Welcome back to our Partner Spotlight! In this series of blog posts, we highlight some of our incredible partners, both personally and professionally, to discover a little bit more about them and showcase their businesses!
In this spotlight, we meet Heather Jackson from Your Media Matters!
Heather Jackson
Your Media Matters
Facebook: @YourMediaMatters
1. Tell us about yourself (background/education/experience).
I was born and raised in New England. I miss the mountains and all the trees, but absolutely don’t miss the winters! I have lived in several states in my life, and each has helped me decide what I want to do and where I want to be.
2. How long have you been a realtor?
I am coming up on my 18th year of being a licensed real estate agent in Florida. When we moved here in 2004, I decided it was the career I wanted for myself and my family. So, in 2005, I enrolled in a local class and before the end of the year I had my license. During the last 17 years I also worked in a title company. I started out as a receptionist and ended up as an escrow closer and marketing representative. Five years ago, I took all the knowledge I had gathered from real estate and marketing, and I started a social media marketing company that caters to real estate professionals.
3. What do you like most about living and selling real estate in Florida?
I decided to work in real estate after we arrived in Florida because my then-husband worked for a large national company, and we had been relocated 3 times in 5 years across the U.S. Each time we were assigned a wonderful relocation agent that made the difficult process so much easier. When I first got into the business, I focused on relocation and helping families find a home, a job and get settled.
4. What advice do you have for anyone looking to buy or sell right now?
Being in the business for all those years has taught me one important thing – the market is always changing. I got my license right before the crash in 2008. EVERY listing became a short sale or a bank-owned property. To be successful in this business, you must be willing to adjust to the market because it will not adjust to you.
5. What three traits define you?
Determined – I WILL find a way to get something done. Generous – I believe you should share your time and knowledge with others. Loyal – Creating relationships and sticking by them are very important to me.
6. What would you be doing if you weren’t in real estate?
I have been working in the marketing field for most of my life and I think I would be doing that even if it was not in real estate. I have worked for large international companies and for smaller non-profits with the goal of helping them be successful.
7. What is the most challenging and/or gratifying aspect of what you do?
I think working in social media that the most challenging thing is that it is always changing, like real estate. You just figure out a schedule or algorithm, and the next day it has been changed on you and you must start over.
The most gratifying part of what I do is watching a small business grow. Social media doesn’t get you business, but it does keep you top of mind, thus helping you get business. Businesses seem to feel they must be all business all the time, and that’s just not how social media works.
8. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I have always wanted to learn how to be a photographer. My grandfather LOVED to take pictures, mostly of flowers, but he always had his camera out. Sadly, I’ve never taken the time to research the “right” camera or take that class. Maybe when I retire.
9. What are your favorite indoor or outdoor activities?
I love to cook and on occasion bake. My mom is amazing in the kitchen, and she taught me how to make most things from scratch. I have always been an avid book reader, and when I’m not feeling well or really need to disconnect, I like to do word search puzzles.
I don’t spend as much time outdoors as I would like, but I do love to walk in my neighborhood and on the beach. Something I do at least once a week is going to Lake Morton and eat my breakfast with the birds.
10. If you wrote an autobiography about your life, what would you title it?
My Life: The Unplanned Version
11. Where is your favorite place in the world to be?
Siesta Key Beach
12. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Jeff Bezos. He took a small, online bookstore and turned it into the e-commerce giant it is today.
13. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Drew Barrymore. She’s tough and talented. She has been through a lot in her life and is very down-to-earth.
14. What are your top 5 favorite TV shows or movies in no particular order?
Twister – seen more times than I can count, and it made me want to be a storm chaser
White Christmas – reminds me of Sunday afternoons with my Nana & Grampa
Polar Express – give you hope there is a little magic in the world
Masked Singer – my most favorite hour of every week it’s on
Deadliest Catch – great examples of not everything is handed you
15. What are your top 5 favorite bands/artists or podcasts in no particular order?
I am 100% a rock and roll girl. My Pandora is full of Nickelback, Aerosmith, Daughtry, The Eagles and Everlast.
16. Where is your favorite place to eat?
My mom’s house.
17. Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I love what I do. I’ve spent the last 17 years helping people find their dream home or sell their home to start their next chapter. Now I help realtors, loan officers, home stagers, property managers and home inspectors build and grow their businesses. I’m so grateful to the people in my life that pushed me to start this business. With all my knowledge and experience, I think its easy to for me to help other reach their audience because I know their audience well. They say when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and that’s how I feel. I’m incredibly invested in my clients and treat their business like I treat my own. I can’t wait to see where the next 5 years will take me.
Thank you so much Heather for giving us an insight into your business! It’s wonderful how you went from being a realtor to being a much-needed realtor resource. Understanding their side of the business and their clients really makes you the whole package!
Interested in being highlighted in an upcoming Realtor Spotlight? Reach out to our team for more information!
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