It's truly amazing and awe-inspiring to see the positive energy on show right now, with businesses, partners, suppliers and even competitors helping each other to get the better of what we can mildly call 'new market conditions'.
Even more amazing, as so many people are confined to their homes, and having to do this through means of communication they rarely used previously. Surely these changes will remain too, when hopefully COVID-19 is beaten?
I've been really inspired to see just how much effort is on display everywhere, but particularly from industry leaders and influencers, who are determined to use this 'change in circumstances' to lead a new charge to a new future.
The property industry is central to much of what Yomdel does, though we serve most other sectors too including retail, financial, legal, storage, removals, travel and many more. But I'm going to use property examples here, because I have personally witnessed a fabulous community spirit and generosity from business leaders to share advice and precious knowledge for the benefit of all. And I also believe these examples translate perfectly into any sector.
Here's some of the best, starting with a theme of video. It's been around for so long, but surely this will be the tipping point for video in business. I know I've used it more than ever before in my life, and business will never be the same again for this reason.
1. Christopher Watkin - Teaching Homeowners how to do Video Viewings & Tours
This was released very early (22nd March). Little did we know then! Great prescience from Chris, and hugely generous to share wonderful personal knowledge at a practical, useable level for anyone to create video of any space at all, but also how to present a space in the best way.
I'm a massive fan of this straight-talking, JFDI style that empowers businesses to get stuck in and learn to do new things, do them better, and become more successful as a result.
See so much more on his YouTube channel, but please implement this one. There's a whole Easter weekend to practice!
2. Starberry - Free virtual valuations and viewings platform
In a series of 3 videos, Ben Sellers from Starberry, takes the subject a bit further and shows how you can create your own free to use platform, so you can operate your business remotely from your customers!
See the videos and more on their site by clicking here.
This too is great practical advice that can easily be implemented, reinventing how you do business as a result. At Yomdel we already see customers every day on Live Chat, who ask about 'virtual viewings'. Customers are adapting fast, and they're savvy. Don't get left behind.
Also a shout out here to the newly launched property industry collaboration ICG Approved where you'll find a collection of Best-in-Class property industry suppliers, working together for the greater good, efficiency and effectiveness of all property companies. Starberry and Yomdel have already collaborated on some great work there!
3. BriefYourMarket.com - Free daily webinars for Sales & Lettings agents
Great friends of Yomdel, the guys at Brief Your Market invited us to contribute and assist with their daily webinar series. Every week day, David Mann has been running an excellent show, with audiences now heading over 200, providing advice, guidance, latest news and inspiration to make the best of your business in these days of lockdown.
The series continues next week with the following subjects (click on any session to register):
The Power of Auctions - Part 1 - Assisting Essential Sales in Lockdown - Tuesday 14th April 2020 – 3.00pm
Planning your online Marketing strategy - The Changing Landscape for Estate Agents - Wednesday 15th April 2020 – 3.00pm
Survival of the Fittest – advice and guidance of how your business can survive Lockdown with Online Solutions - Thursday 16th April 2020 – 3.00pm
Property Management – how agents are succeeding in Lockdown - Friday 17th April 2020 – 11.00am
Tune in each day, and as well as David's great content, we've been sharing lots of real-world, current examples of customer live chat enquiries, all taken from the last week in lockdown. It's truly remarkable to see how customers are pressing on with their lives, still listing their homes, actively seeking to buy and really needing to talk to their estate agents. More on that next week......!
4. The Guild of Property Professionals
As a membership organisation, the Guild has stood out for me in these recent weeks. The amazing effort they have put in to supporting their members with everything from Facebook Live broadcasts every day at 1pm, to their brand new Virtual Viewing Tool launched in the last week specifically to help agents adapt their business to new ways of working.
The wealth of information on their Members Hub is truly impressive. Just under COVID-19 Support there is advice and expert guidance on remote working, compliance, marketing, and their daily videos. Ian McKenzie and his team are working flat out to support members in a proactive, business building way. Very impressive.
5. AgentsHereToHelp
Keep an eye out for this next week. Led by Kristjan Byfield of The Depositary, this is a perfect example of a community initiative. An industry working together, contributing time and expert knowledge completely free for the benefit of each other. Kristjan explains more in this video:
What is really exciting is the spirit on show here. It's not about Coronavirus itself - it's about an industry moving forward together. Coronavirus is proving to be a springboard and a catalyst for positive minds and ambitious businesses to look to a brighter future. I'm looking forward to what this brings!
Find out more on Twitter, and see the noise it's making.
This was just 5 or so examples that got my attention, and that I'm keen to be a part of. There are many more that I don't have space to mention. Let me know your favourites.
It's heart-warming and inspiring to see the best of human nature on show when times get difficult. With so much energy going in to keeping business stimulated, and on the fly adaptations and reinventions emerging every day, surely the future will be secure. But for anyone out there struggling, just get in touch with any of these people (and myself) and you'll get real help.
I can be reached at simon.taylor@yomdel.com and I'm always happy to chat.
You can see what Yomdel is doing to help here. Don't hesitate to suggest any ideas you have for us.
