In With the Old, Out With the New
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with a group of emerging leaders in commercial real estate, offering guidance on an array of career-minded topics.
The conversations were thought provoking with people seeking out that next “new thing.” Interestingly, I found myself coming back to a consistent theme. There are no secrets to the constantly debated question of what it takes to be successful. Some individuals are simply willing to put in those old-fashioned habits more than others.
Yes, there is working smarter and finding balance in life. But if you are only working 40 hours a week, you are probably not committed to becoming a top performer. The harder you work, the more luck you will have. There are no shortcuts.
We are also still a business driven by relationships. Despite technological advancements and all the different ways there are to communicate today, you are interacting with people. Smart phones help us connect but they will never replace a personal relationship. Build your network and connections accordingly.
Your personal brand also plays a critical role. Old school marketing builds trust and legitimacy in your work. The best in any business understands this. They have a unique outlook and it is apparent in everything they do. How they market themselves and tell their story. People know what they do and why they are great at it.
Other topics that came up in my meeting: Building a plan. Creating accountability. Consistent prospecting. Leveraging print marketing. Handwritten notes. Being memorable. Become a true expert. Engage in your community. Mentor someone else when you are ready. Note that none of these are new ideas! It is about the implementation.
New York Times bestselling author, Sahil Bloom said it perfectly: “If you want to get ahead in life, do the old-fashioned things well. Stand up straight. Look people in the eye. Do what you say you’ll do. Be on time. Have a confident handshake. Be kind. Surprisingly, few live up to this standard.”
Which leads to the last point I spoke about with my recent audience. Never allow another person or culture to dictate your ethics. Let your reputation reflect an uncompromising commitment to integrity and the highest principles. It will pay off in the long run.
As you advance in your profession, leverage technology, take calculated risks, innovate wherever you can. But also, don’t be afraid to focus on some of those old, tried and true methods to build a successful career. They have worked for decades for good reasons!
