Should You Find a Millennial Mentor?

Should You Find a Millennial Mentor?

Times are changing. Sure, that’s something that every generation says when they start becoming the old ones, but this time it’s for real. The way technology like the Internet of Things and social media have become part of our everyday lives, things are changing quicker than ever. Just think about how much of a novelty smartphones were at the beginning of the decade, and how they’ve now become an essential part of our everyday lives.

These are my 25 Best Sources for Keeping Current with CRE and CRE Tech

These are my 25 Best Sources for Keeping Current with CRE and CRE Tech

Business is changing at a rapid pace. So much so, that it’s almost hard to stay on top of the ways real estate is evolving. Figuring out how to keep current with the industry without sinking all of your time into reading publications and tweets is a challenge. This is why I’ve come up with a list of resources to follow for all of my day-to-day information. This way, I don’t have to spend too much time reading through information that doesn’t apply to me so that I can dive right into the relevant content.

4 Ways CRE Leaders Can WIN With Data

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This guest article originally appeared on VTS's blog.

Data is playing a much larger role in business these days, especially in day-to-day business operations. With the Internet of Things, companies can measure every aspect of their business at a truly amazing and granular level. CRE is no stranger to this data-everywhere approach to business. In fact, as a leader, not being fluent in data is quickly becoming a liability in today’s business environment.

With the tools available to us, we finally have a chance to actually know way more about our companies than we used to — even compared with just a few years ago. With this information, we can solve the questions and distractions we put on ourselves (and our team members). It's liberating!

Having said this, I recently read an article from the Kellogg School of Management from which my takeaway was that many business leaders are just overwhelmed by all the data and metrics they need to keep up with. I know I am. So, what are we going to do about it? How can we stay relevant and understand the data, as well as use it to make strategic and valuable business decisions? 

Here are a few thoughts from me, the CRE guy, turned data freak:

#1. Don’t over tech it

The same Kellogg School article suggests that leaders should not “over tech” it — the author calls this a “working knowledge” of data science; being able to separate good data from bad, and knowing where analytics can add value to your business. I think “make it simple, stupid” applies here. If someone has to train you to use it, run for the hills!

Having a working knowledge of analytics and the data presented to you can have a major impact on your ability to make decisions. It’s allowed me to sleep better at night. For so long we have had to do a lot of hoping and praying that everything was what we thought — but not anymore.

#2. Do data with purpose

One of the biggest mistakes people make with data collection is gathering data just because they can. It’s easy to go overboard. Do data with purpose — collect specific data with a specific purpose in mind so you can prevent yourself from burnout and actually succeed.

If you want to know how productive a certain program or campaign is, collect data strictly for that purpose. Analyze it. Make decisions. Move on. 

The key is finding the platform that allows your organization to change with ease. Once you have the data, you can attack different parts of the operation to create what you want to see — and get the answers in real time. What a novel idea! CREtech has been waiting for this for a long time. Thankfully, it’s sitting right in front of us.

#3. Give Your team power

I’ve talked at length about my belief that when you give your team members ownership over their roles, you create a happier work environment where your team members can thrive and actually enjoy their work. 

Gamificationcollaboration, company-wide hackathons — these are the ways to energize your team, gather the data you need, gain valuable insights from your on-the-ground team members, and more.

#4. Don’t expect data to reveal the future

Remember, data is a collection of metrics on past and current events — not events of the future. Your intuition as a leader, combined with an understanding of information in real time will help you predict the future. But, it’s not set in stone. 

Be fluid. Be agile. Be ready to pivot as you learn more about what you’re seeing.

Making Data Work for You

Leaders have a lot of plates to juggle. While understanding and mastering the data around you is certainly one “plate,” when done right, it can help you juggle the rest. And who doesn’t want that? 

Want more on this topic? You might also enjoy: 5 Ways Senior Leaders Can Use Data to Inspire

3 Hidden Benefits Retailers Love About Pop-Ups

3 Hidden Benefits Retailers Love About Pop-Ups

Online retailers like Amazon have completely transformed the way we go shopping. We now have access to a 24-hour selection of everything we could possibly want, and the expansion of warehouses and logistical hubs mean that our biggest retailers can ship our items to us quicker than ever. If you've fully embraced the online marketplace, you're not alone. Millions of people are ditching brick-and-mortar stores for internet shopping, and big box companies are feeling it.

3 Really Practical Ways to Stop Meeting Madness

3 Really Practical Ways to Stop Meeting Madness

We’ve all (at one time or another) been in a meeting that could have easily been avoided with an email, and we’ve likely all had that one meeting-happy boss who calls meeting after meeting with no specified agenda. Unfortunately, I sometimes put myself in that category. I feel like this meeting culture is growing more and more, and I often see it at companies of all ages and sizes —no matter what the industry.  

Flashback to My Most Read Blog: Do I Still Feel the Same Way?

Flashback to My Most Read Blog: Do I Still Feel the Same Way?

Almost a year ago, I wrote my most read blog to-date … Out with Millennials: You Can Thank Me Later.  In it, I argued that we needed to stop using the “M” word because the negative connotation wasn’t doing us any good. And, that —since this generation is well on its way to dominating the workforce— we should make an effort to get to know them better. We decided to focus on their fresh perspective and unique gifts, ditch the “M” word, and to get back to work.

5 Lessons CRE Professionals Can Learn from SaaS Companies

5 Lessons CRE Professionals Can Learn from SaaS Companies

With progress in technology and data accelerating, the commercial real estate industry is changing quickly. But smart commercial real estate professionals aren’t looking for new jobs...they’re adapting. In order to stay relevant, CRE professionals need to think beyond the “this is the way we do things” mindset and get creative in their approach to marketing, leasing and managing assets.