Negotiating yourself into a job that provides flexibility
Norma Robinson is an award-winning Jawitz Properties property consultant
I started my working life in sales and sales management in corporate credit information. But I was very office-bound. I moved into real estate so that I could have the flexibility I needed as a mother.
In 1993, I joined my mother and aunt who had been in the industry for 25 years.
What do you think makes you well suited to working in property?
I believe my positivity and negotiating skills are my greatest strengths. My goals have also never changed — I work as hard as I do so that I can have the life I want.
You have been in the industry for more than 25 years. What are the biggest changes that have taken place during this time?
The industry has become much more professional and regulated, which I believe is necessary. Technology has also played a part in making information accessible to the public, which is essential with our fast-paced lives.
You work with your daughter, Romaine Robinson-Buchalter. How do the two of you make this work?
It works because we get on so well — we work as a team and rarely argue. We complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and our clients also like the idea of us working together, especially with my 26 years’ experience and Romaine’s vast legal training.
Romaine has an incredible work ethic, and that keeps me going. We never compete with each other — we are in it together. Her success is my success, and vice versa.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be an actress because I could live out my fantasies and my first major role was as fairy Mumbo-Jumbo.
A house sale or purchase is a large and emotional transaction, and our reputation is built on guiding our clients through the process.
I have won National Consultant of the Year six times with Jawitz Properties, and, more recently, I was the first consultant at Jawitz Properties to reach R1bn turnover and become a member of the Billion Rand Club.
What is the best career advice you have received, and who gave it to you?
Gary Player said it best when he said: “The harder I practise, the luckier I get.” And I have been very lucky!