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"What do you mean you won't have any desks!"

So here’s what happened. I had an idea, a concept really. I wanted to create the most innovative office anywhere - and though the office has made huge strides over the last couple years, I never felt like I would achieve the full potential of what we wanted to become until the physical space matched the philosophical ideal.

So, like Jerry McGuire, I put the idea to paper in an official presentation called, “The Chevy Chase office build out - building the office of the now!”

I sent it everywhere, talked it up and sold it hard because I really believed in it.

That was seven months ago. What happened? They said yes! And for a while I was actually feeling pretty good about it to. That was until this morning.

Since then, I am on the verge of a panic attack without any Xanax anywhere! Why, you ask? Why have my innards gone all mushy with chaotic disorder?

Because it was not until this morning, where we sit on the verge of the construction that I realize there is so much riding on me being right. I work for a large company, and that company likes making sure bets. Is this a sure bet? Probably not, but, they're letting me do it anyway.

Why? Because they have faith in me; because I have sold them on the idea that we MUST do this; we HAVE TO do this. I just know it! I haven't been this passionate about anything since like ever!

But, of course, the thought has occurred to me that I might be wrong. Then what! All I know is I will not only look very stupid but have spent someone else's money while doing it.

So there, that's why I’m stressin...that's why my stomach is doing that whole turn on it’s side thing, and why I want to cry my little eyes out like my six year old daughter after I turned off Hannah Montana before the end of the show.

However, I was reminded about something else today...that anything worth doing should scare the Beatlejuice out of you. That if you're going to create something the word SAFE should be stricken from your mindset completely.

So, safe I am not, nor will I ever be. I guess that's why I'm me.

The next question is: Who is with me?

Posted by Darrin Friedman on 09/23/2009 08:17 PM

Comments (77)

Office of the Future in the ActiveRain Channel

darrin friedman, coldwell banker chevy chase

Originally posted at: Darrin Friedman's: "What do you mean you won't have any desks!"

77 Comments on "What do you mean you won't have any desks!"

SEP

Okay Darrin, your stressssssin about not having any desks? How about some more details are you talking about a virtual office?

I am with you. Since when did a tacky office desk make anyone successful?

Why? Why in the name of all that's holy would you turn off Hannah Montana on your daughter before the show's over? I now must question everything you do!

I have no doubt this will be a success. If it's not, then it will be a stepping-stone to an even larger success. Rock the vision, D!

Great concept! We must have more information soon, and some results for sure?

I find it amazing the amount of real estate those of us in the real estate business have that we don't need. A leaner smaller office will do just what we need. We meet with customers at the houses they want to look at, or at their home. Good luck!

Hi Darrin~ You ARE right on this! Who really needs the desks? We just need our "offices" to be truly mobile and we need to go to our customers! We just need virtual offices, period! Every single agent is capable of working from a home office and having everything they need virtually and they must be mobile.

I love this idea and am very interested in learning more about it. We have considered it ourselves over the past year and a half but have not taken the plunge. Will watch and see how it works for you.

I am so with you on this one Darrin. However, I will take it a step further to say... the days of big box franchises may soon be over! With the advent of virtual everything, a franchise name may only be beneficial if it happens to pop up on the 1st page of any major search engine. With great SEO techniques, anyone can make that happen. Bricks & morter buildings may be a thing of the past in the next 10 short years. But, I will bet my money that big box franchises will join them. We have seen many franchises downsize and close their doors alltogether in recent years. There is a strong trend toward Independents (Independence!). We shall see. Best wishes to you in your new venture!

Melinda Peterson ~ Real Estate Cafe

well some use countr tops these days... I still like my desk .. alway have and always will.

SEP

I am ready to go with my laptop, wireless Internet, cell phone and cup of coffee. I am in the field lean and mean.

I need a place for my "stuff". I chose an inexpensive cube over a more expensive desk, but it works for me. I could not work in an office without a place for my supplies, ink, printer, large monitor, etc.

Didn't I read this a few months ago . . . yeah, the next big boom to real estate agents: no desks. WOW . . . what a concept! This just spews success!!

I have actually been thinking of a nice, relaxing space for meeting people, no desks, take my laptop and do business. I believe when you are sitting side by side with a client, rather than across the desk, there a sense of partnership, where the relationship can grow.

I have seen offices where they have a countertop built along two walls; functions great for 5-8 agents who just need to come in and use the computers for a few minutes.

Not sure what this is all about actually -- but an awful lot of work can get done without desks.

Darrin,

Sounds like what we had for our new agent training office and certain parts of most of our other Coldwell Banker offices here on Oahu. There's not enough space for each agent to have a desk so there are parts of some of our offices where there are rows of terminals, where agents can come, log in to the 'puter and do some work. It's cool to be able to turn to your neighbors and be able to ask for help with one thing or another. The synergy created by such a set-up. especially in the training office was great.

When meeting with clients, we can book a conference room for privacy's sake.

Best of wishes on your deskless office!

With Aloha,

Mako

Darin:

I am with you. The change is coming. I am definitly on the road, proviewing home, visiting clinets in their homes, or here at home base more than in the OFFICE,

I had thought of this concept, as well. I had attended a Leadership Conference and they had said that this type of office was coming. I love the concept, and like you, can't wait to try it. We had to draw a blueprint of the concept office and though it was a few years ago, I still have it posted where I see it, everyday. I think it will be a huge success! You do need to step outside of your comfort zone, to achieve real success.

I have always sold more houses, by being out of the office. Desks can be a "hang out" place, which don't bring in the money. Grab your laptop and go to a coffee bar or restaurant. You'll have a better chance of meeting someone who needs assistance with real estate, than you would, sitting at a desk in an office:) Keep us posted and Congratulations on making this goal!

It's a Good Life,

Fran

Virtual is what is all about. . brick and mortar is passe~

I'm with you! My company is looking into a similar concept and I can't wait to hear details...from EITHER of you! Can you share the "big picture"? I'm ready...not much of what gets done these days requires a desk!

I have an office that is form and function over fluff! I had a top producer agent walk into my office to interview when I first opened up and she walked through the door, looked around and said in a sarcastic tone..."Is this it????" I knew I didn't want her top producing attitude in my form and function world. I don't have to have ALL the agents...I just want the RIGHT agents! Read the book Good to Great, you will be encouraged about what you are doing with your office!!! Best to you!

Personally I think it is a great idea for many agents. We have a local company that opened up a virtual office here. Paying for office or desk space for most agents is a money pit. Very few are in the office. The ones that are tend to be older and are use to dressing up and coming in. Best of success, can't wait to hear how it goes. Please keep us posted.

How much work actually gets done while sitting at a desk? Probably very little..Good luck!

This is something to think about. We still have a traditional set up with desks and a meeting room. We work there, but we also work anywhere we want, such as at home or Panera bread. With no desks, will there still be copiers and fax machines?

I can't imagine the amount of paper I would go throw if I had to buy it on my own!

Hopefully you are calmer now... much good input here in these comments. Please keep us posted on how all of this turns out!

I would love more details. I am mulling over a similar concept. Camaraderie is important, but communication can happen through emails, and having a voluntary monthly office meeting to last no more than an hour.

Sarah in Nashville

Sounds like buyer's remorse, Darrin! Hang in there and stick with your gut. You are going to be fine and the office is going to be great!

Have laptop, have netbook, have S300 portable Fujitsu scanner, have Canon battery operated printer, have car. As long as I have brain, I am good to go.

We have no desks, in fact we have no walls, no worries it is the way of the future!

Morning Darren, I'm going the other direction on this one. I keep hearing how the traditional office ( and even brand names ) will soon be gone but we just moved into a beautiful new office, much larger and certainly more professional looking. Each agent has a private cubicle with pretty current technology. A large conference room is used for meeting with customers, staff meetings, etc. While the latest fad may include a vision of an agent riding aroundin their car with all sorts of electronic doodads our office presents an open, inviting and professional atmosphere to our agents, buyers and sellers. And its working well for all concerned !

I believe your on the right track here, Real Estate companies have to be leaner, more virtual...it's the way!

Wow! You guys all rock! Thank you so much for all your support. I will write a blog post today detailing the concept. I'm excited to hear what you think.

What a tease! More info, please!!! Good luck and I can't wait to hear the next installment.

Actually this makes total sense to me and I see it as the wave of the future - one we're considering and planning on next year. Be sure to fill is in on the 'rest of the story'.

sounds like the Real estate business it getting to you lol

Darrin, best of luck with your concept. BTW, did you at least DVR the rest of Hannah Montana so your daughter could watch it later?

I'm all about the virtual office concept. This is how I roll...and have done so for years now. Before I started my own brokerage this year, my old desk at Prudential was just gathering dust. In fact when I went there to clean it out the desk, the files were 3 years old and I had never looked at them! Needless to say...my car is my mobile office and business is where I am. I'm very efficient with a laptop, aircard, cell, GPS and scanner. Freedom is sweet! Love my life now.

Sounds like it will be a really cool office actually. You are stressing WAY too much over this. It will be fine. Forget the Xanax. Take the day off and watch Hannah Montana with your daughter. All your worries will fade away.

I would like to know more about your office concept. I have an office with conference room, but I'm on the go now with my laptop, wireless internet, and auto.

(1) A small office with a (2) nice conference room in a (3) location with great visibility is all you need. Agents are mobile, but it's nice to have a place to meet clients and gather for meetings. Good signage is inexpensive, repeat marketing. Brokers and agents don't need all that overhead. Good luck!

My life rule is that I have to do something that scares me every day. No one gets far by sitting in their comfort zone and Anthony Robbins says: "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."

So, therefore, move forward and you are not scared anymore!

I am new school meets old school. Complete home office (web oriented high tech) and I sit at people's kitchen tables to get contracts signed (old school). My brokerage consists of 3 satellite offices at executive suites with 2 conference rooms available at each location. Very low overhead and I have not used them since I switched in July (again, I generally go to people's own homes to do the contracts!)

We don't need desks, that's so 1980's!

No desks? What are you gonna do, make your agents use these?

Actually, I could get into something like that - exercise while at work & if you rigged it up right, you could probaqbly use it to generate some of the power for the office.

Then again, this is coming from someone who's hooking up an wringer-washer to an exercise bike to make an off-grid washer.

Darrin: I'm looking forward to reading more details ... maybe we will be working from space capsules?

My company revamped their entire commission schedule last year - to include an option for a "mobile" agent, or as you can guess, one without a desk. People are leaving their desks behind and I am currently writing this from my home office computer . . . one the kitchen countertop sitting on a tall stool. I like it!

Darrin-

Anxiety is as natural to risk as taking risks is natural to succesful individuals.

Darrin, No guts, no glory! I think you are moving in the right direction. As many commented above, we don't make money sitting behind our desks! I think you will be a huge success!

I am actually doing the same thing here in Huntsville. My new company opens next month. I am offering "virtual" space and desk space. So far, most are wanting the virtual. We do have a nice conference room and work space for the virtual agents. Best of luck to you!

My office has 3 conference rooms and then work stations. It works great- desks take up too much space. I would much rather have a row of computer work stations and a few conference rooms.

Darrin - What are all your bigwig agents going to rest their feet on? (Just Kidding!)

I am loving the idea so far. We ALL have desks at home to work at. All a good prefessional needs is wifi and a solid surface. Everything else is in our sachels and brief cases already. The last time I sat at my desk in my office was over a year ago and it felt weird.

Good Luck and I am looking forward to hearing more about it.

Darrin it sounds like you do have passion for this project. Passion will over come a lot of adversity. So go for it!!! Desks, in my opinion, are a waste of space and money. Agents need to be in the field working. You can save a ton of time by working from home. It does however require discipline.

I like the idea of being mobile, but without my desk, where would all of my clutter go?? Just kidding. I have a desk at home that helps keep me organized, but I have never had one at my office. Good luck to you.

Darrin, you are one of the most innovative, creative, cool individuals I have ever had the chance to meet. I love your idea and can't wait to see the results and the excitement surrounding it. Good luck!

PS LOVED LOVED LOVED the Hannah Montana reference. Everyone who knows a young girl TOTALLY got that remark! :-)

No one in a real estate office needs an agent so there is not much chance of selling anyone a house if you just hang out in the office. We will all survive without an office! Go for it!

A lot of business is mostly online, so as long as you have a place that clients can walk in to meet and sign(ifthey need/want to) then i don't see the need for desks. I however have too much crap(files, plant,coffee cup, etc) that I need a desk to keep it all at.

Darrin, I like the idea of some sort of office or storefront, but a desk at the "office" is not necessary. One or two conference rooms works just as well if you need to bring someone to a warm place to sign papers. We have a brick-and-mortar office and still get walk-ins quite regularly, so I'm not ready to give that up yet. But a desk? Nah! Just get one of those big, motorized briefcases (aka a car).

Please talk to my mother. She calls everyday wanting to know, "Are you coming to the office?" I always say, "I'm in front of my computer....that IS my office," to which she responds, "Whatever." LOL

"......that anything worth doing should scare the Beatlejuice out of you. That if you're going to create something the word SAFE should be stricken from your mindset completely."

Thanks, but for reasons entirely different than not having a desk. Best of luck with the new office.

I am sitting in my car right now picking up wi-fi. I am between clients and who wants to go inside when the view of a snow covered Pikes Peak stands before me.

Love it! Now they'll have to come up with a better "status symbol" in the office than if you have a desk or where it is located in the row! For most of us, anyway, our cars are more like a desk than our real desk - why waste the real estate?

Raine, tread desks are a great idea! Just wish they weren't so expensive. Maybe the cost will come down over time like computers and HD TV?

Darrin, very few of our agents have a desk at my office anymore. Sign of the times; everyone is cutting back on expenses.

As for myself, I gave up my desk a couple of months ago after agonizing over it for a long period, and I find that I get a lot more done without all of the distractions in the office.

Good luck to you:)

Hi Darrin,

Rest assured that this is where future real estate offices are headed. I have been selling real esate for 16 years. I have seen the difference from being in the office all the time to now having an almost virtual office. Why do I need a desk at my Re/Max office? I truly don't. Wait & see how great your idea is. Good job!

Jeana Cowie, Broker Associate, Re/Max Real Estate Ltd, Bergen County, NJ

Hi Darrin -- 100% companies like Re/Max that have virtual offices, shared spaces, support home offices, etc., as well as virtual real estate companies have done some form of this for the past 15-20 years, so you are in good company with what you are doing.

Darren, other than doing away with desks, what is the new design? Workstations and conference rooms would be all that I'd really need. Having a desk just encourages clutter and we all have our home or virtual workspaces. Please share the details with us. We'd all love to know.

Such a TIMELY post for me to read, Darrin! I am on the verge of making some BIG marketing changes and I am super scared - mostly because it's a lot of money to spend with NO GUARANTEE of return. But this is what entrepreneurs do (and I consider myself one) - it's good to know that there's another one out there leaping out in faith as well. And in this economy it is DEFINITELY a leap of FAITH!

Good luck jumping off the cliff of safety! I'm right behind you!

I think you need a desk.. I don't think anything is that virtual.. An office is still goood

First of all: OMG - all of you are amazing and thank you so much for all your comments. I promise that sometime tomorrow I will have Part 2 "The Details" outlined so you can see what the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on in my head. There is nothing like AR peeps to make one feel supported!!!!!

That's the way to go! Sounds great to me, I'm about to do the same thing. Good location, meeting place for clients and a workplace is good. My desk & office as covered with paperwork so I usually go sit with my clients at a clean uncluttered quiet place.

Well there are some things we must do from someplace. You know - like blogging. I used to do it from Starbucks. Time to renew my Starbucks card - and buy a portable printer & scanner.

Sounds good! With the advent of electronic signatures on purchase contracts, we will have even less need for desks and conference rooms. I have met many clients at coffee shops/restaurants and it works great! Perhaps Starbucks was looking waaaaay ahead when they opened on every corner. Brick and mortar real estate offices are on the way to extinction. Good luck!

I have a little secret that I learned a few years ago. WE DON'T EVEN NEED OFFICES! I worked for a broker that had no office, so I went mobile.

I had my laptop, internet card, portable printer, an internet cafe that I frequented if I had to use some sit-down-space and BAM! I was a success! Opened my eyes up plenty. Don't sweat, you'll do fine.

SEP

I actually dread going into the office to shoot off a few things because a 5 minute stop sucks you into an hour of visit time. That said, I also don't underestimate the power of networking with other agents, especially the ones you work with - they're the ones who accept your offers and put the first bids on your homes, so having a place to suck an hour a week is also good marketing. More than an hour and I'm not doing my job of helping people buy and sell homes.

I'm looking forward to seeing your detailed plans.

We have a large office and many desks. I dont know the last time I used my desk. I work from home and in my car. I think this is a great idea.

I hate desks because they create a barrier between you and whomever is sitting on the other side. It's a power thing, and I've never liked it. Give me a conference table any day for signing papers!

Virtual is fine, but we do need a place to store all those pesky legal documents the state says we have to hang onto for six years....

I am very curious to see your next post to explain how the office is going to be set up. It's frightening sometimes to be on the cutting edge, but it's also a great way to be in front of the crowd.

SEP

I'm all about the technology and streamlining...but I've got to have a place to go everyday!! Staying at home is the kiss of death for me!! Way too many distractions!! ADD is guess!! :) All the best!!

Okay everyone! Here is...you wanted details, here are the details:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1256944/-what-do-you-mean-you-won-t-have-any-desks-part-2-the-details-

Enjoy!

SEP

Great concept and keep us informed as to how it works out for you. We work out of a boutique and it will be that way till we retire. But hey change is coming.

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