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.