Parallels Between Growing Plants and Building a Commercial Real Estate Career

While sowing my plant seeds this morning it occurred to be that growing plants from seeds and a commercial real estate career share some interesting similarities, especially when it comes to patience, planning, and the need for nurturing over time.

1. Start with the right foundation: Just as seeds need to be planted in the right soil with appropriate care, in commercial real estate, your career often starts with learning the basics, building relationships, and selecting the right opportunities to pursue. A strong foundation is essential for long-term growth.

2. Patience and time: Plants take time to grow, sometimes months or even years, before they reach full potential. Similarly, a career in commercial real estate requires patience as you gain experience, build your portfolio, and see returns on your efforts.

3. Continuous nurturing: Just as you need to water and tend to plants regularly, in commercial real estate, your career requires consistent effort whether it’s researching markets, networking, or managing client relationships. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with regular attention, progress is made.

4. Adapting to the environment: Both plants and commercial real estate are affected by external conditions. A plant’s growth can be influenced by light, water, and temperature, while a commercial real estate career can be influenced by market trends, economic conditions, and changes in the industry. Adapting to these conditions is crucial to success.

5. Long-term vision: Just as a gardener plans for future harvests, someone in commercial real estate often needs a long-term vision to assist their clients, such as anticipating market changes or understanding how properties will evolve and gain value over time.

So, in both cases, success comes from laying the groundwork, staying patient, being adaptable, and continuously nurturing growth.