In this engaging episode of the Life and Listings podcast, the tables are turned as the usual host becomes the guest. In this episode, I am the guest and share my incredible journey, from starting as an unpaid intern to becoming the CEO of a top operations and marketing management company for real estate agents. I dive into how a passion for operations grew from early experiences in a flooring store and an aircraft engine facility, to founding Staats Solutions seven years ago. The conversation uncovers insights into common pitfalls in team and brokerage operations, with a focus on the crucial first hire. I discuss the importance of preparation, from understanding what tasks to delegate to ensuring the right training and onboarding process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their real estate business effectively.
“So make sure you have something, and I'm gonna really kind of hone in on that. It doesn't have to be perfect, because that person can help you define those SOPs. As you start going, you can say, this is my basics, but can you help me make them better in the future? Because I always say, when you're hiring, I want you to be ready for that person to move on to a different role, and that person that you hired as an assistant. I'm not saying that prepare for them to leave you, but prepare for them to move up the ladder, right? Because that's always the goal. It's like, I want want those people to be able to do more, or take on more, delegate out the other stuff eventually.”- Jennifer
In this episode, let’s dive into:
Hiring Wisely: The first step in expanding your team is to assess your readiness to hire. This involves creating a list of tasks you can delegate, ensuring you have the budget for the new hire, and determining if you're prepared to invest time in training and managing the new person.
Delegation Strategy: Start delegating smaller tasks, like bookkeeping or transaction coordination, to contractors or professionals before bringing on a full-time employee. This helps ease the transition and reduces the training burden.
Effective Onboarding: When hiring a full-time employee, make sure you have a basic training structure and clear expectations in place. Consistency in meetings and communication is key to creating a positive working relationship and ensuring the new hire’s success.
Management Accountability: As a leader, it’s crucial to hold yourself accountable to your team, just as much as you hold them accountable. Consistent check-ins and support are essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and fostering team loyalty.
About Clarissa McNeill:
With four years of expertise in real estate marketing, Clarissa excels in both listing promotion and enhancing online brand presence for real estate agents and brokerages. Specializing in crafting targeted campaigns and content strategies, Clarissa specializes in matching real estate agents with the right media outlets, to highlight their top listings and expertise, often getting her client’s featured in their local publications. Her creativity helps to propel real estate professionals forward in the digital landscape with innovative and effective marketing solutions.
Connect with Jennifer Staats:
Website: staatssolutions.com
Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/
Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor