I am all about sharing information. Sometimes a little TMI. And I’m not talking about software programs or applications that are written in open source. I’m taking open source to a different level. Sharing information with peers. Not compete against them.
As of the writing of this post, Missouri is now the first state approved for a Young Professionals Network (YPN) that is recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. I mention that because as a member of the Advisory Board, I have been encouraging the implementation of a mentorship type program. This mentorship type program will encourage all REALTORS® to get together and share what works for them in their real estate business. Most people would see this as sharing classified information with the competition. I look at it as, “what can I learn from others to make myself better?” Not…”how can I steal their business?”
YPN has a stigma to it already. And that stigma is the age thing. Now, I firmly believe that if YPN is to remain a young professionals network, then it needs to be run by young professionals. But the older generation of REALTORS® need to be part of this group as well. They have a maturity, professionalism and experience including tips and tricks to doing business that the younger generation needs to know. However, the older generation needs to have the younger ones teach them the new waves of technology (hello Facebook and Twitter) and how it can improve their business. When you combine those strengths, then each individual, no matter their age or experience level, can work together to get a real estate transaction closed successfully. And ultimately that is the goal, so why can’t we all just get along and share our information?
