Each year, for the last four years, I’ve had the same reaction to being included on Inman’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders list. I have recoiled from it. I politely thank people when they mention it and I’m certainly honored by my association with some exceptional folks, but I’ve never fully embraced it. I’m sure a good shrink could dig into the deeper psychological reasons for my reaction, but that’s a different discussion. I’d like to move this in a different direction.
Two things have happened in the past 6 weeks to make me want to write this post. And Inman was involved, in one way or another, with both. The first was the Inman CEO Summit and the second was the Inman Connect Recap Trialogu.es podcast.
I sat in the room at the CEO summit having two conflicting thoughts for most of the day. “I belong here,” and “I don’t belong here.”
I belonged there because I knew I could hold my own with anyone in the room, both conversationally and experientially. My business experience allows me to see things from varied perspectives. I’m comfortable in almost any business setting, from a public company boardroom to a white board session with twenty-something coders who have nothing more than an idea and energy.
But I also felt that I didn’t belong in THAT room because I spend most of my time on the periphery of the real estate industry. I don’t have a direct impact on the operations of a real estate organization. I don’t run a company impacting major inflection points in the consumer’s relationship with a real estate company. My influence in real estate is limited at best. And I asked myself, “why?”
My only answer is that I had limited my opportunity to have significant influence because I had decided to not commit fully to the real estate industry. That’s why I recoiled at being placed on the Inman 100 list. It feels wrong that I’d be on the list of an industry publication that I’m focused on only partially. And it’s also why I didn’t feel like I belonged in that room.
A few weeks later, I listened to the Inman Connect recap that Rob Hahn, Gahlord Dewald and Matthew Shadbolt recorded for their Trialogu.es podcast. I was not expecting the takeaway I received.
Both Rob and Matthew are also on the Inman 100 list. So, Gahlord congratulated them and a short conversation about influence erupted. “What does this even mean?,” Rob asked. “I don’t know that I feel influential.” I certainly could relate to that. And simply listening to them discuss it openly allowed me to set aside my recoil reaction and simply embrace the fact that I have been recognized by a respected industry publication.
Now I feel compelled to do and be what I deem necessary to warrant being acknowledged and sit in the CEO summit room or any other room where real influencers are present. I must become more fully engaged with the real estate community.
What will my actions look like?
First, I’m going to take a different approach to my writing. Recently, several of my close friends in the real estate industry have told me that I’ve become cynical in my writing tone, especially around social technologies and real estate. They tell me it has flowed into my speaking as well. I can see why they think that. Looking back at the headlines of some of my posts, I’ve not been particularly positive about some of real estates hot button topics, like Pinterest for example. While I don’t think it’s my responsibility to find the real estate use for every new online tool that pops up, I do think my tone can change. I can and will communicate my ideas about helping real estate professionals make better decisions in a more positive way.
Second, I’m going to find a way to focus more on the real estate industry. For whatever reason, I love the real estate industry. I love the people in it and I love the challenge it poses. And I think I can help make a positive difference in the coming years. Purposefully limiting that focus just simply doesn’t make sense to me any longer.
And third, my emphasis is going to be on the importance of values-based leadership. When I stop and analyze what really gets my juices flowing, conversations about vision and values and their connection to culture, brand and profits are what really excite me.
It’s time for me to provide specific, actionable guidance to help the real estate industry execute and bring about needed change: Executable strategies; Measurable action plans; Accountability; Transition to values driven cultures; Brand awareness and Brand strengthening; ROI. Not another in an endless list of quick-fix “tips,” but roadmaps to substantive, long-term, well reasoned guidance and success. It’s time.
I don’t yet know the timeline for this, but I know that I’ve been recognized as having some measure of influence in the real estate industry. To recoil from that now would be a mistake. And wasting the opportunity to do something positive with it would be an even bigger one.
I believe your direction and intentions will prove to be of great value to the industry and everyone in it. There is much to be gained by embracing what you propose to provide. Change can be daunting, but that doesn’t mean that it should be avoided. The early adopters of what you propose will ultimately reap great rewards. Your declaration of purpose should ring out as a call to action on the part of many influential leaders. I hope they hear it.
Reading this post is music to my ears. Jeff, you have been hugely influential to this industry regardless of what Inman says. I think back to the olden days of Active Rain and the impact you made there. Whether testing out different cameras, tools or social spaces you brought a wonderful voice to what is often an antiquated industry that can’t look outside its own walls. The fact that you sit on the “periphery of the real estate industry” is a good thing. We need that outsiders perspective. You bring a fresh set of eyes with care for those of us inside to strive to be better. To create a better process, to create something better for the consumer. They deserve it. We deserve it. We need it.
I personally will continue to grow from your words, whether read here in this space, watched via video, seen from the stage at industry events, sitting in an Irish Pub in the wee hours of the night or relaxing on the couch of a dear friend… Looking forward to your new direction and attitude!
For far too long, the industry has operated within the realms of guarded gates (literally and figuratively with regards to information) and high walls, by which I mean barriers to diversity in a variety of ways. In my opinion, one silver lining of the economic crisis was the urgent need to consider new options. We don’t have the answers to many of our most pressing concerns. I give credit to industry leaders like Brad Inman who have been willing to wade into unfamiliar waters, thus introducing our profession to new voices and ideas. I for one have appreciated your view from the periphery.
Lola, I don’t intend to abandon the view from the periphery, but I do intend to share that view in a way that translates into action. I find myself standing on stages where the only real result I see is that people applaud. While that is satisfying on one level, it is empty on another.
You know I love this! You are hugely influential and I believe can lead in a very proactive values based way. I get excited about the same things you do and will look forward to some beefy discussions! 🙂
Jeff you have been an important voice in the Real Estate Industry conversation as we all try to discover and use new methods of communication . You have been there to teach us the how, the whys and the don’ts of social media from a unique perspective that we in the industry do not have. A cynic sometimes, a coach, a visionary and sometime a father figure you are at your best when you are the teacher my friend.
Mike, I’m honored by your comment, more than you know. I intend to embrace the teacher part with more zeal.
Real friends tell you the truth and wise men listen and learn from their friends. Keep up the good work Jeff, you belong and help all of us learn!
Can’t wait.
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them” – Can’t pass up the chance for a great Shakespeare quote – and this one leapt into my mind as I read. I will be fascinated to see where your epiphany takes you, and how it influences what you share with the industry. So glad to see you happy and positive 🙂
Thanks, Bill.
“I belonged there because I knew I could hold my own with anyone in the room, both conversationally and experientially. My business experience allows me to see things from varied perspectives. I’m comfortable in almost any business setting, from a public company boardroom to a white board session with twenty-something coders who have nothing more than an idea and energy.” There are many of us who belong there and who don’t belong there. I am saddened and at times angered by the fact that there are more woman selling real estate than there are men but our leaders are men.
Teresa, that fact was what made me write this: http://www.jeffturner.info/diversity-real-estate-leadership/
don’t get me wrong I am thrilled that you chose our industry. Right now I am thinking about leading the hot dog industry because I think they could benefit from what I have learned in the real estate industry. Nice of you to write about diversity. It shows you care and that is important in a leader.
Thanks for the conversation earlier. I appreciate it. Greatly.
Great perspective Jeff. As you know, I have followed you through Social Media (and certainly in person many times as well) since 2007, when we met at the 1st REBarCamp. I have enjoyed your wit, charm, and honesty in your writings. I have been moved by the work your wife and yourself do, and your coverage of it, through MFFO. I believe your personality is true to your writing (or maybe vice-versa) and because of that I take much of your insights and mold my own thoughts and opinions of them into my teachings.
You have been one of my “Human – Aggregators” for the beginning, and will be on that list for the duration.
If that is “Influence” then, yes, you have it =) I think it’s being a good person, roll model, and professional… no matter what, I’m glad I found ya!
Be listening intently
Coach