We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Banner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristen, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Every industry has its negative aspects to it. There will always be the haters, the jealous trolls, and folks that question your motives. That is so out of your control. What is in your control, is how you respond/handle those harsh comments or actions. Ask yourself this, ‘why would someone have something negative to say, if I was giving it my best shot?’ Well, it is because they are insecure and it has nothing to do with you. You could give them lots of money and gifts and do everything right but that type of person is just unhappy with something in their own life and it will always portray onto everyone else. To put it simply, stay in your lane & don’t let their own negativity rain on your parade. It’s a prideful feeling when you can overcome someone else’s opinion and stay true to your own goals.
I do think the Real Estate industry has a major stigma against it because of TV shows that we flaunt our money and don’t work hard at all. In my business, I try to have a happy mix of personal ( likable, relatable things ) & business. I go into my model knowing that I will not please everyone as I have a very eclectic style. That’s okay! I will attract my own tribe and thrive in my endeavors because I am the only on that is me.
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?
I started my Real Estate career 7 years ago with no intention of landing where I am today. I thought it would let me have my ‘freedom’. That part is true, but I had no idea it would grow like this. I recently obtained my Brokers license and with that, my business model is about to change drastically. One thing I have always been really good at is teaching people. I am patient, understanding and it makes my heart so full to see others thrive because they had the right guidance. Spending my time with others problem solving is where my career is taking me & I couldn’t be happier about it.
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?
The theme of this article has been to just be yourself. If you don’t know who that is yet, my greatest advice would be to figure that out. It won’t happen overnight & it will feel uneasy at times because doing what everyone else is doing is so much easier, right? It doesn’t stick though. People will not remember the ones that blend in. You have to be bold and bright and creative. Second, know that things will change almost daily. Your schedule, your bank account, your confidence, your goals… and that is okay!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Most of my childhood was all really great memories. Even the lessons were great. One of those was paying for things myself. I had to save up money if I wanted something outside of birthdays or Christmas. In the moment, it was frustrating because I still am that impulse person who sets their eyes on something and does not stop until I get it. Looking back, I am glad I had to focus on the goal and see my hard work pay off. It made me into a thrifty adult & appreciate the hard work I have to put in to have everything that I do. I will continue this will my own children.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristenbanner.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristenb.real
