You're a commercial real estate professional. How can you stand out from the competition?

Keeping up to date with the latest commercial market trends that are in your state. Having an awareness of the local market to ensure you have the accurate rental rate based on the best features and observations from recently leased and sold. With this your suggestions on improvements of your owners investment such as parking spaces will demonstrate your ability to increase the chances of securing a long term tenant and competitive rental rate.

Unless you are in a very small market, it is important to be the expert in a particular product type. Specialists typically earn higher commission income than generalists. In the larger markets, this can be further segmented into tenant rep or landlord rep.

One of the best things you can do to build credibility and to stand out from the crowd is to show proof of the results you get for your clients. Use social media and other technology communications systems to highlight the results you're getting your clients. Social proof is a powerful tool to build credibility and stand out.

Early in your career, it is important to immerse yourself in the industry. Attending trade events, listening to podcasts (I wish they were around 30 years ago!) and online research of people who have already reached high levels of success are some easy first steps.

The best way to stand out as a commercial real estate professional, regardless of the role (broker, manager, attorney, etc.) is to do things differently. One can only stand out in any industry by differentiating themselves from the pack. How? Ah, that's the rub. As a lawyer, it can be by making videos about commercial real estate matters (very rare in the profession). As a broker, it can be going that extra mile - a personal visit to a prospect, remembering something that a landlord mentioned during small talk and bringing it up again as a conversation starter. Differentiation is the key to standing out in any industry.

In a world where so much can change out of your hands, I find it best to control the "controllables". At the end of the day we are providing a service, not selling a product. It is important to look at three main categories you can actively control: - Response time: don't let texts, voicemails, and emails linger. Find out what is the clients proffered method of commutation. - Excitement and demeanor : It's amazing how many people out there don't show some sort of excitement. This is most likely a BIG decision for your client, get excited! - Follow through: If you let your client know that you are going to get back to them, send them a report, or check into something... actually do it