Amanda Cruz

I attribute my success to never taking no for an answer. My daughter inspires me to just be the best that I can, to do the best that I can for her. She's a huge motivator in everything I do. I've learned to push through obstacles and not let anything stop me from achieving my goals, and having that drive to provide the best for my daughter keeps me going every single day.

The best career advice I ever received was don't let your emotions get involved with your work, and I've just always lived by that. I see a lot of people where whatever's going on in their life outside of work really affects how consistent they are in their career. I've always compartmentalized emotions from what actually needs to get done. It's about leaving work at work when you go home, but also leaving home at home when you go to work. This approach has helped me stay focused and consistent no matter what's happening in my personal life.

I would say the way you show up matters, from the way that you are dressed, and the way that you speak, and the way that you carry yourself. Especially in a very male-dominated field, you have to show up with all of the seriousness and class that you can to be taken seriously. And even at that point, people aren't going to respect you until you make them respect you. That's a big piece of advice. You need to command respect through your professionalism and presence, because it won't just be given to you automatically in this industry.

The biggest challenge in my field right now is that it's very hard for most realtors to get business. Thankfully, I'm not having that problem. I'm in a really good spot, and I've marketed and branded myself very well, and it's paid off. The opportunities are that there are a lot of people getting discouraged and leaving the business, so there's opportunity for newer agents that don't know anything else besides a market that is super competitive. It's their opportunity to jump in and essentially take over the business that people are leaving on the table. The other opportunity is that the luxury market in New Jersey right now is really on fire, so there's definitely opportunity to get into the luxury market and be able to sell luxury, probably more than there ever was.

Communication is huge. Good communication is essential to everything I do. Telling the truth, even when it's not something that someone wants to hear, is critical. I also believe in showing up for your clients, and your family, and your friends equally. What I mean by that is the way I'd show up for my family, I could show up for my clients, and vice versa. Those are my big values that guide both my professional and personal life.