We were lucky to catch up with Melissa McClendon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
In my opinion, Purpose is when you align with what inspires you. Often times, we find our purpose in challenging times. I was newly divorced and a single mom of 2 daughters. I wanted to start fresh in a new home to close the chapter on old memories. I decided to study to get my real estate license to sell my home myself to save on real estate commission. Throughout the years, I always saw the importance of real estate. I set a goal to purpose my home at 24 years old and I took my daughters to open houses on the weekends. Once I obtained my real estate license, I helped my sister purchase her home. I loved it! And I made your extra money to help support my daughters. Then I decided to do real estate on the side while working a full-time job to help supplement my income. I was good at being a Realtor that word of mouth brought me more clients than I could handle part-time. I decided to quit my job and bet on myself. Since August 2016, I have been in real estate full time. Since then, I’ve consistently been a top producing Realtor in my area. I’ve heard awards and even become a part-owner and Associate Broker of a real estate brokerage. My inspiration aligned and I found my purpose. Once I began to walk in my purpose, success came for me without me seeking it
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’ve developed an awarding winning online brand. Recently, I wrote a book that will be published soon. Also, I have started coaching other real estate agents
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Attitude of service Exceptional work ethic
Resilience
If your attitude is to serve and help others, you will always have business and success. Instead of chasing money, focus on providing exceptional service. That level of service will create a referral business that will continue to grow. In order to develop and improve, you must be willing to have top notch work ethic. Serving others with exceptional work ethic will determine success. Also, being an entrepreneur requires a level of resilience. Obstacles will pop up. Refusing to give up is a must. And the most successful entrepreneurs, are problem solvers. Learning to be resilient and seek solutions will make the difference in your success and longevity.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My father taught me to be responsible, have a strong work ethic and resilience. I started working at a very young age and my Dad taught me to budget and made me contribute to the household. This taught me how to manage money. He was a very hard worker and taught me to be consistent with my work ethic. He never allowed excuses. I learned to not quit until the work was completed. I saw my dad face many obstacles from losing his only son to battling ALS for 9 1/2 years. Through ever battle, he never complained and dealt with obstacles with strength, patience and resilience.
My mother always gave to her church and community. From an early age, I saw servitude. This taught me the spirit of operating with an attitude of servitude. To date, she helps others in any way possible. She has a giving heart and her example always stuck with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nolahomerealtygroup.com/melissa-burns-mcclendon/
- Instagram: @melissa_mcclendon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaburns.mcclendon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mcclendon-94a97738/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaMcClend2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1V5GDmpIohl0lhL5eOPdPQ
Image Credits
Sydney Marie Photography Nyejah Bolds Photography Isabelle Louis
