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Between stubborn mortgage ratesslowing home sales, the National Association of Realtors Headquarters | Burnett Verdictand an ever-growing list of lawsuits, there’s plenty to worry about in today’s industry.
However, Inman founder Brad Inman ignored those topics during his inaugural Inman Connect Miami speech to focus on something more personal: the recent death of a dear friend.
Brad Inman at Inman Connect Miami.
“I’m not going to talk about interest rates,” he told the audience Tuesday. “I’m not going to talk about commission lawsuits, I’m not going to talk about decreasing or increasing transactions, cooperative compensation. I’m going to tell you something quite personal. A month ago, one of my dearest friends, Pedro, 60, died in his sleep of a heart attack.
“I don’t want to be a downer, but bear with me,” he added. “There are so many lessons from his friendship that I want to share with you.”
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Inman took a few minutes to talk about Pedro’s demeanor: kind, humble, supportive, resistant to jealousy, generous, humble and selfless. Pedro, he said, was someone who always focused on the good parts of life; a skill that can be difficult to maintain in difficult times.
“When you were having a bad day and couldn’t seem to smile, he had a smile that he never took off. He never took it off,” Inman said. “At the end of the day, he was a giver, not a taker. I will channel Pedro’s spirit and tell you what he would like.
“He wouldn’t want you to make a deal any time soon,” he added, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. “He would like you to have a moment of peace after all the madness of the real estate industry. He would like you to have a sense of normalcy again and less chaos. He would like you to be a doer and not a damned one.
Although today’s market requires agents to hone their sales skills more than ever, Inman said it’s just as important important to create deeper connections with your personal and professional community.
“The industry is facing challenges right now, but we’re still getting through it,” he said. “I’ve been through so many recessions, so many downturns. Those who survive, those who fight and do not flee, always emerge victorious.”
“Open and don’t close,” he added. “Now more than ever, it is important to stick to the facts and listen to the wisdom around us. It’s time to be more among the people who are closest to us. Share some of that anxiety and take it off your shoulders.
Inman ended his speech by encouraging attendees to use Inman Connect Miami not only as a place to learn and network, but also as a place to build community.
“I want you to take the time, when you see a colleague or friend, to give them a hug. Kiss them. Show them,” he said. “And always be helpful, whether it’s your customer, your family, a server, or anyone who might need it.”
“So in the spirit of Pedro, go and grow.”
