Special offer

Going Against the Grain!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Align Right Realty K1 Group BK3584545

 

It's not always easy going against the grain especially when you ask someone who are successful in following a working formula and they say nooooo.    

 

I was reflecting from a question that I put out to the rain members and here is the question:  What's your thoughts on opening a kiosk booth for real estate at the mall?  

 

Here were a few of the responses:

1.  Pass on this incredible opportunity.  People in malls are not shopping for homes.

2.  I can think of a lot better use of time energy and money, than being where you're only going to attract shoppers.

3.  Bye, Bye.  Won't last as long as the lease.

4.  The thought makes my skin crawl.

5.  I suspect it would be a waste of time and money

And, I got 53 responses and 99% of the comments were no are you crazy.  Don't spend your time and money on a kiosk.

On a good note, I did get 1% to tell me to go for it. 

 

 

After the comments from the rain, I admit I was nervous but I moved

forward.  I have two kiosks at the local malls and I am on my third kiosk

starting April 1, 2018 and the great news is THEY WORK.  This go round, I am

glad I did not follow what everyone told me and I went against the grain.

 

Sometimes it's not bad to go against the grain.  If you believe in something so

deep, then that's your answer.  If it fails at least you followed your

dream and not have regrets on what you could have or should have done.  In

real estate, it's good to listen to others; but sometimes you just have to go

against the grain and pull out that creative juice in your bloodline and follow

the Nike Theory and "Just do it."  

 

 

Dr. Karen Lewis, Lic. Real Estate Broker

305-323-1556

K1 Realty Group

 

 

Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

For most who believed a kiosk in a mall isn't a good idea or won't produce any benefits, it probably won't, however, if you believe it will, it probably will, yet, how would you know unless you tried it? Do what others won't or refuse to do and be unique, different and charismatic. 

BTW, many agents try different marketing approaches and fail, yet that doesn't mean the marketing approach was bad, it simply means that, that particular plan failed.

For example, the location of your kiosk, your targeted market, the appearance of your booth and your marketing message that gets consumers' attention are some of the elements that perhaps should be tested during your campaign to optimize your goals and objectives. Great post.

Apr 04, 2018 02:12 AM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Thank you for those great words..I agree.

Apr 12, 2018 02:55 AM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

I have never heard of that idea and GOOD FOR YOU to try it!  Very happy it's working for you!  I think it 's a great idea.

Apr 04, 2018 05:50 AM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

I have been at one location for 10 days today and I got my first listing signed on the dotted line..This mall has traffic 35,000 people daily...I know they are shopping but I am convinced that a few of them want to buy or sell..smile


 

Apr 12, 2018 02:58 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Karen

I remember your question and the responses, including my own thoughts Good for you for forging ahead, but even more important that it is working.

Jeff

Apr 08, 2018 04:03 PM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Hi Jeff, thank you..t

Apr 12, 2018 02:58 AM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

We all have different personalities and comfort zones.

Working in a way that best fits you where you can pour out your positive energy is a good thing.

I will be interested to hear some updates on your new venture.

Best wishes.

Apr 10, 2018 07:27 AM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149
Align Right Realty K1 Group - Fort Lauderdale, FL
No Compromise When it Comes to Our Clients!

John Wiley I will give updates..Thank you for commenting..

Apr 12, 2018 02:53 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Karen - I am so glad that Carol Williams highlighted this.  You are spot on.  This is how success is made,  Can you also say iPhone!  Go against the grain!

Apr 14, 2018 04:51 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Dr. Karen Jones Lewis, Broker,

I just read your post in Carol Williams Second Chance Saturday series and so glad I did! Going against the grain can work as long as you believe in yourself and have the desire because your gut is telling you to go for it! Keep us updated on your progress.

Apr 14, 2018 05:24 AM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Hi Dorie Dillard I sure will..I have been at our major mall for 13 days and have gotten 47 leads and one listing signed for 218k....

Apr 14, 2018 05:59 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Dr. Karen Jones Lewis, Broker  whatever works for you .  When you love people and can pull them in I can see it working . So glad Carol Williams Featured this in SCS

Apr 14, 2018 10:58 AM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Thank  you Hannah Williams 


I do admit that I was afraid.  I adopted Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland as my mentor and I spoke with her.  She told me all the reasons why I should go for it as opposed to not going for it....I am excited about it and one thing for sure the mall has 35,000 people daily so a few of them will know K1 Realty Group..smile..Thank you for commenting.


Carol Williams Thank you for putting in SCS...

Apr 14, 2018 11:48 AM
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Hi Karen:  As much as rainers and other Realtors fancy themselves as creative and out-of-the-box thinkers, I find most are actually very conservative and traditional.    

I give you tons of credit for bravery and creativity,  and I wish you oodles of success!

Apr 14, 2018 04:33 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Hi, Karen.  I would assume that Broward/Fort Lauderdale malls are still seeing lots of foot traffic.   Good for you for doing what you knew was right!

Apr 14, 2018 06:13 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Well look at you go!! So glad I was that 1% that said go for it. With your passion and energy...there is no way to fail. No one can tell you what is the right or wrong thing. You just know it and run with it. Everything works sometimes. Nothing works all the time!

Anytime you can get face to face and belly to belly with people... and you have your get up and go....you are going to be a winner. You and you alone are making a name for yourself in RE. Much continued success with the kiosk and the radio show.

Love how you continue to take out pen and paper when we talk. I just may talk about you on my show tomorrow. Dr. Karen Jones Lewis, Broker 

 

Apr 14, 2018 08:33 PM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland I would be crazy not to feed off what you are saying when I call you a giant in real estate...and definitely someone that goes against, across, outside the grain..You name it..The nuggets I got from you yesterday, I am just as excited and will put everything into play...for another touchdown..

Apr 15, 2018 06:27 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I love that you didn't take our advice, Karen - being your own person is what makes you so special! I'm so excited for you that your kiosks are working and wish you well as you continue expanding this business model. YOU GO GIRL!

Apr 14, 2018 10:08 PM
Dr. Karen Lewis, Broker 954-2489149

Debe Maxwell, CRS Thank you for sharing your thoughts..


The word "Business Model" stood out to me in your post...You may have given me another crazy but great idea..loll..Thank you and Happy Sunday..

Apr 15, 2018 06:29 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I love that you had an idea that was speaking to you, and you listened. We all have to follow our own trail, and I'm glad this one is working for you! Great job.

Apr 15, 2018 03:20 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

LOL I know it's part of your marketing plan but, hey, with successful kiosks, who needs an office?! Keep growing, Karen! I'm super excited for you!

Apr 15, 2018 06:53 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Dr. Karen Jones Lewis, Broker Going live in a minute. Will talk about you!!!

Apr 15, 2018 09:04 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Just did a segment on you...how fun. Hope some AR members were listening

Dr. Karen Jones Lewis, Broker 

Apr 15, 2018 10:03 AM
Corey Martin
Martin Presence Group - Ruston, LA
Real Estate and Management Solutions

Agreed, sometimes you have to respectfully disagree with advice and just do what your gut is telling you. Thank you for sharing!

Apr 18, 2018 01:28 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Great job, Karen. You are a pioneer and a creative thinker. I think your idea is wonderful - and obviously, you're already seeing results.  We are all different - and we have to stay true to ourselves and our own individual styles. The fact that this concept intrigued you tells me you have the passion to make it work. Real estate is ever changing - we'd better be able to change our minds about what works and what doesn't. The same ole same ole isn't always best. So glad Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland did a post about this.  Bravo to both of you. D 

Apr 20, 2018 07:58 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Karen awesome job!  You knew what would work for you and you went for it! Listening to ones inner self is the key and you listened! Bravo and keep on going against the grain!

Apr 20, 2018 03:03 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I'm sorry you got such negative feedback on this opportunity.  Agents like to do everything everyone before them has done.   

Glad you perservered on this one.  Anything done consistently in marketing would certainly pay off.  Good for you for thinking outside the box.

Apr 21, 2018 02:06 PM