Business

Overcoming challenges is part of the success

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2022

Theresa Forster, a social media influencer and model from Germany, is living out her dream, but she is the first to acknowledge that challenges must be overcome in order to succeed.

Accepting that certain people are too judgmental of those in her profession was one of the obstacles she claimed she had to learn to overcome: “People should stop criticizing every single thing we do and learn to let us live life the way we want,” she said. “We are simply human beings with feelings.” According to Forster, it is often difficult to be constantly examined by the public and to not feel like a target all the time. “Having to constantly defend ourselves is very exhausting.”, she said.

She noticed that she had learnt to move past her regrets regarding her career: “I should have started earlier. I always followed the advice of those around me when I first started out, and they made fun of me. Even my parents did.”, she affirmed. “They just didn’t take me seriously, so it took me a lot of time to get things moving. But from the day I started, I became successful very fast.” Attempting to change people’s perceptions about those in her industry, has been another issue for her. Some people behave this way because they think her work field is easy.
“It is not all about snapping pictures, receiving gifts, and looking pretty. If you want to succeed in this profession, there is much more to do.”, she remarked.

“Generally, clients pay us based on the number of views and reach we generate, so we need to get those figures every day. That is difficult and can put a lot of pressure on you.”, she said that in addition to the daily competition influencers face, it is a constant challenge to add value to the lives of her followers. Otherwise, she warned: “People would get tired of you and soon forget about you. This work therefore comes with a lot of psychological pressure.” Like everyone else, influencers experience periods of excitement and interest in daily life that eventually fade. In other words, great stuff doesn’t necessarily come along every day but however, Forster points out that it is her job to sometimes create something out of nothing.

“It is completely normal to move through life phases and their ups and downs. Sometimes you need some time to rest, and you just feel like lying in bed or sometimes you just don’t feel well, but there cannot be any days off if Instagram is your primary source of income and you take it seriously. You push yourself in order to move forward.”

In her opinion these are the reasons many influencers turn to fake drama and telling lies to produce engaging content. However, she discovered more truthful and creative ways to get her content out there: “For some in this industry, fake publicity is better than no publicity. But not for me. If you want to remain successful in this game, you have to think in the long term. And that doesn ́t mean to cause drama every day but creating content which adds true value to people’s lives” she said.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

3 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.