Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in real estate but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peter F. Porcelli Jr., located in Roswell, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a real estate coach and author of The Politically Incorrect Real Estate Agent Handbook; therefore, my customers are real estate agents and people who can read.
Tell us about yourself
In the beginning, I wanted to be a real estate investor, so I got a license and started working with investors. This way (I figured), I could learn the business with someone else's money. While I enjoyed it, I never became that full-time investor. Instead, I became the qualifying broker (boss of the brokerage) at two companies (one national and one local). I really enjoyed the teaching role that came with my stay in brokerage management, so I migrated into a full-time coach. My belief is that the client is best served by a competent agent and that competence is easily gained by repeated learning and doing. All agents desire success (competency), but most don't know where to begin or what to believe. Their job is complicated, but it doesn't come with an owner's manual. Therefore, as a coach, I'm motivated by my mission to help buyers and sellers by helping the agents who serve them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Publishing the Handbook has been my greatest accomplishment. It's not like the others. It's thick and full of step-by-step instructions for over 100 real estate agent tasks. I poured over this book for four years to provide a detailed explanation and create solid guidance for real estate agents. It was a labor of love. Plus, it's funny and has pictures.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For most, the hardest thing about business ownership is customer acquisition (prospecting for new business). Most troubles can be fixed with more sales.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Forget passion and all that new-age mumbo jumbo. Success is a journey, not a destination, so go over, around, and thru obstacles, and don't quit.
- Start with a purpose/reason to be in business. Passion is for lovers. Reason is for business.
- Learn, learn, learn and keep learning because all industries continue to evolve. This includes reading, networking, and finding guidance through coaching and/or mentorship. Follow this formula: Learn, Do, Think, Adapt, Repeat.
- Like the sneaker brand's motto: Just do it. Get into the market and work. Forget that employee mindset. In the beginning, a new business requires its owner to work double-time (80+ hours/week) for little or no pay. Work at your core competency and outsource all other tasks to vendors until you can hire helpers full-time. When the sun is shining, work with people. When the moon is out, study alone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.peterfporcellijr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterFPorcelliJr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterFPorcelli
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-f-porcelli-jr/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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