Words like dodgy and unscrupulous will be reserved for the real rogues, not unfairly used about the decent majority. The industry will be stronger and better for it.
And yes, that is an optimistic stance, but we’re feeling positive. It’s a new year, a fresh start and a time for making solid progress towards goals. If you’ve already made plans for 2020, good on you, but if you haven’t, it’s not too late. Start now and think about every aspect of what you do. What works well, what doesn’t? What are the sector’s key players doing? Can you follow their lead? Do you perhaps need a change of focus, refining your target market? Would technology enable you to speed up transactions or improve communications? Think about the good things that have happened in 2019. Can you build on them?
Landlords’ portfolios are growing and the smaller voice in the industry may find it harder to be heard, but there is strength in numbers. Join a local organisation, investigate business networks, get online and become a member of an industry pressure or support group. Consolidate, cooperate and innovate and you’ll be fine.
We’re not at the end of the road yet, but we’ve begun the journey to a better future. Enjoy the rest of the trip.
And have a very happy New Year.