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

Hi Melanie , thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

My journey began with enthusiasm as a new homeowner deeply passionate about design. I developed a profound love for homes and the transformative power of design in personalizing living spaces. Alongside my husband, we ventured into buying, designing, and renovating homes, igniting a surge of interest from friends and family seeking our design insights. This sparked the realization of the need to further educate myself on the latest design trends.

Driven by this realization, I pursued various certifications and licenses to enhance my expertise. Today, I proudly hold a real estate license, along with staging and design certifications, reflecting my commitment to excellence in the field.

As I dove deeper into the real estate industry, I found myself contributing to a dynamic real estate team (Advisory Group/exp), initially supporting occupied staging appointments, which eventually expanded to include vacant staging projects. This experience ignited a profound sense of fulfillment in me, sparking a desire to extend my assistance beyond my team.

I currently stage for the Advisory Group, other teams/brokers, and a local builder Key Land Homes. Real Estate and Staging is a very competitive industry and I found myself feeling very led to soften that competitive nature by supporting and loving other agents and stagers in the industry.

Gratefully my journey in the staging world has transcended personal aspirations, evolving into a meaningful endeavor to support others in realizing the full potential of their spaces. I also serve on my local staging association board as President-Elect for RESA.

Melanie , 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 an individual deeply passionate about the intersection of design, real estate, and staging. My journey into this industry began as a newly minted homeowner, driven by a fervent love for design and a desire to create personalized living spaces. This passion led me to explore the world of buying, designing, and flipping homes alongside my husband.

As we embarked on this journey, our knack for design and renovation caught the attention of friends and family, who sought our advice on various design matters. Recognizing the need to further educate myself and refine my skills, I pursued certifications and licenses in real estate, staging, and design.

Today, I offer a range of services that encompass real estate, staging, and design consultancy. Helping others with staging properties to maximize their appeal on the market, or offering design insights to transform living spaces, I strive to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

One of the key problems I aim to solve for my clients is bridging the gap between envisioning their ideal space and making it a reality. Through a combination of expertise, creativity, and attention to detail, I help clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market while infusing their spaces with personality and style.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is not only my comprehensive skill set but also my genuine passion for helping clients achieve their goals. I approach each project with enthusiasm and dedication, treating every space as a canvas for creativity and personalization.

I am most proud of the meaningful connections I’ve forged with clients and the positive impact I’ve had on their lives. Whether it’s turning a house into a home or guiding clients through the process of buying or selling, knowing that I’ve made a difference is immensely gratifying.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I am not just a service provider but a trusted partner in their journey towards creating spaces that reflect their unique vision and lifestyle. My brand is built on integrity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to client satisfaction, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and bring their visions to life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I have grown organically…

Growing a business organically involves building it gradually over time through various strategies without relying heavily on paid advertising or external funding. Here’s how I might have grown my business organically:

Word of Mouth: Satisfied clients become brand ambassadors, recommending my services to friends, family, and colleagues. Providing exceptional service and achieving successful outcomes for clients naturally generates positive word-of-mouth referrals, which can significantly contribute to organic growth.

Networking: Actively participating in industry events, local business associations, and community gatherings allows me to expand my professional network. Building genuine relationships with fellow professionals, potential clients, and industry influencers can lead to collaborative opportunities, referrals, and valuable insights.

Content Marketing: Establishing myself as a thought leader and expert in my field through content marketing can attract potential clients organically. This might involve creating informative blog posts, sharing design tips on social media, hosting webinars or workshops, and contributing guest articles to relevant publications. Check out my blog at www.stagedtosellbymel.com.

Social Media Engagement: Leveraging social media platforms to engage with my audience, showcase my work, and share valuable content can help increase visibility and attract potential clients. Building a strong social media presence involves consistent posting, interaction with followers, and utilizing hashtags and geotags to reach a wider audience.

Client Testimonials and Reviews: Displaying testimonials and positive reviews from satisfied clients on my website and social media channels can build credibility and trust with potential clients. Encouraging clients to leave reviews and testimonials after completing a project can help bolster my reputation and attract new clients organically.

Continual Learning and Improvement: Staying updated on industry trends, attending workshops, and obtaining additional certifications demonstrates my commitment to excellence and positions me as a trusted expert in my field. Continually refining my skills and expanding my knowledge allows me to offer innovative solutions and stay ahead of the competition.

By consistently delivering exceptional service, nurturing relationships, and leveraging various marketing strategies, I have been able to grow my business organically, gradually expanding my client base and reputation within the industry.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale are crucial aspects of fostering a productive and positive work environment.

Such as:

Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is essential. Keep your team informed about company goals, expectations, and any changes in procedures. Encourage feedback and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Establish clear, achievable goals for the team and individuals within it. Make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and how they contribute to the team’s objectives.

Recognition & Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate your team members’ efforts and achievements. Celebrate successes, both big and small, and give credit where it’s due. This helps boost morale and reinforces a culture of appreciation.

Provide Support & Resources: Make sure your team has the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes access to training, tools, and information necessary to perform their jobs effectively.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance among your team members. Respect their time off and encourage them to take breaks when needed. Avoid overloading them with work or expecting them to be available outside of regular working hours.

Foster Collaboration & Team Spirit: Encourage collaboration and teamwork among your team members. Create opportunities for them to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other. Foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the team.

Lead by Example: Set a positive example for your team through your actions and behavior. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Show that you’re committed to the team’s success and willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in when needed.

Address Issues Promptly: Address any issues or conflicts within the team promptly and constructively. Listen to concerns, provide support, and work together to find solutions. Ignoring problems or allowing them to escalate can negatively impact morale.

Encourage Growth & Development: Support your team members’ professional growth and development. Provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement. Show that you’re invested in their success and interested in helping them reach their full potential.

Stay Positive & Optimistic: Maintain a positive attitude and outlook, even during challenging times. Your attitude as a leader can have a significant impact on your team’s morale. Stay optimistic, resilient, and focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your team and create a positive work environment where morale remains high, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stagedtosellbymel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniejoas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.joas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-joas-3207b141/

Image Credits
Key Land Homes and Advisory Group Reality are the owners of the photos.