This blog post wraps up our series “YPN Success Tips,” best practices shared by our Illinois Young Professionals Network (YPN) to help jump-start your career.

Tip #5: Build a network and a team 

With just two years in the business, Illinois REALTOR® Victor Tellez hit the ground running, jumping right into being involved in Illinois YPN, establishing a team and receiving national recognition from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). So, what has led to his success early on in his career? Investing in talent and networking have been the biggest factors. 

“This is not necessarily a ‘tool,’ but my best investment has been in talent,” says Victor Tellez, broker at Key Realty, Inc. Rockford. “The individuals I work alongside on my team have been a major component to increasing my business, while at the same time freeing up my time.” 

He adds: “I’m able to spend less time in the office and more time out showing homes and meeting with potential seller clients.” 

What makes a good team member? 

“Definitely have to be a team player,” says Victor. “Something I took from another seminar was to have a P.H.D attitude, which stands for ‘poor hungry determined’ attitude. If you don’t have that you aren’t going to make a good team member because you have to want it for yourself in order to help the team out.” 

How did he establish himself and find a team?  

“Through networking with others, I have been able to find and implement new business practices, as well as techniques,” says Victor. “Everyone has something to offer. Whether it’s completely new to you or a different perspective on something you already know, listen to what others have to say.” 

Networking opportunities 

• Local REALTOR® association meetings and events 
• Local Young Professional Network (YPN) 
• Local business events in your community
  

“Your local association is a big one and YPN groups,” says Victor. “Because when you meet other agents in your association you obviously get to network and put a face to a lot of the names. You learn best practices from some of them, you get a lot of good advice.” 

How does he stay confident as a newer agent?  

“The biggest thing is having that support group, I know they have my back and they are watching everything I do,” says Victor. “So, I know I’m confident in my practices.” 

He adds: “It’s easy to fall into bad habits and not do the day-to-day activities that will increase your business. Connect with top-producing brokers who will hold you accountable. Make short-term goals (to reach a much larger goal) and constantly review your progress.”