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“The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action.”

“The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.”
-Bill Taylor 

In our industry, where trends shift as swiftly as the tides, Bill Taylor’s words resonate as a call to action for leaders to embrace the unconventional. The true mark of a leader, he asserts, lies in the willingness to chart a bold course of action, to veer away from the beaten path, and to stand firmly for something special even when the rest of the world questions the deviation from the status quo. 

The most important line in there, however, is this: “To stand for something special.” That goes beyond unconventional, controversial, or bold…to stand firmly for something special means you have something that will withstand every test and every challenge and can provide a solid foundation for your business.  

What makes your company special? What do you stand for? 

Related reading: Entrepreneur – Stand for Something: How to Establish Authentic Core Values 

Related Reading: Reimagining Real Estate Leadership and Action in 2024 

Zig When Others Zag 

In a time marked by hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the real estate industry often feels more like a battleground rather than a community, and innovation and differentiation are what companies must focus on in order to succeed. Leaders who are unafraid to zig while others zag are the ones who carve out a distinctive niche for themselves and their brokerage. 

• Traditional versus Cutting Edge: In a landscape often dominated by traditional approaches, the willingness to explore uncharted territories can be the catalyst for groundbreaking change. Whether it be reimagining the customer experience, adopting cutting-edge technologies, or pioneering new financial models around your company culture, these leaders recognize that true innovation requires a departure from the ordinary. 
• Creativity and Functionality: While other companies may be content with incremental improvements, trailblazers in the industry push the boundaries of creativity and functionality. By fostering a culture of constant evolution and a keen eye for emerging trends, they position their organizations as trendsetters rather than mere followers. 
• Go beyond Marketing Norms: In a world saturated with marketing noise, those who dare to challenge the norms of marketing capture attention and leave a lasting impact. By embracing the unconventional, leaders can create a powerful narrative around their brand, cultivating a sense of uniqueness that resonates with clients and sets their organization apart in a crowded marketplace. 

Bill Taylor’s words serve as a reminder that in the relentless pursuit of success, conformity is the enemy. Real estate leaders who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional not only differentiate themselves but also pave the way for the future of the industry. As the real estate landscape continues to ebb and flow, those who choose to take chances will thrive in an environment that rewards the courage to stand for something special. 

Related reading: Transform Your Organization into an Innovative Learning Machine 

Related reading: ReferMeIQ – The Importance of Making Your Business Unique 

For Your Agents… 

As real estate professionals, we operate in an industry that demands innovation, adaptability, and a keen eye for the future. In this context, embracing the unconventional is not just a strategy but a necessity. It’s about honing in on what makes this company special.  

Let’s differentiate ourselves by fostering a culture of constant evolution. Strive for more than incremental improvements; aim for groundbreaking changes. By constantly reimagining what you can offer your clients, coworkers, and the industry, you can position yourself as a trailblazer. Embrace the unconventional and stand for something truly special. 

Know that agents do NOT have to go it alone in this market. 

Our goal is to bring the tools, training, and coaching to not only survive the shifts – but also build solid, dependable foundations they can count on and help them build clients for life. If that sounds like a goal that can help you reach YOUR goals – then join us for our Free Weekly Real Estate Webinar Training Series! Click below to register for the next one! 

Darryl Davis is an award-winning international speaker, real estate and business coach, and best-selling author of three books, all published by McGraw Hill Publishers.       

For more than 35 years, Darryl has spoken to and trained more than 100,000 sales professionals around the globe to more than double their production year after year. His book,  How to Become a Power Agent in Real Estate, tops Amazon’s charts for one of the most sold books to real estate agents.       

He was awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation by the National Speaker’s Association, which is given to less than 2% of all speakers worldwide.       

Whether from a stage or Zooming into a virtual room, Darryl’s extraordinary humor, relatability, and natural gift for teaching real-world, results-producing skills and mindsets to audiences have made him a client favorite throughout his career.       

Audiences will laugh, learn, and ultimately walk away better prepared for a changing world, with the tools, skills, and training they need to build their businesses with more ease and less stress and to design lives and careers worth smiling about.       

Bring One of Darryl’s W.O.R.K. Topics to Your Organization!      

By providing your agents with the knowledge and insights they need to stay ahead of the game, you can ensure that they are equipped to handle any situation that comes their way! Contact us here to learn more!