Turning arm-wrestling into a handshake
For better or for worse, CRE is evolving thanks to technology. In a very real sense, the industry is a bit late to the technology table. While other industries have already experienced the growing pains of transitioning to and making use of hard data, CRE is just now beginning to understand and incorporate cutting-edge methods.
The move, though, does not come without some growing pains and the revelation of a CRE generation gap. One recent study found that less than 25% of CRE professionals over 45 believe the industry is lagging behind in adopting new technologies. On the other hand, 65% of those under 45 think CRE is falling behind.
The CRE generation gap
What’s becoming increasingly evident in the CRE industry is an issue that has already been negotiated in other sectors: a generation gap on technology that – depending on how it’s integrated – can easily become a rift that cuts into opportunity and profits.
For many older professionals, many of whom were teethed on cultivating personal relationships to get ahead, technology can be both overwhelming and an impediment to face-to-face interactions. Younger CRE workers, as well as the investors they hope to attract, were raised on technology. For some of them, even email may be as antiquated as the Pony Express.
Technology and people aren’t going anywhere
The truth of the matter is that technology isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it will keep developing and changing and – for better or for worse – we will have to incorporate it as a means of staying competitive and relevant. Kick and scream or applaud and cheer, technology will continue to revolutionize how we do business.
At the same time, there is no replacement for people skills. They are an essential component of any personal and professional interaction. The trick, though, is how to maintain the warmth of those relationships while making maximum use of cold, hard data – and that may be the CRE skill that keeps the industry thriving.
How rapidly times have changed
It wasn’t all that long ago that CRE was mesmerized by the use of drones and virtual reality to better present properties. At the same time, new technology is allowing organizations to gather and interpret data in order to gain new insights and develop more efficient means of interpretation and knowledge gathering.
Today, start-ups are developing software that can benefit real estate professionals, tenants, investors, capital seekers, brokers, and landlords. In addition, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart buildings monitor energy usage, predict troubles ahead, and initiate real-time responses. Then, there are next-generation geographic information systems (GIS), which compile data to find the best locations for investors and companies. CRE professionals can leverage all of this information to make better predictions and recommendations for clients.
Where do people skills fit?
In our everyday lives, we can see how easily and quickly technology can disconnect us from one another. What used to be natural for us, now takes a little bit of effort and forethought so that we do not lose those connections.
It’s the same thing in our professional lives. While some markets may welcome the opportunity to gather real estate data on their own without the assistance of a CRE professional, it is exactly that professional who can answer questions, reach out, provide solutions, gather relevant data, notice trends, and make connections.
Rather than interfering with relationships, technology can enhance those relationships and provide CRE professionals with a distinct advantage. It is imperative for individuals and the industry as a whole to stay up-to-date or risk becoming irrelevant.
At Morris Southeast Group, we understand the importance of good information, relevant technology that delivers, and the relationships that benefit us and our clients. It’s what has kept us evolving and moving forward for decades.
For a free consultation or to learn more about our property management services, call Morris Southeast Group at 954.474.1776. You can also reach Ken Morris directly at 954.240.4400 or via email at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
Tags: CRE
