We were lucky to catch up with Natoya Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.
NATOYA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success, as a serial entrepreneur, single mom, real estate agent, vending machine owner, and government contract holder, comes down to resilience, adaptability, and vision. Juggling these roles requires pushing through challenges, like balancing late nights working on contracts with early mornings getting the kids ready. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks, whether in real estate, vending, or contracts, and staying flexible when markets shift or regulations change.
Vision is crucial—it’s seeing beyond current challenges to where you want to be. For example, helping a client with poor credit buy a home by connecting them with resources reinforced that success is about finding creative solutions. Success is a journey, built on continuous learning, growth, and keeping your goals in focus, no matter the obstacles.
NATOYA, 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?
Absolutely! I’m a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background that spans several industries, including real estate, vending machines, and government contracting. My journey started over a decade ago, and it has been fueled by a passion for creating opportunities and solving problems in innovative ways.
How I Got Into My Industries:
My entry into the business world began with real estate. After 13 years of teaching I wanted something new. So I started educating Home Buyers. I was drawn to it because it’s an industry where you can have a direct impact on people’s lives by helping them find a place to call home. Over time, I expanded into vending machines—a field I found both fascinating and lucrative, especially as it allows for a more passive income stream. More recently, I’ve entered the realm of government contracting, which has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s a space where precision, compliance, and strategy are key, and I’ve enjoyed navigating its complexities.
Products, Services, and Creative Works:
In real estate, I specialize in helping clients find their ideal homes or investment properties. My services include everything from credit and rent guarantor solutions to comprehensive market analysis, making sure clients have all the tools they need to succeed.
In the vending machine business, I focus on securing prime locations and ensuring those machines are stocked with products that meet consumer demand. This involves everything from location scouting to logistics and inventory management.
As for government contracting, my work involves securing contracts for a variety of services, from logistical support to specialized consulting. I pride myself on delivering high-quality, compliant work that meets the stringent standards of government agencies.
Problems I Solve for Clients:
For my real estate clients, I solve problems like finding the right financing options, even for those with credit challenges. In the vending industry, I take care of location management and product selection, ensuring a steady stream of revenue. With government contracts, I handle the complex bidding process, ensuring compliance and maximizing the chances of winning bids.
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my ability to wear multiple hats and excel in each role. Whether it’s negotiating a real estate deal, optimizing a vending machine location, or navigating the intricacies of government contracts, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and tenacity. My background as a single mom has also equipped me with a resilience and resourcefulness that’s hard to beat.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built successful businesses in multiple industries while balancing the demands of motherhood. Each of my ventures has provided me with the opportunity to grow, learn, and give back, whether it’s helping someone buy their first home or securing a contract that creates jobs.
Key Things I Want You to Know:
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know, it’s that I’m deeply committed to excellence and integrity in everything I do. My brand is built on a foundation of trust, hard work, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. Whether you’re looking for a home, a profitable vending location, or a reliable government contractor, you can count on me to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
In summary, my work is about creating value—whether it’s for a family looking for their dream home, a business seeking passive income, or a government agency needing reliable services. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m here to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my social media audience has been a journey rooted in consistency, and that’s the cornerstone of my success. When I first started, I knew that gaining traction wouldn’t happen overnight, so I committed to showing up regularly and authentically, regardless of how many likes or comments I got in the beginning.
The Story:
I began by identifying my target audience—people interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. I made a point to share valuable content that resonated with these interests, whether it was tips for first-time homebuyers, insights on running a vending machine business, or advice on navigating government contracts. I posted consistently, not just for the sake of posting, but with a purpose—every post needed to educate, inspire, or engage my audience. (I hired a Marketing Coach who taught me this-Shoutout to Declared Marketing with Chasity Mims)
Over time, this consistency paid off. People started recognizing my expertise and looking forward to my posts. They began to see me as a reliable source of information and motivation, which led to a steady growth in followers and engagement. I also made sure to interact with my audience—answering questions, responding to comments, and engaging with their content as well. This built a sense of community and trust.
Advice for Those Just Starting:
Consistency really is the answer, but let me break down what that means in practice:
1. Show Up Regularly: Whether you’re posting daily, a few times a week, or even weekly, make sure you stick to a schedule. Consistency in posting keeps you on your audience’s radar and builds anticipation.
2. Quality Over Quantity: While being consistent is key, the quality of your content matters even more. Don’t just post for the sake of it—make sure your content adds value, whether it’s through tips, insights, or even personal stories that your audience can relate to.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. Don’t just broadcast—interact. Respond to comments, ask questions, and engage with your followers’ content. This builds relationships and makes your audience feel valued.
4. Be Authentic: People connect with real, relatable content. Share your successes and struggles, and be honest about your journey. Authenticity breeds trust, and trust is the foundation of a loyal following.
5. Patience is Key: Building an audience takes time. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth or low engagement in the beginning. Stay consistent, keep providing value, and your audience will grow.
In essence, building a social media presence is like planting a garden. You have to tend to it regularly, provide it with what it needs to thrive, and have the patience to watch it grow. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and the results will come.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Consistency has been the bedrock of building my reputation within my market. Showing up regularly and delivering high-quality work across all my ventures—whether in real estate, vending machines, or government contracting—has established me as someone people can rely on.
How Consistency Built My Reputation:
1. Reliable Results: By consistently delivering results for my clients and partners, I’ve earned their trust. Whether it’s closing a real estate deal, maintaining profitable vending locations, or fulfilling a government contract, people know they can count on me to get the job done.
2. Steady Presence: Being consistently present, whether through social media, networking events, or in day-to-day interactions, has kept me top-of-mind in my industry. When people see you consistently contributing and staying active, it reinforces your commitment and credibility.
3. Quality and Integrity: Consistency isn’t just about frequency; it’s about maintaining high standards. I’ve made it a point to deliver quality work every time, ensuring that my clients and partners know they’re getting the best. This consistency in quality builds a reputation for excellence.
4. Building Relationships: Consistency in communication and follow-up has also helped me build strong relationships. Whether it’s checking in with clients, keeping up with industry trends, or maintaining connections, these consistent efforts have deepened my network and reinforced my reputation.
In short, consistency has allowed me to build a reputation as someone who is reliable, dedicated, and committed to excellence. It’s about showing up, delivering quality, and maintaining integrity in every aspect of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natoyallen.com
- Instagram: @natoya.allen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyadoesrealestate
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natoya-allen-874a0b2aa
- Twitter: @toyadoesitall
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-alqmv4rMC814GkpDfmGog
