Meet this week’s featured Woman in Business Dr. Ericka L. McKnight, Owner – ELM School of Real Estate
Tell us about your business:
We provide quality continuing education to licensed real estate brokers in multiple states in the US and internationally. We offer additional services to those seeking to obtain their real estate license and other aspiring entreprenueruial services. Our targeted fans are real estate brokers, realtors, mortgage brokers and/or their assistants. Individuals seeking to become financially independent by becoming a full-time entrepreneur or a second stream of income by means of real estate. We also offering training to those who are struggling in their business but need fresh ideas.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner has given me more confidence, freedom, joy, peace and the pleasure of knowing my worth and value unapologetically! So often we spend the majority of our lives building someone’s else dream(s), while ours is dying.i became an entrepreneur because I had a solution to the problem others wasn’t solving. I often tell my students, if you find the pain the purpose will be revealed. So I found the pain and my purpose became bigger, bolder and brighter around the world! As an entrepreneur, I have financial freedom to have whatever I want (within reason), inspire others, create generational wealth, speaks quality time with family, travel and a flexible work schedule.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My family and peers have advocated for me from Day one! They work and volunteer for me, help market and treat my company as if it’s their own. I’ve been a licensed real estate broker (agent) for over two decades and it’s refreshing to have other’s not in the industry give and implement their talents.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Becoming the first African American Female to own a real estate school in the southeastern region and internationally.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Join the Small Business Administration in your area and upon completion become a mentor to others in the program. This was my greatest strength and asset. SBA gave provided the basic foundational tools on how to start, fund and excel in business! Also, even thou the journey may seem stagnate or long at times, don’t quit!
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
We love hiring college interns that have a niche for social media, journalism, marketing and speech writing. So my team solicits the local colleges seeking out interns or volunteers. This has been very effective because they want to build or receive create hours and references. We mainly promote by means of social media ads, word of mouth and quarterly newsletters. (MailChimp etc..)
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Never regret making a poor decisions because the decision has already been made. Learn, grow and move on!
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
If there’s something you don’t know or want to take your busy to the next level? GOGGLE or YOUTUBE It! I’ve learned more off these two powerful platforms than some of the trainings I paid.
Do you have any new projects coming up?
Yes, I have three more co-authored books coming out late 2021 and early 2022. I’ve had the honored of being a co-author in eight other books with some fabulous men and women! Definitely, more exciting expansion news in regards to ELM School of Real Estate.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love to swim, sing, dance and travel. But most importantly spend time with family and friends!
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Hire at least five more women to the ELM empire.
You want to write a book on SELF-CARE. Life goes by so fast and we spend so much time giving often times to depletion. We must learn to say NO to the people, places or things that disrupt our SELF-CARE. Make yourself the priority and then your life will feel complete!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Women are large and in charge! If there’s not a seat at the table for you, make one! We must demand equal or more pay for equal work! Stay focused and remain on task!
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?
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