We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dana Cooley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Growing up my parents always told me I could be anything I want too. “Make sure you work smarter not harder.” Was one of the phrases that has always stuck with me. My mother has owned her own business for 30 years and my father was in the Military. Watching both my parents work hard to provide for me and my siblings has helped give me the drive I need to be successful in my industry.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I always knew I wanted to own my own business. This is something that has been my goal since I was young. I love the endless possibilities and how I can help people navigate through what is a lot of times the biggest purchase in someones life. I take pride in helping my landlords and renters as well, it makes my heart happy when a tenant turns into a buyer client because I know the hard work they have put in to get there.
When owning a business I think it is imperative that the business owner never stops learning. In my line of work everyday brings something new and different. No two transactions are the same and this gives me the opportunity to keep learning to better serve my clients.
I am a single mom to an awesome little boy, he is my why. I encourage any business owner or anyone in general to find your “why” in life. He is by far my greatest accomplishment!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Reputation is a huge part of your success as a business owner. What has helped me is being authentic, always be you. You may not be the right fit for everyone and that is okay. Making sure you are available for your clients and their needs. My clients love that they know they can always reach me.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I have grew my clientele by reaching out to my circle of friends and family, making sure they know what you do and that you are here to help. Also by networking with other business owners, sometimes your best referral partner may be someone who is in the same industry as you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cooleycohomes.com
- Instagram: dana.cooley_realtor
- Facebook: Dana Cooley, Cooley & Co.
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-cooley-bab5b518b