GEORGIA 10-17-22

GEORGIA EDITION

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TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS

IS FINDING A NICHE MARKET RIGHT FOR YOU? COVER STORY

ANN MARIE McMANUS

HOW TO SEND SMARTER EMAILS FEATURED AGENTS

ALLISON BARNETT MIKE DAYE TIFFANY STONE SCOTT

TURNING YOUR PROFESSION

INTO A PASSION

GEORGIA EDITION

TIFFANY STONE

MIKE DAYE ALLISON BARNETT usted voice and advocate arnett brings a unique combinext client is always on the way. Her optilients, Tiffany Stone sets out his life, Mike Okundaye, best int 7 16 20 legal acumen and “high vibe mistic, yet direct 19 and honest approach tion” as to her business.

With ahas alclients ensures good relationships own Mike Daye, touch lo art with her honesty and with nd in broadcasting and a law and satisfied customers. Her coaching en passionate to serve llison chose to pursue about a career helpskills prevent buyer burnout while her ice. began her real legal background provides the “shark for yea state.

ThatTiffany was 23 years rs. He would getago. his start llison has a successful career side” that steps in to protect her client’s ney when she was right out rporate sphere, working in sionate he North Metro Atlanta marbest interests and close the deal. It’s a aging 25 transactions per year. winning balance for the girl who loves and debt collection indusa fanta our everyday agent, has Allison now been in everything real estate. Every deal is hool, and mindset coaching to herhe cli- would different, and there’s a thrill in helping wever, in 1999, Georgia shares herbusiness “Meant to Be” rule for 16 years. people and getting the win. tate interest real his vol ANN MARIE Mestate MANUS MIKE DAYE TIFFANY STONE SCOTT ime, right in place, right person,while and ALLISON reminds BARNETT reathehis throughout process.At It’s no wonder When she’s not working, Allison enjoys quality time ing first the home. the clients out doing some work for a of Allison’s business is from repeat clients with her husband Knox, their malamute and their endation of his Broker, he rals! friends and family. Many former clients become lifemanagement company,” longshe friends she also enjoys spending time with. She’s to pursue his license and With h Allison’s success as a solo agent comes from alsoCONTENTS an avid baker and fan of the Hallmark Channel. nd itteam snowballed my ned at team.

RE/MAX ofinto Atlanta, where hefavorite $15 inteavolume in 2 with a agreat support With her trusted Kicking back with her stressmillion relievers - ice artner, Craig, Allison never worries about and chocolate – while watching holiday movies are the business from the ground up.

At RE/MAX, committed toGoing the core value o the closing table on time.

Knox, her buildfavorite17) waysIS to FINDING relax and recharge.

4) 5 TIPS TO GET A NICHE eal estate.

I bought myAllison’s first nd, often properties red flags forward, Allison as plans growing herYOU? realmotivated b ould gopre-inspects on to author anforaccomplished career a to continue real estate.

“I’m NEW CLIENTS MARKET RIGHT FOR ontract.

With a philosophy that “there’s room estate business and integrating more people onto her noneIatwas 18, and I just fell in Million Dollar Producer, earning the Presidential than just sell,” he says. “My the top,” Allison strives to create a team. Coaching other Realtors and business profes14)every HOW SEND 21) TURNING situation his with agentTO and transaction. sionals to achieve success, along with YOUR promoting her within first year as an agent and going on to education throughout their t he process!”

SMARTER EMAILS PROFESSION INTO team approach makes her the agent that other podcast and other business ventures are also on her c

a multi-recipient ant to work with.

of RE/MAX’s 100% Club A and builds trust, but also allows PASSION priority list. ve Club honors. The rest is history. tionship with them. It’s essen uts a great deal of emphasis on marketing her now a licensed real estate buy or sell; they must also a meet the specific goals of the owner. Starting e-listing consultation to set expectations, she Mike is an Phone Associate Broker and Real Estate Sales as possible to makeBuildin informed vice and improvements.

Allison then310-734-1440 310-734-1440 | Fax heon staging states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and up with professional photography, including elopment Consultant with the Homeland Realty mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com otage, floor plans and 3D images to strategipromot She leads aForesight small apriordeliberate No portion of this issuevery may be reproduced in any mannerteam, whatsoever without consent of the publisher.

Top Agentestate, Magazine powered by the Real Estate Group, Outside of real Mik ket the property to today’s online buyers.

You is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Allison’s listings onMagazine a variety of be social media Agent cannot held responsible for opinions expressed orand facts suppliedplaying by itspersonauthors. pool, or studying eallows assists clients throughout Metro Atlanta and char her to maintain the intimate, To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and PublishedThere, in the U.S. to hern Suburbs. heherhas combined his strong ities, with plans to scale up h Allison also markets directly network To workdecided with Allison or join her team, scholar ice her clients love.

“We’ve tolocal keep buyers and industry s cash acumen with hisprofessionals. penchant for client service to with veterans in the nea please call (770) 231-3892, email allison@thebarnettrealtygroup.com, ther ery so positive we can focus on providing 2small Top Agent Magazine ester needs of any buyer, seller, or investor. he has anthe exciting visionthe fo of energetics, Allison’s mindset TheBarnettRealtyGroup.com or visit philosophy that success is inevitable, and her exceed $20 million in volum MLS#: 470867

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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5 Tips to Get New Clients

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If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

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1

Become a referral partner with industry peers

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Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even

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with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

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3

Partner up with a Relocation Company

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Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

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Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much 6

house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

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ANN MARIE McMANUS Top Agent Magazine

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MLS# SF473771C

ANN MARIE McMANUS Top Agent Ann Marie McManus utilizes her impressive skills to guide homebuyers and sellers in the counties of Richmond and Columbia, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina Ann Marie McManus is a name well known in real estate. An Augusta native, Ann Marie has nearly four decades in real estate expertise to guide her clients to good life decisions. She received her license in 1980 during high school and began working with her father, Noel Schweers, who began selling homes in Augusta in the 1950’s!

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Ann Marie’s love of discipline and the pursuit of excellence came from studying ballet since childhood. Before devoting her career exclusively to real estate, Ann Marie trained in New York and performed with the Georgia Dance Theatre, Augusta Ballet, the Charleston Ballet and throughout Europe. She graduated with honors Top Agent Magazine

MLS# SF502170C

at the College of Charleston. These travel experiences help her identify with newcomers and help her appreciate the history and culture of her own hometown. Ann Marie has been utilizing her skills to guide homebuyers and sellers in the counties of Richmond and Columbia, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina ever since. Impressively, Ann Marie holds more credentials in real estate than any other high-producing REALTOR® in Augusta including Certified Residential Specialist, Staging Studio Home Staging Certification, Graduate Realtors Institute, GRI., Certified Negotiation Expert, and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.

She’s also the author of “Love Your Move: My Proven System for Selling Homes at Top Price.”

Over the years, Ann Marie’s discipline, drive, Top Agent Magazine

innate ability to be quick on her feet, and network in Augusta has allowed her to build her business to what it is today and continue to make her the ideal agent to represent buyers and sellers in the area.

Ann Marie has a strong administrative team who support her ever-growing business. She counts around 60% of clients as either repeats or referrals and is known as the “Agent’s Agent” with over 10% of her business coming from currently licensed, mainly local, agents who chose Ann Marie to represent them and their interests. The driving force behind her success is her tireless dedication to learning. She has had individual coaching and training through the Mike Ferry Organization for at least 30 years and counting. If Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

MLS#: 470867

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MLS# SF462748C

you’re unfamiliar, Mike Ferry was named among the most influential figures in the real estate industry by Realtor Magazine. Ann Marie has curated her team very mindfully with the knowledge that they inclusively strive for success, but even more than that, there is a mutual understanding that there is a responsibility on each member to represent each client with the utmost respect, professionalism and personalization so that each client may understand the meaning of the good life in Augusta.

To help her clients stay informed, Ann Marie shares information through newsletters, both printed and online. She produces a print publication four times a year and sends out an e-newsletter monthly to her 17,000 subscribers with market updates as well as vendor information. “I work really hard to keep my list of vendors very reliable so that I can connect my clients with the best resources,” she explains. Her large network of resources and Top Agent Magazine

craftsmen are invaluable in helping buyers and sellers with their needs.

Ann Marie believes in giving back to her community in every way she can. “I’ve been a REALTOR® for nearly forty years and it has provided an amazing lifestyle for my family and helped me make a living, but now I want to make a difference,” she says. One of the organizations she supports is Turn Back the Block in Augusta, which is a non-profit that turns vacant lots and abandoned properties into affordable homes for low-income residents. “This organization has really transformed several streets in Augusta, and I’m honored to be a part of the important work they are doing,” she says. Her involvement with the community doesn’t stop there — Ann Marie supports many local organizations like the Heritage Academy and serves on the Housing Committee for the Augusta, Georgia Homeless Task Force.

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MLS# SF462748C

Today, Ann Marie maintains her status of being one of Augusta’s top real estate professionals with a sales record of over 2200 homes. To add to that, in 2021, her listings-sold averaged 103% of the listed price. As she looks to the future of her business, she plans to take on a buyer’s agent to further sup-

port her clients. She just hired a new listing and marketing coordinator and makes sure all her teammates are highly trained and skilled. “I don’t want our focus to be divided because I want us to continue to offer the same high level of service that I have always given to my clients.”

To learn more about Ann Marie McManus, call 706-481-3800, visit AnnMarieMcManus.com www.

or email annmarie@annmariemcmanus.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

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add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4.

MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5.

TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6.

DON’T SPAM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

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ALLISON BARNETT Allison Barnett brings a unique combination of legal acumen and “high vibe manifestation” to her business. With a background in broadcasting and a law degree, Allison chose to pursue a career in real estate. That was 23 years ago.

Today, Allison has a successful career serving the North Metro Atlanta market, averaging 25 transactions per year.

Unlike your everyday agent, Allison provides mindset coaching to her clients. She shares her “Meant to Be” rule of right time, right place, right person, and reminds them to breathe throughout the process. It’s no wonder that 90% of Allison’s business is from repeat clients and referrals!

Much of Allison’s success as a solo agent comes from working with a great support team. With her trusted lender partner, Craig, Allison never worries about getting to the closing table on time. Knox, her builder-husband, often pre-inspects properties for red flags prior to contract. With a philosophy that “there’s room for everyone at the top,” Allison strives to create a win-win situation with every agent and transaction.

Allison’s team approach makes her the agent that other agents want to work with.

Allison puts a great deal of emphasis on marketing her listings to meet the specific goals of the owner. Starting with a pre-listing consultation to set expectations, she offers advice on staging and improvements. Allison then follows up with professional photography, including drone footage, floor plans and 3D images to strategically market the property to today’s online buyers. You can find Allison’s listings on a variety of social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Allison also markets directly to her network of agents, cash buyers and industry professionals.

As a master of energetics, Allison’s positive mindset creates a philosophy that success is inevitable, and her 16

next client is always on the way. Her optimistic, yet direct and honest approach with clients ensures good relationships and satisfied customers. Her coaching skills prevent buyer burnout while her legal background provides the “shark side” that steps in to protect her client’s best interests and close the deal. It’s a winning balance for the girl who loves everything real estate. Every deal is different, and there’s a thrill in helping people and getting the win.

When she’s not working, Allison enjoys quality time with her husband Knox, their malamute and their friends and family. Many former clients become lifelong friends she also enjoys spending time with. She’s also an avid baker and fan of the Hallmark Channel.

Kicking back with her favorite stress relievers - ice tea and chocolate – while watching holiday movies are Allison’s favorite ways to relax and recharge. Going forward, Allison plans to continue growing her real estate business and integrating more people onto her team. Coaching other Realtors and business professionals to achieve success, along with promoting her podcast and other business ventures are also on her priority list.

To work with Allison or join her team, please call (770) 231-3892, email allison@thebarnettrealtygroup.com, or visit TheBarnettRealtyGroup.com www.

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Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market 17

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There 18

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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MIKE DAYE Throughout his life, Mike Okundaye, also known as Mike Daye, has always been passionate about helping others. He would get his start in the corporate sphere, working in the sales and debt collection industry; however, in 1999, he would take an interest in real estate while purchasing his first home. At the recommendation of his Broker, he decided to pursue his license and later joined a team at RE/MAX of Atlanta, where he learned the business from the ground up. At RE/MAX, Mike would go on to author an accomplished career as a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, earning the Presidential Award within his first year as an agent and going on to become a multi-recipient of RE/MAX’s 100% Club and Executive Club honors. The rest is history.

Today, Mike is an Associate Broker and Real Estate Sales and Development Consultant with the Homeland Realty Group, powered by the Foresight Real Estate Group, where he assists clients throughout Metro Atlanta and its Northern Suburbs. There, he has combined his strong business acumen with his penchant for client service to meet the needs of any buyer, seller, or investor.

When listing a property, Mike prefers a diversified strategy. After helping his clients fully prepare their home for the market, he shares it via both the regional MLS and a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. Moreover, he leverages proven outlets like mailers and flyers to the surrounding communities, as well as his own extensive database of fellow agents, buyer leads, and investors, to give each client an added advantage.

Elsewhere, Mike is just as attentive with his buyers, carefully guiding them to the right investment for their

best interests. In fact, he keeps in touch long after the deals are done to serve as their ongoing resource for years to come. This compassionate approach has earned him a fantastic reputation throughout Georgia, with the vast majority of his volume coming from repeat clients or referrals.

With his team having completed $15 million in volume in 2021 alone, Mike remains committed to the core values that first brought him to real estate. “I’m motivated by a passion to teach, rather than just sell,” he says. “My clients receive a genuine education throughout their transaction, which not only builds trust, but also allows me to foster a lasting relationship with them. It’s essential that they don’t merely buy or sell; they must also acquire as much knowledge as possible to make informed decisions on their future.”

Outside of real estate, Mike enjoys watching soccer, playing pool, or studying architecture and the humanities, with plans to scale up his community involvement with local veterans in the near future. As for real estate, he has an exciting vision for his business. On pace to exceed $20 million in volume in 2022, he intends on adding to his team while scaling the boutique standards that continue to set him apart.

In the meantime, though, Mike is excited for all the new clients and connections that await. “Facilitating people’s dreams gives me the greatest joy of all. My mindset is centered around identifying a client’s goal and making it happen, no matter what. Helping someone successfully cross the finish line – especially those who never thought they could buy – is what drives me the most.”

To learn more about Mike Daye, email mike@atlluxuryhomesforsale.com, visit atlluxuryhomesforsale.com or call (404) 933-7551. www.

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TIFFANY STONE SCOTT Long a trusted voice and advocate for her clients, Tiffany Stone sets herself apart with her honesty and expert advice. Tiffany began her real estate journey when she was right out of high school, and has now been in the real estate business for 16 years.

“I started out doing some work for a property management company,” she recalls, “and it snowballed into my career in real estate. I bought my first home when I was 18, and I just fell in love with the process!”

Tiffany is now a licensed real estate broker in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. She leads a very small team, a deliberate choice that allows her to maintain the intimate, personalized service her clients love. “We’ve decided to keep our team very small so we can focus on providing the same level of client service that I personally do,” Tiffany explains.

A solid 25% of Tiffany’s business comes from repeat clients, a sure sign of the strong, trusting relationships she builds. “I have some clients I’ve helped buy and sell three or four times over the years,” Tiffany says. “I think that I have a very distinct way of doing business. I always tell my clients that I’ll stress so they don’t have to! If a problem comes up, I try not to call them with anything until I have a solution. But at the same time, I don’t sugarcoat. I’m not the type of agent who’s just going to tell them what they want to hear. I would rather be upfront with them from the start.” It’s this straightforward honesty that leaves clients feeling secure and confident in Tiffany’s advice.

When marketing her listings, Tiffany is able to draw on her huge social media following to ensure optimum exposure. Her team has been awarded one of the top social media real estate accounts in the state of Georgia and nationwide, and she is always making an effort to stay current on the newest platforms. Tiffany also has a 20

unique advantage that offers her a platform to promote areas and homes. “I am a host on the TV show American Dream TV:Selling Atlanta,” Tiffany explains.

“That’s a fairly recent addition to some of the marketing options we have, and it’s been really helpful because I can promote these listings and areas on an Emmy-nominated show that’s on public broadcasting and streaming. That really gets sellers’ attention.”

Giving back to her community is important to Tiffany, and she is excited to have recently opened her own nonprofit, the Building Bombshells Foundation, which is aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and helping women and children in need. The foundation’s work includes a scholarship program for women who are trying to further their education, as well as entrepreneur mentoring.

In the coming years, Tiffany says, “I want to focus on expanding my team more. I’m very picky about that! It has to be the right people, not just anybody. I also want to transition more into a broker role and start being able to help other people build their careers, although I don’t think I will ever completely step away from selling. My husband jokes that I will be 95 years old with a walker still showing houses! That’s how much I love it.”

For more about Tiffany, call (678) 704-5844, email tiffanysrealtor@gmail.com or find her online at tiffanysellsthesouth.com www.

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Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion.

After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality Top Agent Magazine

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own.

Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project?

Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement.

By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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