By Raquel Salas
Special for El Inmobiliario
The 21st century brought with it the normalization of immediacy. It's common for recent generations, having grown up alongside the technological revolution, to expect instant results. While this characteristic allows us to be competitive and results-oriented, it also affects us with a profound sense of urgency, a phenomenon that real estate agents are not immune to.
Throughout my years in the industry, both actively and passively, I've observed how many consultants end up in a bad place because they don't allow themselves to experience their own processes. I've seen many venture into self-employment after a few closures, believing they know everything, without pausing for even a minute to reflect on what that decision entails.
The problem
Driven by a sense of urgency, many relevant details are overlooked, negatively impacting professional reputation. Venturing into independent real estate sales without a solid educational foundation results in poor client service, inefficient lead generation, little to no research on properties being marketed, unclear objectives, and an unstable market niche due to insufficient time invested in defining it.
Furthermore, other problems that arise from skipping evolutionary stages in this sector include disloyalty, a lack of professional ethics, and careerism. As a life coach and team trainer, I often make managers understand that employees are not their property, nor the property of the institution. Eventually, the employment relationship will end, whether because the employee found a better offer, because the company discontinued services, or because they resigned to pursue their own path.
Final reflections
This last reason is especially delicate when it stems from competition and bad faith. Except in a few isolated cases, where the employee has the experience and ability to forge their own path, they seek closure through dialogue and gratitude. However, the ego of leaders often prevents them from understanding this. Returning to the point, just as we experience stages from preschool to higher education, there is a natural process in the real estate sector.
Perhaps you're wondering, "Raquel, what if I'm not happy at the real estate agency where I work?" If so, I encourage you to reflect on what's making you feel unhappy at your company and answer yourself with complete honesty. I wouldn't rule out that your discomfort stems from poor leadership, communication problems, limited opportunities for growth, or a lack of appreciation for employees. It's also possible that your discomfort is due to the company trying to push you out of your comfort zone, demanding more from you in a competitive environment.
If it's the first scenario, I'd recommend that before venturing out as an independent agent or starting your own real estate company, you apply to more established firms. Be sure to research how they operate and whether they align with your goals; it will be more beneficial to continue growing alongside experts. If it's the second scenario, you might be dealing with imposter syndrome, and out of fear of success, you're subconsciously avoiding situations that challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and go the extra mile.
Your time to start your own business will come; perhaps
I want you to know that if, from before the foundation of the world, you were destined to create your own real estate agency or to be a top independent producer, you will achieve it, but in due time, neither before nor after. I added "perhaps" because not everyone is called to be an entrepreneur, and in fact, not everyone has that burning desire to own a business. Some just ride the wave; please don't be one of them!
The thing about owning a real estate agency and leading a team is that, as an agent, you focus solely on supporting your clients. Having your own company demands a significant investment if you want to succeed: we're talking about office rent, electricity, internet, fixed salaries for administrative staff, investment in marketing campaigns, sales team training, uniforms, commissions, taxes, and the list goes on and on, because I'm still not even scratching the surface.
Advice
Experience every stage of this wonderful industry. Move forward steadily, but without rushing. Invest in yourself, develop the necessary technical skills, and if your goal is to one day own your own business, invest in your holistic growth. Develop your soft skills, strengthen your spirituality, and learn everything you can about leadership. Make a habit of everything you want to pass on to your team in the future, so you can lead by example. Sow today so you can reap tomorrow. I'll leave you with an invitation to reflect on the importance of experiencing the process and enjoying the journey.
The author is: Public relations officer for Mystiq developments, CEO and founder of Positive Refocus, director of the RP Media Group, life coach and motivational speaker certified by John Maxwell Leadership, co-founder of the introspective podcast Green Dogs, author of "Before Saying Yes" and "Time for Me".
