Adi Wong - Journey Of An Introverted Real Estate Agent

Welcome back to the second episode of 'Her Bold Moves' Podcast!

We have Adi Wong with us in this episode today. Adi joined the real estate industry in 2023. Before making this transition, she had spent 5 years away from the corporate world. In that period, she dedicated herself to pet boarding, helping pet owners by looking after their dogs during their absence. This role not only generated income for her but also enabled her to bond with dogs, which she deeply cherishes.

As an introvert, Adi faced numerous fears and challenges when she began her journey in real estate. These included the anxiety of meeting new people, the pressure to make sales, and the need to assert herself in a competitive market.

How did she conquer these obstacles and step out of her comfort zone to become more confident after two years in the industry? As someone who has been with Adi on her journey in real estate, Vivian shared the significant impact their interactions have had on her own growth as a leader.

Join us in this episode to draw inspiration from Adi's journey as an introverted real estate agent!

Adi sharing in the podcast on her journey as an introverted realtor.

Viv: You were doing pet boarding prior to joining us. Can you share with us what made you go into pet boarding?

Adi: I love dogs. When I quit my last job, friends suggested me to try pet boarding. I didn't know what that was and googled it. Pet boarding can be done from home and that got me interested.

It's been more than 10 years since I started doing pet boarding. However, the COVID pandemic impacted me badly as there were travel restrictions. I then started doing dog cakes.

I truly enjoy pet boarding and doing dog cakes.

Viv: Throughout your career, you held positions that seldom involved interacting with people. Besides pet boarding, you worked as a designer in the footwear sector. What prompted you to transition to the real estate industry?

Adi: I sent out many resumes to the industry I previously worked for, but it was tough cos I was out of the workforce for 5 years.

Real estate is not my first choice because I am not a salesperson and I can never imagine myself to be a salesperson.

However, I worked as a freelance interior designer. I thought that perhaps my interior design expertise could benefit my clients if I entered the real estate industry. This led me to take the RES exam.

Viv: When we first met, you seemed very different. I can sense that you had many fears, particularly as an introvert. Can you share some of the fears you faced entering the real estate industry?

Adi: The first fear I have is interacting with human beings. I don't have many friends, and I don't socialise a lot. This job requires us to meet a lot of people, so it's very hard for me

For me, it's easier to interact with dogs than human beings,

My second fear is doing sales. I've never been a salesperson and it's hard for me to talk to people to make them buy. I always wonder if I am saying the right thing. It's a big struggle for me.

Viv: Honestly, over the past two years of interacting with you, there have been times when it's been quite frustrating. Your perspectives are unique, most people don't think that way. However, after learning about your background and past experiences, I can see why you think as you do.

Interacting with people is one of your greatest fears because you've been away from the corporate environment for a long time, and you haven't engaged much in communication with people.

But you are totally different now. Your approach in engaging strangers, doing hyping outside MRT stations and shopping malls, have greatly improved.

Also, you might be an introvert, but you have a very warm personality. People are drawn to you because of your warm personality.

Adi: I have been through dark valleys, so I am more cautious when interacting with people. But yeah, sometimes I am too cautious. I always remind myself it's a new chapter and I have to put everything behind and move forward.

I have this verse from the Bible that I really love:

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. ~Isaiah 43:18~

Viv: I wrote about introverted personalities in real estate on my website. There are many introverts who want to become property agents, but they are worried that their personality makes them unsuitable for the job. What advice would you give them?

Adi: You really need to push yourself out there. By constantly labeling yourself as an introvert, you miss out on many opportunities.

When I decided to enter the real estate industry and shared this with a few close friends, they said I wasn't suitable due to my personality. They thought I was too gentle and might get overwhelmed in this field.

But I tell myself I am not going to let people tell me what to do. We need to learn new things and step out of our comfort zones, rather than staying in our own bubbles.

Just like today’s podcast, I never imagined that I would one day sit in front of a camera for an interview. But I wanted to challenge myself.

Viv: You have achieved many breakthroughs, particularly in recent months. From initially reaching out to meet new people, to successfully closing new launches and even stepping up to help our new teammates! I didn't anticipate this because you were completely different when we first met!

Viv: I remember when you first came on board and I asked you to join our team gatherings, you would ask me if there were more than 5 people! 😅

Adi: Do you recall when I worked on my first project at Lakegarden Residences? I went to the soft launch and messaged you, saying I couldn't breathe due to the crowd around me. That's how I was, not very comfortable with people.

But I am very blessed because our team is really great. Though we come from different backgrounds, we are really down-to-earth and care about one another. It helps me to open up and step out of my comfort zone.

So it is easier for me within the team. But events like the gala dinner, those are still difficult. I had a few sleepless nights when i attended the Navis Gala Dinner when I first joined!

realteam navis gala dinner — Adi, together with Vivian and some of our teammates from RealTeam in the Navis Gala Dinner.

Viv: Let's go back in time to talk about your first closing. I remember you sent me a screenshot when your client transferred your commission, with the accompanying text:

My first paycheck in 5 years.

Adi: My first deal was really not easy, and I learnt a lot from it. When I look at the commission, i just cried. It's the first paycheck I received in 5 years.

Viv: I am grateful that you shared all the events of your life with me.

Reflecting on our interactions over the years, I began to understand why you react in specific ways to certain situations.

Adi: What I have gone through in life gives me a different perspective on people. In this industry, we encounter many individuals, and some can be difficult. I make an effort to understand their perspective, recognizing that everyone has their own story. This is the reason my Instagram handle is #AdiStory.

Viv: Through you, I've also learnt about empathy and patience. Our team comprises a diverse range of personalities. Some of them think like me, where many answers are 理所当然. However, what might seems 理所当然 to us might not be for others. I am thankful you have helped me see from a different perspective.

Viv: You are a very positive person, and I think that's one of the reasons that help you overcome challenging times.

Adi: I'm grateful to God for being there for me all this time; without Him, it would have been even more difficult.

Some of my friends said that this industry will be hard for me. It's highly competitive, and some people lie to get deals done. But I stand firm on my integrity and honesty and choose to let go of clients that are unreasonable and disrespectful.

Viv: I recall our initial meeting when we talked about the myths surrounding this industry and ways we could contribute to changing them.

Adi: I feel that there is a stereotype about our profession being easy money, but that's far from the truth. Our industry is extremely competitive, and you have to work very hard.

My skin was once two shades lighter, but all the time spent walking under the sun has darkened it! We've had many doors shut in our faces during door-to-door canvassing, and people have even cursed at us!

These are the things people are not aware of. Every deal closed involves a lot of sweat and sometimes tears.

Viv: This industry is really not as easy and rosy as many think. So to all aspiring real agents out there:

If you have always wanted to enter this industry, we sincerely welcome you. But do not think that this is an easy job because it is definitely not.

And I hope that through the genuine and authentic interviews with our guests on this podcast, we can share the realities of this industry with everyone.

Viv: We both believe that in our real estate journey, the journey itself is more important than the destination.

Viv: I always feel that if we enjoy what we do, we perform better, and eventually, the reward will follow,

Adi: At this point in my life, joy holds great importance for me. I aim to enjoy the entire journey. And the journey is not just mine, but also my client's journey.

Just like the recent case where I help a client to secure a unit in The Orie. I'm more happy for her than myself.

Viv: Talking about that closing you had at The Orie. I salute you for how you got the lead.

Adi: This project is eagerly awaited and highly competitive, with many agents from different agencies working on it.

I went door-to-door canvassing at HDB blocks in Toa Payoh. At one of the units, I spoke with a lady who was interested in viewing the showflat. I got her contact number and have been updating her regularly since then.

She came to the showflat during the preview and placed a cheque to express her interest. However, her ballot number was not great, and on the day of booking, the units she was interested in were one by one taken up.

It was a miracle that we managed to secure the last unit available. She was overjoyed, and I was too.

Viv: Whenever I ask you to share how you obtained this lead, you make it seem effortless. However, I understand it's not that simple. For every opportunity that comes your way, how many others have turned you away? For every lead that provided their number, how many others have you approached outside MRT stations and shopping malls? For every lead that reply you, how many others have ghosted and blocked you?

Adi: I think I am immune to rejections now.

Viv: And when I talk to you now, you seem much more confident than before.

Adi: I really love this project and you can see my excitement when I show it to the buyers. I think it's an excellent fit for them, especially as they also live in Toa Payoh.

Viv: I think we are similar. When helping a buyer or seller with a home purchase or sale, we must fully immerse ourselves in the process. It cannot merely be a transaction where we simply close and move on to the next one. We need to be in it wholeheartedly.

Adi: You have to love what you do. It cannot just be about the money; it's also about the memories.

I feel very privileged to be part of my client's journey. A career in real estate is truly meaningful.

Viv: Lately, I've been reflecting on how a career in real estate feels like a blank canvas for me. I've been part of the industry for a long time, transitioning from real estate sales to team building, and now hosting my podcast. I'm constantly evolving. I truly appreciate how this career offers the flexibility to integrate my new ideas.

Adi: You are a genuine person and you are what you are. Your persona attracted many like-minded individuals and that's why our team is thriving now.

Viv: But it's not just about me. As I mentioned earlier, many of you have stepped up to support our new teammates. Each of you has unique strengths, and I am simply someone who brings people together in this team.

I always say that 1 + 1 shouldn't equal 1, nor should it be 2. It should be 3 or more. That's what I see in our team. Everyone has their own strengths and skills. There are things I don't know, but our teammates do, and we help each other.

I am truly blessed to have you all in the team.

Viv: We have come to the end of our podcast. Thank you Adi for sharing with us your journey and I am sure your story has inspired many introverts who are looking to join the industry!

Watch the full episode of the podcast here!

Conclusion

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About 'Her Bold Moves' Podcast

her bold moves in real estate podcast vivian chong

In the first season of this podcast, we will invite guests from the real estate industry to share with us their lives, experiences and the bold moves they took to carve out their path in the industry.

Each episode features in-depth conversations, where we recount our personal journeys, challenges and decisions that shaped our careers.

Whether you are an aspiring real estate agent or an experienced realtor, we hope our stories can inspire you on your own journey!

Join us as we embark on this exciting exploration of lives transformed by the bold moves we take in our real estate career!