Shonleigh Ryan from McGrath Bulimba is in her first six months of a new career in real estate working with McGrath Bulimba. Focusing on East Brisbane, Coorparoo, Camp Hill and surrounding areas and describing herself “as a total rookie in the industry” she says she is enjoying the learning and exposure that comes from being surrounded by so many well-established agents who are always happy to lend a helping hand.
What motivated you to get into real estate?
First and foremost, my dad! He previously sold property on the south side of Brisbane and was extremely successful in doing so. A couple of years ago he told me he thought it would be something I would be good at, and I should seriously consider entering the world of real estate. With a strong background in sales and working specifically with women in real estate, I decided that if they could do it then maybe I could too; so when McGrath offered me the opportunity to spread my wings and fly, I took it.
What have you found to be your biggest challenges so far?
I’m still getting my head around what type of prospecting I need to do, how often I need to be doing it and what style suits me best! There are so many different ways to connect with people that it can be a little overwhelming with not knowing where to start. Thankfully, Matt Lahood sat me down when I first started and suggested that I focus on four key prospecting methods. I find myself constantly referring back to this list and realigning myself with it.
Who inspires you?
So many people come to mind! I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a driven and supportive tribe of people who just ‘get it’. However, a stand-out for me would have to be Kurtis Pirotta from McGrath in Paddington. He has been chipping away at his core business development area for the past 12 months. This has been a very slow and tough challenge for him as this particular area is highly competitive, with some fantastic, well-known agents who have been in the game since before we were born. But over the past year his commitment to being the area specialist has not once wavered, even on his toughest days. This type of commitment and drive really inspires me.
In your briefcase right now is…
I always carry my little emergency kit; I’m constantly mocked about it, but it always seems to save the day! It includes things like band aids, lipstick, pens, spare USBs, business cards, lenses cleaner for my glasses, a blank Form 6 (because you just never know), perfume, gum, bulldog clips, a comb, tissues, dental floss, hand sanitiser and face wipes. Thinking about it now I can see that it may seem a little extensive, but it definitely serves its purpose!
Tell us about something you love or couldn’t live without.
I love quiet nights in on the couch with my partner Brent, eating pizza, drinking cider and watching Suits. Our downtime together really grounds me and forces me to switch off and relax at the end of a big week.
What about technology you can’t live without?
I couldn’t be without my iPhone6 Plus or, as my friends like to call it, my ‘mini-computer’.
What do you enjoy most about Elite Agent Magazine?
Last year through my previous role I had the pleasure of getting to know the beautiful editor of Elite Agent Magazine, Samantha McLean. We have kept in touch ever since and I have closely followed Elite Agent Magazine from its very first issue, which was a very exciting (and busy) time for Sam! I love that the magazine gives me the opportunity to hear about insanely successful agents and their journey to success, but it’s also nice and reaffirming to hear from people who are just starting out, because they are the people that I relate to the most right now.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
I’m focused on growing as a real estate agent. To be honest, I just want to create a group of raving fans who are thrilled to have done business with me because I helped them reach their life goals through buying and selling property. I would also love for these people to put their experience with me as their estate agent in writing, so that I can use it to build my business in a really authentic and transparent way.
