Episode Summary: "How This Agent’s Business Exploded in the Worst Market Since 1995" (Ep. 940)

Podcast: F.I.R.E.D UP with Krista Mashore
Host: Krista Mashore
Guest: Karen Briscoe Reed
Release Date: April 9, 2025

In Episode 940 of F.I.R.E.D UP with Krista Mashore, host Krista Mashore sits down with real estate agent Karen Briscoe Reed from Poughkeepsie, New York. Karen shares her remarkable journey of how her business thrived despite facing one of the toughest real estate markets since 1995. This detailed discussion unveils the strategies, mindset, and tools that Karen employed to not only sustain but significantly grow her real estate business during challenging times.

Karen’s Journey and Background

Karen Briscoe Reed brings over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Initially pursuing a career in engineering, she found her true passion in real estate and returned to the profession, bringing valuable insights from her diverse background. Karen attributes a significant portion of her recent success to Krista Mashore's coaching program.

“When I met Krista, she had so many wonderful ideas as a coach. So I'm very happy to be in her program. And now my business is on fire. It's exploding.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [00:00]

Key Strategies for Explosive Growth

1. Video Text Messaging

Karen emphasizes the power of video text messaging as her primary tool for client engagement and referral generation.

• Personalized Outreach: Sending individualized video messages to her 3,000 contacts daily, addressing them by name and referencing personal milestones such as birthdays.

  “Every day I do 10 or more video text messaging people on a regular. I do it in the morning and I just say, hello, hi, how you doing?”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [01:39]

• Humanizing Interactions: Incorporating personal elements, like featuring her dog in messages, to create a more relatable and engaging connection with clients.

  “I put my dog in, but he's asleep. He's actually asleep right now. I put him in the message. And people love to respond to that.”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [01:39]

• Consistent Follow-Up: Using these interactions to build relationships, leading to natural requests for referrals once trust is established.

  “Once somebody responds to you, when you get back to them again, ask them for a referral.”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [02:55]

2. Facebook Advertising

In addition to video messaging, Karen leverages Facebook ads to enhance her visibility and reach within her community.

• Video Ads: Creating short, informative videos about real estate topics to engage potential clients.

  “I'm also doing Facebook ads. Yes. Short video ads, informational ads about real estate.”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [04:27]

• Brand Recognition: These ads have increased her recognition, not just among clients but also among other agents who commend her for her proactive approach.

  “I was already, okay, busy. But then when I met Krista, she had so many wonderful ideas as a coach. So I'm very happy to be in her program. And now my business is on fire. It's exploding.”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [00:00]

3. Content Creation and Community Engagement

Karen stresses the importance of creating diverse content that resonates with both real estate interests and personal experiences.

• Educational Content: Providing valuable information on topics like credit management, home buying tips, and real estate investment strategies.

  “This is how you get your credit together to buy a house. This is how you fix up your house, to sell it.”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [08:04]

• Personal Stories: Sharing non-real estate related content, such as her experience with Dry January, to build a well-rounded personal brand that clients can connect with on multiple levels.

  “I did dry January and I did that. I did a little short video because I was suffering through it...”
  — Karen Briscoe Reed [09:18]

4. Leveraging Reviews

Proactively seeking client reviews has been instrumental in enhancing her credibility and attracting new business.

“I said, well, you work with me for a little while, you want to give me a review, they'll give me a five star review. So that's still helping my business.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [04:27]

Overcoming Market Challenges

Despite operating in a notoriously difficult market, Karen's strategic use of digital tools and consistent client engagement enabled her to thrive. She highlights the importance of not letting up in efforts to stay connected with clients and maintaining a visible presence in the market.

“People are so obsessed with real estate... you have to get the whole community to know who you are to know and like you.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [08:31]

Mindset and Personal Growth

Karen emphasizes the critical role of mindset in achieving business success. She believes that believing in one's ability is paramount.

“It's your mindset. Believe you can do it and you will. I tell my son all the time, believe you can and you will. It will come to you.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [13:42]

Krista adds to this by reinforcing the significance of a positive mindset:

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
— Krista Mashore [13:52]

Achievements and Recognition

Karen shares her latest achievement of receiving an award for her sales performance in Dutchess County, highlighting that even in challenging times, dedication and strategic planning can lead to significant recognition.

“I'm getting an award for my number of sales in my county... it was still a Good year.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [12:49]

Conclusion

Karen Briscoe Reed's story is a testament to the effectiveness of leveraging digital marketing strategies, maintaining consistent client engagement, and fostering a resilient mindset. Her ability to adapt and implement innovative approaches has allowed her to not only survive but excel in a tough real estate market.

“So you have to touch them. You have to in some kind of way or form.”
— Karen Briscoe Reed [06:13]

Karen’s advice for agents looking to replicate her success is clear: embrace video communication, engage consistently with your community, and cultivate a positive mindset. Her journey provides valuable insights for any entrepreneur aiming to stand out and lead in their industry.