From Distraction to Direction: Reclaiming Focus and Clarity

I have to admit that I am having a bit of writer’s block. Actually, it is more of an idea block. Once I have an idea for a topic, the words usually flow easily. I am struggling lately with what you all might want or need to hear. After writing over 250 blog posts over four years, I wondered momentarily whether there was nothing more to say. Lately, I’m feeling distracted and unfocused. In a world clouded by uncertainty and disruption at every turn, finding clarity has never mattered more. So maybe that is what we all need to discuss…clarity and focus.

We live in a time where social media and news are so readily available that you barely have to try to seek out information; it seeks you out based on what it thinks you want to hear. I always marvel at those who say, “I don’t watch the news.”  You don’t have to ‘watch’ the ‘news’ to be bombarded with it if you own a smartphone. I am as guilty as anyone of constant doomscrolling. As my friend Ben Cross says, “We need more creating, less consuming.”

Lean into your expertise.

As we navigate the current climate of relocation and mobility, we are inevitably affected (whether we like it or not) by the uncertainty of impending tariffs, ongoing discourse regarding the Clear Cooperation Policy, high interest rates, layoffs, budget cuts, and immigration issues. They go hand in hand with real estate and relocation. It is essential to be informed…but not distracted.

There is no more critical time to be engaged and informed by reliable sources. We are fortunate as an industry to have WorldwideERC and Relocation Directors Council (RDC) to bring together experts in their field, whom we can count on for reliable information. As the resident relocation subject matter expert in your own company, it is so important to tap into those resources to help educate your co-workers, agents, and leadership on relocation and mobility matters, just as you want to tap into your own company’s intelligence to inform your sources of business on real estate matters. Be the conduit for reliable information.

No more status quo.

Now, more than ever, this is no time for the status quo. It’s time to strip away the mantra ‘but that’s how we have always done it’ and replace it with ‘why not give this a shot?’. If the leaders of relocation divisions aren’t out seeking new sources of business, more and more broker-owners are going to question why they need someone at a Director level when a low-level coordinator with AI and a strong referral management system could handle it.

I know what you are going to say, “but I am the one with the relationships”. Do you really think that your broker-owner knows the value of those relationships? And depending on how long you have had that relationship, your departure may or may not impact future business opportunities from existing sources. If your agents are solid, and someone is overseeing the flow of business, your absence may go unnoticed. Your value is in problem-solving, local expertise, and business development. Your industry intelligence is incomparable to anyone else in your company. But if you don’t regularly reveal why you are mission-critical, be prepared to be eliminated.

So that brings me back to clarity and focus.

At a time when there is little of that around us, we must sort through the noise for self-preservation.

Clarity: Ensure everyone around you knows the value you bring to the company and the industry. Stay informed and engaged in the changing environment. You are a subject matter expert, act like it and show off whenever you get the chance. Join industry committees and volunteer to help in your own company in new ways. Remain positive and forward-thinking. Be clear about what you contribute and ensure everyone who matters is aware. If you can’t articulate it, then no one else can or will for you.

Focus: Look at every opportunity to increase existing sources of business and generate new sources by thinking outside of traditional opportunities. What matters right now is how you personally bring value by increasing revenue and transactions, ensuring client and agent satisfaction, and supporting your leadership by addressing their pain points. Don’t let the harmful noise distract you. Stay focused on what matters and delegate or eliminate the rest.

Let me know how I can help. Bringing in someone from the outside is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are open to new ideas and resources for growth.

"There are people and organizations that are working overtime to redirect and manipulate your attention. The question is: Are they more aware and careful in how you spend your attention than you are? The act of focusing on what we focus on pays enormous dividends." ~Seth Godin, American author, entrepreneur, and blogger