EVERY PLAYER IS

Every Player is Valuable: How to Boost Your Team’s Morale

In the fast-paced world of real estate, it can be easy to overlook the contributions of those lower-level employees who are instrumental in our success, yet are overlooked when it comes to recognizing the important roles they play in keeping our business operating smoothly.

Even a task that seems simple, such as answering phones, can be overwhelming at times. Letting these employees know that they are appreciated is something that often goes overlooked at busier companies, and can often result in impaired morale overall, as employee dissatisfaction tends to be contagious.

Here are some things that you can do to increase morale and productivity in your workplace:

While it’s important to point out when an employee is doing something wrong, it is equally – if not more – important to acknowledge when that employee is doing something right.

1While it’s important to point out when an employee is doing something wrong, and sometimes to reprimand, it is equally – if not more – important to acknowledge when that employee is doing something right. Even a simple compliment can go a long, long way towards building that employee’s morale, and therefore their willingness to go the extra mile for your team. An example: “Sally, I just heard you on the phone with that client. You sounded very professional and I really appreciate your representing our business that way.”

2Determine what all of your employee’s goals are, and what their expectations for growth might be. There may be lower level employees who are perfectly content doing what they’re doing, and who have absolutely no expectations for growth in your business. Others, however, may have an interest in moving up the ladder. Make it your business to determine this early on, and try to take a personal interest in your employee’s growth with your company. Knowing there is room to grow is an important factor in employee satisfaction, and knowing who wants to grow and who doesn’t is something you should be aware of. Groom from within, and your employees will be grateful and work harder.

3If your workplace is highly stratified, with multiple levels of employees (agents, senior agents, loan processers, assistants, etc.,) make an effort to ensure that everyone feels valued as part of the team regardless of what they earn. Various team building exercises that encourage trust and a sense of familiarity can go a long way towards fostering an environment that is less unnecessarily competitive and more productive and cooperative. A quick web search for “Trust Building Exercises” will help you locate many good ways to achieve a newfound level of camaraderie amongst your team. Many of them are quite a bit of fun, too.

Hopefully these tips will assist you in creating a better-functioning, higher-achieving team of motivated, caring employees. Remember, a chain is only as strong as the weakest link, so be sure to keep everyone feeling appreciated, supported and valued, and your company will only benefit.

Working in fashion design may not seem like a typical start to a career in real estate, but for agent Noel Hall, the transition from running a multimillion-dollar operation for a fashion conglomerate to launching a solo real estate business was surprisingly smooth— and success came quickly. Only two years after obtaining her license, representing the west side of Cleveland as a member of EZ SalesTeam (the #1 real estate team in Ohio), Noel is on track to close on $8 million in sales in 2020.

The truth is, upon reflection, Noel’s landing in real estate makes sense. In 2018, while still working for a well-known luxury designer, she could see the fashion industry was moving online and her job would require more hours and increased travel, so she began looking for other options. She had an interest in real estate fueled by her own buying experiences and a healthy dose of HGTV, a masters degree in business, experience in finance, and connections from her first career who knew and trusted her. Perhaps most importantly, real estate would give Noel the chance to work for herself—and therefore, she hoped, determine her own work-life balance.

“It was the right choice,” Noel says now, and her clients would certainly agree. Two years in, nearly 40% of her clients, primarily investors, are repeat customers. If you ask her what brings them back, she’ll tell you it’s a combination of flexibility, reliability, and integrity. “I treat others the way I want to be treated,” she adds.

Noel’s listings range from $70,000 - $400,000, with an average price around $175,000. Mindful that buying real estate involves a commitment of time, money, and effort for everyone, regardless of price-point, she strives to be sensitive to whatever her clients may need. Whether it’s calming a nervous family buying their dream home, helping an investor assess a property, or finding a lender, Noel works hard to be a trusted resource, solving problems and answering questions. What she values most about her job is “knowing that my skillset can help make a very stressful situation easier for somebody else.” Given her previous career, Noel also recognizes the value of strong marketing. She focuses on producing professional, high-quality visuals that incorporate drone footage and 3D walkthroughs; places listings on the MLS, Zillow, and other online platforms; seeks opportunities for targeted marketing on social media; and reaches out regularly to clients, past and present, with emails, anniversary cards, and holiday calendars—noting she “stays on the fridge year round.”

Looking to the future, Noel’s next step is determining how best to leverage her volume and referrals while creating opportunities for others. As a member of “Work with the Winners,” she organizes networking events for commission-based professionals and small business owners, including realtors, lenders, photographers, builders, and custom gift suppliers, noting that, along with supporting her community, she’s made connections that account for 20% of her new business.

Best of all, Noel is happy to report she’s finding that the well-balanced life she hoped for is possible. Outside of work, she volunteers at her son’s school and her local animal shelter, and teaches PSR at their church. She also enjoys shopping, gardening, and spending time with her son—watching him play football, hiking, and creating memorable experiences.

NOEL HALL

For more information about Noel Hall, call 216-210-3310, visit www.EZSalesTeam.com, or email noel@EZSalesTeam.com

ANNIE HERNAEZ

Annie Hernaez had plans to become a massage therapist when she switched tracks and became a notary for her friend’s brokerage. From there, she found her way into real estate when she was recruited to break away with a small group that formed their own business in 2007. The group began as a local business in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and soon they were so successful that they extended nationally.

Now a Top Producing Agent at Keller Williams, Annie loves where she has landed. “Keller Williams provides so many tools and knowledge,” Annie says. With all of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals, Annie attributes her success to her client-centered approach. “When I partnered with John Simcoe, I learned so much from him,” Annie says. “I learned the value of treating clients like family. He has been one of the top producers in the Inland Empire, and he taught me to give clients everything, to make them feel how much you value them and their business. I make clients my priority every day.” Annie does almost no external marketing for herself, as she lets her reputation bring the business. “If you do your best by your clients,” she says, “they will go out to sell you better than you could sell yourself.”

Dedicated to the ever-changing nature of the real estate industry, Annie is committed to adapting with the times. She has extensive experience in the wholesale market, and she can offer investors her expertise. “My investment knowledge separates me from the majority,” Annie says. “It’s a really different world. And there is huge interest in investment right now.”

With a versatile and comprehensive marketing approach, Annie is able to market her clients’ properties through social media campaigns, as well as by leveraging her network. “Our office is the Number One brokerage in the area,” Annie says. “Working with a good brand, a good company, and good agents is so impactful for our clients. Our in-house marketing alone gives them enormous exposure.”

One of the aspects of her career that Annie appreciates the most is the flexibility it affords her to focus on raising a family. Annie has a husband and four children, and together they love taking part in athletic activities. “We’re all very competitive as athletes,” Annie says. “Everything we do is a race.” Annie is also dedicated to giving back to the community. Active in her church and the food pantry, Annie helps hand out and deliver meals to over 200 families a week. “There are so many people who are not so fortunate right now, with Covid especially,” Annie says. “I love that I am able to give back.”

For the future, Annie looks forward to expanding her geographic reach, and extending her services to highend clientele. With a love for learning new things, Annie is excited about what the future of real estate has to offer. “My entire career has been one market change after another,” Annie says. “That’s what I’ve learned. It’s always changing, and you have to change with it. There’s always a buyer for every kind of market, you just have to transition to meet their needs. I love that challenge.”

For more about Annie Hernaez call (951) 808-2377 or email AnnieHernaez@gmail.com.