TEXAS 5-15-23

TEXAS EDITION

Are You Doing Business As You on Facebook?

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING In Your Real Estate Practice

How to Send SMARTER EMAILS 3 BEYOND-THEOFFICE ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE A

CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM

FEATURED AGENTS

SUZY PITTMAN CHERI JORDAN LYNDSAY BLASIENZ SUZIE CASTILLO COVER STORY

STEPHANIE NICK Douglas Elliman / Austin

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 4

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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STEPHANIE NICK Top Agent Magazine

Douglas Elliman / Austin

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STE PHANIE NICK Stephanie loves helping people find their dream home or sell their property for the best possible price.

It is this dedication to her clients and her craft that has earned Stephanie a reputation as one of Austin’s top real estate agents.

Stephanie Nick has made a name for herself in the real estate industry. After graduating college with a degree in public relations and marketing, she 8

found herself working in the high-tech field. While she enjoyed the work, she felt restricted by the lack of flexibility that came with the job. When she Top Agent Magazine

moved to Austin with her family in 1996, she knew it was time to create her own destiny. Stephanie made the decision to enter the real estate industry, earning her license and hitting the ground running. Rather than simply listing properties and hoping for the best, Stephanie focused on the marketing aspect of real estate. “I really identified the markets and demographics, and focused on demonstrating to

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my sellers that I could attract the exact buyers they are looking for.”

Through her hard work and dedication, Stephanie has built a successful career in the real estate industry.

Her ability to think outside the box and identify unique marketing opportunities has helped her stand out in a crowded field. For Stephanie, real estate is not just a job, it is a passion.

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She loves helping people find their dream home or sell their property for the best possible price. It is this dedication to her clients and her craft that has earned Stephanie a reputation as one of Austin’s top real estate agents.

As a solo agent with a licensed assistant by her side, Stephanie specializes in Central Austin, Lake Austin, Westlake, Barton Creek, and Lake Travis communities, understanding all their current market conditions. These regions have grown exponentially in

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value over the past few years. “Many properties on the lake have risen 4060% in price,” Stephanie explains.

She recently began working with a developer who is implementing a new development on Lake Austin called West Harbour Marina, which will include a 26-luxury boat dockominium and five luxury villas ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 square feet.

An expert in the region with a solid reputation for delivering excellent

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service, Stephanie’s business is largely referral-based. “I’m constantly staying connected to past and current clients,” she explains. “My assistant, Taylor Short, is amazing, and has put together our social media and newsletters, which helps us stay top of mind.”

Stephanie also goes above and beyond by linking her clients with other clients who have similarities, whether it’s going out to dinner or lunch.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Stephanie focuses on an Top Agent Magazine

individual’s lifestyle. “I reach out to buyers who match the lifestyle of the property, such as waterfront, golf, entertainment, etc. My tagline is ‘Providing a Lifestyle, Not Just an Address.’”

Many buyers come from other regions looking for a certain type of property.

“We have a lot of second home buyers coming to the area,” she says. “And many of them are from Houston. So what we’re doing is sending out direct mail to specific addresses in those regions that we see buyers coming from. We’ve also been experimenting 11

with Facebook advertising.” Each listing is professionally photographed, ensuring it looks its best.

Outside of real estate, Stephanie volunteers with local nonprofits, enjoys the waterfront lifestyle on Lake Austin with her husband, and has interests in sailing, traveling, wine tasting, and

Austin’s music scene.

As she looks ahead, she sees a bright future. She plans to continue delivering the best service and support for each buyer and seller. “It’s never about a number, it’s about the service.

I want to be there for my clients and their needs no matter what.”

For more information about Stephanie Nick, please call 512-426-9183 or email stephanie.nick@elliman.com

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3 Beyond-the-Office Activities to Inspire a Creative Business Boom Maintaining motivation year-round is a challenge, especially for those who are several years into a demanding real estate career. It’s easy to burn out, get stuck in a rut, or cycle blindly through a well-worn routine. But those that leave an impact on their industry understand that creativity holds the key to innovation and longevity. To stay ahead of Top Agent Magazine

the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. But where to begin?

To invite change, you’ve got to look outside the box—or in this case, beyond the office. If you’re in need of a professional creative make-

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To stay ahead of the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. over, or at least want to experience a burst of inventive energy, consider some of the activities below. You may just shake up your routine, bend your brain in new ways, and inject some inspiration into your professional path.

Expand your mind through meditation.

You’ve likely heard all about the supposed powers of meditation, and perhaps you’ve long considered it an over-hyped New Age invention. But did you know that some of the foremost entrepreneurs of our era practice this cost-free, mentally restorative routine? From Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs, practitioners of meditation cite its stress-relieving principles, in addition to improvements in concentration, energy, self-awareness, and overall health.

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Even mainstream medicine is beginning to understand the preventative and restorative health benefits that meditation affords. As professional fields go, the mortgage and real estate industries require their fair share of emotional labor—you’re tasked with guiding clients through the investment of a lifetime.

Meditation promotes peace and perspective, while reducing stress, adding a new level of self-awareness, and helping you mentally declutter. When it comes down to it, it only makes sense that taking time to go quiet and center your mind helps professionals find wherewithal amidst a hectic industry. Next time you’re feeling drained, out of ideas, or at your wit’s end—consider just fifteen minutes of meditation to get you started. Like most things, it takes some practice. But, if you commit the time, you’ll be thanking yourself later.

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Learn something new.

If you’re facing burnout, then adding a new responsibility to your plate may seem like the least appetizing self-help solution there is.

However, learning a new skill can reinvigorate your understanding of familiar tasks and dilemmas. Plus, learning a new skill doesn’t have to mean formal classes or time-draining homework. Select something that can even kill two birds with one stone. Want to let off some steam, too? Try a kickboxing class that meets just once-a-week. You’ll have something new to look forward to, meet new people, challenge yourself, and earn some feel-good endorphins, Top Agent Magazine

too. Want to cut loose and have some fun? Join a board game meet-up group, take a cooking class, or try rock-climbing for the first time. A stimulating new activity will light up long-dormant parts of your brain, and your clients and colleagues will surely notice the influx of energy to your outlook. Still don’t think you have enough time to add something new to the mix? Blend your morning commute with an audio language learning service. The point is to shake-up your habits and introduce a new challenge that’s unrelated to work. Doing so can make you look at things in a new light and boost your mood along the way.

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See new sights.

If you can, there’s no better way to break from routine than to physically separate yourself from your surroundings. There’s nothing more inspiring than traveling to new destinations, experiencing new cultures, and getting a sense of the world’s true vastness. If a trip abroad isn’t in the cards, don’t fret. There are bound to be plenty of places relatively close by that you’ve never seen. And these trips don’t have to break the bank, either. Devote just one or two days to visiting a place you’ve never gone before, like a state park, protected forest, or a small seaside village. Perhaps you’re only a few hours from a National Park you’ve been meaning to visit but have never made time for. Or, there’s a lively city one state over that you’ve always wanted to try. Whatever the destination, near or far, you’ll refresh

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your perspective entirely when removed from all your usual routines. New restaurants, traffic patterns, storefronts, weather—whatever the change may be, you’ll be experiencing everything brand new all around you. Taking the time for trips like these isn’t easy. In fact, making yourself devote those free days may be a difficult task itself. But it’s the most direct way to get a breath of truly fresh air, and when you return home you’ll be able to assess familiar surroundings in a totally new light.

However you decide to add creativity to your professional life, don’t wait. Once you take the plunge, you’ll be regretting you hadn’t done it sooner. After all, the key to longevity is regular maintenance, so do your part and break the mold today.

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SUZY PITTMAN Top Agent Magazine

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SUZY PITTMAN

By providing the best service possible to each and every client, Suzy Pittman has become a prominent agent in the greater Houston area. She decided to pursue a path in this industry after experiencing an unpleasant real estate transaction herself. “My husband and I worked with an agent who was representing both sides of the deal, and it just fell apart,” Suzy explains. “It made me feel that we weren’t really represented in the right way, and prompted me to go to real estate school.” After becoming an agent, she made it her mission to provide exceptional representation to her clients and make sure that their interests are always the top priority.

raised in Houston, and once married to a Houston Texans football player, Suzy knows this region extremely well and understands its intricacies.

“I live in the Sugarland, Missouri City area, and we have many relocation clients,” she explains.

It attracts families and those looking for safe neighborhoods. “We’ve also serviced nearly 50 professional athlete clients, and are the Women of the NFL Preferred REALTOR® in Houston.” Her

She currently leads a team of six at Texas Made Realty. “We’re small, and we’ve kept it that way on purpose,” she explains.

“We always put quality over quantity. I really want anyone who works with us to feel that they’re getting the ultimate level of service and integrity.” Born and 18

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team is ranked #15 on social media in Houston and is the Exclusive Houston Representative for Nexus Sports Relocation - an Elite Network of Sports, Entertainment, and Luxury real estate professionals throughout the United States. Suzy is deeply rooted in the community, staying involved in her local church and giving back to local causes. “Any chance I get, I’m donating to local organizations and doing everything I can to help those in need.”

Maintaining a strong presence locally, it’s no surprise that much of Suzy’s business consists of repeat clients and referrals. She finds it easy to remain in touch with her buyers and sellers after the transaction, as they develop strong relationships during the transaction. “For me, it’s all about the personal touch,” she explains.

“I do things from my heart and put my client’s needs first.” Suzy’s dedication to her clients includes offering relocation services, helping with leases, listing their home, assisting them in buying a home, and staying in contact even after the transaction is complete. Her genuine care for her clients, and willingness to provide support and referrals for any issues that may arise, makes Suzy a standout agent in the real estate industry.

While Suzy hopes to continue growing well into the future, her top priority is giving her clients an exceptional real estate experience.

“I made myself a promise that no matter how busy or successful we become, we never take on more than we can handle,” she explains.

“I want to always be able to provide the same level of service to each client, and make them feel as if they’re my only client.”

She loves what she does and can’t wait to see what the future holds. “I just love seeing my clients happy. It’s a really personal experience, and it’s amazing to be a part of it.”

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For more about Suzy Pittman, please call 281-788-9990 or email suzypittmanhomes@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

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add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4. MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS

With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5. TRACK THE PERFORMANCE

OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6. DON’T SPAM UNDER

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

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CHERI JORDAN Having moved states multiple times with her family, Cheri Jordan has the first-hand knowledge of how important it is to have a great REALTOR® when you’re relocating. While she always held an interest in real estate, it was only six years ago that Cheri was able to study and earn her real estate license. Now, she’s got her own team and is working alongside her husband and two other agents to represent homebuyers and sellers on the gulf coast of Texas.

Whether her clients are buying farmland or vacation homes, Cheri takes the stress of the real estate process away. As she focuses on serving military families and clients who are relocating, she often only has a day or two to show them homes before they leave for extended periods of time. “I have to be very selective about the homes I choose to show, so I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients’ exact criteria,” she explains. In addition to helping them find a home they love, Cheri makes sure to choose a property that will resell well in 2-3 years when they move again.

Supervisor for a local Bible Study Group and she teaches real estate to new agents.

She and her husband also invest in and flip homes. Their family is growing and were proud to welcome a granddaughter last year.

Cheri plans to add one or two more agents to her team in 2023 to reach a goal of $10 million in sales. Eventually, she wants to grow to 15-20 agents while retaining the same level of service. Whether they’re helping clients buy their first home or downsize, Cheri and her team make sure that the process goes smoothly. “We’re here to calm their nerves and get them to the other side of the transaction successfully.”

Beyond being a REALTOR®, Cheri serves as an excellent resource for her clients. She is more than happy to make recommendations on local services, restaurants, contractors and more, even long after their transaction is completed. With everything that she does, it’s clear that Cheri cares about her clients’ wellbeing. “We want to be here for them during and after the transaction as well as years later,” she says. Besides staying in touch through traditional means, Cheri and her team send out a magazine every quarter about home upkeep, healthy living, and real estate advice.

Very active in her community, Cheri is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

She organizes events and open houses for her listings and frequently walks around the neighborhoods she serves to stay updated on changes. She’s the Children’s 22

For more about Cheri Jordan, please call 713-366-2181 or email CJordan@coastallivingcc.com Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine Copyright Top

3 Ways Joining a Professional Organization Can

Make Your Business Better Any real estate professional worth his or her salt knows that relationships are everything in this industry. Of course, it’s essential to cultivate connections with your in-office colleagues and your clientele—but there’s even more to be done when it comes to building meaningful professional relationships on a larger scale.

How can you make the most of your sphere of influence? The answer lies in professional organizations.

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These institutions vary in breadth and scope— from the local chamber of commerce and state-level organizations geared toward young professionals, to nationwide groups like the National Association of Realtors. No matter which avenue you pursue, these organizations and the professionals therein can add tremendous value to your business and professional repertoire. Not quite convinced? Consider a few of the benefits below to understand how just how influential a professional organization can be when doing business in the modern marketplace.

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1. Expand your skillset.

It’s hard to argue that continuing education and professional development aren’t worthwhile causes. One of the little-known values of joining a professional organization is that there are countless opportunities to boost your talent through free or subsidized skill-building events, workshops, and speaker series. Seminars, coaching events, opportunities to volunteer, and conferences are just a few more ways that professional organizations put you in the right position to learn from others, or advance your understanding of the industry. In real estate, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to the longevity of your business. By joining a professional organization, you’ll not only have the chance to learn from industry veterans, but to also take advantage of indispensable resources that set you apart from the real estate pack.

2. Simplify your networking experience The obvious benefit of joining a professional organization is the chance to meet and network with fellow agents and industry pros.

But, have you ever considered how commonly networking comes into play in the real world? On the local and state level, the real estate scene isn’t as big as one might imagine.

This means you’ll cross paths with all sorts of agents, lenders, home inspectors, title company representatives, contractors, developers, investors, and more. Positioning yourself within a professional organization not only fortifies your reputation to the outside world and to those in your industry, but it also makes it easier to strike up conversations or navigate deals. How so? A professional organization 24

creates a baseline of common knowledge and trust when doing business with those inside or aware of your organization. Likewise, when reaching out to an agent or lender who you’re not familiar with, you can mine your professional organization for related contacts that give you a sense of who you’re doing business with or how to make the transition progress smoothly.

3. Utilize a support system While advancing your career is a worthwhile motive when joining a real estate professional organization, also consider the mental benefits of fellowship with industry colleagues and local entrepreneurs. Rather than carting your anxieties home at the end of the day, you can lean on professionals moving through the same ranks. What’s more, you can turn to others in your industry for advice, commiseration with frustrations, or help sourcing a solution for a particular problem they may have experienced and overcome in the past. Even talking shop with likeminded pros can relieve stress and refresh your perspective—perks that are just as valuable as an updated contact sheet.

The old saying stands true: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to far, go together.

In that vein, professional organizations can make all the difference when it comes to a career that doesn’t burn out. Try connecting with a professional organization that you find inspiring—whether its mission is focused on volunteer work, industry developments, or peer mentorship. No matter which path you pursue, remember that no man is an island and the benefits of joining a professional organization can transform you and your enterprise for the better.

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LYNDSAY BLASIENZ From a young age, Lyndsay Blasienz knew she belonged in the real estate industry. She was a leasing agent for a property management company in high school, and worked her way up from there, forging a successful real estate career that now spans two decades.

Obtaining her license in 2004, she has built a reputation for excellence, leading her to become a prominent agent with a solid reputation. Serving a vast Central Texas territory, Lyndsay’s expertise stretches from Waco to San Antonio.

Her versatile skill sets enable her to handle a diverse range of properties, from residential and commercial real estate, to farm and ranch properties, to custom home builds. With a staggering 85% of her business coming from referrals, it’s clear that Lyndsay’s commitment to her clients has made a lasting impact.

Lyndsay’s exceptional approach to customer service truly sets her apart in the competitive real estate industry. She explains, “I really try and focus on customer service and going above and beyond for my clients.”

As a full-service agent, she guides first-time homebuyers through the entire process, from lending to closing, and offers guidance on maintenance and tax-related concerns even after the transaction is complete. Staying connected to clients is a priority for Lyndsay. “I try and stay in touch, and touch base with my clients via phone or in person a couple of times a year,” she says.

Additionally, her real estate group hosts several client appreciation events throughout the year, allowing her to foster trust and strengthen relationships.

She takes an innovative approach to marketing her listings, ensuring that each property gets the exposure it deserves. With a full marketing program and a dedicated marketing specialist on her team, she leaves no stone unturned. “We post on the MLS,” Lyndsay explains. “We also do a ton of social media and optimize for Google search for each listing.”

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Her marketing strategies are tailored to the specific property type, encompassing open houses, paid advertising, and syndicated sites. Lyndsay maintains a steady transaction count of 25 to 40 per year, enabling her to focus on providing exceptional customer service to each and every client.

Community involvement plays an important role in Lyndsay’s life. She and her team frequently get involved in various events and fundraisers. “I recently completed a local fundraiser for a local youth baseball team,” she explains. “We also donate bikes and coats for kids each year, and help out with school supply drives.” When she’s not working, she’s staying busy with her six children or relaxing.

In the future, she hopes to continue growing and reaching new heights. Having recently welcomed a buyer’s agent to the team, there’s no doubt Lyndsay will keep expanding for years to come. “I love that I get to work with people from all walks of life. It’s such a great feeling to help people with their real estate goals.”

For more about Lyndsay Blasienz, please call 512-844-0656 or email lyndsaybrealtor@gmail.com 25 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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SUZIE CASTILLO highlight for my career and our office!”

Suzie Castillo of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, has built a successful real estate career by combining her caring disposition with a passion for community service and a dedication to education. “This all got started because I just saw a huge need in my community. There used to be only one REALTOR® I knew of that spoke any Spanish, and this agent wasn’t local to our county. Now there are way more bilingual agents in our area, and that number continues to grow!”

Before entering real estate, Suzie enjoyed a career as a nurse. “I was doing nursing during the day, and working part time as a secretary at a real estate office,” she recalls. “The language barriers that agents and clients would run into happened every day – I started learning mostly as a translator.” After mastering the administrative side of the industry, her employer recommended her services to her current broker, Brad Buchanan, as an office manager. “2014 was when I really got to work. I was nursing, office managing, and doing real estate on the weekends and afternoons.

My clientele grew much faster than I anticipated, so I went full-time in 2016.”

Since transitioning, Suzie’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. She consistently ranks #1 in production for her office at Lighthouse Realty, and since 2016, she has claimed a position in the Top 250 of Latino Agents in the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals each year (in 2022 she ranked in the Top 100 National Level and Top 50 State Level). “Seeing Mt. Pleasant on that list was a proud moment for me – we’re a pretty small community, and getting our name on the map was a

Her entrepreneurial efforts are staggering on their own, but her willingness to share her prosperity and knowledge make her an avatar of her community. Suzie was recently recognized in the “Hometown Proud” edition of the Mount Pleasant Tribune for her dedication to supporting her city. Her ever-growing list of championed organizations includes, but is not limited to, the local Rotary Club, the Mt. Pleasant ISD Education Foundation, the SAFE-T Crisis Center (which supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence), and the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, where she sits as the 2023 Chair of the Board of Directors, on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and has been awarded Chamber Ambassador for the past four years in a row. She also teaches Sunday School at Trinity Baptist Church. “I love taking care of people and teaching them – especially my first and second graders, those are my babies – it’s been a huge part of my life as the eldest sibling in my family.”

Suzie is excited by the prospect of leveraging her penchant for education to fuel the next generation of up-and-coming real estate agents. This year, she has mentored two additional agents in Mt. Pleasant, and she recently hosted a first time home buyers seminar at her brokerage which drew a crowd of thirty community members. “Every time things are going well, for some reason my brain makes me want to do more – I think more educational seminars, and probably another license or two are in the future for me.

I love learning and keeping myself up to date!”

To learn more about Suzie Castillo, email scastillo@realtylh.net, call 903-466-5779 or visit: realtylh.com, Facebook, Instagram, Zillow & Linkedin www.

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