A return to normal – or at least the “feeling” of normal.

“People are social beings and want interaction, and social learning is the primary form of learning, just as word-of-mouth advertising is the highest form of advertising." - Stephen Covey

Last week I attended the NAR iOi Summit in Dallas, Texas. It's one of my first times getting out and socializing amongst my peers in the Real Estate Industry since this whole pandemic began.

?First off, it was great to get out of the house and travel once again for business. Though the travel experience has altered (wearing a mask on the entire flight), it was refreshing to feel like we are returning to some semblance of normalcy. ?There is something hopeful about traveling for business, like witnessing the wheels of commerce and innovation play out in real-time. The enthusiasm of my fellow travelers was palatable.?

Secondly, having the opportunity to see so many familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a long time was uplifting. Catching up with friends and associates, just seeing one another, and enjoying each other's company is something we are all craving. As Stephen Covey says, we are social beings. We may be periodically hidden behind the veil of a mask; you still can't hide the smiles you get when seeing a familiar pair of eyes.

?But it was even more than that – there was unmistakable energy and enthusiasm in the sessions, notably, around the annual Pitch Battles where a dozen or so new technology companies pitched their wares to a panel of industry experts and insiders. Unlike the times in the past, there was not a bad presentation in the bunch. Seeing the passion and enthusiasm of these entrepreneurs was enlightening.

?Now, I know there is a lot of talk about how we are not yet out of the woods, but I, for one, believe that what I saw this past week is the resilience and hope that we all need to see. Unfortunately, the news bombards us with all the adverse events of the day. I, for one, have vowed to go on a "news diet" and remember how far we have come. These times are challenging, but what I saw this past week in Dallas energized me for the future.?

What I see are:

?·?????Resilient kids returning to school after homeschooling

·?????Technological innovations happening to accommodate at home employment

·?????A robust real estate market is nearly everywhere

·?????Businesses cautiously but happily opening back up

·?????Companies pivoting on long-standing policies to attract talent

·?????Creative opportunities with added incentives to attract top talent

·?????State-by-state unemployment rates at all-time lows

·?????Small but incremental actions are being made to close the racial employment divide?

We have overcome a lot of adversity since this all began, and we will continue to face difficulties, but our industry is going strong. We still have a long way to go, but this past week infused me with hope for a bright future. Of course, it's not all negative, and occasionally we need to be reminded of that fact.

?As always, I am here as your friend, confidant, and advisor. I am available to you for your Executive placement needs or just as a friend. So don't hesitate to reach out to me. Until next time.?