The Most Influential Women Leaders In Real Estate | CIO Women Magazine by CIO Women Magazine

REAL ESTATE

Women Leaders In

The Most Influential

Pg. 10

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart

4 Experts Your Small Business Needs You To Get

Pg. 36

The City of Petra: An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand

Pg. 28

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FROM EDITOR’S DESK

“There is something incredibly beautiful about a woman, who knows herself, she can't break, she just falls but in every fall she rises, past who she was before.” - Nikki Rowe

Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures! Dear Esteemed Readers, Welcome to the latest issue of CIO Women Magazine, where we proudly shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit of women who are shaping the landscape of the real estate industry. In this edition, we present “Most Influential Women Leaders in Real Estate,” a tribute to the dynamic visionaries who are not only breaking barriers but also inspiring a new era of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. Our cover story features Elise LoSasso, a trailblazing Realtor at The Agency, whose dedication and expertise have made a lasting impact on the real estate world. Elise's journey is emblematic of the resilience and ingenuity that define the women leaders in our feature. Through their unwavering commitment, they have not only risen to the top but are also transforming the industry's landscape. As we navigate an ever-evolving real estate market, the insights shared by our featured leaders are invaluable. From navigating market trends to embracing digital transformations, these women exemplify the resilience required to thrive in a dynamic and competitive field. In our exclusive interviews, they share their experiences, challenges, and strategies, providing a roadmap for aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike. Moreover, this issue delves into the broader conversation about diversity and inclusion within the real estate sector. We explore how fostering a more inclusive environment not only enhances workplace dynamics but also leads to more innovative and effective solutions. The stories within these pages demonstrate that diversity is not just a buzzword but a driving force behind success and progress. CIO Women Magazine remains committed to amplifying the voices of women who are making significant contributions to their industries. In celebrating the achievements of these influential leaders in real estate, we hope to inspire future generations of women to pursue their aspirations fearlessly and with conviction. We hope you have a fantastic read! Utkarsh D.

20 Elise LoSasso

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

First Lady Women

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart

Monuments

The City of Petra: An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand

Article

4 Experts Your Small Business Needs You To Get

Article

10 Habits of Successful Sales Leaders

MICH MICH MICH MICH Michelle Obama, the ﬁrst lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago. Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the ﬁtness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

HELLE HELLE HELLE HELLE CIO Women Magazine | 11

A Quick Background Screening: Michelle Robinson grew up in Chicago's South side. She is the daughter of Frasier Robinson and Marian Robinson. Frasier, her father, was a pump operator in Chicago's water puriﬁcation plant. Her mother, Marian was a homemaker. Michelle studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. Before sociology, she has also attended Harvard Law School. She returned to Chicago and took a job as a junior associate at Sidley & Austin, where she specialized in intellectual property laws. In 1989, she met Barack Obama when working there. He was hired as a summer associate. Being more interested in public service-oriented-path, in 1991, she joined as an assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

PLEZi: A Health-oriented Beverage for Kids:

ichelle Obama, the ﬁrst lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago. Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the ﬁtness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

Since 1996 Michelle continued her efforts to do noble deeds. As a people person and a ﬁtness enthusiast, her focus is to provide good quality foods and drinks. She launched a company named PLEZi in 2015. It was designed to give healthy options for kids to drink. She wanted to bring in nutritious foods for kids without any added sugars. The ﬁrst product of PLEZi was a drink for kids aged between 6 to 12 years. It has 75% less sugar and no added preservatives. Fiber and potassium are on a higher side in this drink, she says.

Becoming: An Autobiography: A book written by Michelle Obama, Becoming is her life's journey. It includes her early life while growing up on the South Side of Chicago with her parents Frazer and Marian Robinson. It was an upstairs apartment where she got her first piano lessons and learned to be an independent girl while her parents took care of her. Further, the book goes ahead by taking us through her education at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. It also has traces of her early stage career at a law firm named Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama. It covers further the marriage, her conceiving issues, the IVF treatment she had to go through, and many other personal and career elements that are worth a read. Her journey is inspirational and will keep giving us hope for life. It will keep on reminding us to move forward. Some facts about the Star: 1. Beauty with brains: Michelle excelled in school. She and her brother, Craig, both skipped the second grade. She graduated salutatory of her high class in 1981. Her school name was Whitney M. Young High School, the first magnet school in Chicago. Jesse Jackson's daughter, Santita, was her classmate. 2. A tall height: Michelle Obama is 5-foot 11 inches tall. Her husband, Barack Obama is 6 foot 1 inches tall. 3. Brilliant Student: Michelle Obama was a brilliant student too. She pursued sociology and AfricanAmerican studies at Princeton University and graduated with distinction in 1985. Further, she went to Harvard University where her husband has been too.

Michelle's Career Took an Unexpected Turn: During the early 1990's she had to rethink her career path. After the death of her father and a close friend, she decided to leave her corporate law field to work in public service and be selfless. She took a job in the mayor's office and then in the city's office of planning and development. In 1993, she became the founding executive director of Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps national service program. It provided training to young adults who wanted to pursue careers in the public sector. 1. A Fitness Freak: Michelle Obama is a fitness freak and it is quite visible. She has shared her fitness regime in many news articles to inspire women to be fit. It is a reminder for every person out there, to lead a healthy lifestyle. Her meticulous efforts and commitment to ward fitness and exercise have been an inspiration to all. The arms full of toned muscles quite vividly depict her commitment to working out. 2. Fashionista: Occasionally, Michelle Obama likes to don pricey designer fabrics. She is, both, praised and criticized, for her fashion sense. It is said that she is a fan of budgetfriendly brands like J. Crew and H&M. On the expensive front, she has sported Lanvin Sneakers worth $515. She was volunteering then at a food bank. On the gracious occasion of a reception regarding the London Olympic Games with the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, she sported a $6800 J. Mendel jacket for a visit to Buckingham Palace.

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An Empath for Those in Need: 14

In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago, as an Associate Dean of Student Services, to bring the campus and community together. Under her regime, she successfully developed the University's ﬁrst community service program. As the Vice President of Community and External Affairs, her volunteerism reached new heights. Here's a list:

1. Let's Move:

In 2010, Michelle launched the campaign Let's Move. She brought together educators, medical professionals, community leaders, parents, and others in a nationwide effort to address the challenge of childhood obesity. This initiative has a progressive goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity. The initiative provides healthier foods in schools, helps kids to be more physically active, or urges companies to market healthier foods for children. Let's Move is an extension of the PLEZi company's vision and mission statement.

2. Reach Higher: To empower students via education, in 2014, Michelle started the Reach Higher campaign. To encourage students to complete their education past high school, she launched this campaign. It was an urge to students to enroll themselves in college degree programs, to join a community college, or a professional training program. “Reach Higher” aims to ensure that all students should understand the "why education is important" factor. The initiative exposes students to various colleges and educational institutes, the initiative helps students understand ﬁnancial aid eligibility, and also provides summer learning opportunities.

3. Let Girls Learn: 2015, Mrs. Obama joined President Obama in launching the ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative. It was a U.S. government initiative to help girls go to school and stay in school, whoever needs to do so. As part of this effort, Mrs. Obama calls on various countries across the globe to educate and liberate young women. She shares the stories of these women with the students in her ‘Reach Higher’ initiative, so they know the struggles the women are going through to get a basic education. It is also for them to understand the importance of getting aid for education.

4. Joining Forces: In 2011, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch ‘Joining Forces’. It was a nationwide initiative that called all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families. It was a calling to support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. This initiative worked together with the public and private sectors to make sure that the veterans, service members, and their families had the necessary tools to succeed in life. These were the 4 main initiatives that Michelle Obama started. Via these social initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families. Other service members, veterans, and their respective families were also a part of the initiative which got immense help to lead a good, healthy, and ﬁnancially stable life.

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3. Multiple Tasks: Michelle Obama is the author of a best-selling book where she wrote about the White House garden. She joined millions of children in breaking the Guinness world record for jumping jacks. Moreover, she has helped almost 50,000 veterans and military spouses to get jobs through her Joining Forces initiative. Qualities of Michelle Obama: Ÿ Zeal for Social Work: Michelle Obama has a strong personality and an ability to call others to action. She isn't a typical first lady. Her ability to motivate, inspire, and take action is immensely flawless. Many of the controversial social issues were faced by her, but she went through it all like a confident and powerful woman. It made her an iconic figure and her legacy will remain for a long time Ÿ Inspirational: Michelle Obama was able to

transform political lines and radical divides. She has inspired millions of people, without any doubt. Michelle kept her stand about the power of the individual is paramount, and why you shouldn't underestimate your ability to inspire real change in the community. Ÿ Compassionate: Empathy and compassion are needed to maintain healthy and harmonious relationships in the organization. She went on to establish the Chicago chapter of Public Allies. It was a humble effort from her side to prepare youth to join the civil service. Being compassionate is a way to people's hearts. It earned her the trust and respect of the employees and maintain employee retention. Ÿ Strong Character: Michelle Obama was always vocal and honest about the stark realities faced by minorities in America. This topic was picked up in a 2015 commencement speech at Tuskegee University.

A Wan of Heart 16

OBAMA

MICHELLE

Ÿ There she reminded black students to stay strong and resilient against the odds. She truly believes in standing up for what she believes in and living by her values. Ÿ Powerful Speaker: Michelle Obama has a powerful communication tact. She had an astonishing way of keeping people hooked to her presence and making them feel they were a part of something big. She gave powerful speeches about her experience as a black woman competing in academia. She also emphasized the need to stand up for women's rights. Conclusion: Michelle Obama is a dynamic woman with multiple qualities to admire. While raising daughters Malia and Natasha, she handled her all responsibilities effortlessly. Managing her time, fulﬁlling the duties towards her social activities, and raising the kids, she managed it all. Excellent time management skill is her trait to admire. Nobody has enough hours in the day, so you need to deﬁne the priority tasks and complete them as decided no matter what. She is a personality that will be remembered and remembered for many years. Her contribution to society, speaking up for empowering women and children, and providing education to a majority of children in need have made her inspirational for many.

CIO Women Magazine | 17

The Agency REALTOR

he real estate industry has undergone a signiﬁcant transformation, demanding realtors to adapt to changing dynamics in order to meet the evolving needs of clients. Success in this ﬁeld now relies on innovative approaches and personalized services that set realtors apart and establish them as essential contributors to the industry. Elise LoSasso, a distinguished realtor with a remarkable journey spanning 7 years, initially faced challenges in a boutique brokerage. With the little money that she had to get started in this career, Elise bought breakfast burritos and would hand them out to high-end renters in the morning on their way to work. While this unique strategy initially took time to yield results, Elise persevered, building her business from scratch and gradually expanding her clientele. Today, she stands among the top 1% of 44,000 Realtors in the state of Colorado and the top 1.5% of all agents nationwide.

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ELISE LOSASSO Comprehensive Real Estate Services The Agency was born in Beverly Hills and later moving to New York and Aspen and now has a global presence nationwide with over 100 ofﬁces. The Agency is very aligned with Elise's commitment to exceptional service and innovation in the real estate landscape. As a distinguished realtor in Denver, she offers a comprehensive suite of services, including residential real estate and co-ownership of Tuck Development, specializing in design, new home construction, and property transformations. Beyond her role in development, Elise excels in guiding clients through market values, leveraging her substantial social media presence on platforms like Instagram. Her commitment to client satisfaction extends to covering speciﬁc expenses out of her pocket, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for those who choose to work with her.

Leadership and Empowerment

Embracing Technology for Efficiency Elise leverages technology to enhance business efficiency, relying on a CRM named Follow Up Boss and Wealth Engine within The Agency's extensive technological platform. This allows her to track client details, stay informed about significant events in clients' lives, and analyze different markets and demographics for targeted marketing strategies.

As a leader, Elise stands out among the rest for her emotionally intelligent and empowering leadership style. While not leading a team directly, she values her "girl gang," including her executive assistant Kelsey and personal assistant and house manager, Dani. Open communication, recognition of accomplishments, and a transparent work culture deﬁne Elise's approach to leadership.

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ELISE LOSASSO Confronting Challenges and Inspiring Others Elise acknowledges the persistent gender biases in the real estate industry. Despite facing stereotypes and challenges based on her appearance and gender, she emphasizes the importance of results and work ethic in proving one's professional competence. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to believe in themselves, stay teachable, and embrace conﬁdence.

Balancing Work and Life Recognizing the demanding nature of real estate, Elise advocates for a realistic approach to work-life balance. In the past two years, she has actively prioritized self-love and selfcare, engaging in activities like hiking, working out, riding horses and disconnecting entirely during stressful times. Elise LoSasso's journey in real estate is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to empowering others, especially women. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in their capabilities and break through barriers in pursuit of their dreams.

“Don't listen to anybody else. Listen to you; give it a shot. If it doesn't work out for you, it will lead you down a path for something that will,”

Ignore Naysayers for Sky's the Limit As a woman entrepreneur, founder, and leader, Elise urges aspiring women entrepreneurs to 'believe in yourself.' Moreover, the sky's the limit. Ignoring the naysayers who kept warning her against pursuing a career in real estate, given the competitive environment and her lack of sales background, she was resolute. She is determined to create strides in the industry. “Don't listen to anybody else. Listen to you; give it a shot. If it doesn't work out for you, it will lead you down a path for something that will,” says Elise. She further urges people to believe in their instincts and stay open to learning. Whenever she feels down, she looks up to senior and veteran women leaders in Denver and reaches out to them for advice, as they have faced and overcome challenges in a rather tougher, more male-dominated era. “Stay teachable and have conﬁdence – the sky's the limit,” concludes Elise.

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An Ancient Civilization hidden under the Sand

t the core of the barren crimson desert resides the City of Petra, a legacy of a bygone era. This hidden city is covered with tales carried by desert winds and unfolds its secrets with the air of mystique. Its rose-red facades, masterfully carved into the living rock, stand as silent witnesses of an ancient civilization lost into the stack of time. Each façade is a canvas of stories of a forgotten empire and resonates with the whispers of a rich history. As we walk through the narrow Siq, the canyon guarding Petra’s entrance, the anticipation builds—we are set on a journey back in time, guided by the echoes of a lost civilization’s heartbeat.

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Where Is PETRA Located? It sits approximately 150 miles south of Jerusalem and Amman, the capital of Jordan. Positioned midway between Damascus, Syria, and the Red Sea, it became a strategic hub for trade and commerce. This historical site is notable for its stunning rockcut architecture and pioneering water management system, a crucial innovation that transformed the otherwise waterless and mountainous surroundings into a habitable area. It is known as the ‘Rose City’ due to the hues of its stone structures. It earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

An Enchanting History The story begins with a tribe of Arabian nomads known as the Nabataeans. Originally, wanderers who thrived in the desert by herding animals. Over time, their expertise in desert survival transformed them into prosperous traders, dominating key routes for spices and incense from Arabia to Egypt and the Mediterranean. The Nabataeans, once nomadic, accumulated wealth as desert traders, transitioning from goatskin tents to constructing impressive structures. The shift from nomadic life to settling down remains a mystery, shrouding Petra’s origins in intrigue. In 312 B.C., the Greek Empire attacked, marking its first historical mention. The Nabateans cleverly defended their city against the Greeks, using the mountainous terrain as a natural barrier. However, in 106 A.D., the Romans invaded, leading to the Nabatean surrender. The Romans renamed the territory as Arabia Petraea and ruled for over 250 years. The city endured until an earthquake in the fourth century A.D. that damaged many structures. Later, the Byzantines assumed control, governing for approximately 300 years. The Lost City This ancient city experienced a decline in the eighth century A.D., losing its prominence in trade, politics, and culture. Despite this, it remains noteworthy for its unique architecture, especially the rock-cut structures crafted by the Nabatean Bedouins. Its early architecture emerged by carving structures directly into the surrounding stone. Over time, Petra evolved, absorbing Roman and Byzantine influences, resulting in a fusion of cultural elements. Initially known for detailed Nabatean tombs, the city later featured Christian churches built by the Byzantines, who regarded it as the capital of the province of Palaestina. The Romans left their mark with the Roman Road, adorned with Roman-style gates. Despite changing rulers, the Nabateans’ influence endured in Petra’s design. Resulting in a captivating blend of cultural contributions spanning centuries.

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Inside Petra:

THE SIQ: It is the ancient main entrance leading to the city of Petra. A split rock with a length of about 1200m and a width of 3 to 12m, and height up to about 80m.

THE SILK TOMB: It is one of the most dramatically colored tombs in Petra dating back to the first half of the first century AD. The interface measures 10.8 meters in width and 19 meters in length with a door in the middle Today’s Petra After the eighth century, this abandoned city, Petra became a refuge for nomadic shepherds for centuries. In 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra and documented his findings. This revelation captivated the interest of the Western world, drawing architects and scholars. A formal excavation project commenced in 1929, led by British archaeologists Agnes Conway and George Horsfield, along with scholars Tawfiq Canaan and Ditlef Nielsen.

BAB AL SIQ: It is Arabic for gateway to the ‘siq’. Here you will see three massive Djinn blocks, which are squared monuments carved out of the rock.

THE THEATRE: Carved into the side of the mountain at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice, the theatre consists of three rows of seats separated by passageways. It can it can accommodate 4000 spectators. Over the years, significant discoveries were made, including the Greek scrolls in 1993 and the recent identification of a buried monumental structure through satellite imaging. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this lost city witnessed the forced relocation of Bedouin tribespeople by the Jordanian government. In the early 2000s, it earned recognition as one of the ‘Seven New Wonders of the World,’ resulting in a surge in tourism.

THE DAM: It was renovated by the government in 1964 in the same way originally built by the Nabataens. Built to protect their capital from ﬂoods that arrived during the seasonal rain.

THE TREASURY (AL KHAZNA):

It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, ﬁgures and more. The Treasury is crowned by a funerary urn, which according to local legend conceals a pharaoh’s treasure.

How and When to Visit? Don’t limit to just a day trip—it’s vast, covering over a hundred square miles, four times the size of Manhattan. While donkeys and camels can speed things up, most of its wonders are best explored on foot, involving some uphill treks. Stay at least one night in town and plan your exploration through a series of hikes. Local guides, with their extensive knowledge, reveal hidden tombs and details you might miss. This city welcomes visitors year-round. Opt for spring or fall for pleasant weather and stunning light. Summer is lovely but scorching. January and February are cooler, with occasional rain. Due to the high elevation, nights are chilly. Make the most of Petra’s changing hues by arriving early and staying late for sunrise and sunset. Many mysteries of this long-lost city are still buried under the golden sand of the desert. Mysteries that hold a voice telling the story of the past. However, this mist of unknown stories is the very factor that makes this place more appealing. Once you leave Petra, you will leave with a perspective questioning the circle of time entangled with stories. And who knows, this adventure might help you with your own story.

Lesser Known Facts: Ÿ Caravan City: Often known as the ‘Rose City,’ it was a caravan city strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes. Its prosperity was built on trade, serving as a hub for caravans traveling between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Ÿ Rock-Cut Architecture: One of the most distinctive features of this city is its rock-cut architecture. The structures were carved directly into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan, showcasing the remarkable engineering and artistic skills of the Nabataeans people. Ÿ Nabataean Water Engineering: Its ability to thrive in a desert environment was facilitated by sophisticated water management systems. The Nabataeans constructed intricate trenches, cisterns, and channels to control and distribute water throughout the city. Ÿ Hidden Monastery: While the iconic Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and the Monastery are well-known, Petra is home to numerous lesser-explored sites. One such site is the ‘Ad Deir’ or the Monastery, located high in the mountains. Larger than The Treasury but sees fewer visitors due to its remote location. Ÿ Mesmerizing Nights: Visitors have the unique opportunity to experience Petra by Night. The archaeological site is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. The journey through the Siq to reach The Treasury under the soft glow of candlelight is a ravishing experience. Ÿ Lost and Rediscovered: Essentially lost to the Western world after the 14th century. It became a forgotten city until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. His accounts of the hidden city brought it back into the limelight. Ÿ Amphitheater with Acoustics: This city boasts a wellpreserved amphitheater with impressive acoustics. Despite its ancient origins, the theater can still seat thousands of spectators and is occasionally used for performances. These lesser-known facts of Petra add layers to its historical and cultural signiﬁcance.

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Expe s Your

SMALL BUSINESS

Needs You To Get 36

t CIO Women Magazine | 37

Running a small business is no easy feat. You’ll likely be accustomed to wearing many hats, but what if those hats don’t quite fit or are suitable for the job at hand? While you might possess many skills that allow you to succeed at what you do, chances are there are areas you’re not quite so good at and need a bit of support from Small Business Experts. Thinking you can do everything yourself is a surefire way to hinder your success and progression. The best business owners accept that they will need help in some areas and make sure they work with experts to meet gaps in their knowledge or skills and support operations as much as possible. With this in mind, who exactly should you call when you need help? It’s likely not going to the Ghostbusters if that heat has popped into your head. The following Small Business Experts can be invaluable to small business owners: 1. Mentors Business mentors exist to provide new and emerging business owners with advice, support, and assistance as they navigate the period before bringing their company to the market or during their first year of business. You will essentially be learning the tricks of the trade from them, learning from their mistakes, and getting support from someone who has been there, and done that, so to speak.

2. Financial Advisor Poor cash flow and inadequate financial decisions are some of the leading causes of business failure. Money management for small businesses needs to be on point, but for many business owners, finances are their strong point or something they can devote too much time to. Bringing a financial advisor on board can allow you to keep that cash flowing, support you at tax time so you don’t get in trouble with the IRS, and help with forecasting to avoid overspending or committing to decisions if trends indicate you shouldn’t. 3. Website Design Nearly 30% of small business owners do not have a website, while a Forbes survey found that over 70% of respondents stated they wanted to improve their web presence imminently. A poor web design can impact your ability to create leads, make sales, or retain customers. You must ensure your website is easy to use, has a clear CTA, and follows all SEO and Google guidelines to ensure it can rank. An expert SEO agency can help you create an effective SEO structure and web design that is geared toward a seamless user experience. 4. Marketing Expert Lastly, you need a marketing expert on board. Marketing can be a full-time job, and chances are you will be juggling too many other aspects of your business to devote too much time to advertising. With many options, both traditional and digital marketing methods, it makes sense to bring a marketing expert on board to help you drive results. All you need to do is hone in on the results you want, and your marketing partner can help you

develop an effective campaign while you focus on doing what you do best. To ensure your business has everything it needs and is supported correctly, you need to ensure you are working with Small Business Experts in the areas you aren’t proﬁcient in or don’t have time to commit to. You can still get the results you need without all of the effort to help you go from strength to strength.

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Habits of

CCESSFUL

Leaders CIO Women Magazine | 43

Sales are considered an art more than a science. Sales Leaders have considered mastering the art. They have taken an effort and pushed themselves to give it their all. Sales Leaders aren’t born with the aptness. They’ve developed it throughout the years before they were recognized as sales leaders. Not every prospect gets converted into a sale. The last decision remains on the buyer. But, the job of sales leaders is to create an impact on the customer so he/she won’t choose any other brand. Sales leaders are dynamiting. They know how to work under pressure. They keep a balance of the pressure and their work aside. If mixed, the sales leaders know the blunder that’ll degrade their performance. Sales leaders are motivating, compassionate and inspiring. Other employees, peers, subordinates, and juniors especially get wooed and inspired to be like them. Mentioning 10 habits of successful sales leaders; Habit 1: They love their job Sales leaders love their job. As simple as that. They can only see the number of sales and the target in front of their eyes. Sales leaders love to be out there. They’re outspoken, witty, and have immense convincing power. Right, from when they start their jobs, they’ve mastered the craft to a level where they can almost convert most of their prospects into happy customers. Habit 2: They follow standard processes Sales leaders follow standard operating processes while implementing their own skills at times. It helps them not only to generate leads but also to get some conversions. They do not pay heed to impractical and previously failed methods. Striving every day to achieve the monthly target is the ambition in front of them.

Habit 3: Time management Sales leaders are the best when it comes to time management. They have a plan ready and time slots given for their whole day. What task needs how much time are they’re well-aware and implement it so. It is needed in order to achieve the targets they keep chasing. Managing your time is a skill everyone should master, not only people in sales. Habit 4: Are an inspiration

product knowledge means you have taken the effort to study in detail about the product. It helps greatly in convincing the customer and can solve all his doubts too. Habit 7: Carry a growth mindset They strive to grow every day, every second, and every minute of their life. Without growth, a salesperson cannot survive, they’re well aware of this fact. All they wish to see is growing sales ﬁgures, subordinates/juniors growing and the organization reaching to new heights. This is the growth mindset every salesperson has and they keep their word at all times.

Juniors especially look up to their immediate seniors and the team leaders and managers. These are the leader’s juniors who try to learn by observation and when they are on the job. Sales training is provided, that is a different matter, but what humans can grasp via observing is a totally exceptional skill. The human brain is wired like that. So, sales leaders are not only leaders in the organization, they are leaders in the true aspect of life. They also had leaders when they started their journey. This is the same thing. Only places have changed.

Protecting your networks is a thing all salespeople need to do, not only leaders. There are two reasons behind it. First, seniors can help in the future, second customer referrals are the best to prove the worth of previous work done. It builds goodwill and advocates the work. It builds a good image.

Habit 5: Use their creative ﬂair

Habit 9: Customer-centric approach

Salespeople have a creative ﬂair when dealing with customers or in daily activities. Whether it’s time management, submitting the sales ﬁgures to seniors, or attending to the whole bunch of customers they possess they do it effortlessly. But, speaking in terms of creativity, they need to showcase it on the job, especially during customer acquisition. Persuading the prospect while leaving an impact of the product and of self, is important.

Salespeople are customer-centric. They understand the needs of customers, likes, dislikes, and the thought process they carry. They are empaths as they interact with the customers every day. They know what are the customers looking for. They have a knack to understand the customer’s nerves and provide them their suitable product. Age, gender, purchasing power, and the overall standard of living of the person are judged by the salesperson.

Habit 6: On-point product knowledge

Salespeople exist to sustain. They have a sustainability mindset too. In the initial years, they strive to sustain, within the market, sustain within their market share, sustain the competition, and sustain the image of their brand.

When the sales leader has the right amount of product knowledge, his conﬁdence increases. He is more ready to stand there and make a sale. Good

Habit 8: Nurture their networks

Habit 10: Sustainability

One wrong move will directly affect their brand name and revenue. Hence, they continually strive to attain sustainability. Conclusion: As we conclude, it is safe to say that, salespeople are true multi-taskers. They have to do an inﬁnite number of tasks in a stipulated time frame. They have the capability to do it well without any hindrances, or minimum obstacles. They know the tact of damage control too. They focus on their weaknesses too. Nobody is perfect. They learn the talent of storytelling too, to grab the immediate attention of the customer. All in all, a salesperson is a multi-faceted and multi-talented person who can carry the brand name and image forward to only grow in the future.

CIO Women Magazine | 45

C o omen Magazine

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