We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

For many people, your home is at the center of your universe. It’s where you feel safe and at peace, where you celebrate and spend time with the most important people in your life, and where you create memories and grow. Real Estate is personal- I can easily say it’s the most personal thing in your life. Coming from an 8 year position with a Real Estate Tech company, something that I always felt was missing was that personal aspect. Corporations and tech forward companies are always looking to simplify things- getting you into the home faster, clicking a button to schedule an appointment, and making offers via an online platform. But what’s always missed is that trusted Real Estate agent to hold your hand thorough the up’s and down’s of buying a home. Anyone can write an offer for you, but when you’re feeling frustrated based on the amount of competition in your market not many few things can replace that late night call with your Realtor to calm your nerves, boost your confidence, and assure you that we are going to find the perfect home! A few years ago I had the pleasure of helping a client sell her mothers home after she passed away, it was extremely emotional. I feel confident in saying that any aspect of technology couldn’t replace my afternoon coffee dates with my client where I allowed her a space to feel safe and reminisce on her mother. During those times I got to know her best, and quickly realized this was more than just a sale. Another time, I helped clients coordinate the sale of their antique cars from across the country after selling their home in Miami. These are the personal things that big corporations seem to miss, and for me it’s what I’ve built my business on and what I enjoy the most about my job.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Staying in touch is key- and admittedly it’s not something I have always had time to do but during those years I can see how my business was impacted. I have a calendar that I check every day- and I e-mail, call, or send little gifts to clients on their anniversary. I also do Holiday e-mails or cards. And, if I am in the area showing a home I will send the client a quick text to say Hi. It’s not just about being their Realtor but it’s also about fostering a relationship over the years. In addition, adding your clients on Facebook is an easy way to keep in touch. You can easily reach out on a Birthday or congratulate them on a new baby. It’s also a place for them to get more personal with me and see family pictures, recent travels etc- as my profile is not all real estate related.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Last year I left my 8 year position with a Real Estate Technology company where I had found lots of success, and at the time of my departure I had worked my way up and was managing a team of 8-12 realtors. Even though I had a great amount of career success, I wasn’t happy. And, more importantly I had health issues from the stress. I kept feeling like there was more to life than working at an unhealthy pace. It was incredibly scary because this change not only affected me but my entire family- but I knew that it had to be done. I joined a mom and pop local brokerage that’s owned by a friend of mine, and I got to work on rebuilding my business the way I wanted to. Now, it’s no longer about volume but about relationships- the way I have always wanted it to be. And, I am lucky enough to be in an environment that supports that goal of mine. My broker and I are projecting that this will be a very successful year for me.

If there’s anything I want people to take from this it’s make that change, jump ship, and do what makes YOU happy. With determination and drive you can have the business you want, and run it exactly the way you want to. Don’t be afraid of change!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/jesskeepingitrealestate
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesskeepingitrealestate/