Real Estate Entries: Real Estate saved Me From My Retrenchment

Last resort measures that ended in success

In this series of Amazing Agents, we want to interview people who have made it and can offer advice to anyone that is looking to break into this industry. While we understand that success stories are well, stories- we cannot underestimate the power of them.  

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, retrenchments more than doubled in the second quarter of this year, with 6,700 workers laid off, up from 3,220 in the first quarter. Retrenchment is a scary thing, we wanted to speak to someone that understands that feeling. 

This month’s feature would be on Edison Lian, a father of 2 and an unexpected real estate success story. 

Why did you decide to go into real estate?

“I got into real estate by chance. I was retrenched in 2017 and felt incredibly lost. I felt angry that I was let go and wondered what I did wrong that caused this. There was a lot of sadness, regret, fear, uncertainty as I had my family to think of as well.” 

Transitioning from a high performing employee to someone that has been retrenched took a toll on him emotionally and mentally, but he was eager to pick himself back up- he just didn’t know how. 

What made you choose BCD?

“I actually met Benson and had an instant connection. He saw that I was struggling and really seemed to understand my position. I felt understood and almost comforted, I started looking at my situation as an opportunity rather than a setback” 

“I chose BCD because I had a good feeling that i could excel in this line with a similar minded people. ”

Sometimes when we have baggage, it can be extremely difficult to move forward, taking a leap of faith out of desperation turned out to be the best decision Edison made. Goes to show how important the environment you are in is!

How has BCD helped you?

“From a more personal perspective, they helped me regain my confidence. It may sound small, but the mindset is crucial to succeeding in this industry.”

From a more actionable and practical perspective, BCD has help Edison in these ways: 

• Honing sharpness to close deals

  • Benson encourages his agents to look beyond selling a house and really showed them how to get to know a client on a deeper level. It sounds easy but it requires much observation and patience to really perfect.

• Encouraging each other to succeed

  • The environment one is in is crucial to the formation of positive mindsets

• 1 to 1 mentorship that is lacking in many other agencies

•  Provided the technology and the scale of Propnex to help us earn more 

What have you learnt from this journey? 

“This journey has taught and allowed me to become better father and husband. Family time is incredibly precious to me and this sort of balance is not something that comes by easily. I also learnt that sincerity, perseverance and heart really pays off.” 

Income-wise, Edison believes that he has made more doing real estate than he ever had in the corporate world, which gave him a new kind of confidence and self belief. 

“It changes the way you see things. I once coveted a stable job, but I have since learnt to thrive in uncertainty and have the time to think about other potential revenue streams.”

I guess you could say that he has a newfound survivialist and opportunist attitude that allows him to steer his career in any direction he pleases.

What will advice do you have for anyone looking to take the path you took?

“Adopt a good attitude, work hard and believe in yourself.” 

Remember that the more you fail, the closer you are to success. Learn from your mistakes, keep moving forward and don’t look back.