Strive for Precision - Wendy Newman Realtor

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Newman, Founder of Wendy Newman Realtor, located in Oakland, CA, USA.

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

I'm a realtor in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay). I specialize in helping to divorce couples separate in peace and kindness (as best they can) in the easiest way possible. And of course, I also work with those who are in happier circumstances too!

When I first started in real estate, other realtors said, "Ugh, divorces, they are the worst! You do not want to divorce people as clients," and of course, I ran straight toward that fire. I love the challenge of creating amity where there is none. It's my little part of creating peace in the world.

Tell us about yourself

For the past 20+ years, I have been an internationally-known dating, sex, and relationship expert and author. I helped women find love, stay in love, and heal from their sexual experiences. I loved my job, which mainly consisted of putting 100 women in a hotel meeting room for a two-day workshop. In 2020, that was no longer an option, and Zoom wasn't great for the deep, personal work that gets done in these workshops.

At the start of the pandemic, I doubled down and wrote prolifically. When I realized things were not lightening up anytime soon, I pulled a pandemic pivot and tried something new. I have loved real estate my whole life. I've been making (accurate) real estate predictions since I was twelve. And long before Zillow, I was picking up the homes-for-sale free magazines and guides just for fun. Real estate has always been in me, so in midlife, I took the plunge. And when I did, I was grateful to see how many of my skills were transferable. I'm still holding the hands of my clients (metaphorically) and walking them through their fears.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Authoring a book and going on a 21-city book tour. I love writing and have bout five more books in me (at least) but getting published with a big, traditional publishing house was huge for me. And all the national media was a total trip! I'm glad I was in a good headspace to enjoy it.

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

No paycheck and no customers: I've been running my own company since January 2000, so I've got a pretty high tolerance for not getting paid in any reliable way and not having any customers handed to me. When it comes to the money, sure, there's a certain amount of hustle one can create to generate a dollar, but not having a paycheck, vacation, sick days, a pension (what's that?!), healthcare, and other perks that come with a job is certainly a downside.

And when you're an entrepreneur, the most important part is finding a customer, and you will have to be 100% accountable for finding and bringing that customer into your world. Hint: It's harder than it looks.

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

Listen to your intuition because your gut knows. As a new entrepreneur, there will be oodles of people trying to tell you the right way to do your business. Listen to them. They might have really good ideas. And ultimately, you know what's going to work best for you and for your customers, so use your good judgment and discernment. I can't tell you the amount of money and time I've spent having other people write my sales pages for my websites to then re-write them myself in my own voice. Use your own voice; it's what your people will want from you.
Whatever industry you choose, you're going to be marketed to. You will be the (potential) customer. Self-proclaimed experts will promise you that if you take their course, they'll show you exactly how to win at your business, and you'll be on the path to making seven figures in no time at all. Their marketing will also likely instill fear into you. If you don't take their program, you're sure to end up in the (insert made-up high percentage number here) that fails. This is bullshit. There is no such thing as a get-rich-quick program that works unless you win the lottery or are a trust-funder. Coaches and experts can really help, but there are a whole lot of blowhards out there.
Whether you want to write a book or make a record, successful creative types will say, "Only do it if you have to," and I believe entrepreneurship is in this same category: It's hard. It's a labor of love. Only do it if you have to.
Last tip: Ask for the business. Just like I'm going to do right now. I'm here for you. If you have real estate needs in northern California, I've got you. If you have them anywhere else, I'm happy to interview realtors in your area for you for free. After coming into this industry, I can definitely see not all realtors are made equal. Good luck with your new business!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wendynewmanrealtor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendynewman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendynewmanrealtor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyspeaks/

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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