Learn from the 2022 Get By Giving Award Winner, Laura Baliestiero

award core values get by giving Jun 08, 2023

Meet Laura Baliestiero

The 2022 Get By Giving Award Winner

This is an interview conducted by Mike Pallin with Laura.

How did you get into real estate?

It was in my DNA. My grandfather was a title attorney and taught me all about closings. And my mother was (and still is) a very successful real estate broker.

While I was in college studying to be a 4th-grade teacher, my mother asked me to help her out for a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks turned into 16 years.

While I loved teaching, the relationship between income and effort in real estate convinced me that commission sales was my future.

How did you get exposed to Wickman training?

Well, I have been in the same office for 27 years, and early on my manager recommended a training program called Sweathogs. I was already making $70,000 a year, but I took the program on blind faith, and I have been a big fan of all things Wickman ever since.

What was the most important thing you were able to implement from the program?

The idea of building home court advantage changed everything for me and for my family. The dialogue and the accountability and the teamwork are all invaluable, but home court was the big difference-maker for me.

You have built a very successful team. How did it come about and how is it structured?

I began by hiring an administrative assistant to relieve me of minimum wage tasks, and so I could focus on what I do best and like doing most – listing. My forte is working with sellers. The more listings I got, the more leads they generated, so I brought on buyer’s agents to handle the buyer leads and hold open house. I guess I picked the right people because they have stayed with me for most of my career.

When you attended our events and workshops and met the other Get By Giving Award winners, what was your impression of them?

They were, and are, the friendliest, most welcoming to new people, nicest, and most generous. In other words, they were the cool kids, and I wanted to be just like them. They are true team players and advocates of the Wickman philosophies by living them.

You have been in R Squared Coaching with the same team from the very beginning. What has it done for you?

I will only stop R Squared when I stop real estate. My team is the wind beneath my wings. They keep me grounded and uplifted. I know I am not alone. They have no hidden agendas and always come from a place of pure good and knowledge. They create the accountability I need, the outside awareness, and the balance.

What is your personal philosophy?

You have the power to make your experience positive or the worst ever. Choose to make it the best. Choice is a gift. Protect it and take it seriously.

Thank you, Laura!