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Distinguished Panels Stink! And Maybe You Too!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Lake Homes Realty

 

Ever go to a real estate convention or association luncheon where they have a session or luncheon with a "panel of experts?"

Along with the "distinguished" panelists will be a moderator that asks timely questions. The panelists are clearly important and knowledgeable people. You may have been one of these panelist. The questions are usually about a specific topic, often related to a specific industry, market or region of the country.

What a waste. The problem is not really the main topic or theme. These are usually timely and important. I’ve seen recent panels about the local economy, new laws, the impact of social media, or new trends in the industry. The topics are typically similar to the topics I discuss with our clients. In other words, the topics are what we in the industry are discussing and trying to learn more about. Seems reasonable, right?

The problem is the panel concept, structure and behavior. Even with a great moderator (which is rare), each speaker has little time to get into the meat of a topic. In the interest of appearing polite, I rarely see panelists even hint at disagreement. Meanwhile, I’m thinking, “If they all agree so much, why are they all here? Couldn’t just one of them given us a solid insight into the topic alone?”

So why have panels? I think it is because it is easy. It is easier to attract attendees to your event if you have more “big” names on the speaker list. It is easier on the panelists because they won’t have to prepare very hard to simply answer a few questions with general, shoot-from-the-hip answers they likely have already given in interviews or with their clients.business people standing

It can sometimes be easier to attract panelists together than any one of them alone. Why? Because they may see it as a way to network with important peers, or people they look up to, that have also agreed to serve on the panel.

It may also be easier to assemble a panel because within any given large group of busy potential panelists it is possible to find four or five that are available. And it is easier, and often less expensive, to have a panel than to find a dynamic speaker with great ideas and an interesting presentation. Many great speakers are very busy or charge money. Or both.

The Lesson for You - Your messages may be for colleagues, clients, rookies, lenders, marketing, sales, or careers. If those messages suggest a big important idea and then only deliver boring and forgettable, what good was that effort? You and your message will either be forgotten or, perhaps worse, remembered as boring and of little value.

Don’t let your messages be lost in the distinguished panel syndrome. Safe and boring may feel safe. It’s not. Be the one that has a message that stands out, adds value, and creates new perspective.

 

Posted by

Glenn S. Phillips is the CEO of Lake Homes Realty, the multi-state, full-service, lake-focused real estate brokerage powered by LakeHomes.com.

 Lake Homes Realty - LakeHomes.com

 

 

Comments (3)

Lesley Alward
Prescott, AZ

I couldn't agree more Glenn!  In these situations panelists spew a slew of talking points and don't deliver the meat!  It's eveidently up to the audience (us) to drill down for specifics, either to the moderator or panelists themselves.

Dec 23, 2011 03:55 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Glenn:

I want the meat.  It is really hard for the panelists to give all the information we want.  One person, if they are knowledgeable and entertaining is all I need.

Dec 23, 2011 04:00 AM
Glenn S. Phillips
Lake Homes Realty - Birmingham, AL
CEO, Lake Homes Realty / LakeHomes.com

Lesley and Eveylyn, sounds like we are on the same page! Yet panels live on. G

Dec 23, 2011 05:02 AM