There's no secret to success

There's no secret to success

Caroline Baile, Royal LePage’s 2018 National REALTOR® of the Year, opens up about what it takes to build a prosperous career in real estate.

“When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” says Caroline Baile.

This mantra has served Baile well in her career, most recently leading to her achievement of our most prestigious award. Baile lives and breathes Royal LePage’s core value: “Helping you is what we do™️". Not only is she a proud ambassador of the brand and a familiar face at Royal LePage events, but she has also earned a spot in our National Chairman’s Club – the Top 1% of over 18,000 REALTORS® nationwide – and actively gives back as a Top 10% donor of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

We asked Baile to give us a behind-thescenes look at her path to success.

Real estate is not a sales industry; it's a service industry.

What’s your favourite quote?

I’m a quote junkie – I look at them every day when I wake up. Can I pick two? Lolz.

“Believe and achieve.” – Unknown

“You can’t spell challenge without change.” – Unknown

What does being a top performer in real estate mean to you?

My philosophy in life has always been to exceed expectations. Being a top performer means being committed to my clients and going above and beyond to get the results they are looking for. Real estate is not a sales industry; it’s a service industry.

Technology continues to change the real estate game – how do you stay innovative and on top of the latest trends?

We’ve been quite successful with tag marketing (also referred to as pixels). It works by “tagging” users who visit our website, so we can retarget them through online ads. If they land on our website through a property listing, for example, then it’s as though our brand follows them around online. Now when they’re browsing their favourite blog or online magazine our ads will display. It’s great exposure – and they think we’re everywhere.

What productivity tools do you lean on to keep your business at peak performance?

CRM is imperative for tracking sales, tasks and client wants and needs. But my greatest tool is my incredible team. I have learned to focus on areas where my time is the most valuable and then delegate everything else. It’s amazing how much more efficient we are when everyone is playing to their strengths and working together. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” as John Maxwell said. See, I told you I’m a quote junkie.

How do your relationships with other agents have a positive impact on your business?

Last year, almost 30% of our business came directly from Royal LePage agent referrals. People ask me, “Aren’t they your competition?” But it’s the exact opposite – other agents are my greatest allies. This is why I take advantage of every networking opportunity that Royal LePage offers, from the National Sales Conference to the Chairman’s Club Retreat and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s annual Gala. Meeting face-to-face is imperative to building a personal connection and feeling confident in your referrals.

You’ve been recognized as an exemplary brand ambassador. What inspires you about the brand?

When I was looking for a brokerage to join, I did my due diligence. Royal LePage was the top choice, hands down. Not only is the brand built of trailblazers in the industry, but it feels like home to me. I love the fact that it is truly Canadian, and we have offices coast to coast. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation was another driving factor for me. I’m very committed to giving back to my community – I feel it’s in my DNA. The fact that we have our own charity makes me feel proud to be part of the team. At the end of the day, it’s the vision and the culture of Royal LePage that attracted me, but it’s the people that keep me here.

You are an active supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. What inspires you to give your time and support so generously?

The Shelter Foundation is close to my heart. As REALTORS®, we work every single day helping families find that perfect home – a place where they feel safe and happy. Sadly, that is not the case for everyone in our community. Domestic violence is everywhere – it transcends race, religion and gender. But we have the power to make a change. We can help provide shelter beds and fund programs to support women and children through this transition. And we can confidently say 100% of the money you donate will reach the people in need, with Royal LePage covering the costs of administration.

If you could go back in time to when you started your business, what would you tell yourself?

There’s really no secret to success. It’s about hard work. The harder you work, the better you get. It’s not going to happen overnight. People tend to jump into something new – whether it’s a new career or a new health regimen – expecting instant results. When I got into this business, I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I took as many courses as I could, I door knocked, I read all of the books. Don’t get discouraged. It’s going to take time. But when you do what you love and stay focused on your goal, success will follow.

Get in touch

carolinebaile@me.com