After over four
decades in commercial real estate brokerage and ten years writing this column,
I thought I knew how to tell a story. Then I decided to write a book.
And I’m pleased to
say it’s published and available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle.
What started as a
compilation of anecdotes turned into a deep dive into the systems, habits, and
turning points that shaped my career. I titled the book The SEQUENCE – A
Personal Journey and Proven Framework for Commercial Real Estate Brokerage
Success,
and along the way, I learned a lot more than I expected. About writing. About
business. And about myself.
Here are ten lessons
from the journey:
1.
Writing a book is different than writing a column. A column is a
sprint. A book is a marathon. In a column, you land your point quickly. A book
requires structure, pacing, and a deeper connection with your reader.
2.
Structure matters more than you think. You can’t just throw stories on a
page and hope they stick. My book follows a framework I call SEQUENCE—a
step-by-step system I’ve used to manage deals. That structure kept me on track
and helped readers follow along.
3.
Your voice gets clearer the longer you write. At first, I tried to sound like an
“author.” Eventually, I realized my own voice—the same one I use in this
column—is what people want.
4.
The best stories are the real ones. Readers remember the deal that almost
fell apart, the client who became a friend, or the early mistake that became a
turning point. Vulnerability beats polish every time.
5.
Time is the biggest hurdle.
Writing a book while
managing a full-time career isn’t easy. But I treated it like a client
appointment: scheduled, protected, and consistent.
6.
Good editing is worth its weight in gold. My first draft was… fine. My final
draft? Clearer, tighter, and much more readable—thanks to a professional edit
and some tough love from early readers.
7.
Legacy is a powerful motivator.
I wrote the book to
help other brokers, yes—but I also wrote it for my grandkids. Every chapter is
addressed to them. That perspective changed everything.
8.
Publishing is easier—and harder—than ever. Technology makes it simple to
self-publish. But standing out? That’s another story. Writing the book is just
the beginning of sharing it.
9.
Your network matters more than your launch plan. Colleagues,
clients, friends, and family became my first readers, reviewers, and
cheerleaders. A strong community beats clever marketing.
10.
We all have a book in us. Whether it’s business lessons, life
stories, or personal insight—everyone has something worth writing down. If
you’ve been thinking about it, start. Even a page a day adds up.
Writing a book
forced me to slow down and reflect. It reminded me why I love what I do—and how
much I still want to share.
If you’re on a
similar journey, I’m cheering you on. It’s hard. It’s worth it. And you’ll
learn more than you ever imagined.
