Emily Zhang is a creative, energetic real estate agent at NYC's top real estate brokerage, The Corcoran Group. With almost a decade as an entrepreneur, Emily started her first business selling fine jewelry at the age of 17 as well as several other businesses before landing in real estate. Emily has made it her mission to empower other entrepreneurs and help them avoid her past missteps as a business owner. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by business owners, she is committed to helping them navigate difficult real estate transactions while also providing them with an enjoyable and exciting experience.
Emily Zhang, Entrepreneur and NYC Real Estate Agent
Can you elaborate on how your background as an entrepreneur, starting businesses from a young age, has influenced your approach to real estate transactions and client relationships?
Beginning my entrepreneurial journey at such a young age has played a pivotal role in shaping my current success. At 17, when I embarked on my first venture with Black & White Element, I lacked the financial resources and marketing connections typical in business. Determined to promote my company despite these limitations, I resorted to innovative, low-cost methods. One memorable strategy involved personally canvassing high-traffic areas in Staten Island, targeting potential customers, particularly high school students, after school hours.
Walking the streets of New Dorp Lane at 2:30 pm was undoubtedly daunting. Approaching strangers and pitching my business tested my courage and resilience. Some individuals were receptive, while others dismissed me with laughter. Initially, these rejections shook my confidence to its core. However, over the years, I've come to understand that rejection is seldom personal; it's merely part of the process.
Now, at 25, this mindset serves me well as a real estate agent. I've encountered similar experiences where friends and family didn't engage my services when buying, selling, or renting properties. Initially disheartened, I've learned to approach these situations with curiosity rather than resentment. Instead of dwelling on the rejection, I strive to maintain relationships and seek feedback to understand their decisions. Every rejection presents an opportunity for growth and learning.
Reflecting on those early days of canvassing reminds me that rejection, though painful, is transient. It's not a closed door but rather a pathway to future possibilities. This perspective empowers me to devise strategies and pivot towards new opportunities.
Each rejection fuels my determination to succeed and reinforces my belief that resilience is key to thriving in any endeavor.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
About two years ago, I hit a rough patch with my mental and physical health. For about half a year, I was dealing with a bunch of tough symptoms – tremors, anxiety, sleep issues, weight fluctuations, you name it. Doctors couldn’t quite figure it out, so I was stuck in this limbo of not knowing what was wrong. At 23, I felt like I had aged decades overnight.
During that time, I had a lot of downtime to think and reflect. Even though I was feeling miserable, I made a promise to myself: once I got better, I was going to live life to the fullest without holding back. It was one of those moments when you're lying on the couch feeling absolutely terrible but somehow see a glimmer of hope for the future.
When I finally started feeling better, I realized something important: my mindset and attitude sucked. I was stuck in this negative, limited thinking loop, always complaining and feeling sorry for myself. So, I decided to focus on changing my mindset first before anything else. I spent a good chunk of time working on myself, shifting my perspective, and getting rid of the negativity.
It made a huge difference. Once I got my head straight, everything else started falling into place. That's why now I'm really passionate about personal development and self- help. Your mindset is like the foundation of everything – your relationships, your success, you name it. By busting through my own mental barriers, boosting my confidence, and learning to value myself, I've gotten to where I am today.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
One of my proudest moments in my career was successfully selling my first property in Brooklyn Heights. I began my journey in real estate at a smaller brokerage in Staten Island, where I was fortunate to receive mentorship from top producing agents. From the moment I got my license, I knew I wanted to eventually transition to selling properties in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Approximately two years ago, I found myself drawn to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, spending an increasing amount of time there, forging meaningful connections, and developing a deep affection for the neighborhood.
Fuelled by my growing fondness for Williamsburg, I began vocalizing my aspiration to sell real estate in the area to friends and family, despite lingering self-doubt. While uncertain of how I'd make it happen, I remained steadfast in my determination. Fast forward two years, an opportunity emerged through a colleague at my brokerage to list a property in Brooklyn Heights – not Williamsburg, but a neighboring area I had also come to cherish.
When we listed the property in the summer of 2023, market conditions weren't favorable, with high interest rates dampening buyer interest. However, as interest rates began to decline in early 2024, anticipation grew among potential buyers. We soon found ourselves fielding multiple offers and ultimately closed the deal in March, over the asking price.
This achievement taught me the power of vocalizing your goals. By openly expressing my desire to work in Williamsburg, I set the wheels in motion, taking incremental steps each day towards realizing that goal. I intend to apply this approach to future endeavors, recognizing the profound impact of speaking your aspirations into existence.
In what ways do you differentiate your services at The Corcoran Group to provide a personalized and enjoyable experience for your clients?
Real estate transactions are deeply emotional endeavors, and I approach them with a keen sensitivity to my clients' needs. Whether it's buying, selling, or renting a property, I understand the significance of the decision and the fluidity of preferences. Clients will articulate specific criteria, but I've learned to interpret their desires beyond what's explicitly stated, recognizing that their preferences can evolve rapidly.
Flexibility is key in my approach. I've encountered situations where a client's stated preferences didn't align with their true intentions or changed unexpectedly. Rather than rigidly adhering to initial specifications, I adapt to these shifts with understanding and empathy. This ability to navigate changing preferences without frustration resonates deeply with my clients, fostering a trusting and collaborative relationship.
An illustrative example of this approach occurred when I was assisting clients in finding a commercial space for expanding their business. Despite the property not meeting their stated square footage requirements, I had a feeling that it could still suit their needs based on our discussions. Taking a calculated risk, I presented the property to them, envisioning how it could be tailored to their business objectives. When we toured the property, they recognized its potential almost immediately, affirming the value of my personalized approach.
By actively listening to my clients and discerning their unspoken preferences, I strive to deliver a bespoke experience that exceeds expectations. It's this commitment to understanding and fulfilling their unique needs that sets my services apart at The Corcoran Group.
Given your focus on working with 6-7 figure business owners and creatives, how do you stay attuned to the unique requirements and preferences of this niche market segment in the real estate industry?
It’s quite simple! As a business owner myself (real estate agents typically being self-employed) and a creative individual, I find that I'm not delving into unfamiliar territory but rather connecting with experiences I'm intimately familiar with. My decision to specialize in working with entrepreneurs and creatives stems from this shared understanding—I can relate to their struggles and triumphs on a personal level, enabling me to empathize authentically.
Authenticity is key because when you're true to yourself, everything falls into place effortlessly. Take entrepreneurs, for instance. They value efficiency and understand the importance of conserving time and energy for their businesses. Consequently, when I propose significant decisions, they're often swift to respond, recognizing the need to prioritize their resources effectively.
Similarly, when collaborating with creatives, I recognize their aversion to rigid structures, a sentiment I resonate with. While some organization is essential, I prioritize intuition, especially when working with this demographic. Rather than imposing my suggestions, I embrace their free-spirited nature, understanding that experiential learning often trumps theoretical advice in certain cases. Even if met with resistance, I refrain from judgment, instead seeking to comprehend their perspective and empower them to make informed choices, even if they may not align perfectly with my recommendations.
Recognizing the diversity of individual preferences and learning styles, I strive to foster an environment where clients feel empowered to express themselves authentically, knowing that their unique needs and perspectives are valued and respected.
Read more from Emily Zhang
