PROPERTYSPARK INTERVIEWS: Ariane Ellsberry, Real Estate Agent

Meet Ariane Ellsberry, the knowledgeable and passionate full service Atlanta Realtor who goes above and beyond to redefine the luxury experience all while exuding style and grace

Atlanta, GA

Watson Realty Co.

Ariane Ellsberry | mydear_ariane | eventbrite.com/o/watson-realty-co-27698448349

What inspired you to start in real estate and how did you motivate yourself to keep going?

I was looking for a career that I could have an impact on the lives of other people, but also for me to have the freedom to manage my time and be the CEO of my business to where I make the decisions of how it’s ran. I was previously working for a company whose policies I did not agree with. That was also a driving force for me to become a full time entrepreneur and build my business. In the beginning, it was challenging starting something completely new, but I always kept the confidence that I would be great if I continued to push through and educate myself on the industry and market myself. Keeping my eyes on the fact that the seed I sow today will reap a harvest for later kept me motivated to keep going. 

Comparing your business from back then to now, what has been the main thing that allowed you to expand your business?

I’ve been able to expand my business by seeking like-minded individuals which allowed me to build a team where I am able to service more clients since I cannot do everything on my own. There are only 24 hours in a day which allows me to contact and handle a particular number of clients within that day. By having a support staff that also carries the same mindset of my business, I am able to capitalize on the same amount of time but expand more within a 24 hour period and quadruple the amount of clients I am able to service. I’ve also expanded my business by strategically Utilizing social media to brand myself which has attracted an abundance of clientele to see my work and choose to do business with me. 

When did you realize you were successful/made it and how did you feel/celebrate?

I honestly don’t feel that I am “successful” or have MADE IT. This would imply that I’ve reached the top.  I’m just getting started with my journey and true purpose. I feel that I am truly rewarded as to where I am currently and my works have been manifested.  I think success is an illusion that once you reach a certain point you have nowhere else to obtain or to climb.  I never want to feel that way about my business or my life’s goals. I will always strive to be and feel the best!  I celebrate my accomplishments everyday by living and basking in the moment. 

Looking back, what could you have done sooner to get to that point quicker?

Some of the key aspects that I look back and have learned over time that I could’ve done sooner would be to learn to manage my time more efficiently.  I will always refer back to the amount of time that you have in a day.  We all have the same 24 hours. With being a wife, new mother and a full-time realtor, time is your number one premium asset  that you have that you cannot manipulate. I have learned to manage my time successfully. I’ve learned to schedule and calculate every part of my day.  With my schedule optimized to the maximum efficiency, this has now raised the monetary value of my time.  The sooner you begin to realize that time truly equals money the better you will be in your business. 

What should other real estate entrepreneurs reading this be focusing on to expand their own business?

My hopes are that by me sharing my journey it would motivate other real estate entrepreneurs reading this to believe that anything is possible once you start focusing on your purpose. Be organized, intentional, and your true authentic self as you expand your business. Learn to properly build your team with like minded people and always seek the knowledge to make you the best within your profession. Think ahead and build a solid infrastructure to prepare for increased volume.  Most importantly, stay humble and be open to learn while also finding ways to provide superior service your clients.

How has social media and online marketing affected your real estate business? How much more success have you had now after implementing social media and online marketing efforts?

Social media marketing has been the number one driving factor for my business. I initially started my social media presence as just an avenue of being real to myself and my life. I started off my account by showing my life and telling the story of me. People have really drawn to my page based on my true authentic self. I feel that I have been able to use social media and online marketing now by still being my authentic self but showing my real estate world in real time with real clients and sharing my successes and my failures. My advice to others would be market social media authentically! 

How did you build your team?

My team was built organically based on what my business told me. As my business volume demanded more time, it became clear what was needed. I pride myself on communication! So a client care manager is a must for me. The legal aspect and documentation of real estate is crucial, so a transaction coordinator is literally life saving! As leads rolled in, I saw the high demand for relocation, so I quickly realized that I needed to cater to that market and my relocation assistant was created. Time is money and there are a lot of clients that need to see homes within a short time frame, so my showing coordinator was born.  By quickly addressing the different aspects of where my business was growing and how I can best facilitate and give that boutique style personal attention to my clients is how I built my team. It may look different than other realtors who are building a team because it’s exclusively built on how my business operates.  My team was also built based on connecting with like-minded individuals who share just as much passion for real estate that I do, so that when they are servicing a client on my behalf the service is the same that I would give.

How did you become a good leader?

I would really look at myself as a good teacher, versus a “leader.” I lead by example and I treat others the way I would want to be treated.  I come from a large family of teachers and educators so I constantly want to give and share knowledge. I think that naturally speaks to my leadership qualities and style.  I’m constantly educating myself and passing that information to my team as well as new agents. I am driven by my constant hunger for knowledge in my craft.  Also, I think people generally are in tune with someone who has good intentions for everyone, and I’m a good person. I have good intentions for my clients and  I always look out for the best interest of my clients as well as my team.

Did You Experience Failures? If So, What Did You Learn From Them?

I think one of the reasons that my team and I are ultimately successful is because I experience failures daily. With every failure there is always a lesson learned which allows me to grow.  I also openly share my failures with my social media. As a result of being transparent and humble, we come back stronger, more knowledgeable, and more clear on what our purpose is in real estate.  A humble failure allows you to takeaway solid seeds of information. I learn everyday from my failures and that’s what makes me an excellent realtor.

What do you consider the main differences between those people who have been successful in your industry and those who have failed?

One of the main differences is real preparation versus just a real estate  dream. When people go into real estate,they think it is a industry where you just come in and find somebody who wants to buy home and easily go under contract and close. They are misguided and misinformed of what the reality of this Real Estate World really is. They don’t properly educate and prepare themselves for this field. Secondly, I would say the amount of time, effort, and financial investment into becoming a realtor is important. Becoming a great realtor involves investing in yourself just as an any other entrepreneur. There are lots of upfront fees and cost that you have to prepare yourself for since you own your business and it must be treated as such. I’d also say that dedication to self and self discipline is another difference. Your output will determine your input. You have to put in the work now to receive the rewards later, but many think it is an instant lucrative industry, but it is not. You have to be self disciplined and self motivated in this industry, and if you’re not, you will not succeed.  They say that only 2 out of 10 people that enter Real Estate will be successful. I agree and those are the reasons why.

What’s Your Approach To Marketing?

I try to not think of the word marketing when it comes to the way to drive business because that becomes more of a task. For me it feels more organic and natural when I am intentionally focusing on Transparency, Authenticity, and being consistent with luxury branding to my overall target clientele versus focusing on the masses. Sharing aspects of my personal life allows perspective buyers and sellers to connect with me, but also showing my passion of real estate is what allows me to “market” successfully and organically.