Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Parker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alicia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I would say alot of my stubbornness, resilience and work ethic came from my dad. We were taught we only had one name and we needed to do the right things in our personal life and in business to be respected. My dad was a farmer, a agricultural professor for 41 years. He would go from the college to the fields to provide fresh food for us. He was a great believer in treating people right even if they didn’t return it. He taught me to work hard and be proud of my success but never to brag.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My real estate story started when I was doing interior decorating for the parade of homes and a realtor for a developement encouraged my to try real estate. I was in my early 20’s and it fit perfectly. My story has lots of layers. Early 20’s-30’s worked for a master planned community selling new construction. Then went into traditional real estate. Met and married Aaron Farris, had my son Rowdy. My husband travels every week for work and was home 2 days a week. So I learned to juggle real estate and a child by myself. I’m amazed today that we both survived. lol. When Rowdy was 16 my husband Aaron was diagnosed with colon cancer stage 4. We had a 9 month battle before we lost him in 2017. I learned then how much my clients and other realtors actually cared for us and were willing to do whatever I needed. Being a prideful person I had to learn to ask for help. When you lose a spouse your whole world changes. Plans for the future are gone. Finances change etc. So plot twist. Rowdy and I learned how to function as a duo and get him successfully thru high school and onto college. I worked my tail off to make sure our lifestyle didn’t change since we had already had so many changes. Then 3 years ago I met my husband Matthew. I became a step mom and have been learning how to relax, depend of others and enjoy life again. Real estate has always been there thru my life to provide me a great living. I’m so thankful for referrals and repeat clientele. I truly believe that working you COI list, taking care of your client and seeing them as a person and not a transaction is the path to success. I go to a ton of clients weddings, baby showers, birthday party’s, funeral etc. I tell my client they aren’t done with me after the closing. I continually market to them. Hold client parties and enjoy having so many clients in different industries. If I can refer business thier way I sure do.
I guess the bottom line is treat people like you would want to be treated. Make the connection with them not just for a sale. Everything you put in will come back to you.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Qualities that helped me succeed in real estate are personality. I can talk to a wall. Lol. I was the kid that got in trouble for talking in class all the time. My degree in fashion design and interior design helped me with clients. I could help them Invision color changes or where their furniture could go etc.
knowledge is key. Go to the classes offered by your real estate company or the board. Things change and if you want to be revenant in the future you need to know how to manage those waters. Also if a top producer is teaching a class, go to it. They are taking time out of their schedule and you can pick up something to use in your business
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed I write lists. I do the items that are most important first and work my way thru the list. I have my assistant do jobs that he can do without me physically doing it. I also take time outs. I will take a 30 min break without my phone to just relax or read. I always have a book with me. In the summer I go to the driving range and hit balls. I will also reach out to other realtors that a look up to and ask them if they have any advice on how to handle what ever I’m overwhelmed with. Use your resources and don’t try to be a super hero. You will only fizzle out in the end. Then no one’s happy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Aparker.cbtulsa.com
- Instagram: Aparkertulsarealestate
- Facebook: The parker team- coldwell banker select
- Other: Personal Facebook page
Alicia parker-farrisTikTok
aliciacarolf
Image Credits
Lily Chris Photography
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