The recipe of success

Wow, where is this year gone? It’s hard to believe it’s May already. The first four months of 2018 have shown some significant growth in our business and I put this down to specialisation, great people and shooting the Lone Ranger. With over 100 commercial brokers working the North Shore market, how do we as a company stand out from all the rest? I believe it’s because our team of brokers are specialists in their field.

The commercial property market has many facets. However at Colliers International here in Takapuna, we focus on three main sectors, these being Industrial, office and retail. Transactions in these sectors include investment, sales, leasing and development.

Our success boils down to having specialist brokers in these respective markets. By focusing on specific sectors, our brokers gain a better level of market knowledge, create trusting relationships and have a higher transaction count. This formula is one of the reasons our company took out all three REINZ awards last year for the Top Commercial Offices.

We had two brokers - Matt Prentice and Shoneet Chand - finish in the top 5 brokers for the whole country last year which is a great accolade when you compare the size of the North Shore market to other parts of the country.

When I look at where our business comes from the majority is either relationship, referrals or repeat business. As most of our brokers have been in the industry for over ten years the relationships and trust we have built up with our clients certainly give us the competitive advantage.

Growth is an important factor in any company and Colliers have a culture of growing the team organically. The newer brokers in our team have generally started in support roles assisting the senior brokers. After a couple of years in this role, it gives them a better understanding of the sector they are passionate about. They then cut their teeth on the coattails of our more experienced brokers.

I have always had the philosophy that the best model for a business is “fewer better people” and not just 'bums on seats' approach. So far this approach has proven to be the right formula. The analogy “We shot the Lone Ranger” has had a dramatic contribution to our success.

Teamwork has proven to be the most significant factor in our company’s growth. Whether it’s a sign, advert, web listing, campaign, sale or a lease it will always involve more than one broker. Our team charter makes teamwork non-negotiable. This not only fosters great communication, it gets results. It’s amazing how one broker can so often be holding the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Through teamwork and communication, that missing piece is often all it takes to make the deal happen. I don’t think it matters what type business you are involved in. If you do one thing and do it well, surround yourself with the best people and create a great team culture of communication this will create the recipe for success.


By: , Commercial Property with Jimmy O'Brien, Colliers North Shore
jimmy.obrien@colliers.com

Issue 88 June 2018