Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vanessa Rosenblum, CEO of Pro REA Staffing, Inc., located in the USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pro REA Staffing is a nationwide recruiting agency for real estate teams. We help real estate agents hire assistants, marketing professionals, transaction coordinators, and managers. Many of our clients have little to no hiring or management experience, and we provide a very consultative, hands-on approach to helping our clients hire the right people.

Tell us about yourself

My first job after college was as the Operations Manager for a real estate coaching company. In that role, I saw what a HUGE impact a great assistant could have on an agent’s business. One great hire could help them double or triple their business in 2 or 3 years. I started helping our clients hire and developed my approach to making the perfect match. Then in 2008, I launched Pro REA Staffing. I love connecting with people and helping people reach their goals. As a recruiter, I get to help two people find each other, and it is exciting to see them grow and thrive together.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My team is my biggest accomplishment. My executive assistant has worked with me for almost nine years, and my Senior Recruiter has been with me for five, and I’ve had many other long-term employees. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve created an environment where people love what they do and love coming to work.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being a business owner can feel very lonely. You are surrounded by people who like you and want to support you, but you can’t share everything with them. It’s important to develop a group of peers and mentors so that you can discuss the challenges you face in your business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Focus on profit first. I highly recommend the book Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. From day one, focus on managing your P&L for profit. Even if it’s only 1%, this approach has helped me keep my expenses under control, and it gives me an honest assessment of what I can and can’t afford.
  2. Hire a coach. Or find a mentor. You need an outside perspective and the guidance of someone who has already seen and done what you are going through.
  3. Don’t allow work to take over your life. No one goes into business for themselves because they want to work all the time. However, that is often what happens. Set boundaries around when and where you work. Say ‘no’ to clients who don’t respect your boundaries. Your health, family, and friends are important, and money isn’t the only (or best) yardstick of success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.proreastaffing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessarosenblum/

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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