Keep That Convention Glow

I know, I know…it’s been weeks since the CREW Network Convention and Marketplace in Orlando. The energy and excitement may be starting to wear off. Don’t let it! 

I heard from many of you that the convention is a time for rejuvenating through connecting with colleagues, meeting potential new business partners, and gaining insight and knowledge from sessions as well as one another. You leave inspired and energized to finish the year on a high note. 

Then you get back to your office, you sit at your desk day after day, and perhaps you start a slow slide back into routine. Stop! Pause! Sort through your mind about what you learned at convention about global capital markets or the workforce of the future. Recall what you heard from a peer or colleague about a new project or innovation. Remember the inspiration you felt listening to our Distinguished Leaders Annemarie DiCola, Leslie Hale and Nathalie Palladitcheff. 

Take a deep breath and remember what Carey Lorenz said about leading in seemingly impossible situations: “You lose sight, you lose the fight!”

Smile when you think of Skylar Tibbits sharing the amazing innovations his team is testing in the Self-Assembly Lab at MIT. Okay, okay, maybe we don’t all understand everything, but we know there is innovation coming that will impact our industry. 

When Sarah Robb O’Hagan said, “Make your failure your fuel,” or “You’ve got nothing to lose when you play your own game,” hold onto those mantras and make them your own.

Most of all, give yourself the space and time to bring that convention glow to others in your company. By bringing some of our convention to your office, you’ll find that maybe the glow lasts a little longer—or that you inspire others to attend. You may even find  a bit of awe among your peers that you’ve brought back such interesting insights. 

You’ve got this glow—you can keep it and share it with others. You’ll earn their respect and admiration, and they’ll take on your glow. See you next year in Austin!

Cheers,

WM

Wendy Mann is the chief executive officer of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network and president of the CREW Network Foundation.

Twitter: @crew_wendym