OSC Of The Month: Amberly Mioduszewski

We’re excited to feature Amberly Mioduszewski, new home specialist with Melia Homes in Irvine, Calif. In this interview, she shares her path to becoming an OSC, how she overcomes the challenge of always being “on,” and offers her advice to fellow online sales counselors.

ECI: What was your career path to becoming an OSC?

Amberly Mioduszewski (AM): I have been in online sales for a little over two and a half years now. I knew for a very long time that I wanted to be in the Building Industry, and I began my journey as a temporary sales assistant with a home builder, where I was able to create strong connections with those in the industry. From there, I was recommended by various peers to the VP of sales and marketing at Melia Homes. She saw great potential in me and wanted me to learn the back end of sales, as well as assist in their marketing efforts. I began my career at Melia Homes as their escrow and marketing coordinator. I was quickly promoted to online sales and marketing specialist when our leadership recognized the importance of having a dedicated online sales coordinator, complemented by my natural ability to connect with everyone. I was unaware of the online sales role when I first started my journey. Still, I have been endlessly grateful and determined to make the greatest possible impact with our customers and within our company.

ECI: How many online leads do you manage monthly?

AM: I manage between 150 and 200 online leads per month.

ECI: How have you seen online home sales change in the last few years?

AM: I’ve noticed many builders who also did not have an online sales process established, or an OSC for that matter, are now beginning to understand the great impact it has on the overall customer experience and conversion of interest by having someone who is dedicated and dialed in on following up with each lead. Many are now opening their first roles in these positions, and with the right tools and training, they will be elated with the outcome.

ECI: How do you see your role/or the OSC role evolving over the next few years?

AM: Over the next few years, I see myself growing into a leadership role. I know I’ll never stop shooting for the stars and doing all that I can to achieve my own goals. Still, I would like to help equip others with the knowledge and tools I can share, enabling them to do the same and succeed in the avenues that interest them most, whether that’s in sales, online sales, or marketing.

ECI: What's the most challenging aspect of your job?

AM: I think most OSCs would agree that the most challenging aspect of being in online sales is constantly being “on.” I dare say that those in online sales possess the strongest follow-up and prospecting abilities of anyone else, and this effort never stops—we never stop. Knowing that, you may encounter days when you don't want to pick up the phone, perhaps due to your mood or a new situation, and although it doesn’t happen often, your energy is not where it typically is. (As you can imagine, OSCs are some of the happiest and friendliest people you will find.)

ECI: What do you do to overcome that challenge

AM: On days like this, I remind myself that my efforts are built on discipline and not motivation. I think about the “five-second rule” Mel Robbins shares about counting down from five, like launching a rocket, and by the time you have said one, doing the exact thing you need to next. Need to start making prospecting calls? Type in the phone number 5-4-3-2-1, and call. No hesitation, go for it. Or I’ll get two clear cups and fill one with a handful of paper clips (say 50). Then, I'll start making calls and, after each call, transfer a paperclip to the empty cup. That way, I can see the visual progress and gain a sense of accomplishment, driving me to fill each paperclip in the cup that was empty by the end of the day.

ECI: What are the most essential technology(s)/tool(s) you use in your role?

AM: The most important technology and tools I use in my role are a reliable and robust CRM system, Lasso, along with establishing solid follow-up processes. I love my follow-up processes so much that I recently established three follow-up processes for each of our sales teams across six different communities to help elevate the conversion rate of the prospects they meet.

ECI: What is your "go-to" closing technique to get an appointment?

AM: My go-to closing technique to secure an appointment would have to be between the “alternative close” and the “tie-down close.”

ECI: What/Who are your "go-to" resources for training and/or support?

AM: I must say that ECI provides excellent training and insights through webinars hosted throughout the year, featuring some of the top leaders in our industry, including Jen Barkan and Jessie Suggs, who share how to “turn panic into power for homebuilders,” and Ryan Taft, who delves into “people over process.” There’s always something new to learn and implement, and by tuning into the resources ECI provides, you’ll always be in the know of our ever-changing industry.

ECI: Do you have a productivity hack you'd like to share?

AM: Start your day early—no one likes feeling like they’re rushing or running behind, so if you can make it to the office an hour, 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes earlier than you need to, you can set yourself up for success.

ECI: Do you have any specific successes you'd like to highlight?

AM: This is my first year on the board of directors for the Greater Sales & Marketing Council of the Building Industry Association in Orange County, California, and it has been incredible working with others to help create events to bring people together in our industry. I highly encourage all OSCs to get involved in their local chapters of the BIA, to network, and attend as many events as possible. Our industry is in some ways very small, and the more familiar faces you meet, the more you will see them along with others throughout your career.

ECI: Any tips or advice for fellow online salespeople and marketers?

AM: If you’re ever racking your brain to discover a new creative way to reach people, trying to improve a process, or anything in between: allow yourself to quiet your mind with no distractions now and then for 30 minutes up to an hour, the answer will become clear. I can’t tell you the number of breakthroughs I’ve had during the most unexpected moments because my mind had the opportunity to be silent and still.

ECI: What are your favorite activities to do outside of work?

AM: I love giving back to my community in any way that I can through volunteering and showing up for those who need support. I also enjoy trying new places to eat with my husband (highly recommend Peruvian food—get the lomo saltado, and if you like spicy put a bunch of their aji verde everywhere, you will not be disappointed! Along with spending time at the beach when the weather is nice to stick my toes in the sand and watch the waves crash.

ECI: What are you reading, watching, or binge-watching?

AM: Currently reading “Fanatical Prospecting” by Jeb Blount. As for entertainment, my mom recommended “Deal or No Deal Island” on Peacock to me last week—I started watching Season 2 and finished it in under a week! It was really good and had an exciting twist on the classic “Deal or No Deal” show I grew up watching with my parents.