Your Secret Super Power On LinkedIn

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Your Secret Super Power On LinkedIn”

Mortgage Marketing Radio
Host: Geoff Zimpfer
Guest: Raquel “Rocky” Boris
Date: July 31, 2024

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Episode Overview

In this episode, host Geoff Zimpfer dives deep with Raquel Boris—also known as “Rocky”—brand strategist, creator, speaker, and External Brand Communications Manager at New American Funding. Together, they unpack the real meaning of personal branding, especially on LinkedIn, and why authenticity, creativity, and raw, in-the-moment content are the actual superpowers for today’s mortgage pros and marketers. Beyond platforms and tech tips, this conversation explores generational marketing, content capture, staying relevant, and bridging the gap to empower both colleagues and the next generation of consumers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Who Is Raquel Boris?

• Authentic, multifaceted, and ever-evolving:
  • Raquel discusses her ongoing journey of self-discovery, therapy, and embracing all aspects of her personality—sports lover, symphony goer, hip-hop fan, and “queen of goofiness.”
  • [00:14] “As we get older, I don’t want to be labeled or put in a box. There’s so many wonderful facets to me.” – Raquel
• Creativity fuels marketing:
  • Her background in art history and growing up in an artistic family feeds her content creation and marketing approach.
• Forging her own professional path:
  • Raquel’s current role at New American Funding was created for her, blending her skills in content, social media, and brand communication.

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Tying Passion to Personal Brand

• Leveraging personal interests for content:
  • The duo riffs on 90s hip-hop, bridging generational divides, and how sharing personal music choices starts conversations and engagement.
  • [04:42] “My interest in 90s rap helps my creativity. It helps me create content, it helps with my marketing.” – Raquel

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LinkedIn: Authenticity Over Polish

• Shifting the perception of professionalism:
  • Raquel shares her surprise that LinkedIn has become her favorite platform and where she thrives most, despite originally seeing it as “too polished.”
  • [11:14] “I never would have thought that LinkedIn would’ve been the social media platform that’s the one I’ve thrived the most and love the most.”

Must You Be “Professional” on LinkedIn?

• No, but respect your network:
  • While you don’t need to be stiff or overly polished, understanding and respecting the audience’s expectations is key.
  • [12:04] “You don’t have to be polished, but you do have to respect your community.” – Raquel
• Authenticity as a growth strategy:
  • Raquel’s viral Milli Vanilli dance videos sparked engagement because they were fun and different, even though they were met with criticism. She encourages others to bring their full selves—serious and goofy, professional or relaxed.
  • [13:47] “You have to be able to be 100% who you are and be very authentic in order for people to really want to connect with you… It would be a disservice if I wasn’t showing that side.”

Establishing Credibility First

• Sequence matters:
  • Before showcasing your quirkiest side, first establish credibility and connection—then people “get” your authentic voice.
  • [15:03] “I grew my following and got them to trust me… so when I was posting goofy stuff, they understood where it was coming from.” – Raquel

Getting Started & Overcoming Fear

• Encouraging transparency:
  • Don’t be afraid to tell your audience you’re new:
    • [16:50] “I tell people to say that… People are going to want to root for you, so be honest about it.”
  • Building confidence on video takes time:
    • Raquel’s first attempt was “cringy,” but realness brought comfort and connection.
    • [18:44] “It took a while for me to get comfortable in front of my phone…”

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Video, Content Creation & Practical Tips

• Video is king (even on LinkedIn):
  • The platform is moving toward short-form video as seen on TikTok and Instagram.
    • [17:52] “LinkedIn is leaning more towards video, too… it’s easier to connect with your audience.”
• Process: Capture in the moment, don’t over-edit:
  • Raquel does all her content herself—no scheduled posts or pre-curated content.
    • [19:55] “I’m more in the moment kind of gal… to prove you can do it your way and still be successful.”

Tech Stack: Simple but Effective

• InShot (Mobile Video App):
  • Raquel’s go-to for mobile editing with user-friendly features and continuous updates.
    • [21:10] “InShot is my favorite app and I’ve been using it for years… They keep adding features, so they added captions…”

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Training Yourself to Find Content Opportunities

• Awareness develops over time:
  • Both host and guest discuss the shift to seeing “content moments” everywhere—at hotels, gyms, or even in daily errands.
    • [23:48] Geoff: “I had to start to train my brain to create awareness for content capture opportunities…”
    • [24:55] Raquel: “Now I’m that person… I walk around constantly thinking about how to create content.”

Setting Boundaries

• Selfies vs. Public Comfort:
  • Generational differences exist—some are comfortable recording everywhere, others prefer privacy.
    • [25:30] Raquel: “That still embarrasses me. I will not pull my phone out when there’s people around and I’m in public…”

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What Counts as Content?

• Content is everywhere:
  • Everyday conversations, raw moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses—these are authentic and more relatable to today’s audiences.
    • [27:19] “I talk about how content’s everywhere. There’s a learning lesson in everything.”
  • [29:17] “It’s weird, people want to get these insights into your day. Like, what do you do?”

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The Value of Raw & Relatable Content

• Raw > Curated:

  • Both Raquel and Geoff agree that unscripted, imperfect, “in the car with a baseball cap” type videos draw more genuine attention than polished productions.
    • [29:50] “If there’s a curated video, I most likely will not stop. But if I suddenly see a video of someone in their car… I’m more inclined to want to hear what they have to say because I know it’s in the moment and it’s raw.” – Raquel

• Create what resonates with YOU:

  • Your vibe attracts your tribe; there’s no need to “fake it,” and your content should match your authentic self.
    • [30:18] “You gotta be true to yourself… It’s got to resonate with you. You can’t fake it and be all polished.”

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Generational Insights & Bridging the Gap

• Younger generations want authenticity:

  • Younger audiences, including first-time homebuyers, prefer less-polished, more genuine content.
    • [33:48] “Our younger generations want more of that type of content. That’s what they relate to… I see it with my kids.”

• Bridging the gap with “Rock the Boat”:

  • Raquel’s Rock the Boat show emphasizes youth empowerment and candid conversations with kids, building connections across generations and helping mortgage pros understand future consumers.
    • [35:11] “With Rock the Boat, it’s so important because I want to bridge that generational gap and hear what they have to say so that we can relate more to them…”

• Education as purpose—First Home IQ:

  • Raquel is also an ambassador for First Home IQ, teaching financial literacy and homeownership to young people, reinforcing that content can be motivation- and service-driven.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On not fitting in a box:
  • [00:30] “There are so many wonderful facets to me. So to try to explain who I am is kind of difficult.” – Raquel
• On authenticity on LinkedIn:
  • [13:47] “You have to be able to be 100% who you are and be very authentic in order for people to really want to connect with you.” – Raquel
• On overcoming criticism:
  • [12:45] “It almost got me off LinkedIn… but then Michael Hammond, without even knowing anything, made a post about me the next day… so then I stayed on.” – Raquel
• On encouraging newbies:
  • [16:50] “If it’s your first video, like, who cares if people know? I mean, you gotta start somewhere.” – Raquel
• On creating content “in real time”:
  • [19:55] “I always posted in real time because I wanted people to really get a sense of, like, oh, she was just at this event or she just had this moment and she wants to share it with us right now.” – Raquel
• On motivation for content:
  • [35:11] “It’s so important… to bridge that generational gap and hear what they have to say so that we can relate more to them and understand where they’re coming from.” – Raquel

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:14] – Raquel introduces herself, rejecting labels
• [01:19] – Discussing Raquel’s eclectic background and online persona
• [03:15] – 90s rap, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and creativity as content fuel
• [05:30] – Defining personal brand and what it means in action
• [08:53] – Creating a unique career path in mortgage marketing
• [11:00] – Experiences with LinkedIn and shifting platform perceptions
• [12:04] – The real “rules” for authenticity and respect on LinkedIn
• [13:42] – Going viral with unfiltered videos; dealing with online criticism
• [17:52] – Video’s rising place on LinkedIn and platform evolution
• [19:55] – Posting in the moment, real-time content over curated scheduling
• [21:10] – Recommended mobile app (InShot) for easy editing
• [23:48] – Training your brain to spot content capture opportunities
• [25:30] – Generational comfort/discomfort with public selfies and video
• [27:19] – Everyday lessons and “relatable” content
• [29:17] – Why unscripted content gets more engagement
• [33:48] – Youth motivations and adjusting content approaches
• [35:11] – Vision for Rock the Boat and bridging generational gaps

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Actionable Insights for Mortgage Pros

• There is no single “right” way: Post in your own voice. Don’t wait for full polish or a professional production—your audience cares about realness.
• Be honest about your journey: Whether you’re new to content or a seasoned pro, transparency and humility build community.
• Content opportunities are everywhere: Develop the reflex to capture meaningful moments—“in the car” wisdom, behind-the-scenes, or client wins.
• Raw content resonates with rising generations: Less script, more personality. Observe what your kids or younger colleagues are consuming and adapt accordingly.

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Connect with Raquel Boris

• LinkedIn: Raquel Boris on LinkedIn
• Instagram: @RaquelBoris
• YouTube (Rock the Boat): Rock the Boat
• First Home IQ: First Home IQ

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Summary compiled to reflect the original tone, humor, and candid style of the episode, providing a comprehensive and useful overview for those who missed the conversation!

Transcript

[A]

Raquel, welcome to the show.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

Who is Raquel Boris and what is she all about? What do you want to tell the listeners? Who are you? What do you want to. What do you do?

[B]

That's such a loaded question, Jeff.

[A]

I know, right?

[B]

I'm going to be 49 next month, and I get it right in there. And I've been going to therapy every single week for five months now, and I'm really trying to figure out who I am.

[A]

Oh, awesome.

[B]

Because there are so many sides of me. I think that's something that, as we get older, like, I don't want to be labeled or put in a box. Like, there's so many wonderful facets to me. So. Okay, try to explain, like, who I am is kind of difficult.

[A]

Well, then. Then let's do this. Let's take a page.

[B]

It might take forever.

[A]

No, I know, right? And by the way, I appreciate that. That's. We're gonna have a great conversation. Let's then take a page. Let's break this down. If I was to go to your LinkedIn, we're gonna share links to all your stuff for people who wanna follow you. But by the way, should I call you Rocky?

[B]

You. Can I. Can I get Rock? Rocky, do you.

[A]

Do you have a preference?

[B]

It depends on the person.

[A]

Oh, depends on. Do we. Are we comfortable enough with each other? I can call you Rocky Rock?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Yes, I may. I may do that.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But According to your LinkedIn profile, you are the queen of goofiness, a brand strategist, a speaker creator at the Rock the Boat show. Youth empowerment, bridging the generational gap. Mm. You're right. That is very. That is a lot.

[B]

Joining so much more, but there wasn't enough room.

[A]

Yeah, right. You're out of characters on LinkedIn.

[B]

I know. I tell people I'm kind of like a walking oxymoron a lot of times because, you know, I'm somebody that loves sports, loves football, but then I love going to the symphony, and, you know, I love my hip hop, but I love classical music. You know, I can. I love being goofy, but I can be, you know, serious, and I like to get deep. Yeah. So that's kind of like, all right, I'm too big. Very confusing to people.

[A]

I love what you said on your YouTube channel, Rock the Boat. That's R A K, by the way. Rock the Boat. We can link that up as well.

[B]

Wait, no. Raq Q.

[A]

Sorry, sorry. See, my energy drink just kicking in. Call number five today. What does that hold it's like it's a letter. It sounds like what it isn't, but what you say in there is like, there are no interview questions. We hit record and see where the conversation takes us. And that's what we're doing here today. So on that note, you just mentioned you dig some rap, you dig some symphony, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Now, it makes me curious, who's your short list for rap? Because I'm like, you know, I got a 20 year old and a 22 year old, and of course, they've introduced me to the world of rap.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Do you have. Do you have a go to shortlist?

[B]

It's funny because I have a 23 and 20 year old, and they have exposed me to the recent rap, which I'm not a big fan of. I love my 90s. I love my Snoop Dogg OG, baby. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

West Coast. East coast rivalry.

[B]

Yeah. More of a West coast kind of gal, just, I guess, being that I'm from San Diego.

[A]

Tupac, Biggie Smalls, you know?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I actually got to witness Tupac at a hotel in Beverly Hills just two weeks before.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it was.

[A]

You called him for questioning?

[B]

No, but I was like, fangirling. When he walked into the lobby, I was like, oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. It's too much.

[A]

Wow. See, that's cool.

[B]

Warren G. I've seen Warren G, too, walk past me. Yeah. So I get super excited when it's the 90s.

[A]

Yeah. So Spotify has an awesome playlist, which is like west coast rap, I think is one of them. There's a lot of playlists on Spotify. Just as a tip for anybody who might want to check out some of that og. It's kind of cool. So my just. My son turned me on to Travis Scott and.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

By the way, my son does the audio bumper for this podcast intro music. Just FYI, seeing as we're talking about him, that's his. He's in music production right now for his career in college.

[B]

Oh, that's so cool.

[A]

Right. Which is why I had him do it. Right. And so he turned me on to Travis Scott and like, you know, I knew of Kanye and all that stuff, and this is some of the board, you know, even though Kanye's been around a long time. But like Travis Scott, do you know of him at all?

[B]

Of course I do. I have some of his songs on my Apple Music.

[A]

So to me, I understand what you're saying. And everybody right now is like, what the hell is going on? They're Talking about rap on mortgage marketing radio. Yeah, we are. Because there's no notes. Right. This is one of those awesome condos, but trust me, hang with us. And this is going to lead to an amazing place.

[B]

Yeah. But I feel like you just mentioned, you know, mortgage marketing. You know, it's. I have interest in 90s rap, which helps my kind of creativity. It helps me create content, it helps with my marketing. So I think it lends to itself.

[A]

Okay, I like that. I like that. Thanks for like, tying that back in. Right.

[B]

I'm really good about tying it all back in.

[A]

Maybe I should let you lead the show right now. Okay, so. And that's a good segue back into, like, you being a brand strategist. I'm trying to bring up your LinkedIn again. I don't know what happened to it, but identify when you hear the word personal brand. How do you quantify or what does that mean to you? Personal branding?

[B]

To me, it's just you. It's who you are, but you're putting yourself out there online so people can see that Persona. I guess you will. So that would be.

[A]

Let's carry this from the conversation about rap. Does that mean, like, if you're on your Instagram or whatever and you want to. Are you going to share, like one of the songs you like from Snoop Dogg or whatever, or just let people know that, hey, you're a. You're an old school rap fan?

[B]

I mean, I'm not going to maybe tell you, but I might use the music on some of my Instagram reels or if I'm in my car sometimes or I'm listening to something, I'll screenshot the song.

[A]

Right. That's what I mean.

[B]

So can people can get in that. Yeah. Get an idea of, like, oh, that's what she's listening to. And a lot of times it starts a conversation and that's what you want.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And so I'll do that.

[A]

All right. So what is it that you, what do you do, Raquel?

[B]

You know what? Even my own company asks me that all the time.

[A]

You're the external brand communications manager at New American Funding.

[B]

Yes. So it's just promoted to that role. And that role was created for me. And I think that's something that's. I don't talk a lot about in the, in the space that kind of. I'm forging my own path. Like, I think people forget that you have the ability to do that even in a maybe industry or a space that you didn't think there'd Be any room for you. You know, I started out in the mortgage industry not knowing where it was going to take me. You know, you usually you're like, oh, you're going to be a loan originator. And everyone assumed that because I'm a people person, but I didn't want to originate loans. So I essentially created my own path. And here, nine years later, brand, you know, external brand communications manager. That was created for me as well, just being that it encompasses what I love to do, which is the social media content creation. I love going to conferences and networking and building relationships. I love collaborating. I love. I just like being someone that is out there trying to make a positive impact in any possible way I can. So if it's in the mortgage industry, what better way to do that than to kind of be someone that's out there educating the population on homeownership, but in a fun way and in a way where, you know, I love to empower you. So what better way to do that than empower them financially and empower them in a way where, you know, everything doesn't seem so daunting to them. So I think it's kind of cool that I've become kind of this, like, I almost say that I'm like a conduit to like, the mortgage industry and then just like the everyday person. Because even though I've been in the industry for nine years, I have my nmls, I still feel like I'm your everyday consumer that's still trying to figure it out, learn. And so I just kind of think about how would I want to consume content or how would I want to learn about something. And for me it's. I want to learn about it in, like, a fun way, a way that's relatable, a way that connects with me emotionally. And so I pretty much do all of this very intuitively. Jeff. Like, I'm not someone that studied marketing or social media or especially if we.

[A]

Look at your major, which was art history, right?

[B]

Art history.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I'm an artist. Like, I grew up in an artistic family. Like, my mom's an artist, my great aunt. So it's kind of cool that I get to use my creativity in this capacity. And it just goes to show that you just never know where you, like, life and your career can take you, because there's careers that we don't even know are going to exist yet, you know, down the road. Like when I came into mortgage, no one ever spoke on personal branding or, like, having a brand or, you know, having an Online presence to help promote your company or what you do. Like that didn't exist. You know, TikTok was, hadn't even started yet. Instagram was just in the picture phase, right?

[A]

Oh my gosh. Geez.

[B]

So the fact that I have this job, you just, you asked that nine years ago. People would have been like, what?

[A]

That's crazy. You know the old saying, oh, you just aged yourself. Like I used a reference the other day and that was. My wife asked me and she was like, she didn't know the reference. I said, Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are. Do you know that one?

[B]

I don't. You really aged yourself. Because I'm 48.

[A]

I got, I got a decade on you. I'm a decade older. Decade plus one. Anyway, that's a. For anybody who knows what that reference is. DM me on Facebook and you get a free shirt and a call with me. How's that?

[B]

Oh my God.

[A]

I'm have to appreciate it, but. Well, you got a call. I just need to get you a shirt. No, what I was going to say was when you gave that reference of when Instagram started with just pictures and image like that flashed in my brain for a second of like remembering what that. And that feels so long ago, you know what I mean? To where Instagram is today.

[B]

Exactly. Even LinkedIn, when I got on LinkedIn and I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with LinkedIn, when I got on, it was completely different.

[A]

What did he get you?

[B]

I never had any.

[A]

What did Mr. LinkedIn get you?

[B]

Well, you know what? They didn't get me anything. They didn't get me anything. But I was part of their content creator program. So I do have a LinkedIn creator sweatshirt and it's a really nice hoodie and a note thanking me for people love swag. But that was the thing is I never would have thought that LinkedIn would have been the social media platform that's the one that I've thrived the most and the one that I love the most. Like back in the day, I would have never said, oh, this professional platform is going to be my favorite because I don't look at myself as some very polished professional person. So for it to be the one platform that I recognize the most and follow the most, it's really quite well.

[A]

Okay, now we're going to dig deep. So people who are listening and you stuck with it. This is what's getting juicy. So do you think you need to be polished and professional on LinkedIn?

[B]

You don't. But what I have acknowledged is that you do have to respect your community. You're following your network. I feel like there's a level of respect there where it's not that I have to be polished or professional, but I have to put myself out there in a way where it's acknowledging what the platform is and what it is that I'm trying to do. So there is a consciousness there of like, okay, do have to at least honor what LinkedIn is all about.

[A]

What is it all about?

[B]

Even though I danced to milli vanilla.

[A]

On LinkedIn.

[B]

Yeah, but it was a full circle moment because I had posted five years ago, around the same time, dancing in Milli Vanilli. I was working for a different mortgage company. The president had requested Milli Vanilli because I was doing like a fun Friday thing. And I remember somebody was like, like, really mean, reposted that post and said something nasty. And then I had to delete it. And then it almost got me off of LinkedIn. But then Michael Hammond, without even knowing anything, made a post about me the next day. How they should. How people should follow me. So then I stayed on. So it was this whole thing, but it really was like I was questioning myself of like, oh, my gosh, am I doing something wrong? And so I did the. So Scott, actually, Scott Parsons was like, you know what? I dare you to post again, dancing to Milli Vanilli tomorrow because it's Friday and just kind of have it be a full circle moment. And I did that. And that was just several weeks ago.

[A]

Well, it makes me really so it's like.

[B]

So I'm sure people are like, okay, so that makes no sense. But it was me trying to show that you have to be able to be 100% who you are and be very authentic in order for people to really want to, like, connect with you and follow you and get to know you. And so it would be like a disservice to people if I wasn't showing that side of me. But there's still a side of me that can be, like I said, can be serious, can be that person. But at the same time, I have to show that side of me, too. And it's that side of me, to be honest, Jeff, that has gotten people to follow me. I had a couple people on that post message me separately and said, I think it was that particular post that got me to follow you, because you were just fun and different and you were doing something completely different on LinkedIn. And it wanted me to get to know you. So it just Goes to show you that that side of me was really what drew people in.

[A]

Which makes the point of the question I asked, which is, do you think you need to be all serious and polished to be on LinkedIn? The answer, no, you can do Milli Vanilli skits and grow your following.

[B]

Yeah, but that, but the respect part was the fact that I grew my following and I got them to trust me and, and understand what I was doing and understand my journey, so that when I was posting goofy stuff, they understood where it was coming from. They knew that I was still taking the platform seriously and taking what I do seriously. So that's what I tell people. Like, if you're going to jump on LinkedIn, for instance, and you've been on Instagram and TikTok all this time, you have to understand, like, the audience is a little different. So maybe don't, like, suddenly start doing crazy TikTok Instagram stuff at first because people might be like, wait, wrong platform, too soon. Like, keep it over there. Right? Yeah, exactly, too soon. And. And I think that's where I'm trying.

[A]

To like, okay, this is a good. I love this double click, as they say, and go deeper on this. I think I just aged myself again. But let's, let's. Before you be silly or reveal your goofy side, right, you have to establish some presence and credibility and maybe some engagement points. Okay, so what would those look like? For those that are looking to establish that first, like, what would be. Is this more of the more traditional, useful, educational type content?

[B]

Well, it doesn't. Not. It's not necessarily that you have to put out this useful, educational content. It's just sharing who you are, but in a way that is genuine. Right. Like, there are people that are getting our new on LinkedIn and I love that. They're also kind of being very transparent about the fact that this is like they're starting their social media journey.

[A]

How are they transparent? Are they saying it?

[B]

Yeah, I tell people to say that. It's funny how many loan officers or just people in general that I have, they're like, well, what do I say? I'm like, just be honest. Say that this is your very first video. So I've had people on there that were inspired to post a video and do a video, and they'll say in their video, I was inspired by Raquel to just do it. And this is my first time. And I love it because usually the engagement in the comments are people like, oh my gosh, you did great. Keep going. Like, good for you. And that's why I tell people. I'm like, people are going to want to root for you, so be honest about it. If it's your first video, like, who cares if people know? I mean, you got to start somewhere.

[A]

I'm looking at your videos right now. Your, your thread of posts and trying to. That's an incredible journey in and of its. Is there a balance? Do you lean in on video versus images on. Now, Instagram's a little bit unique too, in terms of the content. So we're talking about LinkedIn specifically, which I don't, I don't know that I've done here actually in quite a while. So let's keep. Continue to lead with this.

[B]

Yeah, video. LinkedIn is leaning more towards video too. If you see their format, they just kind of now have. They were beta testing it for a while and I got to beta test it. Now it looks like, I think it's for everybody where it is like a TikTok Instagram real feed now on LinkedIn. So obviously they want more video on there because video, it's easier to connect with your audience than with a picture. And that's why I do video, because I feel like the way I speak, my mannerisms, my laugh, just kind of like my personality comes through video, not a picture.

[A]

It does.

[B]

And that's why I do that. And I mean, because I, I understand that. Right. Like, I get it, you know, like I, I understand that I, I'm good on video. So that's why you lean in. And now it's just fun for me.

[A]

Oh. So was there a time where it was uncomfortable and maybe a little bit.

[B]

The first video I ever did in 2018, my ex husband and my kids made so much fun. I mean, when I, I went over to my exes that day and I had done a video promoting Narap, I think in the President, she's like, just do a video. And I'm like, all right. So I even said like, because of Sarah Rodriguez, I'm doing this video. But like the angle and I was so stiff and I thought I had to be this like, polished professional person. So it, I didn't come across across authentic to the people that knew me. They were like, mom, that was so cringy. Like, you look so awkward. And it took a while for me to get comfortable in front of my phone. It did. That's true for everybody because I had this idea of what I was supposed to look like. See, that was the thing. It was more of like, oh, if I'm doing video Then I gotta sound like I'm a keynote speaker and I'm in front of, you know, an audience of 500 people.

[A]

Right.

[B]

That was what I was thinking. Now I'm like, who cares?

[A]

Okay, so in regards to your content or I'm wondering if you have any type of strategy or do you just like go in the moment and press record and upload or what do you do?

[B]

Yeah, I'm more in the moment kind of gal. Like, I'm someone that almost likes to do everything the opposite way or not necessarily opposite, but not do what everybody else is doing to prove to people that you can do it your way and still be successful at it and still gain a following and still have an impact. So I do that on purpose. So when there was a point in time where everybody was so like set on like, what are the best times to post and the best days? And you know, and then there are people were tagging everyone and their mother. A lot of people still do that. Like, I never was that person. I always posted in real time because I wanted people to really get a sense of like, oh, she was just at this event, or she just had this moment and she wants to share it with us right now because, like, it's fresh in her mind. And so that's why I do that. So. And nothing's curated. I don't schedule anything. I do everything myself. Like I tell people all the time I'm a one woman show. Like, it really is all me editing the videos, everything.

[A]

Do you edit on your mobile phone?

[B]

I do everything on my mobile phone.

[A]

Just I have to fill in the gap here. What are you using for your phone? Video recording apps.

[B]

Inshot is my favorite app and I've been using it for years. And I got a premium account from the beginning and it's worth it. It's really not that expensive. And they keep adding features, so they added captions. So now you can add captions. They added all these other features as well, that they're just always evolving and they have everything that you can think of. Music. The last video I did, the little doodling in the background, that was Inshot. The way you can split your videos. It's really easy on Inshot too. That was something that I didn't know until like recently. And I was like, how did I not know this up until now? That was a game changer.

[A]

Was there, I assume, a learning curve of learning how to use an app like Inshot Shot?

[B]

Yeah, I'm still, like I said, I didn't know anything about the split videos until recently. And that has changed everything for me because it is. It's helped me with just my time because I'm not like editing the video separately and then putting them together, if that makes sense. Like you're able to split, like you can even delete.

[A]

Oh yeah.

[B]

It's so good. About like on like a half a second. Yeah. So those are the type of things that I had to kind of just figure out over time.

[A]

There's an, um. What did you have to. This is, this is what I find for me on this content journey is that I had to start to train my brain to create awareness for content capture opportunities. Does that make sense? For example, last night I was out at the Fontainebleau Hotel here in Las Vegas, which is this new swanky hotel. There's a whole story behind it. No, but it's really, it's the most luxurious hotel that has recently opened on the street. Anyway, it's beautiful inside.

[B]

Oh, really? I had a view of it from the room at the summit. Yeah. I could see like the pool area.

[A]

It's super fancy, super luxurious. It sat vacant for 15 years, half built because the developer went bankrupt and all this stuff. So there's this long story behind it. And of course it's a well known local story here. But the point is this is. I was there last night and I was. I've got to this point now where I can walk into a place like that and I'll most times remember to look for content capture opportunities. And in that hotel there are several of them because it's so beautiful and artwork and this and that and the architecture. I'm wondering. So that was a struggle for me, like, because I would walk around like a moron, like for forever, not even thinking like, dude, this is content. Why don't you capture? Did you have to kind of like learn that new, you know? Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. And now I'm like obsessed now. I'm that person. Like, my mom makes fun of me all the time because years ago, like, we'd go somewhere and I'm like, mom, take a picture of me inside of this. It'll look really cool. And she's like, oh my gosh, you're constantly. I'm like, I walk around and constantly thinking about how to create content. It's. It's really kind of crazy at this point. And I'll even tell people. Like, I remember I went walking the other day in my mom's neighborhood and there were these two guys that were doing like woodwork for a home and it was really cool what they were doing, and no one was recording it. And I was like, hey, guys. Like, why aren't you recording this? Like, this is, like, beautiful. You're doing this. Like, it was like a custom. A wood board or something for a kitchen. And they're like, yeah, we know. We get. We gotta get on social media. I'm like, you're missing out. I'm like, because I'm videoing this right now, and I'm talking about how you guys should be getting on social media, and if I had you, I would have tagged you guys. And they're like, yeah, we just. We. Yeah, we're. We're trying to figure. Yeah, like, they just. And I'm thinking, oh, my goodness, you're missing out on, like, you know, and then you've got me. I'm like, I would have recorded this for you and given it to you, and then you guys could have posted it. So, yeah, I'm that person that's even thinking about other people.

[A]

So there's. There's two sides of that coin when I think about that. There's one. I was someplace recently. I mean, I think I saw. I saw it at the gym probably, where now, you know, you got people in the gym with their tripod and they're like, recording themselves for their fitness video or whatever. And that's, like, interesting. But then there's the other side. I don't know if you've heard this example or joke where it's like, you know, one day the aliens are gonna come down or whatever and see everybody holding their phones and doing all these selfies and stuff. They'd be like, what is going on with that planet? You know?

[B]

Well, I. And I will tell you, though, Jeff, that still embarrasses me. I will not pull my phone out when there's people around and I'm in public. I rarely ever do that. Like, I know there's a lot of people, like Sue Woodard, she's really good at the airport and just doing her videos there and walking around. I'm embarrassed to do that. Like, I still get super self conscious when it comes to that because when I see other people do that, it makes me feel uncomfortable. So that I'm like, why am I going to do that? I want anybody else. So it's my own thing. Like, I rarely will take selfies. Yeah, I. Yeah, there's certain things I still have about. I still have a line which people think that, like, I don't have any boundaries and I cross all lines. I'm like, no, there's still certain things that I just don't feel comfortable.

[A]

It is an age thing, though.

[B]

That's one of them.

[A]

Because I have a niece who's at, like, 26, and, like, they have no problem taking selfies ad nauseam, wherever the hell they are.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I'll see women, like, doing crazy stuff, and we're, like, walking by, and I was like, so. No, see, that would. I mean, like, you. There's an account on Instagram that I follow. It's called Influence in the Wild. It is hilarious. The things that people will do and not care. And for me, yeah, I still have. I still have an issue with that.

[A]

It's an age demographic thing. I think we are just a little bit more reluctant to do that. At least that's my unscientific.

[B]

Yeah. Being around younger people, I'll do things in the car. You know, I'll be in the car talking to my phone all the time.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

But in public is a little different.

[A]

Okay, all right, so, yeah. Then what do you advise for people? Because I think that's a constant. You know, we've talked about a couple of things here. One, we have to learn and train ourselves to be aware of, like, these content opportunities. And then second, I think, what. What is a content opportunity, if you will?

[B]

I mean, I talk about contents everywhere. It really is. Because I feel like there's a learning lesson in everything. Any kind of conversation that I have. A lot of times it's conversations that I have with just everyday people that's content for me, because it's more relatable, too. Like, that's how I think about it, too. I'm like, how can I have people relate to what I'm saying? So that's why I'm not someone that really curates my videos and has them edited and has the. Everything kind of, like, super polished. Because that, to me is, like, for a lot of people out of reach, they can't do that. So that's why I try to kind of just walk the walk as opposed to talk about it. I'll just do videos with no makeup on, no filter, like, in the moment. And I do that on purpose to give permission for people to do the same, because I feel like they won't do it unless they see other people like this.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Like, you can tell them this is.

[A]

A content opportunity for people who can't see I'm away from the mic because I'm taking a photo. Right. They put the photos in my damn face. There we go.

[B]

You're like. But it was a selfie.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Yeah. So like, if I'm on, if I'm getting ready for a zoom call or I'm on a zoom screenshot or, you know, behind the scenes, anything just to kind of, you know, have something out there. Because that's another thing too is you do want to train the algorithm for the platforms that you're on, to know that you're posting and to push your content out. So there are little things too, little nuances like that as well that are.

[A]

So think about that, right? You listen, listening right now behind the scenes, you're prepping for calls, you're doing a pre qual, you're going out to a realtor meeting, an open house, a broker preview. Like, I'm thinking of all the things. Maybe you are. Maybe you're on a zoom like you and I right now, and I just snapped that photo. Like, there are a lot of content opportunities, when you think about it, that people want to. It's weird. They want to, like, get these insights into your day. Like, what do you do?

[B]

They do. I love that. Well, yeah, I mean, it doesn't. That. That's more intriguing to me, Jeff. When I'm scrolling through my feed, if there's a curated video, I most likely will not stop. But if I suddenly see a video of someone in their car, like in the moment with a baseball cap, I'm more inclined to want to hear what they have to say because I know it's in the moment and it's raw. And there's something about that rawness and being in the moment that is intriguing to me and that I want to hear because that's like people's true kind of genuine moments. And to me, that's what it. That attracts me. And this, remember, this is me. There are some people that are the opposite, and that's okay, but those are the type of people that I don't really want on my feed or really attract.

[A]

I mean. Yeah, right.

[B]

And that's. And that's okay. Like, I'm honoring what it is that I like.

[A]

That's the key.

[B]

I tend to put a content out that I like. So you're gonna. If someone likes polished content and likes that professional look, then they're most likely gonna create that. And that's okay.

[A]

Well, I think that's a really good point there to double click on, which is like, you got to be true to yourself, you know, be true to your school. Like. Like, it's got to resonate with you. You can't fake it and be all polished. Which is why like this just popped into my head like when I was at the Mastermind Summit. Like I can't wear a. Don't want to say can't. I am, I am less me. If I'm going to go present a keynote or something from in front of a room. If I'm wearing a blazer or a sport coat, I feel confined and trapped and like I can't be free and be me. Right. So I don't know if that, that, that, that's a parallel, but it's a similar example of like you got to be you. You can't like fake it.

[B]

Why do you think of Josh Pitts and why all those people like kind of, you know. And it's. Yeah, there's a lot of guys that, that are looking like that these days. And it's because that's who they are. They're going to be walking around like that. Like, I mean there's plenty of times where I come to work and I have a baseball cap or I do videos with baseball caps because I love to wear a baseball cap and that's a lot of what I dress like every day. So I'm not gonna not do videos.

[A]

You're wearing your two pack cap. Is that what you're wearing?

[B]

No, I have, they're all, they're all like sports teams.

[A]

Padres.

[B]

Wherever I go, I tend to kind of buy it. Padres, Dodgers.

[A]

You can't do Padres and Dodgers. I can do what I want, damn it.

[B]

Well, because I'm not. Because I don't, I don't have a baseball team. So when apparently you have two of them, it's different. I only have Chargers ball.

[A]

Really?

[B]

That is. Yeah, yeah. So when it comes to football, you won't find me buying ball caps from other football teams. Baseball, is that your sport?

[A]

Baseball, you like baseball?

[B]

The other, the other sports, it's all, it's all good.

[A]

Oh, sorry. Football's my Chargers.

[B]

That's why the Chargers are like, yeah, I'm so loyal to the Chargers that you'll never see me.

[A]

Like that was the biggest like ridiculous thing of like, why not friggin build a new stadium? City of San Diego. You know Jack Murphy.

[B]

I know Qualcomm. I'm right down the, down the street.

[A]

Yeah, I went to games at Jack Murphy and Qualcomm. As a matter of fact, it was one, it was the one.

[B]

Yeah. But I love sports.

[A]

I took my kids to a game at. Must have been Qualcomm, because Jack Murphy's a long time ago, but Qualcomm Stadium, my kids were. This is going back 10 years. So now, you know, my kids are like 10 or 12 back then, and I take them to, like, their first NFL game. And what happens? 3 rows in front of us, a fight breaks out between these two drunk guys. And then we're on our way to the restroom, some dude's throwing up in the trash can. You know, I'm like, welcome to your first NFL experience, kids. Yeah, this is American professional football. Gotta love it.

[B]

I just. I'm a big fan of athletics, so I'm that person that's watching, like, when it's the World Cup, I love tennis. I watch all the. All the tournaments, the Grand Slams. I, you know. Yeah. World Series. I just. I appreciate sports. Yeah. That's the side of me.

[A]

World cup, is that happening? What was the game last night? The US Got European.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Now it's the European or US Is out. They lost.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Last night. I know that because I was at the hotel watching them.

[B]

Oh, they did?

[A]

But. Okay, so be yourself. Capture content in the moment. Don't overthink it or overproduce it. Yeah, just be.

[B]

Well, I just think. Yeah. I mean, Jeff, once again, like, intuitively, I feel like that's where we're going. Our younger generations want more of that type of content. That's what they relate to. I mean, they're the ones that are literally changing the landscape. So I. You have kids that age. I have kids that age, too. So I see it with my kids. I see that what they consume is completely different than what we would consume and completely different than what a lot of us put out there. So that's why, for me, I'm kind of also taking notes from what my kids are doing and saying and reacting and so forth. And they are just so different than I was at that age. So different. And so it's like having to kind of evolve in so many ways, evolve as a parent, too. You know, just the way I parent has evolved in the last 10 years because of social media and, you know, in TikTok. So for me, that's why with Rock the Boat, it's so important, because I want to bridge that gap, that generational gap and hear what they have to say so that we can relate more to them and understand where they're coming from. Because.

[A]

What. And so for. Yeah, let's. Let's talk about this briefly. Rock the Boat link in the show notes to your YouTube channel. Rock the Boat. What. What. What prompted this? Why did you create this? What's the genesis of it? Right. Yeah, yeah. This is. I'm asking for, of personal interest. Do you think that, you know, the younger generation, like I use this term, you know, it's not exactly Failure to Launch, but Remember that movie Failure to Launch with Matthew McConaughey? I think it was the one. Come on. Where, where's your. Where's your look, all these things, these amazing gems I'm dropping here, people listening right now. Remember, Failure to Launch, it's about this dude who doesn't grow up and he's not mature enough to have a real, you know, quality woman, a wife, whatever. What's her. What's her name was in it? Goldie Hawn's daughter, Kate Upton? Is that her name? I can't remember. Okay. Hudson. Yeah. Anyway, point is this, like, do you. You talk to these, these younger people more obviously than I do, but I kind of see it as well in my own, like, kids circle is like the speed at which we engaged in different activities, whether that's dating, whether that's jobs, whether that's moving out. It seems to me they're a little bit slow on that launch path, comparatively, or slower than, than like your age group. My age group. What do you, what do you say to that all? What is, what does that mean, though? Does that mean they're removed from them? They're seeing them virtually online and not actually living it? Yeah, Yeah, yeah, Just. That's right. It's like they're missing a gear. This. They're missing a gear. Like we could. We. Yeah, yeah. It doesn't fall in. Yeah, it doesn't fall in. No. It's just a culture. Yeah. And a lot of it's not accurate. Yeah, Yeah, I like that. I think that's something people can sink their teeth into, in that you have a responsibility, a duty, a fiscal responsibility. Right. Kind of fiduciary, use that word of like to educate. That's why your involvement with First Home iq, Right. As an ambassador. That makes a lot of sense for those who don't know what First Home IQ is. We'll link it up in the show notes. But what do you want to quickly say about First Home iq, if you don't mind, Dave Savage. Yeah, Right. Yeah, agreed. Agreed. Wow. Yeah. And maybe that's a jumping off point for some people about content and strategy and creation is, you know, let's just face it, first time home buyers, next gen, all that stuff coming up, and if you're looking for an avatar or some audience to identify With. And if that audience speaks to you of this younger population and you do want to be right, take that responsibility to help guide. I mean, you're not going to reach everybody, but I mean, if you just over the course of your career, help change the impact the lives of a few hundred or whatever, maybe a thousand or so, depending on how much you want to do business wise, that can be pretty impactful. Maybe that gives you some motivation or purpose behind finally getting active with your content. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, right on. Okay, well, listen, I'm keeping an eye on the clock and I know your hourly is expensive, so I'm afraid of the invoice I'm going to get. So this has been a really. Yeah, really. I'm just wondering though, like, if you have any predictions for this year's super bowl and like, who you live in? California. You said Chargers. Is it Rams also? No, just Chargers. Oh, well, forget it. They're not going to be in it. Okay. Yep. Okay. Yeah. Sofi, right? Sofi Stadium. Yeah, right. I've not been there yet. Yeah, I know. Sounds. I definitely want to go. For sure. Oh, wow. All right, little insider tip. Can you see over my shoulder? Let's see here. See that? See that red hat over there? It says SF on it. Well, I have. I have a relative. A relative on the team. Oh, yeah. I met john. Yeah. Super cool people. Oh, Yeah. Terrible, right? Mascot logo thing. Yeah. Fork got socially corrected. Yeah, it's fantastic. Okay, so listeners who want to connect with you, LinkedIn is going to be your primary social platform. Although we'll link up your Instagram as well as your cool conversation with young peeps on Rock the Boat. If you got young kids and you want them to be on Raquel's show, Rock the Boat on YouTube, connect with her. It's the space for candid conversations with amazing kids. Well, I hope you spark something in our listeners today. Not only do we have fun, we talked about rap. We talked about old movies and quotes and football. And it's been a. I told you. See the blank? Just no notes. That's fantastic. Well, I think anybody who follows you is going to be glad they did. It'll be inspiring. It'll be entertaining and impactful. So all the above. So, Markel, thank you so much for being here. You bet. Listeners, you know what to do if you like this episode. Hey, there's a link somewhere. Tap it in the show notes to leave us a review and we appreciate that. We'll see you on the next one. Bye for now.