Susan Schneider’s Blog

The Rowboat vs. the Canoe Theory

Thoughtful, disciplined, intentional, strategizing is not always easy, especially when we find ourselves in uncharted waters. I think this describes our current economic condition. While in some ways, we are re-visiting issues that resemble the 80s, we can’t say that the same strategic solutions that worked then can be applied now. This is where the rowboat versus the canoe theory comes into play.

You see, when sitting in a rowboat, you are facing backward with a crystal clear view of where you have been versus sitting in a canoe, which gives you a view of what is ahead. Now apply this concept to decision making. In the rowboat, all you have is the past to determine your future. In the canoe, you have no choice but to prepare and anticipate for what may come, keeping your eyes on your destination. I believe that those who will succeed in today’s market, no matter what industry or occupation, must get into the canoe to chart their course for the future.

To steal an overused phrase, which is “rowboat-ish” in its own right, we need to “think outside of the box.” In other words, we need to innovate. It is definitely important to take a look into the past and identify good solutions. In our industry, this means re-visiting pre-marketing strategies.  However, my suggestion is instead of re-implementing them consider re-inventing them.

A Personal Moment

One of the nice things about having your own blog is the ability to take the conversation any direction that moves you. Today, I am taking a break from the real estate market, the mortgage crisis, or any other relocation-related topic. I am going to speak to you from the heart. In the past month, I have been involved in benefits for Autism and Breast Cancer. This past week, I gathered with family and friends as we joined hundreds of others to participate in the Crohn’s and Colitis walk for a cure. This is especially meaningful to me because this week, I walked for my sister.

Clearly, the money raised for any cause is a significant part of the necessary research and development, but those of you who have raised money for disease awareness realize that it is the smallest part. The truly amazing result of any activity like this is the power of coming together as a group and the emotional support that goes to those inflicted.

In our crazy 24/7 world, it is so easy to forget what is important. Well, maybe not forget, because I think that most people have great intentions. Yet, it is easy to put those things secondary to outlook calendars or inbox items highlighted with an exclamation point. Whenever I take the time to reach out to help others, walk for a cure, or make a cash donation, I am reminded life is more important than work. Caring for those around us is truly what makes life meaningful and helps us grow as individuals. 

99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

I thought this was an appropriate title as I once again write another post on the real estate market. I promise sometime soon I will change my tune. Hopefully, in the not too distant future I will be singing “Beautiful Day.”

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of listening to Ben Stein as a keynote speaker. If you can’t picture who I am talking about, he is famous for many things but most recognizable for his movie line “Bueller, Bueller.” But back to my point, Ben’s main theme for his discussion was the real estate market and the media. Ben reiterated what so many of us have been thinking and saying for months. “It’s just not as bad as it sounds.” Don’t get me wrong the market has definitely shifted from the activity we saw in 2005. However, the constant doom and gloom spin by the media is geared more at playing on our fears to sell newspapers and cable news shows than presenting the true picture.

In reality, there are real estate markets that are still strong. Yes, we can point to a few over-developed areas, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, and the economically stressed areas in Michigan and Ohio. Yet, even in these areas there are neighborhoods where the homes are selling. Real estate markets need to be viewed on a local level – rather than a regional perspective. Typically, relocating employees are moving out of the more active markets. It is important for us as relocation professionals to bypass the over generalized headlines and look to the facts instead. We owe it to our clients, our partners, and our relocating employees.

Reverse Mentoring

I have always considered myself somewhat tech savvy. I have the phone with e-mail, drag my laptop wherever I go, can’t watch regular television now that I have Tivo and have even begun texting; it’s the only way to keep in touch with my nieces and nephews. Anyone who knows me and is at least a decade younger than me is having a laugh at my expense right now. They would say LOL, which by the way I thought stood for Lots of Love (for those who don’t know, it stands for “Laugh Out Loud”). Here I thought people were telling me regularly how much they cared about me – ha!

With all of my years in relocation and understanding of home sale programs, tax law changes, and capital gains, I still find myself needing to refer to a cheat sheet whenever I need to scan a document. The reality is I am probably a bit behind the curve in the tech world and falling further behind everyday. But thankfully, I know I am not the only one. Our office alone has employees whose ages span over 50 years and based on what we hear about the boomers working longer, I expect this number to grow.

One of the concepts that I have been hearing lately is the idea of reverse mentoring. The intent is to match some of your seasoned employees (a nice way of saying older) with your younger (truly tech savvy) employees. While I have not yet implemented this idea, I think it would work to connect a few people, outline the areas in which they feel they would like further learning and then have them meet weekly for 90 days or so. Actually, now that I write this, it doesn’t seem too challenging. I think I will go ahead and get it started; no time like the present. I will be sure to post the feedback and let you know if I received any interest.