Image Courtesy of Ross MacDonald for the New York Times

This past weekend The New York Times recently ran a piece on how the “shortage of New York City apartments for sale is forcing real estate agents to take extreme, if not desperate, measures in order to conjure up listings.” Even in the challenging market, CORE brokers are leading the competition by employing inventive techniques to bring properties to market and make sales.  Jarrod Randolph talks about the importance of relationship building and gives an example of opening communication with the doorman. In addition to that specific instance Randolph adds, “the key to getting inside deals done is being persistent.  You have to commit to building a relationship with the person that is your “in” or the seller themselves.  It takes a lot of trust to want to help someone out or give them an opportunity that isn’t afforded to others.”

(more…)

One quick search on Technorati will show you that the most popular sites on the web are those that deliver something very specific to the reader (or consumer).
None of them are many things to many people.
They are focussed on one expertise.

Social Media Examiner shows how to maximize traffic to your blog.
(I’m going to start following this one).
Mashable provides information and reviews about websites and news.
(A blog about other blogs).
The Huffington Post is simply all the news.
(All the time).
And the list goes on……..

Most successful companies can describe their services in a sentence (or less).
Apple sells iPhones, iPads, and computers.
Starbucks sells coffee, and a few pastries.
Google is a search engine.
Victoria’s Secret sells ladies lingerie.
And the list goes on…….

Consumers want to deal with an expert.
Not a Jack-of-all-trades.

I will die trying…
And I think that’s the point!

Because this “whole thing” is a process.

I admire and respect the lifetime achievers.
Those who practice the art-of-the-pursuit.
Their existence is about the process and not about the end game.
They are ever-present
And constantly in pursuit of an endless task.
To hone an art, skill, relationship or craft.

When they finally find that buyer their home, they don’t remember the closing -
They remember the search.
And what they learn from that process, they take with them.

When they sell an exclusive listing, they don’t remember the final showing.
They remember the pitch and the creative process in servicing their client.
And what they learn from that process, they take with them.

When I sell out a building development, I don’t remember the last sale.
I remember the design development, the branding strategy and the marketing.
And every project deepens the understanding that I take with me.

When I hire someone, I don’t think about the interview.
I think about the brainstorming, the commonality and the values that person has.
And what I have learned and will continue to learn from them…

Certainty
Is powerful
And gives us confidence to make decisions.

Uncertainty
Is debilitating
And clouds our instinct.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink he discusses our cognitive ability to immediately know the truth to its core.
I agree that we possess this innate ability.
We just need to be in touch with it and accept it.
We question our subconscious, when we should really listen to it.

When we interact, negotiate, represent and engage with others, (on every level) being certain about their intent is vital. 
And making sure they understand ours is even more critical.

Socially – we become connected.
Emotionally – we become empathetic.
Professionally – we become respected.

This instinct is at the heart of being honest!
And being honest is key to having people know you, trust you and believe in you.

It pays to “let go” and follow our instinct!

The fashion empire, Ralph Lauren, has opened yet another storefront, RL at 888 Madison Avenue. The launch held last night featured a 3D light show projected onto the building. Target did something similar at the Standard Hotel this past July; this kind of dynamic, sensory-oriented, experiential marketing is no doubt spreading like wild fire. As it becomes more difficult for retailers to capture the attention and loyalty of their consumers – art and digital innovation are becoming vital marketing partners.