We were lucky to catch up with Erika Choriego recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

I started working entry level sales in a fitness business and within 2 years was the only Director running not one, but two departments. I was severely overworked and significantly overpaid. I had toyed around with the idea of getting my real estate license for a long time when I finally decided to take the leap. I thought to myself ‘If I’m going to work this hard for someone else, why would I not work this hard for myself’? At the time it felt like a risk to quit my job and invest in myself, but it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. Starting any business has its challenges, but I love where it has landed me: putting my skill set and experience to good use, running a business on my terms, helping people in my community and there is no financial ceiling to limit me. The lesson here? The BEST investment you’ll ever make is into yourself…….and the second best investment is real estate!

Erika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a REALTOR® and entrepreneur by day, and a wife and dog mom by night. I have been in the real estate industry for 4 years after toying with the idea for way too long. I got into real estate in 2020 with the goal of helping people change their lives and wealth through real estate. Since then I’ve spent countless hours sharpening my skillset to be the best secret weapon in 2 ways: 1. My luxury listing method helps sellers earn top dollar for their homes. & 2. My market expertise helps first time home buyers get into homes in their price range in any market.

My mission is to make my clients transactions profitable & enjoyable through my education and expertise. Whether a client needs to list a luxury property or buy their 1st home, they are in good hands with me. What sets me apart is that I keep it real with my clients, even when that means having a hard conversation. I believe this is how I can best advise them and protect their investments. I do not take my role in their transaction lightly. My business focuses on: relationships over transactions, community over competition, serving over selling, creating the outcomes my clients desire, enjoying the process, and empowerment through education.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

There are so many strategies that can be employed to grow a new business & that’s part of the fun of being a business owner – deciding what feels good for you and which strategies make sense for your growth goals.

When I first got my license, I didn’t want to cold call or door knock, so I took a different approach: I worked a part time job at a gym. This accomplished two things for me: I had a steady income while getting my business off the ground which was nice, and I was plugged into a community where I was able to build my network. That network turned into a steady stream of clients for my business & to this day I continue to get new clients from the relationships I formed there.

From day one I ultimately focused on 3 things to gain new clients. 1. I stayed in contact with my sphere of influence. 2. I made a commitment to continue expand my network. & 3. I committed to showing up on social media consistently. These are the 3 main strategies I continue to use to grow my business today!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is such a powerful tool for any business. The reach you can have with social media is unparalled when compared to other lead generation options which is why I’ve chosen to prioritize it in my business.

In order to build your audience, you need to know who your target audience is and what they stand to gain by following you. Knowing your ideal client will make it easier for you to create content for that specific person.

It’s important that your content provides value for your audience – whether that’s entertainment, education, or inspiration – the person reading your post or watching your reel needs to “get something from you” if they’re going to hit ‘follow’ and eventually become a paying client/customer.

My advice for those just getting started with social media is to not worry about it being perfect, just start. There are a ton of free blogs and videos out there to help beginners. It’s like anything else in life – the more you do it, the easier it gets and the better you’ll become at it.
Another thing – you don’t have to be on all the platforms right away. Start with the one where your ideal client is most likely to be. Show up consistently on that one platform and become a master at it. Then you can add in other social platforms and expand your social reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erikachoriego.bhhspfrconnectks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestatebyerika/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestatebyerikachoriego
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-choriego-6b9b7661/
• Other: https://realestatebyerika.my.canva.site/website

Image Credits

Ashlyn Faith Photography