The year was coming to and end, it was 1996. I had recently graduated from college and was just beginning my real estate career. Entering the world of real estate happened rather casually. My best friend’s Mom was a successful agent, Jade Mills. She (and her real estate assistant) needed some help with her growing business. I was called into real estate on a short-term basis to earn some extra cash and help her part-time.
Jumping in the Deep End
The fast-paced, never boring world of real estate quickly drew me in. Within 3 months, she introduced me to another top producing real estate agent who needed a full-time assistant—Kathy Villa. She and I worked together for 2.5 years, and boy was it an eventful 2.5 years. This industry comes with such highs and lows. She was once married to someone who traveled and was very tied into the Rat Pack. So, Sinatra, Martin and Davis were often playing (via computer CD) in our office.
She introduced me to that musical era. It wasn’t often, as she was typically bolting with enthusiasm and joy, but on rare occasions when she was feeling a little blue, she would lean on music to help lift her spirits. The routine was raw, real and exhilarating. She would shut the door to our office. She would crank-up the volume and we would listen and sing-along to the Frank Sinatra song That’s Life. It was cathartic, energizing and it was an intimate moment between her and I, where we shared in a woe—while also proactively shifting the energy, in the hopes to feel different.
A 27 Year Reminder
Here I am, in the year 2023. Still in real estate. I have carried that moment and that song in my pocket for the past 27 years. That is the true effect and power of influence. This business is not easy. It comes with lots of up and downs. If you take a minute to reflect on the song, it is a great anthem for those of us in real estate:
“That’s life
That’s what all the people say
You’re riding high in April, shot down in May
But I know I’m gonna change that tune
When I’m back on top, back on top in June…..
I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
a pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find my self layin’
Flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get
Back in the race…”
Why am I sharing this story with you? Because, you are not alone.
The Power of Mentorship
This wild world of real estate has blessed me 100 times over, along with the fierce female mentors that helped me get my start in this business. I was blessed to find my partner in life because of this business. I cut my first teeth as an entrepreneur in this business. It’s a blessing to now find myself helping, coaching and mentoring others.
The Power to Influence and Be Influenced
This business can make you feel very lonely—if you let it. It’s important to remember the power that you possess. The power to be influenced and the power to influence. You can let it get you down (set the egg timer for 5 minutes and turn on That’s Life). But, just don’t ever let it keep you down!
