In general, specialize
Property managers with niche prove invaluable
Years ago, I interviewed with a national real estate company. The interviewer inquired about my strengths as a property manager. We all know property management requires someone with skills in everything from financial analysis to marketing to building systems, and on and on.
So I told the interviewer I was a generalist-competent in the many disciplines required for property management. It seemed like a great response. But after a few weeks, and no follow up calls, it dawned on me I made a critical mistake. I was unremarkable and unmemorable, leaving the interviewer to wonder, "Who was that guy?"
That interview was a point that changed my thinking. If you want to be of real value to your employer or client, become the go-to-guy for something. Become someone people seek out for a key skill or experience you and no one else brings to the table.
I once worked with a property manager who had a sincere curiosity for the mechanical side of the business. If the engineers had a ceiling open to work on the HYAC system, he undoubtedly would be in the thick of things, learning what they knew. When an electrical contractor came to the building to perform annual maintenance on the electrical systems, he was there.
I soon realized this individual had developed skills benefiting our organization. He became my go-to-guy on due diligence and engineering inspections, freeing me up to concentrate on what I care about most-providing superior customer service.
Identifying a specialized niche is not always easy. You must discover your talents and interests and develop the underlying skill sets. This takes thought and personal insight. Do you love a particular aspect of the business? Do you know someone in the field who possesses a skill you desire? Are classes available to teach the skills you want to learn? Are you willing to join organizations offering you a safe place to learn and practice? Are there books, magazines or Web sites with information you need?
After investing the time and effort learning your area of expertise, continue honing these skills. seek out opportunities to practice your new edge-then teach others what you know. Teaching others what you know helps sharpen skills and enables you to better articulate what you bring to the table.
A word of caution...you still need to be more than competent in all areas of the property management business. Focusing solely on one area puts you in the dangerous position of having one or more blind spots.
Still, having a niche on top of being more than competent in all other areas will make you uniquely valuable to the profession. Are you ready to make that critical change in your career that will affect your future in a positive and lasting way?
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