Australia’s biggest real estate conference, AREC, has kicked off for 2023, and REB is in attendance to keep you up to date on all the major talking points from the momentous two-day festival of real estate.
The second and final day of the Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) continued the empowerment of attendees that kicked off on day one, with Caitlyn Jenner delivering a powerful sermon on the importance of commitment and authenticity in a seemingly ever-more complicated world.
Before sharing her four keywords for success, Ms Jenner implored the agents wanting to progress to their next level in their personal and professional lives to “make a higher commitment”.
And while real estate’s intense environment breeds a market brimming with external competitors as agents fight over listings at a time when fewer are coming to market, the 1976 Olympic gold medallist insisted “the number one competitor you’re ever going to face is inside you”.
So, how do you overcome adversity to achieve your personal and professional goals?
The 73-year-old shared that agents must “take your dreams [and] turn them into decisions”.
Following the reality TV star’s opening session, Tom Ferry returned for his second session of the event focusing on a central theme: “We’re all going to die, but the question is — are we going to live?”
He began his talk on the front foot, informing agents making below $400,000 a year they “shouldn’t be in the business!” before breaking into an engaging session that enthralled a raucous early-morning crowd.
While some paused in the hallways surrounding the convention centre, others streamed into the arena following a brief morning tea break, greeted by Susan Scott, award-winning author, founder of professional training and coaching company, Fierce, and TedX talker, for a masterclass in the art of fierce conversations.
Speaking with a constant mantra of taking life “one conversation at a time,” Ms Scott revealed the three core teachings driving her personal and professional endeavours, touching on why its paramount agents adopt these principals.
Touching expertly on the subject of powerful conversations, she hinted a little secret she adopts to be present within and extract the most out of every conversation she enters: “Questions only!”
Presence was a central theme of her talk, and it was safe to say each member of the crowd abided by that guideline, hanging on to her every word in their quest for conversational development.
Even as the clock struck midday and the conclusion of AREC’s 25th year drew closer, attendees strapped themselves in for an afternoon littered with insightful lessons. These ranged from McGrath Parramatta agent Amit Nayak, who chronicled his rise from hospitality worker to $3 million agent, and Shane Brockelbank, one of New Zealand’s finest agents, right through to Nedd Brockmann, the inspirational young Australian who ran from Perth to Bondi Beach late last year, who spoke on the theme of getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
Over in the property management stream, the ever-insightful Fiona Blayney was once again on hand to emcee the day’s proceedings.
Dr Kristy Goodwin kicked things off, identifying and highlighting the tech habits of property managers — and the “always on” mode many of us now live our lives in, that can very quickly lead to burnout.
Acknowledging that we are living in “a digitally demanding world”, Dr Goodwin did not attempt to dissuade attendees from utilising tech, she merely offered up tips and tricks for individuals to tame their “toxic” tech habits and take back their power — through the smallest of changes.
It was then time for Ryan Mitchell to take the stage. The co-director/property management and BDM at Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri & Muswellbrook divulged on what it takes to build a strong team.
Explaining that they hadn’t set out to build an experienced team, by setting the expectations from the outset and selecting new team members based on connection, value alignment, and their “coveted culture”, his team has achieved huge success.
When it comes to team culture, one of the simplest ways to connect, he says, is to “eat lunch together as a team”. He’s also credited structured flexibility as having a huge impact.
Tech and togetherness remained strong themes throughout the rest of the day’s proceedings.
For a recap of AREC day one, click here.
To hear key lessons from the four ‘GOATs’ of real estate, click here.
REB will continue coverage of AREC’s 25th year over the coming weeks.