Deena Baikowitz, Fireball Network

Name: Deena Baikowitz Title: Director of Coaching Services Company/firm: Fireball Network Years with company/firm: 2 Years in field: 15+ Years in real estate industry: 10 Address: 1515 Broadway, 11th floor, New York, NY 10036 Telephone: 212.520.4141 Email: [email protected] URL: www.fireballnetwork.com Real estate organizations / affiliations: Co-Founder of New York University Real Estate Institute Women's Real Estate Network (WREN). Member of AREW, CREW, YREPNY. What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2010? I created and launched the Fireball Network website and blog in the fall of 2010. I am pleased that the website and blog have proven to be effective marketing tools, but even more importantly, I am proud that they provide valuable networking resources and topical advice to the real estate and business communities. There is an extensive list of professional associations and industry events on our resources page; and our blog delivers relevant advice - with irreverent humor - on a range of hot networking topics. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2010? We have worked with many dynamic organizations and talented individuals in 2010. Like a proud mother, we try not to play favorites because it can lead to sibling rivalry, hair pulling and expensive therapy bills. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? Our company contributes to the industry by sharing the best networking practices. We help create a community of professionals dedicated to meaningful, long-term business relationships. As director of coaching services, my role is to develop and deliver training programs that help people improve their networking skills and land more business. Our clients and colleagues share their sales and marketing challenges, and strategies for success. We incorporate this information, so that our clients learn from us and from their peers. Fireball Network also hosts fabulous parties for people in all sectors of the industry to meet, mingle and do deals. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? When you enter a new industry or start a new business, assemble your own personal board of directors. Choose people who know you well, professionally or personally, and who will commit their time and resources to helping you succeed. This board should provide insight about the industry, and offer advice to help you make informed decisions about your career. Select men and women who have a range of expertise and personalities, to offer you diverse viewpoints. Maintain these relationships as you grow in your career, and always surround yourself with smart people who care about your success. 5. How do you manage the work/life balance? I try to mix business with pleasure every day. Doing business with friends and working with people you like is the best way to achieve a balanced and rewarding life. Additionally, I delegate or outsource projects that are not enjoyable, that don't contribute to my core business or personal goals, or that fall outside my areas of strength. I schedule dance classes, tennis lessons, and social events well in advance, and highlight them in my calendar as a reminder of their importance. These activities keep me healthy, happy and energized, which is essential to my success. 1. 6. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? My grandmother and great-grandmother were respected businesswomen in eras when most women were housewives. They were innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs, tough but fair, and had tremendous integrity and personality. Tiny, fiery and feisty, they are my strongest and most cherished inspiration. 1. 7. What impact has social networking had on your business? Social networking provides essential tools for us to connect with new prospects and communicate with our existing network. We have a blog, Facebook page, LinkedIn company profile, Twitter page, and training videos on YouTube. We take full advantage of these tools to promote our brand, and our clients' brands. Clients hire us to help them deliver a strong, consistent image in-person and online. However, we adamantly believe that online interaction should not be used as a substitute for the all-important 'face time'. Don't let social networking turn into anti-social networking. Get off the computer and get together too!