#102: Client Spotlight Series: Tresa Todd, Founder of Women's Real Estate Investors Network
As a woman entrepreneur, you're used to making things happen on your own. But when it comes to your business, you may need to pivot in order to survive.
My guest today, Tresa Todd, Founder of the Women's Real Estate Investors Network, pivoted her business online and saw 500% growth in the first year.
Define what it means to "pivot" your business online
Pivoting your business online no longer has to be a daunting investment in time and money. In short, pivot simply means transitioning from one tool or platform to another - for example, taking a bricks-and-mortar retail store and selling goods or services through an e-commerce website. Additionally, pivot could also involve focusing on digital marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and content marketing to engage with customers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pivoting your business online; there is no better way to modernize your business operations and gain new customers!
Why you should consider pivoting your business online
If Tresa Todd were weighing the decision to take her business online, here's why she should make the pivot: having an online presence frees up time that would have been spent physically marketing and promoting products or services, while also broadening her consumer base and creating a more accessible platform for her customers. Reaching out through social media, email campaigns, and other digital avenues can be done quickly and easily with just the click of a button. Furthermore, researching data related to customer behaviour and product performance is made infinitely easier when it's all done online. Tresa has all the tools at her disposal to craft a thriving virtual business - so why not take the leap?
How to go about pivoting your business online
Covid-19 has forced many businesses to the brink this past year, and having to pivot online may feel intimidating. With more customers doing their shopping online, however, there are great opportunities for any business owner looking to take the plunge. Start by assessing where you will get the most ROI: Perhaps lean into diversifying marketing channels, optimizing your website content, or offering virtual services or classes. It may seem daunting at first, but a shift towards an online presence can open up new doors of opportunity and help you weather Covid’s challenges with poise.
The benefits of pivoting your business online
Women's Real Estate Investors Network, aka WREN, is an up-and-coming business organization that has recently made the innovative move of pivoting its services to an entirely online platform. Women entrepreneurs have so much to gain from this decision! By transitioning all activities and operations to cyberspace, WREN members now have access to a much broader network of investment opportunities while eliminating travel costs and time spent away from home. Moving online also opens up the possibility of remote collaboration with mentors, advisors, and peers across the country, allowing for maximum efficiency in growing women's businesses. Digital technology was certainly made for situations like these, bringing us a world of convenience and connection at our fingertips!
Check out Tresa here: http://www.womensrein.com or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/WomensRealEstateInvestorsNetwork/.
Check out my free training on www.yournextmillion.me, where several of my seven figure clients and colleagues share what they're doing to scale their businesses to the multi-million dollar mark and beyond.
Listen to the Show:
Laura (00:02):
So many entrepreneurs, dream of living a life of massive impact by creating a mega successful company, but only a tiny percentage of businesses actually scale to that point. And when they do it is so often lacking the very joy and freedom that got them into entrepreneurship in the first place. So on this podcast, we speak authentically on what it actually takes to scale your business in a way that creates freedom and joy that works for you, your team, and the incredible impact that you are meant to make in the world as a visionary entrepreneur. My name is Laura Meyer and I'm your host. I'm a serial entrepreneur wife, mom, to three. And I love talking all things business, especially digging into what it actually takes to scale joyfully to the multi-million dollar mark and beyond let's get started.
(01:01):
Hey everybody. So I want introduce you to a client of mine. Her name is Tresa Todd. She is the founder of the Women's Real Estate Investors Network. Welcome Tresa.
Tresa (01:12):
I'm so excited to be here.
Laura (01:14):
I am so excited to share your story with our listeners, cause you have had quite a wild ride in the last few years we started working together maybe a year and a half ago. And what has the growth been like for your company in the last two years?
Tresa (01:28):
You know, I was thinking about that and the, the first year, like we grew by 500%, which is, I mean, you know, we weren't ready, we didn't have the staff that, I mean, it was chaotic and crazy, but amazing. And then last year we grew by 200% and we are on track to grow, another 200% in 2022.
Laura (01:53):
Yes. And when we say like 200%, 500%, it's not like $5, $10. It's like millions of dollars. Yeah. That's a slide. That's really incredible. Now before you and I started working together, I remember that you were pretty much live in person event based. Right. And then the pandemic hit two years ago and you made a very quick pivot to running challenges, which eventually turned into master classes. What was that decision process like? Cause I think for a lot of people they might have been like, oh, there goes the business. Yes. No more live events.
Tresa (02:31):
Yes. I mean, we were, we had all these live events that we were teaching all over Texas. And so then obviously we had to shut everything down and we, we were like, what are we gonna do? And so we just immediately, I mean, April was our very first time we went and, and did a live challenge through Facebook and we had five hundred and
ninety nine women show up or our very first challenge. And we did every single thing wrong. And, and then I, I believe we hit 1200 the next month. And I mean, we just kept growing and growing and growing. And now we average for probably the last four challenges about 8,000 women. Every time we have a masterclass, a challenge, we just call it a masterclass.
Laura (03:19):
Yes. Yeah. It's more upscale. And I think it's much more indicative of what you actually do for these business. Yes. Because you give them tremendous value for $17. I mean, it really is incredible. You give them thousands of dollars worth of value and you run them about every six to eight weeks. Is that right? Yes. You've been running them every six to eight weeks for the last two years, which is really that replication and that duplication, I think, has really contributed to that, to your growth and you're faith based. And you tend to attract a lot of women who are faith based and you really help these women get started in real estate.
Tresa (03:58):
Yeah. I love to do two things. I love first of all, just opening their eyes that they can be a real estate investor because you know, we know that most real estate investors are men. And so, I want women to know it was, so it was such a blessing to me when I learned very, I didn't start until I was 50 years old and it changed my life. And so that's, that's obviously that's the main primary goal, but then the second goal is to help these women overcome fear because all, I mean, most of us are scared to just try something new and the real estate investing sounds overwhelming and scary. And so helping them overcome that fear and have confidence in their selves and teaching them step the step by step process is my passion.
Laura (04:48):
Yes. Yeah. It's so incredible. And it's such a gift. And so you were running these challenges, these live challenges, you went and through a training and you realized, oh, this is what we're going to start doing. And that fall, it was the spring before that you started doing them and then that fall, we connected. Yes. What were some of the things that you came to me for? Because many people would probably be listening to that story and being like, oh, well you've got that figured out check box.
Tresa (05:15):
No, I did not have it figured out. I mean at all. So I am in business with my two of my son. And so when we were having live events, I would teach. And then when it came time talk to make an offer, they had always made the offer. I had, I had never sold a thing in my life. Not one single thing. I'm talking about, I have never sold Mary Kay. I have never sold a thing. And so however we went and, and it was a co-ed event when I was doing it. When we were doing live events, this was primarily women. I needed to be able to present, you know, a mentorship offer. And I, oh my gosh, I can't even tell you when I would teach. And it was all exciting and fun. And then the minute that I would begin to talk about the offer, I would get so nervous.
(06:10):
I would stumble all over my words. The very first time I did it, I literally said the wrong price, you know? And when you've got on that first one, there were 599 women and you give the wrong price. Well, now there's so much confusion. Yeah. And I actually did that two different times and I hated it. It was making me miserable. And so I heard an interview with you. I was listening to a podcast and I heard an interview with you. They did it interview with you. And I thought, I've gotta reach out to Laura. Maybe she can help me with this. And I will tell you, you absolutely changed my life in by teaching me how to do this organically. So it didn't feel salesy or sleazy. And you helped me write out the scripts and get comfortable with, I am presenting an offer and you can, and, it's gonna change your life if you accept this offer.
(07:08):
And when I begin to see it that way, other than just, I gotta throw out this really, you know, price, you know, it change everything. Even the first time that I did it after we went through it, I mean, we went through a process together and you helped me immensely. And I, you would give me ideas and then I would write, and then you would, you know, correct it and make a few changes. And, um, and I will tell you, Laura, I don't even know if I've said this to you since then, I have been on stages selling for other people. I have, you know, presenting offer. I have, I absolutely love it. Oh, I love it. And I went from being someone, I was probably 52 I'm now. So I was 53 years old the first time I ever sold anything. And now, I mean we have to be able to sell in business. And if we are lacking in that, well, we're not going to be very successful. And I, I am just so excited that I know that God led me to you. And I am so thankful of how my life has changed because of that, not just in this business, but helping other people. And it is, it is fun and exciting.
Laura (08:26):
I'm so, so glad to hear that I'm so grateful that that made such a, a positive impact on your life. And what I love about it is it has also made a positive impact on all these other people that got to hear your heart and got to hear your message. And actually they were able to receive what it was that you were delivering to them. And I think sometimes with sales too, especially in the beginning, if we're not used to it or we're new to it, we often make it about us cuz that's natural, right? Yes. It's our nervousness. It's our worry. If we say the right thing or wrong thing, but if we make it about them, we make it about the other person about what they could benefit, how, what their experience could be, how their life could be changed by real estate, just like yours was, then it be, becomes so much more exciting if you're the kind of person who loves helping other people, which I know you are and I am too. And so I think because we speak the same language, that was such a natural coaching opportunity. And what are some of the other things like in the last few years, whether it's what we've worked on together or outside of that, like why, why do you think that you've achieved such incredible growth above and beyond blessing, favor, and that you have a great product?
Tresa (09:47):
Yes. I do believe everything that you just said. I believe the favor of God has been on this business. I believe that what we are delivering is life change. So all of that, but you still have to have a team and you still have to have all the, the things. And so that was probably another huge thing that you did for me is helping us with our team. Yeah. Because we just, I think maybe when I got, did I have only the three employees whenever I started with you, but now we have 35 employees. So that's the kind of growth that we have had two years ago, or even not even, I mean, whenever I met you, um, somewhere between three and five employees and now we have 35, but you have helped them. So we, with the sales process, the entire customer journey, and then you helped us with our sales team because not, not any of them were sales people. You wrote sales scripts, and we still are going by those scripts today. And our sales team is teaching it to the new, you know, sales team and consultants and all of that. So that was huge. You, helped my team with the customer journey. You know, sometimes we just jump into to what we're doing and we don't realize that the customer journey starts the minute they see an ad.
(11:14):
And what they click on and then what happens next and next and next, then all the way to the end. And so you helped us develop a customer journey that felt good to the customer. Yes. And so that, that has been a huge thing. You helped us with us develop a cash campaign. Yes. And which is amazing. And then right now I know that you're helping my team with the ambassador program and we are super excited about that and we are ready to, you know, kick that off and super excited. So I can't, there's countless other things that I cannot just list, but you have been a vital part of the success of the Women's Real Estate Investor Network. And I'm so thankful for you. I cannot tell you. And just as a friend to know that we can share faith and we can talk about, you know, sometimes I'd get on a call and it wasn't, it was not, it was just for me to, who to you about a situation that was going on. And, so I just, I can't tell you enough how honored I am to be here and how thankful I am for everything that you have sewed into me and my team.
Laura (12:27):
Oh my gosh. That's so that's so, so beautiful to hear, and I'm gonna brag on you for a second because, because I have been on the sidelines helping as much as I can, but I watch how you lead with gratitude and I watch how you lead your team. And even in the moments where they're like, I'm not sure if I can do this, I'm not sure if I'm good enough. I'm not sure if I'm trained enough. I don't know if I can rise to what's required of me. And sometimes it's skillset and sometimes it's mindset. Right. And I think that's really common because you've grown so much and your leadership team is homegrown. And as much as, as much as there's been times where you think, well, maybe I should bring in somebody with lots of experience, right? Like we've gone through that process to, and interviewed people and, you know, they want their six figure salaries.
(13:17):
And you're kind of like, I just don't know. Cause you have this incredibly dedicated, loyal, dedicated doesn't even describe it. Home grown leadership team who knows you and knows the brand and loves the product, that in a way that it would be really hard for someone to come in from the outside. And there is that risk that a senior leadership team from the outside could view it as a very transactional. Right. Whereas what you do has so much heart behind it. And I think you've navigated a lot of those challenges through listening to the holy spirit and a lot of intuition and a lot of discernment.
(14:04):
But I also think in a very empowering way to your team that if they ever think, oh, I don't know. I don't know if I can do it. You're like, of course you can, of course you can, you instill belief in such a positive and powerful way that incorporates humility, but also really great leadership. And I think that has allowed your team to rise up out of, you know, moments of not enoughness, which comes with the territory. I think growing that, that fast, it just does. It's natural. In fact, it probably indicates great character that you're worried whether or not you are creating enough value or you know, enough, or you have enough of what it takes. Right. There's a certain humility in that that I think is incredibly powerful and incredibly telling of good character. And so as we've, you know, I've skill built with them a lot, times where they've come to me, you know, worried about whether they can do it and kind of breaking it down and saying, well, let's, let's look at what it requires.
(15:08):
And let's actually, you know, know, help you understand what that journey is like for you to be able to be a manager of other people in an area that maybe you weren't professionally trained in. Right? Like what does that mean? What does that look like? How do we help you with that? How do we, how do we plan a little bit better and react a little bit less? You know, that's a lot of what I'm constantly challenging them with. Yes. How do we get in front of what is coming next instead of reacting to so that we can be a little bit more planful about our approach. And I think you've been so supportive of that and really given them room to grow. And that's a really, it's really incredible what you've done.
Tresa (15:49):
I appreciate that. I truly love my, I mean, I call 'em my girls. I mean, most of them are young and they have developed before our eyes. And I mean, you know, there's, you know, there's been tears and it's, it's not been easy, peasy. I mean, it's been a battle and a fight, but we've, we've, we've gotten this far. And I, you know, we did talk about, do we, somebody else in and you know, it would, I hope I don't ever have to bring, you know what I mean, things change, who knows, but I, I wanna see my team just keep, keep taking us to the next level and to the next level. And they've proved they can. And yeah, I'm so proud of them. And I again, appreciate how you have coached them and helped them with and skillset.
Laura (16:37):
And emergencies. Wasn’t there one challenge where like the text didn't go out or something like that? Oh yes,
Tresa (16:43):
Yes. Y'all the whole text blasting. They just didn't go out. So yeah. We've called you on several emergencies. I know that Justin and I called you just maybe a couple ago because, um, again, we're a family business and I wanted to go one way and he wanted to go one way in this decision and we're like, let's get Laura on the phone.
Laura (17:02):
Oh my gosh, it was really an interesting decision because he was very fearful, which was so understandable because at the size of your business, you have more to lose. You have two sons whose families are dependent on this business. Your whole life and lifestyle is dependent. And now you have 35 miles to feed. Like there is a lot to that, right? And your sons are very powerful, very charismatic. It's part of why they did most of the sales before I start has said, well, it is selling to women who probably wants to be, they probably wanna hear it from you, but you know, they're very talented and very charismatic and very successful in real estate themselves. So it is, you know, I can completely understand that. And I think the first thing I did is I normalized it. I'm like, of course you're gonna be scared, like yeah. And to grow to where you wanna be, this is the decision you need to make. And so we coached you through that.
Tresa (17:57):
Yeah. And you know, we had enough faith that we just, okay, if Laura said to do this, this is what we were, you know, we said that before we called and said, okay, if she says do it, we'll do it. If she says we won't, we won't. And we did it. And it has been, oh my gosh, another huge, it took me out of a lot of the moon and it's given me so much more freedom.
Laura (18:24):
Yeah. So that you can create your next level Ascension so you can create your live event. Yeah. You probably, would've never been able to create your life it, which is gonna bless so many people, if you didn't get out of the day to day of some of the delivery. And so we talked a lot about that and how we could make sure that your students still got incredible results without it being you. Yes. And that is something that everybody who's listening, who's scaling a business has to deal with at some point. Yes. And it is challenging, but we brainstorm different ways in which to create specialists and make people really feel like they were hearing from the top person in that particular area upon delivery. And it sounds like that went pretty well.
Tresa (19:07):
It's been fantastic. I mean, I have expert coaches that have, it just went off without a hitch and now I just go live once a week with all the ladies and pour out, you know, for
an hour and a half. But then that's, you know, my coaches coach them to success the rest of the week.
Laura (19:23):
So awesome. And that area of specialty too is so good because that's probably where they're living. Absolutely. And that's where their special. Yeah. And you know, and that's where the extra value comes from. So for those who are listening that are either scaling really quickly or aspire to scale really quickly, what are some of just like general advice that you have for them?
Tresa (19:47):
Well, first of all, I am such a believer in having a mentor and a coach that has gone before you and has done this, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Don't try to figure all, we would never be here if we had not had the coaching of mentors and, and you that have guided us through because we, this was a brand new business. So that is first foremost. And then the second thing is, I, I think you have to, you have to be courageous. You have to be willing to do some hard things, some brave things, step out of your comfort zone. I remember I couldn't talk live. I had been before this business, I had been, I did a lot of faith-based speaking and teaching and all of that. So getting in front of a live audience was I could do that all day long. What, for whatever reason, you put a camera in front of me. And I just, I just stumbled all over myself. And I mean, and it wasn't easy. I didn't overcome that in a week or two or three hours and hours and hours of recording and rerecording and rerecording until my AV person probably went home.
Laura (21:01):
But, you know, I knew, I mean, it was either you, I mean, you just do what you have to do. And even if you suck at it, you just gotta keep doing it until you get better. And now, you know, I mean, we laugh whenever I get it on, you know, first take I'm like, woo. I mean, I've come a long way. I don't know why he's getting it on the first take. But, that's just one thing learning to be able to present and offer was, I mean, you talk, that was one of, that's the biggest mindset hurdle that I had to overcome. And so that is one thing I would say is have mentors and coaches, and then you've gotta be courageous if you just keep playing small and you never step out past your comfort zone, your business is gonna stay small. Your income is gonna stay small. And most of all, your impact is going to stay small. And so I love to say that timid people, people that are walking in fear never make an impact. Right. But ages people are who change the world. Yes. And so, I mean, starting, we could talk about David and Joshua and all of them in the Bible even to today if you're not willing to jump out there, then you're just gonna stay little and have a little bit of impact.
(22:24):
Yes. And that huge impact I know is what you create for so many other people. So they could create it for their community. Yes. So that they can create a legacy of multi-generational wealth and philanthropy and all of these incredible blessings that can come
out of investing in real estate. So if people are interested in learning more about you, where's the best place for them to connect with you?
Tresa (22:46):
Well, they can find us at the womensrein.com. That's our website. You can find out when our next masterclass is, you can learn all about us, that's the same thing for our Instagram and Facebook.
Laura (23:11):
We will put all the links in our show notes. So feel free to check this out on our podcast page and in the show notes of this episode. And we'll make sure to link to everything so that you can just quickly take a look and follow Tresa, say hello, let her know you heard this episode. So thank you so much for being here. I'm so grateful that you had this opportunity to share with other people, your story. I know so many people are going to be inspired by it, and I just am so grateful for you. Thank you.
Tresa (23:40):
Thank you so much. I bless you, Laura.
Laura (23:42):
Yes. Bless you.
Laura (23:44):
Hey there: before you head out, I want to let you know about a free new training I have right on a brand new website called yournextmillion.me. It's yournextmillion.me, where several of my seven figure clients and colleagues share what they're doing in the next year to scale their businesses, to the multi-million dollar mark and beyond. And I have to tell you, it is not what you think. So check it out at yournextmillion.me. And if you loved this show, will you subscribe to it and share it with a friend or just say something nice about it to someone, you know? I’d really appreciate it so much. Thanks so much for being here and I'll see you next time.
The Scale with Joy podcast dives into the mindset and strategies of scaling your company to the million dollar mark and beyond. Each week, we follow the journeys of innovators, disruptors, experts and leaders - sharing behind the scenes stories of their most challenging moments and greatest lessons learned-all while building their multi-million dollar empires.