are holding you back.

Recognizing these negative mindsets, and then implementing simple mindset shifts, are sure to help you not only create a more positive outlook, but a more successful outcome to whatever goal you’re trying to achieve.

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1

Turn jealousy into admiration

It’s very easy to look at someone who has what you want, and feel envious, which quickly turns into criticism and excuses about why you weren’t able to get what they seemed to get with ease. This is something successful people never do. Instead, they recognize that the only thing keeping them from success is themselves.

If you want what someone else has, you should look to them as a role model. What

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are they doing that you aren’t? There’s probably more to their story than you’re giving them credit for. Someone else’s success doesn’t hinder your ability to do the same, but constantly having a ‘life’s not fair’ attitude definitely will.

2

Tackle the things you dread doing first

We all procrastinate to some extent. Usually it’s things we don’t want to do. But when you put something like that off, it creates a serious cloud over your whole day.

Experts recommend getting those things out of the way first. Not only do get it crossed off your list, but you will feel energized by your accomplishments and tackle the day with even more force.

3

Don’t make decisions based on emotion

Reaching goals, especially long term ones, can have a lot of ups and downs. The key to achieving them is to stay level-headed during setbacks, really focusing on your plan and how the setback fits into your long term vision.

If you have a solid plan in place, you could be destroying months of hard work with one rash emotional decision, that is probably coming from a place of panic.

When you’re feeling emotional...wait.

It really is that simple. Wait it out until 22

you’re back in a rational state of mind and take it from there.

4

Learn to love feedback

It’s very easy to be thrown off by negative feedback or constructive criticism. No one likes it. But when it comes to achieving your goals, you need to be able to hear it, assess it and then make an unemotional decision about what it means to you and your success.

In fact the business world’s most successful leaders are there because they not only take in that feedback, they actually constantly ask for it. Fresh perspectives on what you’re doing are always valuable. When you’re in the thick of it, it can be hard to see what needs improvement. Asking a trusted peer or advisor can be instrumental in keeping the momentum on reaching your goal going.

5

Replace a fixed mindset with a growth mindset

You might be wondering what the difference between the two are. A fixed mindset thinks that growing intelligence or skills is impossible, while a growth mindset thinks those things can be developed.

People with a growth mindset are more likely to expand beyond their comfort zone, since they really believe almost anything is possible with hard work. And if it isn’t?

They’re willing to give it a try. Being willing to try and fail, is a key element to reaching even the most lofty goals.

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JAMIE KITZMILLER One of the first things you notice when talking to Realtor® Jamie Kitzmiller is how much satisfaction he takes in helping people accomplish their real estate goals. “I’ve always loved meeting people and hearing about their lives and experiences,” Jamie explains. “And when you get to know them, you’re really grateful to be in a position to help them with one of the biggest financial decisions most of them will ever face.”

Before getting into the real estate industry, Jamie worked as a department manager for Winn Dixie, where he gained a wealth of experience on how to run a business, as well as insight into what customer-first service really looks like. He’s taken that high standard of service as the cornerstone of the business he wants to build, and today he serves clients in Florida’s Panama City and the surrounding area with Coldwell Banker Realty.

After only two years as a licensed agent, Jamie has already begun to make his mark in the industry, both for his patience in educating his clients so they can make good decisions, and his calm, steady approach to solving problems whenever they arise. His reviews reflect his clients’ recognition of the caring attitude and the attention to detail he brings to the process. One very happy client couched his praise of Jamie like this: “Jamie listened to our must-haves and his questions helped us understand things we hadn’t even realized we needed to consider. He guided us every step of the way, all the way to closing. Jamie made this such a wonderful, stress-free experience. We look forward to our next real estate purchase with Jamie as our agent.”

Jamie’s clients profit from Coldwell Banker’s global network and state-of-the-art technology utilized to bring buyers and sellers together, resources he takes full advantage of. When it comes to marketing his listings, Jamie advises clients on any updates or repairs they need, as well as how to stage their home to appeal to the contemporary buyer. Every property Top Agent Magazine

is photographed to capture its most unique and beautiful features. Jamie uses those photos to market the listing to a variety of platforms, including the social media sites where the majority of buyers begin their search. For luxury properties, he also utilizes Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury Programs, designed to match high-end buyers all over the world with properties that meet their needs and tastes.

When he is not working, Jamie can often be found with his head under the hood of his Mustang, or working on his motorcycle. He appreciates beautiful cars, and attends a lot of Auto Shows in the area.

He has also participated in some of the charity drives they host.

As for the future of his business, Jamie wants to continue to grow, especially the luxury side of the business.

“Luxury homes are also works of art,” says Jamie. “I find them very inspiring, and I love the opportunity to share that appreciation with clients.” Jamie also plans to keep growing as a Realtor®, and continue building a reputation among the people of Panama City as someone who delivers superior service and as someone they can turn to for whatever they need.

If you would like Jamie’s help buying or selling a home, please reach out to him at 850-394-7491 or email jamie.kitzmiller@cbrealty.com 23

NINA PAUL Top agent Nina Paul of Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is a hardworking, dedicated real estate professional who is deeply committed to providing exceptional customer service to her clients. Nina is also a Senior Lifestyle and Transition Expert who has earned the prestigious SRES®, Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation, and brings over two decades of experience to the table.

Throughout the years, she has earned an exceptional reputation as a trustworthy agent who advocates for her clients’ best interests.

Nina was born and raised in New Jersey but relocated to Florida for college. After graduating from Stetson University with a BBA in Finance, Nina began working in financial services and for a business brokerage. “From there,” she recalls, “I began a career in the senior living industry and spent ten years as a marketing executive.”

During that time, she developed a business plan to incorporate senior living placement and real estate.

Nina found success almost immediately in the retail arena, and credits her mentor and friend Jennifer Hyland with helping her fully implement her business plan. “I had the finance background,” she says, “and I had senior living experience. I wanted to combine the two.”

“I noticed there was a recurring theme amongst seniors who have to sell their home,” says Nina. “They didn’t know where to start, and they were overwhelmed with the idea of putting it on the market. Many of them didn’t have local family, and often they hadn’t downsized before the move. I knew I could help them.”

Nina consistently goes above and beyond the expected role of a real estate agent and she sincerely cares about helping her clients achieve their goals. This has resulted in scores of glowing reviews, including this one: “There are no words for the gratitude I feel for Nina’s help in selling my parents’ home and arranging for donations of furniture, clothing and household items collected over 24

decades. In addition to that, she was an integral part in my mom’s transition to an independent living community.”

“My senior living experience allows me to provide an insider’s point of view in working with these clients,” says Nina. “We’ll review senior living options, and we’ll put a plan and timeline in place. I offer downsizing services, coordinate their relocation and sell their home. I’ll also meet with their families, since they’re often the ones making the decision.” In addition to this, Nina has created a large network that includes expert estate planners, legal services, long-term care facilities, insurance providers and home healthcare companies to better serve her clients.

There are many reasons for Nina’s success such as her expert negotiation skills and her thorough, intelligent approach to marketing her listings. Combined, these translate into fast sales for top-dollar, not to mention happy customers.

When she’s not working to help her clients achieve their goals, Nina loves spending time with her husband Craig, traveling, playing Pop tennis, biking and hiking.

Looking to the future, Nina’s plans include growing her business and building a team. Above all, however, remains her overarching and constant objective: to provide the superlative, concierge service that has long been synonymous with her name.

For more information about Nina Paul, call 561-758-5569 or email NPaul@ipre.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, 26

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

TAMMY & STEVE PHILPOT Tammy and Steve Philpot started working together shortly after they met. “I was in real estate and marketing when Steve and I met,” Tammy recalls. “He was retired from the Air Force and owned a gym, and I would ask him to help me out with showings. He’s such a personable person, and I told him he should get his real estate license! He did, and we’ve been hustling ever since.” Since then, the couple have excelled at helping their clients achieve their real estate goals.

The strength of their teamwork sets Tammy and Steve apart. “Specifically in our area, covering the entire Florida Panhandle, it’s hard for one individual rep to get to all the areas we service,” Tammy explains. Their entire team works together to make sure someone is always there for their clients.

When it comes to marketing their listings, they and their team tailor their approach to the individual property. “We use a few different methods to market our listings, because different people see different styles of marketing,” Steve says. “We don’t do just one type of marketing. We target our marketing and use multiple styles so that we can reach everybody.” This includes newspaper and magazine advertising, direct mail, social media, and more.

Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and the nonprofit Althea’s Legacy. They also sponsor local schools and youth sports. When they are not working, Tammy and Steve enjoy travelling and spending time with their pets.

Looking to the future, “Our goal is to grow, and to increase our agents and the areas we cover,” Steve says.

“We’ve been increasing our business every year, and have been getting a lot of referrals. But we’re also looking for quality over quantity in the agents we have joining our team. You have to be a team player, because you can only grow so much as an individual. When clients get to meet our whole team, that’s when they really understand that our teamwork is what sets us apart.”

Tammy agrees, emphasizing the importance of consistency and passion. “If you’re not consistent with your follow-up, you won’t go far in this career,” she says.

“Follow-up is extremely important, and you have to put the customer first always. Because if you’re not sincere, customers know! Real estate requires a lot of work. If you’re not passionate about your work, you won’t be able to have continued success.”

The Philpots and their team stay close to their past clients, hosting events to help maintain those relationships.

For example, Steve says, “We hosted a Thanksgiving celebration to give thanks to all our customers. We rented out a restaurant and invited all of our past customers to come and have a Thanksgiving meal on us.”

Being involved in their community is important to Tammy and Steve. They are active with their local Chamber of Commerce, and they do a large amount of charity work, including being involved with the Emerald Top Agent Magazine

For more about Tammy & Steve Philpot, call 850-353-1843, visit bwp850.com or email bwp850@gmail.com www.

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How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community.

However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event?

Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational. Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no sign-up sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bake-off, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer.

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GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses.

You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees.

While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way. Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

Top Agent Magazine®

Top Agent Magazine

ISABELLA FUERST TAYLOR If you’re contemplating a move to Naples, Florida, you already know why you’re going: white sand beaches, sunlit water, and all of the other wonderful things that come with luxury coastal living. What you may not know yet is which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle and budget, and that’s why you’re going to want to call award winning Realtor® Isabella Fuerst Taylor.

“I know this area so well I’m like a Google Map,” she laughs. “I know everything about the communities and their HOA’s, the rental rates, the best places to eat, or the cost of shopping. I have lots of knowledge to share, and I’m always accumulating more because I love talking with people and always have their best interests in mind!”

Originally from Passau, Germany, Isabella studied at the College of Further Education in Nuremberg, and has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications.

After school she became successful in the hospitality industry in California and Hawaii. Her love of beautiful homes and the art of interior decorating eventually led to a career shift into real estate, which she began in 2008 with Diamond Resorts International, Shell Vacation Club

by Wyndham, and Starwood Resorts selling timeshares.

Those years immediately following the housing crash were also educational, and Isabella spent them honing the skills that would allow her to guide clients through any kind of market with confidence.

Isabella has spent the last 5 years with Bex realty, which was recently acquired by Compass. She leads a team of 5 agents called “The Fuerst Team” representing clients in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers. Over the past year she’s closed 38 transactions and is on track for a sales volume of over $20 million in 2021, with her teammates closing another $10 million.

With a 100 percent repeat client and referral rate, she’s built a business that any Realtor® might envy. But she’s

earned that loyalty and trust by doing things many other Realtors® won’t.

“I go above and beyond for my clients, which sometimes means showing up to help them box up their things or move furniture if needed. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves. And when it comes to advising people about an offer or a home they’re considering, I’m not afraid to give my honest opinion based on years of experience. I think they appreciate that.”

Isabella helps sellers prepare and stage their homes to appeal to today’s buyers. She captures the best qualities of every listing with professional photographs, drone footage, video and 360-degree virtual tours. The listing is then marketed on all of the social media platforms, along with the dedicated real estate websites and a global reach through Compass’s expansive technology and Internet presence. She also markets homes in magazines, on television and on YouTube. Isabella also reaches out to the large network of agents and buyers in her sphere.

These methods and many more help her provide excellent service to buyers and sellers alike.

When not working, Isabella is an avid equestrian, and volunteers lots of time to the horse community.

She also enjoys attending riding events. At home, she loves to garden.

Going forward, Isabella will continue growing her business and training new agents so the team can run smoothly on its own. She’s excited about helping her team members build their own business. “I’ve always liked learning myself and sharing my knowledge with others. I’ve been helped in my career by good people, and I want to pay that forward.” One of my key mentors who greatly impacts my business even today is NABOR vice president Adam Vellano. He’s always there to support me, my teammates, and most importantly my clients.

Contact Isabella at 808-446-6628 or email isabella.fuerst@compass.com.

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