Just got back from a great week at a real estate/technology conference in NYC, which was very thought provoking and filled with great information that I’m looking forward to sharing with you in the coming weeks and months.  I listened to 3 days of expert panels (everyone from Craig of Craig’s List to venture capitalists, to NYC’s power brokers) share their insights and their success stories, as well as their fears.

There was a foreboding sense of paralysis about the current financial crisis.  While there is consensus that the economy is in a very dire, precarious position, at the same time it seems that we have just stalled…not knowing what direction to turn and what steps to take to create positive momentum.  We are waiting for leadership.  The real estate industry is no different.  Actually, it’s far worse.  The majority of the industry is simply holding on, hoping for survival, waiting until the market “comes back.”  Very few brokerages or agents are taking advantage of this down time to innovate, or implement a new direction, or to grow.  Instead, they are assuming that things will return to normal, and it will be business as usual if they can just tough it out.

Markets are cyclical, and I do believe that at some point in the coming months, the # of sales will begin to correct…that is inevitable.  In some pockets of the market, the correction has already begun.  In others, it will be a few steps forward and a step back.  What I don’t believe, though, is that we will ever return to “business as usual.”  While the industry has been clinging to traditions, the consumer has rapidly evolved.  The way that buyers enter the real estate market, gather information, and make choices has fundamentally changed.  We must listen to, and engage, the new consumer.  Delivering significant value is more important than ever.

There has never been a better time for growth.  Just like exercise, you’ll know you’re on the right track if it’s uncomfortable, and it hurts a little.  The good news is that a very few agents will be willing to embrace change at the pace that the new consumer will demand…and, that is a perfect opportunity for a few highly committed agents to leap frog to a new level.  Will it be you?   We need to set aside our fears of technology, and recognize that it’s really about MARKETING, and finding new ways to connect with our customer base.

This week’s roundtables are on Social Media, and networking 2009 style.  We’ll explore LinkedIn and Facebook, and talk about new opportunities for engaging your sphere.  I’ll hope you’ll be there!