How do you learn from other commercial real estate professionals?

1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to learn from other commercial real estate professionals is to join professional associations that cater to your niche, market, or interest. These associations can provide you with valuable resources, such as newsletters, webinars, podcasts, reports, and events. You can also network with other members, exchange ideas, seek advice, and find mentors or partners. Some examples of professional associations for commercial real estate are CCIM, SIOR, NAIOP, and ULI.

2 Attend conferences and seminars

Another way to learn from other commercial real estate professionals is to attend conferences and seminars that cover relevant topics, trends, and best practices. These events can help you stay updated on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. You can also interact with speakers, panelists, and attendees, and gain insights from their perspectives, experiences, and questions. Some examples of conferences and seminars for commercial real estate are ICSC, CREW, MIPIM, and RECon.

3 Follow industry publications and blogs

A third way to learn from other commercial real estate professionals is to follow industry publications and blogs that offer in-depth analysis, commentary, and case studies on various aspects of the field. These sources can help you deepen your understanding of the market dynamics, the legal and regulatory environment, the financing and valuation methods, and the portfolio diversification and allocation strategies. You can also learn from the opinions, tips, and stories of other experts, practitioners, and influencers. Some examples of industry publications and blogs for commercial real estate are NREI, GlobeSt, Bisnow, and The Broker List.

4 Participate in online forums and groups

A fourth way to learn from other commercial real estate professionals is to participate in online forums and groups that facilitate discussions, debates, and feedback among peers. These platforms can help you connect with other people who share your interests, goals, and challenges. You can also ask questions, share opinions, seek recommendations, and offer solutions. Some examples of online forums and groups for commercial real estate are CRE Online, BiggerPockets, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

5 Take courses and certifications

A fifth way to learn from other commercial real estate professionals is to take courses and certifications that can enhance your skills, knowledge, and credentials. These programs can help you acquire new competencies, update your existing ones, or demonstrate your expertise to clients, employers, or investors. You can also learn from the instructors, mentors, and fellow students who have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Some examples of courses and certifications for commercial real estate are CCIM, SIOR, CPM, and RICS.

Learning from other commercial real estate professionals is a key factor for success in this field. By following these tips, you can expand your horizons, improve your performance, and grow your network.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?