Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Talya Lerman, Realtor of The Keyes Company, located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a REALTOR with The Suro Group of The Keyes Company. I help buyers, sellers, renters, and investors find the right properties in South Florida.
Tell us about yourself
About a year before I was born, my mom bought a historic fixer-upper in West Palm Beach. It had a cute cottage in the back that we rented out. My mom was VERY entrepreneurial! As I got older, I saw how owning real estate was one way to gain financial security and stability, and I bought my first home at 22. Experiencing the pride of homeownership, I was bit by the real estate bug! Prior to jumping into the real estate field professionally, my career had been in the non-profit realm. I have built invaluable relationships and been a resource for the customers and patrons of the esteemed non-profits I worked for, including the Kravis Center, Norton Museum of Art, the Armory Art Center, and the Mandel Jewish Community Center. My business mentor of 20+ years, Marion Suro, had asked me to join her at The Keyes Company for YEARS! I finally came on board which I'm so glad I did! I absolutely LOVE sharing the inside track on what our area has to offer - whether that be the best hiking trails, cultural attractions, restaurants, hidden gem thrift shops, snorkeling spots, or the closest produce stand. It means a lot to me to continue to be a resource to others and share my knowledge as a South Florida Native. There is nowhere else I'd rather call home.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Changing careers was a BIG deal. I was in the non-profit realm for 20+ years. Bringing my skills, experience, contacts, and context to the real estate field was a natural move. Closing my first transaction was still REALLY big! Earning the trust of clients is always my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Realtors sometimes get a bad rep or are seen as being opportunists! The reality is that when given the opportunity to speak to new people or potential clients, we have a limited window to get our message across, differentiate ourselves, convey the value proposition, and make an impression! That is a lot to do in mere moments sometimes. The wisdom goes, "Real Estate is a relationship business," and it's true! I love the relationship aspect of the business - being in touch with people on a regular basis and being a resource for those new to our area is especially rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do a SWAT analysis, trust your gut, and be consistent!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://talyalerman.keyes.com/
https://linktr.ee/talyalerman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talya.realtor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talya.realtor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talya-lerman/
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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