Lessons in Dedication and Resilience
This post was originally written in August 2014 when I was still a property agent with OrangeTee.
Though I’ve left OrangeTee, it doesn’t change how I felt listening to the speakers and sitting in HDB Hub’s auditorium that day.
As a property agent, I always seek ways to improve my craft and better serve my clients. That’s why I was thrilled to attend OrangeTee’s first ever Achievers Conference, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
One story that particularly resonated with me was that of an agent who went above and beyond for her client.
She was marketing a stunning condo unit in the Orchard area, but there was an unsightly rooftop of a 5-star hotel right in front of it. Most owners and agents would shrug their shoulders and say, “Well, that’s just how it is.”
Instead of accepting the situation, she took the initiative to contact the hotel and see if they could work together to beautify the rooftop. Her dedication to her client’s best interests was truly inspiring.
This got me thinking about my own approach to real estate.
Am I doing everything possible to ensure my clients get the best possible service?
It’s not always easy, but stories like this remind me that going the extra mile sets great agents apart.
THE POWER OF RESILIENCE
The most impactful sharing came after lunch.
Michael Tan, our KEO, kickstarted the afternoon session by asking,
Can I have a show of hands – is there anyone in the audience who has experienced what it is like to lose $20 million of assets?
Michael Tan, OrangeTee KEO (2014)
This guy, Jackson (not his real name), lost $20 million of assets and his business during the Asian Financial Crisis. Jackson basically lost everything. As Jackson had no educational qualifications, he had to take on blue collar jobs (working both day and night) to support his family.
This continued for a few years until one day when Jackson’s real estate agent friend suggested he become a real estate agent. This friend recommended that Jackson join OrangeTee even though the friend wasn’t with Orangetee — the friend felt he would not be a good manager to Jackson.
As Jackson was still in financial difficulties then, this friend paid the joining fee for him. That’s how Jackson ended up at OrangeTee. Michael recounted the chat he had with Jackson when he first joined.
Jackson didn’t have the means to attend any of the training programs. Michael told him to go ahead and attend first. The fees would only be deducted when his commission came in. Being cash-strapped, Jackson also had difficulties paying for advertisements. A doctor friend of his offered to help him pay for the advertisements.
Jackson put his heart into his new real estate business, and the rest, as they always say, is history. He managed to rebuild his life and career (consistently placing among the top in OrangeTee) through sheer determination and the support of his friends.
Jackson has also paid it forward by conducting training & sharing his experiences with many agents over the years.
As agents, we all face setbacks and challenges from time to time.
But Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult things get, we have the strength within us to overcome and succeed. I’ll carry this lesson with me as I navigate the ups and downs of the real estate world.
CONCLUSION
Attending my first ever business conference was a truly enriching experience. It provided me with valuable insights and strategies and reinforced the importance of dedication & resilience.
What lessons have you learned throughout your career that have made you a better agent and a stronger person?
WHAT BRINGS YOU HERE TODAY?
Whether you’re still figuring things out or you already know what you want to do, I’m happy to be a sounding board.
I’ve been navigating Singapore’s property market since 2010. The straightforward deals and the complicated ones. You can see the range of what I’ve handled in my transactions, and what clients say about working with me in their testimonials.
My stories from the case files say more about me than any CV could.
The most recent one: The Narrow Path. Some sales tests more than your skills. This one tested my patience in ways I didn’t expect.
