The name of my blog has changed. It used to be called The REATA BizBlog because that name combined the name of my company with the fact that it's a blog about business. Makes sense.
But then I was at a networking function a few months ago and I opened my introduction with "Hi my name is Bob and I'm a recovering landlord" clearly spoofing Alcoholics Anonymous. There was no intent to make fun of AA, of course. But it seemed to really spark a reaction in people. They seemed to chuckle and then pay more attention to what I said next. I used it several more times in the next few months with the same reaction each time. Well, that got me to thinking about my Unique Selling Proposition (USP) or what I prefer to call my Unique Value Proposition (UVP).
I really am a recovering landlord. For 20 years, I represented owners of large office buildings and warehouse projects in Texas and throughout the country. My properties were in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Amarillo, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, even Northern Virginia. I was a property manager, leasing agent and then an asset manager. I was the guy who signed the leases on behalf of the building owners. So I truly was a landlord.
But then I "switched sides" 8 years ago and began exclusively representing companies in their real estate decisions - leasing, buying, subleasing, selling, and consulting. Whatever a company needs related to real estate I handle for them. I don't represent any landlords anymore so I can be unbiased and free of conflicts of interest.
My title is Corporte Real Estate Advisor or Tenant Rep. Most of my work is in the Dallas area with a particular expertise in the far northern areas of Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Addison, McKinney, and Allen. But I also work in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and other cities as clients have the need.
The experience I had as a landlord really helps me represent my clients in a better, more comprehensive way because I understand how landlords think and what motivates them.
Therefore, I am recovering in the sense that I am totally focused on the companies which occupy the buildings which I used to lease and manage.
Thus, the blog name change to Confessions of a Recovering Landlord. It's totally consistent with my unique value proposition. Hire someone to negotiate on your behalf who has been on the other side of the table.
What's your Unique Value Proposition? I'd like to hear from you.
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment