We live in state of constant connection. We have the ability to discover more about someone in 5 minutes on the Internet than some of their oldest, dearest friends may know about them. In an ever-connected world, what exactly delineates a valuable introduction?
Real estate, at its core, is driven by relationships. What determines success within the industry is the quality of these connections. As technology continues to shape the world in which we interact, introductions no longer hold the same currency, because, on the surface, we are inherently (digitally) connected.
The concept of a personal introduction is more valued now than it ever has been. Consequently, within the real estate industry, people who take pride in what they do are thriving.Herman Melville once stated, We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects, Genuine connection to others will always be vital to mankind regardless of how the world evolves. Technology will never overcome the need to connect with others emotionally to be truly fulfilled.
In past decades, consumers relocating to a new state searched for a point of contact. They needed a name and phone number to connect with a professional who could help them start their search. These individuals held information that was otherwise inaccessible, and therefore was of high value. The way in which technology has altered the world is by increasing accessibility to all sorts of information. We are now, arguably, in a constant state ofinf
ormation overload. Modern consumers can research the place to which they are relocating -- right down to school ratings, walk scores and local restaurants. They can view company reviews Online, search agent biographies, and easily find which agent specializes in their new school district (and who graduated from their alma mater!) As this process changed, the currency of an introduction changed -- ultimately for the better.
Regardless of the industry or the circumstance -- personal or professional -- genuine human interaction, sadly, is becoming less common, causing all of us to subconsciously long for sincere connections to others. Gibson Sothebys International Realty invests in these relationships within our company, within our brand,
and within the industry as a whole. We promote interaction within our agent base through regular meetings and workshops, as well as numerous annual company-wide events. A large group of us, including our management team, travel each year to the Global Sothebys International Realty Networking Event, where nearly 2,000 agents from across the world develop and nurture personal relationships. We host dozens of visiting industry professionals throughout the year and we visit offices all over the world -- from Chicago or LA to Hong Kong or Italy.
The distinct value in making meaningful connections, personally and professionally, is more important than ever. In a world where it is too easy to claim to be connected, we are so thankful for the sincere relationships that comprise our network and those that are yet to be.
Written by Nicole Rideout. Nicole is the Director of Relocation and Referrals at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty. She works to help connect our team and their clients with agents throughout the globe. To read more from our latest Collections Magazine click here.
