We were lucky to catch up with Angelina Hagler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
When I started working as an assistant for commercial real estate agents, I was nervous and unsure of my place in the industry. I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school, making calls, holding open houses, and placing marketing signs for older, more serious agents. I was eager to learn, but the intricate, fast-paced conversations about ‘the market’ with investors on the phone, and the responsibility of handling adult’s busy schedules was overwhelming. The more I learned, the less I felt I knew. I often found myself with imposter syndrome, reducing myself down to ‘an incompetent child,’ in the face of tasks I figured was “important adult stuff.” But, as the weeks turned into months, I slowly started to find my rhythm. I flowed better in business conversations and was managing previously “confusing” information with ease. One day I looked in the mirror and saw a different person, one that was going to find her path in an industry she knew she wanted to be in; A young lady, not a child, that knew if she just tried, she could do whatever she set her mind to! But, I was a little puzzled, how did I find such self-assurance in myself, being a complete newcomer to a high stakes industry after just a year? How had I become such a different person and gotten over the imposter syndrome I was facing? Isn’t it normal for teenage girls to be a little insecure?
I looked back to when I was beginning my assistant work. Often, especially at home, I figured that, I could kind of present myself however I wanted. I wasn’t representing any clients, so it must’ve not mattered how I was showing up to people! But on the occasional morning that I did some self care, wore makeup, put on something nice, and got some coffee before starting, I found myself performing much better! I’d get on the phone, put on my best “professional voice” and tried to create the image of a self-confident businesswoman. I’d get great responses these days, and even had a job offer from a solar sales team just from a phone call! I realized what I had been doing in these times of heavy stress, was “playing real estate agent.” Before I consciously figured it out, I had realized that to these people I was calling, it didn’t matter that I was young! If spoke with confidence and felt that I was in the right place, they would listen to me! I found so much freedom in realizing, after a full year, that you are just what you make of yourself. Nobody else tells you who or what you are, before you tell them. Even if it’s something as small as your tone of voice. You can’t get where you want to be, by not trying in the first place, and you certainly have nothing to lose just from a simple, friendly conversation with someone!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
With 11 years of experience in the world of competitive figure skating, and having been tutored by non-nonsense Russian coaches, my background has instilled a strong, unshakable discipline in me. My history of performing under pressure makes for a relentless advocate on behalf of my clients, and myself as a professional! I was always taught, from the age of 4 years old, that after I scrape my knees on the ice, and bust my ass, I get up and do it all over again. I cannot get on that rink in front of the judges and act like a chicken instead of a swan. I try and try again until I can leap into the air, do several rotations, and land on one foot like nothing happened. I have learned to understand the importance of balancing the main idea, and the details, in both figure skating and real estate negotiations. Whether working with buyers or sellers, I approach every transaction with the same dedication and commitment that led to success on the ice. I can’t have it any other way. There is nothing like the feeling of performing that ‘one’ routine you spent a year on, for the final time, in front of people who are there specifically just to judge you, and pulling it off perfectly. It is immensely empowering. I need my clients to feel the same way. I have a commitment to that same empowerment for my clients, through property ownership, and it’s one of my guiding principles behind every consultation, negotiation, and transaction.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients is simply cold calling new people! Every time I reach out to someone new, all my previous knowledge and experience is compounded, and I always do better and better, again and again! Getting clients through connections is a really great sign that you are doing well, but, personally, nothing beats the feeling of introducing my self to someone new. Every time I do, I can just feel how far I’ve come.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I always treat people how I would want to be treated. I’ve seen how other great brokers- shout out George Pino and Joe Killinger!- balance professionalism and friendship, and I am always trying to emulate them, and look for ways to connect with people as friends, within the context of business! People remember a lot more than you think they might, and keeping myself in a good mood and connecting with others is 1. a good use of my time, and 2. something they will remember about me and the brokerage I’m with. Small talk is also a very useful tool! If someone mentions when their birthday is, remember the day, and give them a call next year.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @angelinahaglercre
- Linkedin: Angelina Hagler
- Twitter: @anghaglercre
