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

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe success is a mindset, and not a destination. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a thought that once I achieve “X”, I will be happy or I will have made it. Early on in my career I felt that way. When I had finally “made it”, I felt nothing. I remember asking myself, “Well, what’s next?”. I had to find other ways to find fulfillment in my career and redefined my success. I’m now able to find success in each transaction I close. Now, defining what I think it takes to be successful being self-employed or an entrepreneur is fairly simple. It’s not for the faint of heart though. You have to be persistent, you have to have a drive. Something that makes you want to get out of bed every morning and push you to achieve the direction you want to take yourself, your business, and your family.

Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got in to real estate through my mom. She was an escrow assistant at a title company. I was newly married, had 2 kids, and we were barely able to keep our heads above the water. I had recently bought a condo, and the realtor I used was kind of an odd guy. My mom suggested I look in to real estate, and periodically she would call me and tell me, “I just signed a check for so and so for $5, $10, $15,000.”. I was shook. These people were making more in one check then I did in almost 6 months of work. She called me one night, and told me to wash my greasy long hair (my nose was also pierced at the time, and she made sure to let me know to take that out as well), and wear some nice clothes. She talked to a realtor to have me tag along for some appointments. I went out and instantly fell in love. I felt such a sense of gratification knowing that I could be a catalyst for someone who has a dream of home ownership. I signed up for real estate school that night.

I think the biggest thing I try to do to differentiate myself from other agents, is to help buyers, sellers, and investors feel excited. IT SHOULD BE EXCITING! Real estate is one of the biggest sources of wealth among millionaires and billionaires. I believe owning real estate is the best way to set you and your family up long term, to feel secure, and build a future. Trying to take the stress out of it all is my goal, and enjoying looking for properties, and the whole experience should be exciting! Selling shouldn’t be stressful and difficult either. I try to make all of my sellers understand that we are on their timeline, not mine or even the buyers.

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

This is something fairly new, and something I’m still working on. I used to emphasize generating and creating new business through internet leads, and other sources. I had a recent change of heart though. I had thought, “What if I put more time and energy in to the people that already love me, that already trust me, and have already used me for their real estate needs?”. I’ve created items of value that I mail out to my best friends, family, and past clients. This can he how to repair credit, how to stage and get your home ready to sell, updates in the market, etc. Then half-way through the month I also send them a quick email to go along with the item I mailed to them. I write personal notes, try to reach out to everyone who’s birthdays I have, and try to do pop-by’s often as well.

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

I’ve recently pivoted on this idea. This goes along with the keeping in touch with past clients. I’ve recently decided to shift my business to work solely by referral. Creating raving fans of people that I’ve helped already. Client appreciation events, notes, and the quick pop-by’s with little gifts or treats to show appreciation. You do have to be intentional though. You’ve got make sure and ask people if they know of anyone looking to buy or sell, and to keep you in mind for friends, family, co-workers, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.homeauthentic.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeauthentic.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeauthentic