Publisher?s Desk: Taking Chances

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Publisher?s Desk: Taking Chances

While big-name brands and corporate culture characterize much of our industry, we must remember the important role of the new idea, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the willingness to take a chance. Look at any of today?s real estate greats and you?ll see that playing it safe was not what got them to where they are today.

Back in 1999, for example, Steve Morris took a big chance when he brought his Toronto-based EXIT Realty to the U.S. franchise market. The name EXIT in and of itself raised eyebrows, let alone the radical concept of residual commissions. Morris?s willingness to buck tradition, however, has gained him an international real estate franchise that is currently on course to open offices in every region

of the United States by the close of

this year.

According to Tami Bonnell, president of EXIT Realty?s U.S. operation, a unique team spirit is fundamental to the company?s growth and success. ?I think of our team as very similar to a professional sports team,? says Bonnell. ?Some days the team carries you and some days you carry the team.?

The EXIT story (beginning on page 62) is a wonderful example of the potential of thinking outside the box, a strategy that can pay off in any area of your business, large or small. Take recruiting. A perennial concern of brokers, recruiting talented agents must be viewed through a completely different lens in order to ready yourself for the future of this business. The real estate agents of tomorrow?along with the methods you employ to find and hire them?will look very different from what you?re used to. Find out more in our recruiting stories on pages 37 and 61.

Take advantage of the upswing in the economy to test the waters on a fresh concept. You never know ? that next big idea might be just around the corner.

Wishing you continued success,

John E. Featherston