Reflecting on the Weight of Public Perception in Professional Growth

“Reflecting on the Weight of Public Perception in Professional Growth”

In my journey as a consultant, coach, and mentor, I’ve encountered numerous individuals preoccupied with their external image—constantly pondering over their portrayal and societal reception. This fixation on being perceived as the knight in shining armour raises an intriguing question: Is our concern with public perception driven by a genuine desire to be esteemed, or is it a quest for constant admiration?

The essence of this contemplation extends into the professional realm, particularly in how it aligns with one’s industry knowledge and expertise. Staying abreast of industry trends, engaging with authoritative blogs, reading books, participating in networking events, and exchanging insights within a knowledgeable circle are all pivotal. These activities enhance one’s expertise and position one as a formidable competitor, distinguished by a commitment to continuous learning.

Yet, the preoccupation with external perceptions can sometimes overshadow authenticity, leading to the projection of a contrived persona in client interactions. I recall an enlightening experience with a mentee during a client meeting. Prior to the meeting, sitting in his car, our conversation flowed naturally, but upon engagement with the client, my mentee transformed into a version of himself that I didn’t recognise—a stark departure from the genuine individual I had conversed with moments earlier. This shift not only stifled the natural flow of the meeting but also hindered the formation of a genuine connection and trust. Some minutes into the meeting, it was apparent that the client wanted to wind the meeting up.

Reflecting on this encounter, it became evident that the pursuit of being recognised as an expert overshadowed the fundamental principles of relationship-building and trust. The desire to project a polished image superseded the importance of authenticity, revealing a critical oversight in the approach to professional interactions.

The lesson here is profound: while it’s natural to care about how we’re perceived, it’s paramount to remain true to ourselves. Our daily endeavours should not be a performance but a genuine expression of our personality, humour, and values. In embracing our authentic selves, we foster genuine connections that transcend superficial perceptions, laying the foundation for meaningful professional relationships and personal growth. Be yourself, be genuine and care for others.

For more information contact Brigitte at Brigitte@stillsproperties.com.au

Qualifying Your Connections

“Qualifying Your Connections: Actionable Outcomes for Effective Networking”

The quality of your connections can significantly impact your success in professional growth and business development. Qualifying your connections—identifying which relationships offer mutual benefit and potential for collaboration—is a critical step in maximising the effectiveness of your network. This blog delves into the importance of qualifying your connections and outlines actionable outcomes to ensure your networking efforts are fruitful.

The Importance of Qualifying Connections

1. Enhances Network Efficiency: By focusing on connections that align with your professional goals and values, you streamline your network, making it more manageable and effective. This targeted approach ensures that your networking efforts are concentrated on relationships that are most likely to yield positive outcomes.

2. Fosters Meaningful Relationships: Qualifying your connections allows you to invest time and resources into relationships that offer depth and mutual growth. These meaningful interactions are more likely to lead to long-term collaborations and support.

3. Optimizes Resource Allocation: Understanding which connections are most valuable enables you to allocate your time, energy, and resources more effectively. This strategic approach ensures that you’re not spreading yourself too thin across too many superficial connections.

Actionable Outcomes for Qualifying Connections

1. Set Clear Networking Goals: Define what you hope to achieve through your networking efforts. Whether it’s finding potential clients, seeking mentorship, or identifying collaboration opportunities, having clear goals will guide you in qualifying your connections.

2. Develop Criteria for Qualification: Establish criteria that connections should meet to be considered valuable to your network. This might include industry relevance, shared values, or the potential for mutual benefit. Use these criteria as a filter when meeting new contacts or evaluating existing ones.

3. Engage in Targeted Networking: Participate in networking events, conferences, and professional groups that align with your goals and interests. This increases the likelihood of meeting connections that meet your qualification criteria.

4. Conduct Informational Interviews: When you meet a potential connection, engage in discussions that allow you to assess their alignment with your networking goals. Informational interviews can provide insights into their experiences, goals, and how they might fit into your network.

5. Evaluate and Reassess Regularly: Periodically review your connections to ensure they still meet your qualification criteria. As your professional goals evolve, so too should your network. This ongoing evaluation process ensures that your connections remain relevant and beneficial.

6. Nurture Qualified Connections: Once you’ve identified valuable connections, invest in those relationships. Regular communication, sharing resources, and offering support are key to nurturing these connections and realising their full potential.

In conclusion, qualifying your connections is a strategic approach to networking that can lead to more meaningful relationships and actionable outcomes.

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Five most common complaints and concerns for landlords

March 2, 2017 No Comments

As a landlord, you want the best tenants for your properties. But invariably, even the best tenants have demands. And responding to requests, queries and maintenance issues can be time-consuming and stressful. This is where a good property manager can assist.

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Airbnb hustle into long-term residential rental market

March 15, 2017 No Comments

The short term rental accommodation market is booming, and the real estate industry is feeling the impacts. Recently, the industry has seen an increase in tenants illegally subletting a house or room to offset their rent, and in some cases pocketing rental returns, double what the properties’ owners earn.

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Stills Properties: Top 80 Property Management Blogs

April 12, 2017 No Comments

Stills Properties is excited to be named in the Top 80 Property Management Blogs online.
Selected from thousands of top property management blogs, we are honoured and humbled to be recognised alongside other property management bloggers, industry experts and thought leaders.

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Suburb Profile: Lane Cove NSW 2066

June 26, 2017 No Comments

Lane Cove is a suburb nestled amongst parks, bushland, and greenery on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. The peninsular runs adjacent to Lane Cove River and is surrounded by suburbs Chatswood, Artarmon, Greenwich and Riverview.

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Suburb Profile: St Leonards NSW 2065

August 24, 2017 No Comments

Located on Sydney’s Lower North Shore 5km north-west of Sydney CBD, St Leonards is a vibrant suburb popular for professionals looking for easy access to restaurants, cafes and schools and a comfortable commute.

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Licensees Need a Real Estate Locum Too

October 25, 2017 No Comments

Locum jobs are common-place in the medical and healthcare fields. Typically, a locum doctor will temporarily stand in for a permanent doctor when they are on leave. What about a real estate locum?

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Balmain Rental Property

March 4, 2018 No Comments

An established suburb just minutes from the city by bus or ferry and a wonderful village vibe with great shopping and excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs, Balmain delivers on multiple fronts.

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Testimonials

Real Stories. Real Results. Real Impact.

Don’t just take our word for it—hear from real people who have transformed their businesses
with our expert property management consulting and training.

"We’ve been renting for the last seven years due to my husband’s company transfers. Brigitte is the property manager for our current rental and I can honestly say I have never encountered such a high-level of professionalism and customer service from any other property manager. She turned our application around in 24 hours which meant we could head off on our overseas holiday. She has endured late night calls from us when we’ve locked ourselves out and always addresses repairs in a timely manner. I would recommend Stills Properties to anyone wishing to lease a home."
Helen Lodges Tenant
"Brigitte went above and beyond our expectations to help us secure the right investment property and find the right tenants. We couldn’t have done it without her."
Antoinette and Rodney Property Owner
"Brigitte is a realtor who cares about applying tenancy rules and regulations correctly, and in so doing, protecting both the owner and tenant. Brigitte is a person of integrity and her knowledge of real estate is second-to-none. If you are looking for someone to look after your investment, look no further than Brigitte Stills."
Amanda DrylieProperty Owner
"When it comes to recommending a property manager for my daughter, I immediately thought of Brigitte Stills – the most knowledgeable and efficient property manager I have met. With over 30 years’ experience in real estate and property management, Brigitte is definitely the ‘go-to’ expert!"
Viola TamProperty Owner
"Brigitte is one in a million. She helped us resolve our strata problem and that’s why we trust her with our entire investment portfolio"
Karen and Ralph HargravesProperty Owner
"My partner and I (along with our Cavoodle) considered applying for a property on the North Shore. In this world of rental-hunting, it was a refreshing experience dealing with Brigitte. Even though we decided against the property, opting for one closer to the city, Brigitte gave her time to answer our queries and was genuine, professional and friendly. Thank you!"
Suzannah Batty Renter
"Brigitte has been a property manager for us over the years, and in all our dealings together, she remains professional and is highly recommendable. That’s why we chose Brigitte to successfully complete the sale of a prestige property for us."
Patrick SuppleProperty Owner

Sydney Real Estate Agencies Consulting

Property Managers How affective Are Your  Skills!

At its essence, property management is as much about managing relationships as it is about managing properties. Property managers are at the centre of a network that includes tenants, property owners, contractors, colleagues, and more. This intricate web of interactions places a premium on communication skills, which are indispensable in every aspect of property management. Effective communication is characterised by clarity, empathy, and honesty, whether it’s through written correspondence or verbal exchanges. Depending on the situation, a property manager must know when to adopt a firm stance and when a gentler approach is warranted.

The Importance of Organizational Skills
Today’s property managers oversee more extensive portfolios than ever, making Property Management: A Multifaceted Role of People Management

organisational skills non-negotiable. While natural inclination plays a role, the right tools and consistent practice can significantly enhance one’s ability to manage a heavy workload efficiently.

The Art of Prioritization
Organisation is one thing, but the ability to prioritise tasks effectively is another skill altogether and one that’s critical in property management. The nature of the job means that property managers often have to adapt to unexpected changes, such as emergency maintenance requests or last-minute meetings, making the ability to reassess priorities a key to success swiftly.

Enthusiasm and Problem-Solving
The fast-paced nature of property management favours those who are not only prepared but also eager to face challenges head-on. This role demands quick thinking, a problem-solving mindset, and a genuine willingness to assist clients, whether they are property owners or tenants, all while maintaining a positive demeanour.

Professionalism in All Interactions
Given the variety of interactions a property manager encounters, some of which may be challenging, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Handling difficult conversations with grace and composure is not only more effective but also a cornerstone of excellent customer service.

Adopting an Investment Mindset
A property manager’s goal is to optimise returns for property owners by maximising rental income and minimising expenses. This investment-focused approach is critical to retaining clients and fostering long-term relationships.

Attention to Detail
Managing investments, overseeing financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with safety and legal requirements demand meticulous attention to detail. In property management, overlooking the small things can have significant repercussions.

A Continuous Desire to Learn
Property management offers ample opportunities for career advancement, both within the sector and in the broader real estate industry. Ambitious property managers can propel their careers forward by acquiring new skills, pursuing certifications, and embracing continuous learning.

Thinking Outside the Box
In a role often requiring innovative solutions, thinking creatively and outside the conventional framework is invaluable. Ingenuity and a fresh perspective can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of property management.

For more information, contact Brigitte@stillsproperties.com.au

The Evolving Influence of Technology in Real Estate: 

Embracing Change: In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized various industries, and real estate is no exception. Technological advancements have transformed how we buy, sell, and interact with properties, from online listings to virtual tours. In this blog post, we will explore some keyways technology has impacted the world of real estate and discuss strategies to deal with these changes effectively. 

1. Gone are the days of solely relying on real estate agents for property information. With the rise of real estate websites and mobile apps, buyers and sellers have access to a wealth of data at their fingertips. From property listings and market trends to neighbourhood information and historical sales data, technology has empowered consumers to make more informed decisions. Dealing with it: As real estate professionals, embracing transparency and proactively providing accurate and detailed information remains crucial. This includes optimizing online listings, ensuring up-to-date data, and being available to answer potential clients’ queries. 

2. Virtual Tours and 3D Visualization: Advancements in technology have brought about an immersive experience for prospective buyers through virtual tours and 3D visualization. Buyers can now explore properties from the comfort of their homes, saving time and reducing the need for physical visits. Dealing with it: Real estate agents can enhance their marketing strategies by incorporating virtual tours and interactive visualizations. Utilizing professional photographers and videographers or investing in virtual tour software can help showcase properties effectively and cater to tech-savvy buyers. 

3. Online transactions and electronic signatures have streamlined paperwork and administrative tasks. Contracts, agreements, and documents can now be signed digitally, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and expediting the process. Dealing with it: Embracing digital platforms and employing secure online transaction systems can help simplify buying and selling. However, real estate professionals and clients must prioritize data security and privacy. 

4. Digital Marketing and social media: Technology has transformed marketing strategies in the real estate industry. Real estate professionals now have many digital marketing tools and platforms. From social media marketing to targeted online advertisements, reaching a wider audience has become more efficient. Dealing with it: Staying updated with digital marketing trends, optimizing online presence, and utilizing social media channels can help real estate professionals reach their target audience effectively. Building an authentic and engaging online brand presence is vital. 

Technology has undoubtedly reshaped the world of real estate, providing increased access to information, immersive experiences, streamlined processes, and innovative marketing opportunities. Real estate professionals need to adapt and embrace these changes positively. By leveraging technology, staying informed, and continuously evolving with the digital landscape, we can thrive in this ever-evolving industry and provide exceptional service to clients. Ultimately, by embracing the power of technology, we unlock new possibilities and revolutionize the way we buy, sell, and experience real estate.