It’s Not a Dog-Eat-Dog World, After All.

We all know the expression . It refers to a place or situation that is highly competitive. In a dog-eat-dog world, people will do whatever it takes to be successful, even if that means harming others in the process.

Now let me start by saying, yes in some cases it is a dog-eat-dog world. It just all depends on the environment you put yourself in.

We have all been there. Competing to be the best of the best. But what’s the point? Why wouldn’t you want to share your success stories and knowledge with someone who is willing to learn it? Someone who isn’t afraid to work for it. — When I first got into Real-estate I was told, “No-one is your friend” “It’s them or you” etc. I thought to myself, there is no way. There had to be people in this field & in life who wanted to help others and see them succeed just as they did.

I’ve always been able to do is tell the good in people, from the moment I meet them. It’s a weird sense I get, and couldn’t tell you why. Even if they act with the purest intentions I can usually read right through them.

— I had been at a brokerage before I got to Carolina One, nothing against them but it just wasn’t an environment I felt comfortable in. It was more of a wolf of wall street type (even though I love the movie lol) It just didn’t align with how I wanted to run my business. They cold called, and mostly dealt with listings. (Now I am in no way talking down on this brokerage. They are great people and agents. I just needed more of an organic type of approach) I am someone who wanted to meet my clients face to face, build my sphere & greet them with a smiling face not a phone call. I did this for about 2 weeks and realized I might’ve chose the wrong brokerage for me.

I had luckily known someone from the gym who has been an agent for a long time now, Adam Killermann. I would always keep him updated on my life & when I first started schooling for real estate, I was so excited to tell him I was getting into it! – After the months of countless tests, I finally passed. I ran into the gym that day & told him the news. He was so happy for me. I had told him I was thinking of switching brokers & he mentioned Carolina One. – I was always a little weary about corporate brokerages. I am more of a mom & pops type of girl. – After a week of talking to him about my next step, I decided to go and talk to the broker in charge at the West Islands office.

When I walked into the office I felt a sense of home. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. That was the first tell tale sign I was making the right choice. – I walked into Jackie’s office & began talking to her about what I was looking for in a broker. She checked off all of my boxes & most of all, the way Carolina One took the organic approach to selling was what I was looking for. I signed with them the next day.

As the month went on, I attended all the Thursday meetings, launch classes & anything I could get into to learn more about the market & career I had chosen. I made sure to go into the office daily and to interact with all of the agents. & let me tell you, everyone I came into contact with never gave me the vibe of “Dog eat Dog” I like to sit upfront in the office when I come in & everyone would come up, introduce theirselves to me. They would say “If you need anything please let me know” – My first offer I had to write I was so nervous, contracts can be like staring at a pit full of spiders. (okay that was dramatic) anyways, I reached out to Peter Kouten (who is also a very successful agent) He helped me step by step and never asked for any kick-backs, etc. I did tell him I would take him to lunch when it got accepted though! lol I could sit here and name countless of them who have been there for me when I truly needed it. But guess what? None of them asked for anything in return. That’s when I realized there are agents out there in the sales world who actually want to see others also succeed.

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You are the one who allows yourself to be in the competitive environment. Once you feel you are inside of that, I promise you…. RUN! You will end up being the person you can’t stand. The one fighting their way to the top with no remorse for others. No one wants to surround their-self with those type of people. If you have this mentality it radiates off of you. Clients can smell it from a mile away, so can co-workers and friends.

Be the one that new people can come to, the one who they can learn from.

My dad was a very successful man. He franchised Domino’s Pizza in Maryland before he passed and never once hid anything he did to get to where he did. He had such a genuine, humble heart. He helped my uncle start his first store & now (my uncle) has 20 stores. — Both of these men showed me what it truly means to be successful and you know how? They never looked down on others. Never doubted someone’s potential and most of all, didn’t bring people down to get to the top. Instead they took them by the hand and showed them the way. I strive to be just like them and everyone else I have met who are the same way.

No one ever became successful on their own. Ask for help, put yourself in the right atmosphere & remember, they were all were we once were.