Happy New Year! So, the Big Questions Are?

 

I hope the holiday season was terrific and that the New Year brings you great prosperity, no matter what the general media is professing.  So yes, it's another year.  I like this time of year because it gives me a chance to take pause and measure. Otherwise, the year tends to run together. I can't say for sure but I'll venture that it's the same for many of you.  We have metrics and systems that are old and outdated which aren't broken, but could use some refurbishing. Treat time as a precious resource and look for ways to use software, processes and technical tools to give you more of it.  Why is it that the things you put off due to "lack of time" are the very ones that will create time?

 

How about doing an assessment.  What accounting, job tracking, project coordination, team collaboration systems have you been using for more than 3 years?  What about 5 years?  More than 10 years?  Oh yes, and for some (myself included) more than 15 years?   Examine and judge them.  But judge them from a view you might not have done before.

 

Here's what I've committed to do with our processes and technology and I recommend to my clients.   First, remind yourself that you must lead by example and then ask yourself two questions.

 

1.  Who are you trying to become?

2.  What are you trying to achieve?

 

These are big questions.  But the details will follow.   The problem I have, and the one I see the most in others, is too much concentration on the detail.   We have endless lists of "things to do" stored in our electronic devices which list everything you need to do every day of the week for the next year.   This year I suggest we think about more than meeting deadlines and commitments and hitting quotas.   Let's give ourselves and the people we lead or work side by side with an opportunity to answer the big questions above and maybe our New Year's resolutions won't fade by February.  They won't fade because they're personal.  

 

Most of us finished 2012 recognizing that it wasn't one of the best for our industry.  But it wasn't one of the worst either.  Many markets around the country did rather well and if the markets react like they have over and over, the commercial real estate market will improve about 2 years after the residential market will.  I think you can almost set your watch by it.  So there's my not so amazing New Year's prediction.

 

Many of you have shared with me your stories of incorporating technology solutions that have allowed you to streamline business processes, be more efficient and give better service.  Yep, you recognize that through the proper use of technology, service is improved and everyone is better off!  You've used us as a trusted source and provider for some of your decisions and we couldn't be more pleased about that!  As I've said for years, the technology needs to be as transparent as possible because it's all about the people.  People do it all.  People do the heavy lifting of strategic thinking, product selection and implementation and training. The systems or tools shouldn't be something you need to "think" about.  They are there as support to your personal efforts. 

 

So come on -- it's a new year.  Why be more productive?  Because it will help you! The alternative to not focusing on being productive is what?  Work more hours?  Spend less time with friends and family?  I doubt it!  So here's to hoping you have a productive, fulfilling and prosperous 2013!

 

Happy New Year!  Thanks for letting me into your "office" each week! 

 

Come join our discussion on our blog or I welcome your feedback through email.