Here is a quote from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in Business Week Magazine (August 25, 2008):
"Office layout reflects an organization's culture, but more and more, I think it will reflect the state of our economy. Are we going to open our doors to the best talents and ideas in a continual push for innovation? Or are we going to close our doors and rely on the 'That's the way it's always been done' approach? The global marketplace is moving so fast that in five years, those who aren't pushing for openness are going to be increasingly pushed aside."
As I read this, I reflect on the structure of the real estate industry, the facets which work well and benefit us all, and those which hinder our effectiveness and slow us down... a friend of mine is a US Air Force pilot, and he refers to these forces as "lift" and "drag". In this challenging market, we need to do everything we can to eliminate and reduce drag, and identify and encourage lift.
Look at the benefit of our Multiple Listing Systems... hugely beneficial in their openness... clearly lift.
Look at the expenses we incur which don't provide a "cost plus" return on our investment: whether print advertising, monthly desk fees, or lopsided commission splits between agents and brokers... all are major drags.
And take a moment to understand the partnership you have with your broker... it is truly Win-Win? Is your broker open with you about the decisions that affect your business, the costs you incur by your affiliation, the plans your broker has to survive this shifted market? Is your broker open with you?
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