3 Ways to Find Your True North as a Real Estate Agent

For Paula Boggs, the many chapters of her life map back to a early turning point: conquering her fear of heights and jumping out of planes “in perfect working condition” as an Army ROTC cadet. The well-traveled former Starbucks executive-turned-musician is not afraid to reinvent herself. For Boggs, who has lived in 24 different homes in her life, following her soul to find her true north has been vital — even though taking that leap can be downright scary.

Boggs shared what she believes to be the three most important traits for achieving success in business and life:

Don’t be afraid to take risks
When Boggs left her position at Starbucks, she was at the top of her game. She had been recognized as America’s Top General Counsel and built an elite team around her. She had reached the summit of her mountain and accomplished the goals she had set out for herself — so it felt like the right time to take the leap and try something different. This risk-taking attitude was influenced by the decision her mother made when Paula was young to move the family from Virginia to Germany and enter into a completely unknown world. Leaving her successful and known world at Starbucks and embarking on the unknown in music — taking many lumps along the way — was reminiscent of that childhood experience.

Takeaway: Many real estate agents come to the industry from other careers and enter into a similar unknown field. The rewards typically come to those who are bold and take calculated risks. And, for veteran agents, just because something has worked for a long time doesn’t mean it’s not ripe for disruption or updating at the very least. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone!

Exhibit humility in your business and life
Boggs learned about humility from an early age when her family moved to Germany. She was thrown into a foreign culture, language and lifestyle. Her mistakes, failures and embarrassments were important learning experiences that helped prepare her for the future and not live in fear of being wrong. It’s this guiding principle that allows her to reach for her authentic self when, inevitably, things don’t go her way on any given day.

Takeaway: Today’s consumer is smart and savvy and doesn’t react well to traditional hard selling techniques. Instead, think first about building a genuine relationship with a prospective client and provide value.

Know your mission and stick to it
Being her own CEO deeply rooted with clarity of her mission allowed Boggs to leave Starbucks when she had accomplished her goals there and start a new chapter in music. Through her music, Boggs has the ability to be part of something bigger than herself.

Takeaway: Be sure you have a clear mission that you (and, if applicable, your real estate team) follow, and tailor it around the idea of helping people make their dreams come true. Once a clear mission has been established, learn how to say 'no' even when it’s in your DNA to say 'yes.' Cut out activities that are not connected to your mission and prioritize what’s important. Ultimately, that will enable you to provide better service to clients.

Paula Boggs has created a rich and varied life for herself by taking risks, staying humble and having clarity around her mission — all with the ultimate goal of finding her true north. It’s a playbook that is applicable in any industry.

Over to you: What is the mission of your business? Let us know in the comments below.