"If you don’t believe in yourself then you can’t expect others to believe in you" with Carolyn Riley
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Photo credit: Shot By SQ
Carolyn Riley is a Broker/Realtor in Garner, North Carolina. Carolyn is a mother to a 19-year-old son. She prides herself on developing quality relationships and empowering people about real estate. Making any decision regarding real estate sales and purchases can be among the most significant financial investments, as such Carolyn strives to be there at every step of the way.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
I was born and raised in Garner, North Carolina by my grandparents. Growing up in a small town I was raised to have a strong sense of community. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Juvenile Justice from North Carolina Central University. For the last 20+ years, I’ve been in the customer service industry. I decided that I wanted to pivot from employee to entrepreneur.
What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve been in the customer service industry for many years and always enjoyed helping others. After talking with a friend that was buying a home, he felt like he was giving his money away because the real estate agent treated him like it was just a transaction. I found this odd because buying a home is so much more than just a transaction. After talking with other people I found many felt the same way about the home buying/selling process. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about real estate.
Where is your business based?
I’m based in Garner, North Carolina. Although I’m based in Garner, I also serve clients in Wake, Harnett, Durham, and Johnston counties in North Carolina.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I started my business with education and research. In North Carolina that meant a 90-hour class, which required a written final exam. Once I passed the final exam for the school the next step was the state written exam. A fee, background check, and fingerprinting were also required by the state.
One of the major factors of becoming a real estate agent is finding a brokerage to hold your license under. I did lots of research on the real estate brokerage that would work best for me and my business. Once I had my license and was affiliated with a brokerage then I needed to join the National Association of Realtors for my area, along with the local MLS so I would have the necessary access to assist clients.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Word of mouth. I talk to everyone about real estate and being a real estate agent. I have a magnetic sticker I put on my car when I drive to let people know I’m an agent. I pass out business cards and handwritten notes to put my name out there as a real estate agent.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Real estate is the hands-on learning and everything is not going to be taught in a class. I’ve had to learn patience with myself. I’m not expected to know all the answers. Also learning to step out of my comfort zones. Real estate is very social and with that comes more interactions than I’m used to. When starting out in real estate it's all your own money because you haven't made any yet. So money fears, especially in the beginning.
How do you stay focused?
I set weekly, monthly goals and have a 5-year plan. I take time to review those goals quarterly to see if I need to reassess anything. I have a whiteboard that I use and sticky notes are my best friend. My son is something that keeps me focused. He’s my only child so I want to be sure that my business is something that he can be proud of.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
The real estate industry is very large. I just try to be genuine and be myself. I think it’s enough business for everyone. I want the best for my clients. It’s about building a relationship and showing my value.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Social media has been one of the best marketing tools to grow my business. Posting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter allow me to provide information. As well as let people learn about me as a person.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself then you can’t expect others to believe in you.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
TeamViewer and Voice Memos are my favorite apps. TeamViewer allows me to use my phone to view/control my computer desk at my office. Has saved me many times when I needed to get something out quickly but not in the office. Voice memos app is a quick way to make a voice note or record audio quickly.
I’m really not into blogs and for books I like fiction. I live a very full life so I like to read a good story.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
Realtors Property Resource is an all-around real estate resource. It allows agents to create listing presentations, perform investor analysis, view the market, create CMA’s, and much more.
Google is hands down the best tool. My Gmail is connected to Streak CRM that allows me to track all my communications. Google Search Console provides data that allows me to monitor my website's online presence within Google search results. Google Analytics provides data for website total visits and identifies trends. Google ads are a way for me to promote my business to a large number of Google users. Google Docs allow me to create and share documents with others so easily. Google Local Services ads allows me to add my business listing to specific Google searches. I pay Google for each call or message that is valid. Google provides a lot of marketing tools and help.
Who is your business role model? Why?
My grandparents Leroy and Dorothy Riley taught me the value of working hard and being myself. They were also the first people I knew to own their homes. The value of homeownership was something that my grandparents were very proud of and that has always stayed with me. The values I was taught when growing up have helped me make my business one of a kind.
How do you balance work and life?
In real estate, it’s very hard to balance work and life. Self-care is very important so I set boundaries for myself. Making sure that I always make time for life, myself, and family. I really enjoy my work, so it can easily take over at times. This is why setting boundaries and keeping to those boundaries are crucial. Lots of email alerts and task reminders keep me on track. I have a stop time for work communication unless urgent. I have 3 categories for urgency: red- needs a response now, yellow—needs a response within the next several hours, and green- no rush can wait until the next day. My email signature has a disclaimer that states my business hours and my response times.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
A long bath while listening to some good music. There is something about music that can just relax someone in moments. I also love being outdoors and relaxing by a pit fire. Something about the sounds of nature and the fire is very relaxing.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
Growth! Expanding into other markets outside of North Carolina. Networking more with other industries such as mortgage, insurance, and home warranty to create more business relationships.
How can our readers connect with you?
Email at carolyn@closewithcarolynnc.com or message me via my website.