Key Points:
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Troy Palmquist of EXp’s view on leading with authenticity in the real estate industry
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Authentic leadership includes staying true to your beliefs and knowing your strengths and limitations
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Opportunities for authenticity in communications, marketing, branding, and relationships building
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The power of storytelling in building authenticity and maintaining client relationships
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Risks of being ‘too’ authentic and perceived as unprofessional
The ‘Real’ in Real Estate: Authenticity Matters
While many aspirers claim leadership to be their forte, not everyone truly is an ‘authentic’ kingpin. In this Royal Rumble of the real estate industry, EXp’s Troy Palmquist thrusts the spotlight on ‘authentic leadership’ and why it’s not just another Buzz Lightyear phrase.
What could be more earth-shattering than a pandemic? For real estate professionals: the loss of authenticity. As Troy points out, being ‘real’ isn’t just a game of Show and Tell. It’s a balance of staying true to your beliefs while recognizing your strengths and limitations.
Authenticity doesn’t stop at the ‘Self-Reflection Station’. Troy illustrates the need for authenticity in communication, marketing, branding, and even in establishing relationships. To put it in palatable words for the modern-day rambler, if your business walk doesn’t match your marketing talk, you’re in for a hard fall.
Without missing beat, he emphasizes storytelling as a mighty tool for authenticity. It’s the age-old fireplace around which real estate professionals can weave their journey’s tale and shape their relationships. In simple layman terms, your client should feel like they’re part of your extended family—excluding the awkward holiday dinners, of course.
However, he warns about the potential backfires of being ‘too’ authentic. Just like how eating too much candy can give you a toothache, being excessively true to yourself might make you appear as unprofessional. It’s a tough tight rope to walk, but it seems balancing is just another part of the business game.
My hot take
Looking at this as objectively as a comedian might view a banana peel on the floor, it’s clear that real estate is more of a performance than one might initially believe. It’s not just about the buildings and the contracts, but also the narrative around it. It’s like turning business into an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”, minus the glam and drama (or maybe not!).
A big thumbs-up to Troy for his candid debunking of the word ‘authenticity’. I do wonder, can there be such a thing as ‘too much authenticity’? Or is this just a professional hazard of self-indulgence? After all, who would want to work with a real estate agent who’s realistic to the point of remarking, “This house is great, but the neighbors? Oh boy…”.
So, to all the wannabe leaders in the real estate conglomerate, remember, the ‘real’ in real estate isn’t about mimicking a reality TV show with over-the-top drama. It’s about being a storyteller, a friendly guide, and a professional who can balance authenticity with professionalism. And if you can trick ’em into thinking you’re the next best thing to sliced bread? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot!
Original article: https://www.inman.com/2023/11/29/the-2023-word-of-the-year-is-authentic-but-what-does-it-mean/
