I cut my teeth on real estate investing with single family properties. I flipped, renovated, bought, held and sold duplexes and single family homes. As an investor – not as a real estate agent.
One day we decided to meet with the owner of a small boutique brokerage house. The firm specialized in small to medium sized apartment buildings.
I briefly considered starting with a younger broker in the firm. Someone who might be really hungry for business. Unfortunately my ego got in the way. It was the owner or no one for me.
His receptionist brought us back to the conference room. I almost always take the chair at the head of the table. To me, it’s kind of a joke. I like to see what the other guy will do. The one who usually sits in that chair. I also like to subtly send the message that I’m a client with an agenda. And that I’m there do to business.
As the meeting began, and without any prompting from me, my husband said, “I’m only along for the ride, Marc, my wife is the real estate expert here. So, talk to her.”
I was pretty impressed with my husband. I didn’t ask him to say that… but I did want to lead the meeting. Alas, Marc couldn’t care less what my husband said. He spent the next 45 minutes pretty much ignoring me… and talking to my husband.
And that’s when I got my first inkling of what a good ol’ boy world commercial real estate was.
Finally, once this guy Marc got it in his head that I would be buying the apartment building, he said, “Start with a duplex”. I don’t think he quite added ‘little lady’ but it was pretty much there in neon flashing above his head.
It was all very motivating.
My Mom tells a story about when she announced her decision to go to law school to a group of ‘friends’. An attorney pointed a finger at her and said with a boisterous guffaw, “She thinks she can be a lawyer. Hahaha”
She had just finished undergraduate school as a single mom of six — at the age of 35. How the heck did he know whether she could make it or not?
By the way, she’s been practicing law for a long time now.
And we started with a 30 unit building.
The moral to the story.
My Mom claims she finished law school on the pure grit she got from that single comment. Nothing inspired her as singly as that misguided pig headed lawyer who knew absolutely nothing about her. I knew I had the education and experience to move into multifamily investing on a larger scale than a duplex.
If you are truly excited by something, or passionate about a goal, don’t let naysayers get in your way.
With education and some true grit, you can be anything you want.
Inspiration can be found in “No”.
When was the last time you accomplished something in spite of being told it would be impossible or beyond your abilities?
Related posts:
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Theresa,
Great post! You really can be just about anything you want especially in this great country. We’re the only species that can do more and be more yet too many don’t live up to their full potential. It’s not always easy to stay on your path of passion and fulfill your dreams because there are a lot of bumps along the way but as you said, if you truly have a passion for something, don’t let naysayers stand in the way. People will always have an opinion.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Janette Stoll
Janette Stoll recently posted..Marketing Your Jewelry Home Party Business Online
“We’re the only species that can do more and be more yet too many don’t live up to their full potential.”
Wow! I can’t even begin to describe how awesome that line is. It’s so motivational. We are given this special gift that other living creatures aren’t given. We get to not just act on instinct, but think and chose and develop. And so many people are letting that gift go to waste.
Is it fair to say that we are regressing by being herded like cows into cubicles?
Again…AWESOME!
Eugene recently posted..Walking the Talk- I Quit My Job!
Hi Janette,
It isn’t always easy and yes, there will be those who have an opinion, often a negative one. The successful people I know are willing to work hard. AND they believe that success is possible.
I really appreciate your comment. After an all too brief visit to your blog (I’ll be back, I promise) I see that you fully embrace the idea of being successful by following your passion. I look forward to reading more of your posts and to commenting.
~Theresa
I must be really lucky in that department. I can’t really recall anyone flat out telling me “no” or “that’s not possible” or “you can’t do that.”
My soon-to-be ex-coworkers did look at me like I was crazy when I recently put in my two week notice and I told them I don’t have another job waiting for me. Does that count?
Eugene recently posted..Walking the Talk- I Quit My Job!
Eugene… you just quit???? OMG, congratulations. I am running right over to your blog to read about this!
But before I go, I have to mention that I practically stole this question from your awesome series over at RealityBurst. I finished the post and I always ask a question… yours popped immediately to mind. I hope it’s true that imitation is the highest form of flattery!
Gotta go…
~Theresa
I’m flattered
Eugene recently posted..Walking the Talk- I Quit My Job!
Excellent story, Theresa. Both about your mom and you. Awesome stuff!
I think I’ve said this before but when I first decided to take my business full time online ten years ago there were quite a few naysayers in my life. It seemed everyone said something along the lines of, “You can’t make a living on the Internet! What a crazy idea!” LOL. And that’s all history now.
Deb Augur recently posted..How To Protect and Back Up WordPress
Thanks Deb! So, do you feel like an old lady of the web? Seriously ten years doesn’t make you old, but on the internet it’s an eternity. You were truly an early adopter. I’ll bet you had a LOT of naysayers around you.
Congratulations for making your online business a success and for sticking with it.
And please, keep it up… I learn so much from you.
~Theresa
Beautiful post, Theresa!
And kudos to you and your mom and everyone out there who’s been discounted, disrespected, and made to feel discouraged about following their passion. Phooey on the naysayers!
Life is hard enough and way too complicated. The last thing we need is more people who want to squash our hopes and dreams.
When my daughters were younger, I wore a button that read …
“I don’t put up with put downs.”
I taught them they owned their own feelings and they could feel any way they wanted to about anyone — including their sisters. BUT … there was a caveat to owning those feelings. No putting each other down. If you can’t lift someone up, keep your lips zipped.
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Limit Email To 140 Characters
Melanie –
I think you’re going to like the title of my next post.
I love the message you taught your daughters. My Mom used to say “if you can’t something nice don’t say anything at all” – along with thousands of other Moms who saw Walt Disney’s Bambi. Of course, you took this a step further with the idea of not putting another person down. It’s a beautiful message.
Thanks for the kudos.
~Theresa
btw – my Mom reads my blog. Isn’t that great?
Hi Theresa’s Mom — Can you see me waving?
I think my mum would read my blog, too, (and Theresa’s!) but first I have to convince her to get a computer. At 84, she’s not exactly thrilled with the notion. But I haven’t given up on her yet.
Your daughter is a beautiful woman — inside and out,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Limit Email To 140 Characters
Inspiring! Yeah, we can surely be anything as long as we know what we want and then pursue it.
Dana recently posted..SmartQ T7-3G- A Low-End Android Tablet PC
Thanks Dana! Glad you dropped by.
~Theresa
I call that competitive spirit. When someone tells you “No” you have to reply; “Of course I can!”
Well done by both you and your mother!
P.S. I just have to say it, I have never gotten the chance before; YOU GO GIRL!!
(Sorry, I had no choice!)
Daniel M. Wood recently posted..The Search for Timeless Principles
Hey Daniel –
Thanks for the cheer!
Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I don’t know who’s more competitive… my Mom or me. She’s been amazingly inspirational.
~Theresa
Hi T
In the past – I passed my “English Literature O Level” despite being told that I never would.
That showed em!
More recently – I’ve got small “Speakers Club” websites to the top of the SERPS even though the webmasters told me that it couldn’t be done.
I’ve got to thank Rand Fishkin of SEOMoz for that.
If you want info on SEO, just Google the great man.
He does some fantastic videos on SEO – google “whiteboard Friday”.
And in the future… who knows.
Keith Davis recently posted..Keep it short- keep it sharp
Hi Keith!
I stopped to take a crash course in O and A levels before responding to your comment. Glad I did. We have friends in the UK and I’ve been hearing about these qualifications for years (not to mention all of the references in literature as well). So happy you “showed them”… don’t you just love that?
NOW I just came back from looking up SERPs – good thing I’ve got tabbed browsing!
You’d think I’d know this one, wouldn’t you???? As a reader of my blog you’ve probably noticed I don’t do much keyword stuffing.
OK, I’ve googled speaker’s clubs. Of course it would help to know the urls of your sites. Why don’t you promote them here? Drop us a few urls. I’ll be impressed with your prowess.
Oh my. You’ve just suggested I google ‘whiteboard Friday’. I guess I’m off to watch some videos. Thanks for the educational comment. And congratulations on your success!
~Theresa
Hi T
You’ll love Rand Fishkins videos – the guy is my sort of speaker.
Full of energy and enthusiasm, and info.
All I know about SEO I got from Rand’s site.
BTW – he does some free guides…
Link here http://www.seomoz.org/beginners-guide-to-seo
They used to be free – not sure if they still are.
Typical Speakers Club site is http://www.matlockspeakers.co.uk/
Two page static html site that is optimised for public speaking in Matlock, a small town in the UK.
Once you have a geographic locator, things get much easier from an SEO point of view.
If you google “public speaking matlock” or “presentation skills matlock” – voila.
Brings them lots of new members.
Don’t forget to Google “whiteboard friday”.
Keith Davis recently posted..Keep it short- keep it sharp
I’m with Theresa …
Lay the URL’s on us, Keith!
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Limit Email To 140 Characters
Thanks Keith! The guide is still free from SEOmoz… now downloaded. Thank you!
I’m looking forward to watching Rand Fishkins videos – especially to check out his energy and enthusiasm. I’m sure it’s great info too.
Love the Matlock site. Nice job.
Hi T
Take a look at this one…
http://vimeo.com/2509081
Ignore the music at the beginning, awful, just listen to the content.
Rand is a great communicator.
Keith Davis recently posted..Keep it short- keep it sharp
Thanks Keith – I took a look this morning. Love this Whiteboard Friday! Rand is really great at presentations. The music wasn’t too bad… it kind of made me want to work out.
T
Work out!
Go for it Theresa.
I think that the current Whiteboard Friday videos don’t use that music, but if you want to see a great performer in action and learn SEO, you won’t beat those vids.
Keith Davis recently posted..Keep it short- keep it sharp
Hi Theresa,
Motivating stories you’ve shared here. Fortunately, I’ve never had anyone outright challenge me that way, but I’ve had plenty of the snide remarks or sneers at proclamations I made for myself. I’ve never sought to do something to prove anything, but there is always a sense of satisfaction when I cross someone who held reservations about me and they are met with surprise as to my accomplishments. More than that, I think your title says it best. It’s up to YOU to decide what, how, or who you will be. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.
Marlee recently posted..What to Do When Life Happens- Sht Hits the Fan- and Snot Won’t Stop Dripping from Your Nose
Hi Marlee,
I love the fact that you make proclamations to yourself! It’s the perfect way to find the motivation to become what you want to be. It’s surprising how many people don’t do this. Sometimes they feel silly doing it. Or they don’t quite believe it themselves. But it’s the surest way to start to believe you can do anything. Kudos to you!
I think one of the coolest things is when you surprise yourself with your own accomplishments. To me it’s even more satisfying than the look on someone else’s face!
Just like you said. At the end of the day it’s up to YOU “to decide what, how, or who you will be”.
Who… what… and how. Very well said! Thanks for your empowering comment.
~Theresa
btw – I’ve just got to go read your post “What to Do When Life Happens-Sht Hits the Fan- and Snot Won’t Stop Dripping From Your Nose” Now that’s a title worthy of a high click through rate. Want to give me some tips on writing headlines?
Theresa, my daughter Jennifer just sent me this link. Gotta love Sadie and the connection.
Watch Sadie on YouTube
Oh Thom! Thank you (and thank Jennifer) for sharing this short, adorable, precious, inspiring video!
I loved it! My husband Richard loved it!
You’re right. Gotta love Sadie. Bless her heart!
How did the meeting end Theresa? As for overcoming this kind of things… In my degree I only failed one course (Analytic Functions). One year later I took the optional advanced version of it (Complex Analysis) and got an A-. Just because I could. And two years ago I published a paper in a very closely related field. Hell yeah
Cheers,
Ruben
Ruben Berenguel @mostlymaths.net recently posted..Book Review- Do The Work- by Steven Pressfield
Hey Ruben –
I remember getting back in our car and my husband saying, “Wow that guy was pretty impressed with himself… what an ass.”
I know I left the meeting with more determination than ever to move into multi-family investing. And a lesson learned that the ‘old’ guys could be pretty stuck in their ways.
Hell yeah is right! Love your story. “Just because I could” says it all. Must have felt great to publish that paper… nice one!
~Theresa
Theresa,
The “good old boy” world can be a tough one to get through, especially in a small community. I have had my own property management business for years and I can’t tell you how many times some “guy” would try to undercut me and still my clients.
It does take a lot of push to sit in the captain’s chair, but it is the only way to own that chair, male or female..
Sheila Atwood recently posted..Designer Web Tools For The Designing Challenged
Hi Sheila – I’m so glad you picked up on the captain’s chair… I’ve been waiting for someone to comment on that little part of my story. So, you know how it is. I forgot you had a property management company… I know it’s come up between your blog or mine. Ahhh the world of contractors, brokers and tradesmen… the list goes on and on. Predominately male dominated, isn’t it?
I just have fun with it. I am no shrinking violet and I love being in the lead. There is never a dull moment in the world of real estate. That’s for sure. How did you end up in property management? I’ll bet there’s a wonderful story there!
~Theresa
Oh Theresa, you really brought your a+ game with this one dear. Loved your story as well as your mom’s, and if we ever meet, I’ll be sure not to make some pig-headed sexist comment
But as for the doubters, yeah, I love ‘em. They push us to greater heights. You know, there’s a lot to be said for the negative people of this world.
Thanks again Theresa,
Marcus
Thanks hon’. lol! Seriously, I really appreciate the good grade Marcus.
Hey, you know what? I agree with you completely about the doubters. The Wright bros. probably said, “bring ‘em on!” Now that’s pushing to greater heights.
Thanks for the comment Marcus.
~Theresa
Hi Theresa!
This post got me a little fired up! I’ve been in similar situations as you and you mother one time too many and I’m only 23 years old.
I had/have a lot of goals growing up. I wanted to play college basketball, my dad told me I wouldn’t make it, BUT I DID! I told my friends I’d finish undergrad in 4 years, many of my other friends struggle to finish in 5, BUT I FINISHED IT 4 JUST AS I SAID I WOULD. People thought I was insane for applying to Duke for graduate school, but I did it anyway and am now possess a MASTERS DEGREE FROM DUKE!
And now people think I’m silly for starting my own Social Media Marketing Business and with the business only being a month old I have a handful of CLIENTS!
All the above are things that I have been passionate about and determined to accomplish, but the little bit of doubt from others was added motivation to prove them wrong. I do all this for myself, but there’s a part of me that wants to be able to accomplish things just to be able to say “I TOLD YOU SO!”
GREAT POST!
Wow. I am completely and totally impressed with you Chelsea. Insane? I don’t think so.
I’d be tempted to challenge you to something new just to see you do it! You are sweeping the floor with all of those naysayers.
Congratulations for going for your passion… again and again! It is awesome you have attracted clients so quickly. It doesn’t really surprise me… your enthusiasm for your business practically leaps off the page.
Your comment is amazingly inspiring. Talk about fired up! You’ve got me thinking, “Hmmm, what can I do next?”
~Theresa
Oh, and by the way I think that is HILARIOUS how you sit at the head of the table in meetings. I like to do subtle things like that as well just to get a rise out of people, moreso the men (between me and you lol)
Chelsea Thomas recently posted..At First- I Was Weary About Blogging- But Opportunity Won Me Over
I‘m so glad you think this is hilarious! It really is a fun thing to do. And this might sound crazy but I’ve always believed I belonged at the head of the table. It’s a really comfortable place to be.
I have no doubts you know what I’m talking about.
Took some time from jogging to comment on your awesome post;)
This is an interesting post, because you are really talking about an expansion or dreaming big, whatever you may call this process.
To me, this is the most exciting stuff, to write a post on. But the true question is: Why some of us make a leap and others don’t? Why do we sometimes climb and stay on low grounds on other occasions? Good ol’ Napoleon Hill called it a burning desire. Some call it a goal. Others call it passion. It doesn’t matter what we call this particular human trait. But if we can tap into to that force of life, that mysterious, focus-inducing mental tsunami, that unhibited and unrestricted, imaginative blitzkrieg, that blinding laser of unshakable faith and pure oozing power of human resolve…
Then…
Things happen… Of course they will;)
Derek Potocki recently posted..7 ways to avoid herd mentality
Derek… I will always remember you from the posts you do while jogging! Until I saw your videos I would have bet it couldn’t be pulled off. Especially as well as you do it.
Where do I begin? Except to say you totally hit the bulls eye with this comment. I’m tempted to start repeating what you said in parts – and replying – but do you mind if I just take it all in instead?
You ask two excellent questions. I think you answered them too. Unshakable faith and the power of human resolve will make things happen. There is no doubt about it.
~Theresa
We really choose where we go and why.
As it turns out, there are many paths leading to the same place.
There are as many different ways as there are successful people.
True grit/persitence has gotten many a folk to their desired destination.
Rob recently posted..Best Motivational Speech
Hi Rob! Welcome!
Well said. And I’ll add that there are many definitions of success. The final destination will not look the same to any two people.
Infinite possibilities. Unlimited abundance.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to visiting your blog.
~Theresa
Theresa:
What a motivating post! I find that 2 people can take the same road, but with different goal sets in mind. No matter the goal, as long as we get there…SUCCESS!
Pleasure to find your blog
Lisa
Lisa recently posted..Alexa Slap- Do Unto Others…
Hi Lisa and welcome!
So right you are. And that’s a beautiful thing… as they say. Life would be so boring if we all had the same goals, wouldn’t it?
So glad you stopped by.
~Theresa
Hi Theresa! Yes, I believe in your post that we can be anything we want to as long as we have the determination, never say die attitude, and the skills to do it. If you really want to be successful, you need to have a strong belief on your self. Don’t mind the dream stealers in your life. Just go on and never ever give up…Follow your dreams and fight for it. Thanks for inspiring me to make it better and to make it BIG on internet marketing. I’m a newbie in network marketing and I know that I have something great waiting for me in this industry. Thanks and I will keep reading your posts…
anne @ shitzu puppies recently posted..Shitzu Puppies Shitzu Puppy
Hi Anne and welcome!
Thank you so much for the comments you left on a couple of my posts!
I am such a huge advocate in having a strong belief in yourself. I totally love your attitude and I can’t wait to hop on over and visit your site.
You’re right. You follow your dreams and you don’t give up. With your mindset you will be a success Anne. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.
~Theresa