Jennifer Mercado is a South Florida Luxury Realtor, Boss Talks Network’s Chief Chapter Director, a women’s mentorship community, mother of 2 toddlers, wife of one, and avid at-home performer/singer. She grew up bi-culturally, as the first generation Dominican American, to immigrant parents of an extended and blended family. She is also the owner of a media & content producing company, Insightful Media LLC, which teaches real estate agents how to leverage free social media for lead gen and organic growth.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I was born in New York City, to my mom and dad at the time they decided to split up. My mom was very progressive in her parenting and was amicable with my dad as they navigated co-parenting. It really helped me learn to navigate different environments and assimilate in ways that I could be myself, and also learn from everyone around me.

What inspired you to start your business? 

The pandemic! The Great Pivot of 2020 really kickstarted my passion as a Real Estate Entrepreneur. I had started another business, but never formalized it. During the pandemic, I reflected deeply. I was also dealing with postpartum woes and working mom guilt, and it gave me an ultimatum. “This or more”. I decided to forge my own path, master my own time and become the CEO my children deserve to be raised by. I quit being a full time educator and dove deep into entrepreneurship.

Where is your business based?

My business is based in the tri county area of South Florida, Palm Beaches, Broward and Miami-Dade. My social media business is based online.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I started during maternity leave with my daughter in 2018. I took real estate licensing classes (yes with a new baby) and then passed the state exam pregnant with my son (unbeknownst to me at the time). I didn’t cultivate that business until 2020, when I quit my educator job and became focused on real estate. I started with creating my business page on Social Media and creating a consistent schedule with posting and videos. I then looked at formalizing my business, which I completed early 2021.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

The number one way has been through my sphere of influence. Friends became customers and then referred me out to other people. My dad purchased and sold from me and refers business to me. And they stay in the know of my business through social media and my podcast.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

I’m facing a challenge right now! I think that once you’re aware that you’ll always have challenges, big and small, then it becomes more about responding to them than to overcome them. That being said, a recurring entrepreneurial challenge is having the confidence to forge on when things are “perfect”. You are your own validation and the best guru you need to do what’s best for your biz.

How do you stay focused?

A planner, 4 dry erase calendars, time management, desk clock and theme days. And I ask for help. I create priorities for me and my business and anchor myself in them to create boundaries and ask for help.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

I humanize real estate by cultivating communities, not transactions. The sale comes. The money comes. The difference is in creating lasting relationships, through ease and connectivity. Real Estate agents are perceived as sharks, or sleazy salespeople that hustle and grind to death, but our industry is not that at all. We are community curators, ethically trained and licensed sales associates. I focus my business on the core values of service, and let my ideal customer base find me. I also host small and local business owners on my podcast to help them thrive and build their online presence.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

A combination of things, but ultimately re-evaluation has been the best strategy. I re-evaluate my social media presence, my direct mail pieces, my lead generation sources and stick to the one that works until it doesn’t. There is not one size fits all, and that’s especially true for real estate.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Do not allow compare and despair rob the world of your gift. If you believe it, you’ve got it. Everyone is on their own journey, and comparing your day one to someone else’s year 5 is going to do you a disservice. Focus on your dream, and don’t leave it unattended! 

What's your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Worthy Human: Because you are the problem and the Solution by Tracy Litt because it’s a lovingly kick in the ass to mindset. She brings you to accountability’s table and helps you have the uncomfortable conversation with yourself to become the best you ever.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business tool is Canva. LOVE Canva! It allows my creative juices to flow when creating content and I can schedule it ahead of time! Streamyard is creeping up as a close second for all the functionality and connectivity it provides.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I would have to say my favorite business role model is Jennifer Lopez. She is multi-faceted, diverse and a force in business. She isn’t afraid to change things up, and I love that she can market or brand anything without breaking a sweat.

How do you balance work and life? 

I ask and receive help! I allow myself to focus on my work when I want to focus on work and focus on my family when I want to focus on my family. Boundaries. Receivership. Prioritize what makes me feel and be good and allow myself to change when those feelings change.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

I love a hot shower, or a bath. Really anything with water. It grounds me in my senses, helps me regain mindfulness and being present. When I create that space, and recalibrate and give myself time, then I can take on the rest of what’s to come.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

I have lots of travel planned, and Boss Talks events planned! I’ll be participating in Great American Realtor Days in Tallahassee, the Renaissance Women’s Summit in Nashville, another summit for women in Kansas City. Locally, Boss Talks events every 3rd Thursday in Boca Raton!

How can our readers connect with you?

I can be found online! My website is www.jennifermercadorealtor.com. My podcast is aired on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZDgXITKp7QaD5r6WbVXyFA and Anchor.FM as Red Carpet Living with Jenn