Conscious Living: Escaping the Autopilot Trap

Posted by & filed under Advice, Blog, Motivating.

I ran a corporate workshop to a lovely team a couple of weeks ago helping them to create their vision for their life and getting clear on what their motivations and goals were. In the workshop, we talked about what it means to escape the autopilot trap and live more intentionally instead. I thought it would make an interesting blog so here it is.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept away by the whirlwind of daily life. Many of us find ourselves stuck on autopilot, cruising through routines, and reacting to situations without much thought. But what if I told you that there’s another way? Living intentionally is all about seizing the reins of your life and creating the future you desire. In this blog, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of these two lifestyles and how you can make the shift from autopilot to a life that’s filled with purpose and meaning.

Autopilot Living: What Does It Mean?

Picture this: you wake up, follow your daily routine, and continue on the same path without ever questioning it. You’re living life by default, making choices based on societal expectations, and neglecting your personal goals. Here’s a glimpse of what autopilot living looks like:

Rigid Routine: Your daily schedule is set in stone, even if it’s no longer fulfilling or productive.

Societal Expectations: You’re heavily influenced by what society expects of you, rather than pursuing your passions.

Lack of Self-Reflection: You don’t spare a moment to ponder your goals, dreams, or where your life is headed.

Comfort Zone: Autopilot living keeps you within your comfort zone, where growth and change seem far away.

Missed Opportunities: You’re not actively seeking new opportunities, personally or professionally, and you might miss out on some amazing experiences.

Living Intentionally: What Does It Mean?

Now, imagine taking charge of your life with purpose and mindfulness. Living intentionally means setting clear goals, making choices that align with your values, and deliberately crafting the life you desire. Here’s what intentional living is all about:

Setting Goals: You have personal and professional goals, giving you a sense of direction and purpose.

Conscious Decisions: Your choices regarding relationships, career, and other aspects of your life are made with intention, guided by your values and aspirations.

Self-Reflection: Regularly, you take time to look within, understanding your motivations, recognising areas for growth, and making necessary adjustments.

Values Alignment: Living intentionally means living in harmony with your core values, resulting in a more satisfying and meaningful life.

Cultivating Self-Awareness

So, how do you make the shift from autopilot to intentional living? It all starts with self-awareness. It’s like waking up from a dream and realising you’re in control of your life. Here are some scenarios where you might spot autopilot living:

Ever walked into a room with a purpose, only to forget why you’re there the moment you step inside?
Intended to send a quick message on social media and found yourself scrolling mindlessly for an hour?
Realised you’ve been in a conversation but haven’t really been listening to the other person?
Stared into space as your thoughts wandered aimlessly?
Completely blanked on names, or the events of the day or week?
Said ‘yes’ to something when ‘no’ was what you really wanted, just because it seemed easier?
Followed a morning routine without much thought, immediately reaching for your phone upon waking?
Performed routine work tasks without questioning them, even if they stifled your creativity and productivity?
Allowed habits or addictive behaviours to control you, such as smoking, overeating, or excessive phone use as a response to stress or boredom?
Drifted through life without setting clear goals or actively planning for the future, leading to a lack of direction and fulfilment?
Reacted to criticism with anger or defensiveness without giving it much thought?

In summary

The choice between autopilot living and living intentionally is a choice between letting life happen to you and actively shaping it according to your vision. The journey from autopilot to intentional living begins with self-awareness and a commitment to align your choices with your values and goals. By taking deliberate actions and nurturing mindfulness, you can cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Imagine being the author of your story, not just a passive character. It’s time to escape the autopilot trap and start living with purpose and intention. Your future self will thank you for it!

If you or your team are interested in the workshop I mentioned, get in touch to find out more.

You can also access my free Mindset mastery workshop here aimed at helping you create a mindset that empowers you to live the life you desire.

 

Is there still a “war for talent”?

Posted by & filed under Blog, Industry News, Motivating.

Between February and March this year, the unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, the lowest it has been in 50 years. Job vacancies have remained well over the million mark, reaching 1.3 million in the first quarter of this year. While these figures were exciting news for the country’s economic rebound in a post-pandemic world, employers were seeing the figures as an obstacle. The rising vacancy rate meant that companies were enduring greater competition to secure top-tier talent, as job-seekers have far more opportunities.

But with recent developments across this summer in the socio/political and financial situations in the UK is there still a “War for Talent”?

Earlier this year the issue wasn’t only evident among specialised, senior, C-suite vacancies — it extended to entry-level jobs as well. Companies and their internal talent teams needed to headhunt to fill vacancies, a process that can often become a time consuming battle. Recruitment agency and search consultancy were inundated with requirements… but is this still the case?

In short, yes…

In our sector however, businesses in real estate, construction, and “proptech” could appreciate the industry’s 3.2% vacancy rate back in May 22, 80 base points less than the country’s average 4% vacancy rate.

Although the industry’s figures provided a glimmer of hope that the “war” won’t be as cutthroat, there was another obstacle in the way, compensation rises!

In the real estate industry, when the search for talent commences, expertise and experience are still being prioritised, as perhaps they should. However, with a diminishing pool of talent, traditional employers only have a handful of perks to attract their ideal candidate or future leader – so compensation and is still taking centre stage.

Across all industries, compensation increased by 4.2% between February and March this year. Despite the rise, this figure isn’t enough to outpace the skyrocketing cost of living, meaning, in real terms, pay dropped by 1.2% in the first quarter and with figures yet to be released this drop could be significantly more in the last two quarters…..

These concerns aside, it’s not all doom and gloom as we reach the end of September. Companies in the built environment can still hire the right candidate without lowering expectations and forking over tenfold what you were anticipating.
Instead, in this war for talent, you can attract your ideal candidate by highlighting some of the other benefits of working for your company – but what are they and have you reviewed this since the pandemic ended?

A lot of firms in our sector haven’t grasped the opportunity that the pandemic presented. A lot haven’t modernised, moved with the times and thought about how they could attract and retain talent over and above compensation and an interesting job role. People in our sector are wanting more in this post pandemic world and if they don’t get it, lots are exiting our fantastic industry and going elsewhere!! But there is still time to act now and those that do, will be able to attract and engage key talent and the future leaders of the industry.

Some benefits or other reasons why top talent will engage with your firm include:
– time off
– the work environment
– hybrid working
– increased flexibility
– working hours
plus a range of other company benefits and much more.

Do you want you, your business and your vacancies to stand out from the crowd? If so, as we teeter on the edge of a potential recession, our team can help you discover some of the benefits of working for your company, making your vacancy a magnet for the best talent.

Sidestep the “war for talent” and fight your way out of whatever downturn we go through by making your opportunities and company something that people just can’t ignore.

James Hanson
29th September 2022

Are you the “Wolf of Your Street”?

Posted by & filed under Advice, Motivating, Opinion, Starting a new Job.

Are you the “Wolf of Your Street”? On a daily basis, we get asked by candidates what they can do to make themselves more successful in order to secure their dream job in estate agency.
This is something that many of us have wondered within the estate agency industry, what makes a successful estate agent, is it all to do with mind-set, is it personality or do you just need to model yourself on Jordan Belfort?

Here at Cherry Pick People, we think the most successful estate agents have the following traits:

 

1. They have a positive mind-set

Spend time with positive like-minded people, do not waste time with people who focus on negative things. Successful people focus on the positives when going through rough patches, making their rough patches easier to handle.

2. They are passionate and enthusiastic

Estate agency can be tough at times, be committed to providing outstanding customer service, keep your landlords, vendors and buyers and tenants updated at all stages. Return their calls and emails in a timely manner, don’t wait for them to chase you. Every call you make to them should be like it’s the first call you have made all day.
If you want them to buy/rent a property from you, show them that you are passionate about the property. Sales is a transfer of enthusiasm!

3. They know their area

Become a local expert and engross yourself in the patch that you work in. Landlords, tenants, vendors and buyers want to pick the right person to do the job and having that knowledge of the market and a proven track record creates confidence. When a question is asked about a street, you need to know what has sold recently, what the highest rent achieved is, where they can go for a hipster coffee, where does the best unlimited prosecco brunch, where they can go for the best breakfast martini or Camden pale ale.

4. They put in the hours 

The most successful estate agents are the first ones in the office and the last ones out, they are in early picking up all of the leads and the last one out of a night doing viewings and valuations. If people don’t answer, call them again, use the technology you have at your fingertips, call, text and email them, set reminders.  Simple, yet effective.

5. They understand their client’s motives for buying, selling, letting or renting

The best estate agents will know the situation as to their client’s motives and work closely with them to get the best results. By taking the time to really get to know your client’s needs, you build a stronger connection ensuring you offer only the best solutions.

6. They have a great network

Make sure that you know who the best contractors, surveyors, mortgage brokers and solicitors are. By offering contacts that have the same level of service you do can really help you develop a strong network and just as you will recommend your contacts, they will recommend you meaning that many people will come to you based on reputation alone.

7. They practice their pitch

Deliver your pitch confidently tailoring it to suit the client that you are speaking to. Confidence is such an important part of working in agency. I know people who still practise their pitch in front of the mirror, even after 15 plus years in agency. They are always striving to be better and are some of the most successful estate agents I know.

8. They don’t let other people’s negativity bring them down

If you are doing well at work, there are always others who may not be. Don’t catch their negativity, if you are working hard and achieving your targets, keep on going and you will continue to succeed.

9. They appreciate the value of hard work

They want to make money as ultimately a sales job is about making money. They like to buy nice things, go on the best holidays, eat at the most amazing restaurants and really enjoy their lifestyle.

10. They use the best recruiters

Cherry Pick People work with some of the best people in the estate agency sector, we guide candidates through all aspects of their careers, as we have the knowledge and understanding of how the market works. The majority of the team come from a property specific background and are experts in their fields, meaning that we really know what it takes to be successful in estate agency. We meet all of our clients and candidates face to face, which is invaluable as we can really ascertain a candidate’s suitability for the role and also that the candidate will fit into the working environment and match the company’s values and culture. We cover all aspects of property, from front line estate agency, to administration, property management, construction and back office support.

Why not give us a call on 0207 801 6318 and see how we can further your career.