Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lenaille Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lenaille, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to start your own firm or do you wish you had started sooner?

Title: “Hindsight Wisdom: Starting Sooner in Business”

In the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, timing can be everything. Looking back on my journey as a business owner, I can’t help but wish I had started sooner. Here’s my personal account of the benefits and challenges of the timing of my entrepreneurial journey.

Backstory:
I embarked on my business venture in 2010, right after the global financial crisis of 2008. At that time, I had a comfortable career in a different industry, which provided a stable income but lacked the fulfillment and excitement I craved. It was precisely this thirst for something more that drove me to start my business.

Starting Sooner:
The regret of not having started my business sooner stems from several factors. Firstly, I missed out on a handful of opportunities that had already passed by the time I entered the game. Emerging trends and technologies had already shifted, and some lucrative markets were saturated. Additionally, potential mentors who could have guided me had moved on to other endeavors or retired.

2008 Crash Scenario:
Considering the potential for another 2008-like economic downturn, starting earlier would have allowed me to build a more resilient business. I could have learned from the previous crisis and implemented strategies to weather economic storms more effectively. Being in business for longer would have meant having a more established and diverse client base, reducing vulnerability to economic fluctuations.

Progress and Regret:
Looking back, I see the progress I’ve made in my business since its inception in 2010, and I can’t help but wonder how much further along I could have been. However, I’ve also gained valuable experience and perspective over the years, which might not have been as rich had I started earlier.

In conclusion, the question of whether to start sooner or later in business is deeply personal. While I wish I had begun my journey earlier to capitalize on certain opportunities and mentors, I also appreciate the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In the face of potential economic challenges, the best time to start a business is ultimately a complex and unique decision that depends on individual circumstances, aspirations, and the ever-evolving landscape of the business world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly, here’s a background story that you can share with your readers:

**Background:**
I entered the real estate industry with a mission to bridge the gap between credit scores, homeownership, and real estate opportunities. My journey began after a brief stint in credit repair, where I recognized a significant challenge: many individuals with less-than-ideal credit were locked out of traditional lending options. I saw an opportunity to create solutions for both investors and aspiring homeowners.

**Products/Services:**
My primary focus is on teaching others how to creatively buy and sell real estate. I offer guidance to those looking to purchase properties for themselves and those interested in real estate investment. I’ve also ventured into buying and holding real estate, building my own portfolio, and witnessing the transformation it can bring to people’s lives in terms of wealth and financial freedom.

**Problem Solving:**
I address the challenge of limited creditworthiness by providing innovative strategies for real estate transactions. I empower individuals to enter the real estate market and achieve their dreams, even when traditional financing might not be an option. My approach is about filling the gaps in the market and making homeownership and investment opportunities accessible to a broader range of people.

**What Sets Me Apart:**
What makes me unique is my ability to adapt to different situations in the real estate market. Coming from a background where pivoting was a crucial survival skill, I’ve applied this adaptability to my business. I’m a continuous learner and innovator, which is essential in the competitive world of real estate. Furthermore, my extensive knowledge and experiences set me apart, allowing me to teach at a higher level, providing insights gained from years of learning and investing.

**Pride and Goals:**
I take pride in helping individuals realize their real estate dreams, whether it’s homeownership or building wealth through investment. My goal is to share my knowledge and experiences to empower others to achieve their financial goals through real estate. I’m proud of my journey from the streets to the world of real estate, and I’m committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those I work with.

**What I Want You to Know:**
Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that my approach to real estate is driven by a deep understanding of the market, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to empowering individuals. I offer a unique perspective and a high level of expertise, born from my experiences and continual learning. I’m here to guide you on your real estate journey, whether you’re looking to buy a home, invest, or learn about creative real estate strategies.

In summary, my journey in real estate is about making opportunities accessible to a wide range of individuals, utilizing creative solutions, and empowering others to achieve their real estate and financial goals.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I can certainly share a lesson I had to unlearn:

The lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that there might not be enough opportunities for someone like me in the field I’m interested in. In the past, I had moments where I doubted if I belonged or if the space was right for me.

The backstory to this is that I once had a friend who ventured into real estate, and I initially laughed it off, thinking it wasn’t for me. Looking back, I regret not exploring that path when my friend did. However, I later realized that my initial doubts were unfounded, and I found my own success in a different way. This experience taught me not to underestimate myself or the potential opportunities in any field, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation within my market was a journey that involved several key factors:

1. **Expertise:** Developing a deep understanding of my industry and constantly expanding my knowledge base was essential. This expertise allowed me to provide valuable insights and solutions to clients.

2. **Consistency:** Consistency in delivering high-quality products or services and consistently meeting or exceeding client expectations helped build trust and a positive reputation.

3. **Client Relationships:** Building strong, long-lasting relationships with clients was a priority. Trust and a personalized approach go a long way in establishing a positive reputation.

4. **Innovation:** Staying innovative and adaptable in a dynamic market allowed me to offer cutting-edge solutions, keeping clients satisfied and attracting new ones.

5. **Positive Word of Mouth:** Satisfied clients often became advocates, spreading positive word-of-mouth, which significantly contributed to building a solid reputation.

6. **Integrity:** Operating with integrity, transparency, and ethical business practices was crucial. It’s vital to maintain a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.

7. **Community Involvement:** Involvement in the local community and industry associations helped me establish a presence and credibility within the market.

8. **Feedback and Improvement:** I actively sought feedback from clients and used it to improve my offerings. This commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated a dedication to client satisfaction.

In essence, a combination of expertise, consistency, strong relationships, innovation, integrity, positive word of mouth, community involvement, and a commitment to improvement helped me build and maintain a positive reputation within my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: Allcashbuyers.Org
• Instagram: WeBuyHouses216
• Facebook: Lenaille Markess Smith
• Youtube: Wholesaling with Lenny
• Other: TikTok: Lenaille Markess Smith