|
Category:
Published: October 2007
Now that October's "Up-and-Coming Entrepreneur" Jennifer Savino is making the transition from pharmaceuticals to staging houses, she's interested in our mentoring program, too.
Success Magazine: Jennifer, What does success mean to you?
Jennifer Savino: Success is being able to do something that you love to do. I love interior decorating and interior design. It is important to me to be happy with my work and provide for my clients with my skills and love for what I do.
SM: Currently you are working for a pharmaceutical firm. What made you choose to work at your current position and now make a change of career?
JS: Once I graduated, I had student loans that I had to pay and I chose a company that would allow me to use my professional skills that I had learned in sales and consulting. I found that I enjoy my current position, but I have a passion for interior design and I found an opportunity with a firm in Connecticut to enter into this profession of "staging" to use my skills and apply my passion for interior design.
SM: What is "staging?"
JS: Staging is preparing a home that is about to be sold to be appealing, well-appointed and organized, so that the prospective buyer will be drawn to the home and desire to purchase it in its current state. Many homes need just a simple touch to make them more appealing to the prospective buyer. The first impression that a buyer has is the most important trigger point to making a sale for the client and realtor. If your front entry is not appealing with an old aluminum storm door that is falling off its hinges, and the front entry is cluttered and in need of painting, then the prospect will immediately diminish their thoughts about the purchase of the home and its price. A simple investment of $1,500 can yield a possible $10,000, or at least a full-price sale, as opposed to having to negotiate a downward price if the house needs work and organization.
SM: Have you developed a market for your company?
JS: I have joined the Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and their network leads group. I am working with real estate firms and developing a client base.
SM: Have you developed a branding, logo or market and business plan?
JS: I have developed a logo, website and I have an initial business plan.
SM: We are developing a mentor program and we would like you to be a part of our program. At what point will you transcend from your current position into full-time within your new company?
JS: I appreciate the opportunity of working with your organization and your mentoring program. I appreciate all of the help that I can get. What does that entail?
SM: We will establish meetings with our committee whereby we will help you formulate a true business plan, market plan, review your legal contract and form of business, and assist you with establishing contacts in the industry to help you in getting started.
JS: Great! When can we start?
SM: We will provide you with our attorney and CPA and then they will meet with you to get you started. From there, we will provide you with a free article and advertising in our magazine and on our website. With the real estate market being soft, how do you think that will affect you?
JS: Even though the real estate market is soft, that actually helps our client in that they must properly "stage" their home in a competitive market to give their house a greater appeal and attract that potential buyer. In a good market, clients should always try to put their best foot forward to get the most money that they can from a prospective buyer and get a good return on their investment. In this new economy, your home is your best investment and return on your dollar. You should want to maximize your return on your investment. I can make that happen for my clients.
SM: Describe yourself in one word.
JS: Determined. I am determined to do the best job for my clients that I can to ensure their satisfaction with my services and their success.
|
