From the Chair: Focusing Our Energy

FROM THE CEO

Tyrone Adams CEO of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®

Focusing Our Energy

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” - Socrates

As I write this, our world continues to be very different in every way one can imagine without an end in sight. We have entered an era that is being defined by fast changing shifts in market conditions, executive orders, cultural norms, societal values, and behaviors.

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has responded to these changes, and center for the last

and I believe we have done so in a very positive way. Our delivery of value to members, leadership, and local Associations has been on display front and center for the past few months.

Our political and regulatory advocacy efforts have been very effective, our communication strategy remains effective, and we have been providing a wealth of other benefits and features for Our delivery of value to members, leadership, and local Associations has been on display front

Colorado REALTORS®. few months.

As we continue to march towards the end of 2020, our focus remains on the now, but has also started to shift to what is next. Whatever is next, many of the changes will require REALTOR® Associations and our members to do things differently to be successful in the new world. How do we continue to deliver value and great experiences in this new world? How do we turn this massive challenge into meaningful change? What are the opportunities of these challenging times?

OUR ENERGY IS FOCUSING ON:

Pivoting our communication efforts - Communicating effectively and easily with the CAR team, leadership, and members. The CAR Member Services team and senior leadership continue to develop new strategies and have tactical discussions on how to communicate with numerous target audiences to break through the white noise our members can experience when they receive a ton of information from a variety of sources.

Enhancing our virtual experience - Virtual meetings will continue at a high rate and will be perceived as a tool that open doors to increased member engagement. More creative ways are being developed to encourage member interaction to enhance the virtual experience. This is timely news as this comes on the heels of CAR Leadership making the tough, yet prudent, decision to go virtual with the CAR Fall Forum in October because of the pandemic.

Connecting with changing member needs/habits

- We are conducting targeted member group surveys and meeting with selected groups of members virtually to get their feedback about their businesses and build relationships with influential non-state association leaders in Colorado. Our value proposition hinges on connecting with members so they can adapt to current, new, and uncertain market conditions, regulations, legislation, and business practices.

Building resources to seize new opportunities - CAR continues to improve its financial position so that it can be prepared to seize new opportunities like enhancing our digital platforms, providing more online professional development opportunities, and creating efficiencies with local associations that will allow them to focus more strategic initiatives versus day-to-day administrative duties and more.

Maintaining a championship team - Sustainable championship teams are always looking at how to stay at a championship level with changing times. Internally, we are looking at ways to get better by ensuring CAR staff members have the tools, resources, opportunities, and incentives to continue to do their jobs exceptionally well while delivering the experience our members deserve. Externally, we are focusing on training for our leadership to help them be better leaders for the Association and in their communities.

Last but not least, I would like to send a shout out to the CAR staff, local Associations executives, and our Association leaders, volunteers, members, partners, and sponsors for all your hard work and support during these challenging times. Because of your efforts, we have been able to refocus our energy on the good and on creating new opportunities.

Be well, stay safe, and be positive!