Suzanne Powers started her residential real estate business in 2011 with no outside investors or partners. In 2018, the company sold nearly 600 homes for a combined $190 million. Powers says trusting herself was a key part of helping the business grow.
“When I was starting my own business, there were many people who told me not to do it. That it was too risky. That it was going to be too hard. But I didn’t let them shake my confidence or change my mind. Instead, I listened to my inner voice and my gut. I trusted I had the experience, the knowledge and, frankly, the sheer audacity to succeed in a male-dominated industry.
“Of course, there will be failures along the way. Believing in yourself doesn’t guarantee easy success, but I know firsthand that failure is the beginning of success. You learn from mistakes you make and problems you encounter, and you find a way around them. The faster you fail, the faster you learn, and the faster you’re able to get on a path to success.
“Over the years, I’ve realized that the best way to reach your goals is through rigorous daily habits. And you must be extremely disciplined about executing those habits. Identify the small things you can do every single day to get results, increase your efficiency and add to your competency. Those are the habits that propel you forward and allow you to trust yourself.
“The other thing about trusting yourself is realizing it will take time. I had to learn this because patience isn’t my strong suit. For most of us, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes thousands of hours of hard work, determination and incredible discipline. Finally, create a realistic timeline and specific goals so you can measure your progress and evaluate your results.”
Suzanne Powers Realty Group Inc.
4214 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
Industry: Real estate
Employees: 34
