Step Out, Ignore The Crowd

"To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions." -Stephen R. Covey

Sometimes, that thing that "everyone" is saying (especially online) just turns out to be ... not true.

Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram are chock full of theories, analysis, pitches, and argumentation, and so much of it is simply noise. When my adult son quotes me some tax and investment advice, I ask if he got that from TikTok.

Yup, he answers, and I have to be patient and tell him: This is not a tax or business authority…it is some ‘wanna-be” spouting a ‘clickbait’ Wild-Eyed-Opinion.

And you know what social media is also overflowing with? Cat videos.

Look -- who doesn't love cat videos?? But the point is this: just because the crowd thinks something is great or true doesn't make it so.

I find myself shaking my head at so much of the "advice" thrown around out there for recent college grads and business owners. Not that I have anything against inspiration -- I truly don't -- but so much of what passes for good advice can lead you into a trap of your own making. Trust me as someone who has been there.

So, I'm aiming at some common advice for managing your career or business today.

And since I enjoy this kind of topic, I'd love to hear any examples from you of this "conventional thinking" that turned out to be wrong. Shoot me an email; I'm always on the hunt for this stuff.

I think we should all avoid mindlessly conforming to conventional wisdom about how to thrive in our calling. But with every (bad) magazine and social media post tossing around conventional wisdom left and right, allow me to question some of it.

"Just do your job"
Your job description is bare minimum. As a real estate investor, you are an entrepreneur. You think differently than most folk who “just have a job.” You stand out when buyers are re-upping contracts, or syndicators are asking you to participate in their next project. You bring extraordinary value to every deal. Push the envelope a little so your contact sees you're committed to profiting everyone. Our catchphrase is “BE THE ROAR, not the echo®”.

"Never say 'No'"
You can't do everything, know everything, or even attempt everything your boss, contractor, or client asks. Be willing to admit when you don't have the answer or that you don't have time for every assignment. Then, work with your contact to solve the problem and accommodate his or her needs.

"Always go for the promotion or the larger contract"
You don't have to accept more projects than you're ready for. Due diligence is ALWAYS the order of the day. Pursuing advancement for its own sake may lead you on a business path you don't really want. It’s best to pick a lane and let your associates know what business opportunities you're interested in.

"Network constantly"
Aim for quality, not quantity, when you network. A "contacts" list with 700 names of people who barely know you won't be much help when you need specific assistance. Instead, be selective so you can maintain solid connections with people who can really help you with your career or in the growth of your business. Go deep -- not wide.

What has been spouted as business advice ain’t necessarily so.

Thanks for regularly reading these weekly blog posts about real estate investing.

BE THE ROAR not the echo®

Please forward this article to a business associate or client you know who could benefit from these insights.

Warmly, Janet