What can U2 Teach us about the Real Estate Business?

As I sit to write this, I am still relishing in the high of seeing U2, one of my all-time favorite bands, perform live for the first time at the venue they christened, the Sphere in Las Vegas.  

A feast for the ears, eyes, and soul, their performance exceeded all my expectations of what their live show would sound like, and the visual theatrics of the Sphere took you to a new dimension of concert-going.

There’s an awakening that happens when you see a show like this.  So, I am embracing this feeling and harnessing inspiration from it–even when the creativity flows at 2 am.  

On my own personal journey to apply more of my passions to my profession, I pondered the question what can U2 teach us about the real estate business.  So here goes. 

1. Relationships matter.  The band was originally formed in 1976 when 4 teenage students at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin joined forces and they remain together today: singer/lyricist Bono (Paul David Hewson), guitarist the Edge (David Howell Evans), bass guitarist Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and percussion.  For nearly 50 years, Bono, the Edge, Adam, and Larry have been creating and performing music together.  

   What are the relationships that have inspired, influenced, and guided you in your career and life?  To whom can you reach out to reconnect or give thanks?

2. Build a strong team and your output will be greater than the sum of your individual contributions.  The band works as a team to share in all of the songwriting.  The emotional impact of their music is achieved by a delicate orchestration of poetic lyrics juxtaposed with the experimental and iconic melodies and structure of guitar, bass and drums.  To date, they have won 22 Grammy awards, and have 34 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, including 6 Top 10 hits, and 2 Number 1 hits, among many other accolades.  

   Whether you have a more traditional team structure or if your team is composed of your vendors, mentors, and consultants, it’s important to rely on the expertise and contributions of others.  By working with a team, you can remain focused on the aspects of your business that have the greatest impact and those that require your experience, skill, and unique point of view.  DIY is suited for minor home improvement projects and not your business.  

Photo by Crissy Hunt

3. There’s nothing better than getting in the room with people.  U2 has performed in over 2,100 live concerts.  Being surrounded by other U2 fans of all ages and backgrounds and enjoying a live show together is kind of like a spiritual experience.  We’re not saying that every meeting you have will be like that, but in a world where so much communication is happening digitally and is lacking context and emotion–text, email, d/m, zoom, etc…, people are seeking the kind of authentic connection that happens in real life, in-person settings.  Whether that’s meeting with a client or vendor, hosting an event, or attending a conference with thousands of other real estate professionals, prioritize these opportunities to get in the room with your clients, contacts, and peers.   

4. Fall in love with the pursuit of excellence.  A unique sound, songs that span generations, an unforgettable guitar lick that instantly evokes emotion (ie. intro to Where the Streets Have No Name).  If there is one constant about U2, it is that they are in a continual pursuit of transformation, activism, and evolution–pushing boundaries and not allowing success tame their desire to make an impact.

   You won’t stand out by doing what everyone else does.  Resist the temptation to fall victim to trends or cheap/fast solutions.  Strive for timelessness in your work.  You may not be a songwriter, but your business can be authentically, unapologetically you.  Lead with your values, your expertise, and your differentiators.  Isn’t that why you chose to become an entrepreneur anyway?  So stop following what everyone else is doing and build a business that knows what it stands for and confidently rocks it.

5. Deliver an experience that exceeds expectations.  What is the greatest superpower a band like U2 can have?  When performing to a crowd of 17,000 people, they can make each person feel as if they are singing and playing just for you.  They focus on creating a connection with their audience.  These legendary rock stars realize what every attendee has spent and sacrificed to get a ticket to their show, and they return in gratitude a stellar performance at the highest level with a personable guided tour through a thoughtfully curated catalog of music.  

   Set the bar high for the experience you intend to create for your clients.  Follow through, deliver on promises, and remember that buying and selling property is an emotional and uncomfortable process for most people.  The way you treat them and how you guide them can make all the difference for them and in your business. 

6. Take care of yourself. Incredible endurance and energy is required to perform at this level instrumentally and vocally.  These rock stars must honor their temples to maintain the strength and stamina needed to keep up with the demands of live shows.  

   A typical day in the life of most real estate agents is physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting.  Some days you may feel like you’ve performed for 3 hours on stage.  So take care of yourself.  Eat well, exercise to maintain your health and manage stress.  As an entrepreneur, you have the power to control your schedule, so carve out time every day to do things that will energize you and foster creativity and mental clarity.  Your business will thank you for it. 
   

7. Support causes you believe in.  From their early success, U2 has consistently supported charitable groups and causes working to make the world a better place. They've worked with dozens of organizations including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Chernobyl Children's Project, Music Rising ONE, (RED), and many others.

   Being involved with local charitable organizations and giving back are important ways to contribute to your community, and doing so can also bring you a deeper sense of fulfillment in your day-to-day life. Find an organization that has meaning for you and explore ways to give back through volunteering, donating, fundraising, or serving on a board or committee.

8. Teachers have the power to change the world.  The young members of the band U2, which at the time was called Feedback, held their early rehearsals in their music teacher Colin McKenzie’s classroom.  In a recent interview with the Irish Independent, he recalled, “U2 used to practice in my classroom in school. We had a room off the classroom and they used to store their instruments there. That was when they were in school of course, in the seventies. They were dedicated, they were very dedicated and worked hard at their music, and had great confidence in themselves. They were kind of intelligent guys, they just got on with it and did what they needed to do.”

   If it weren’t for the generosity and support of a teacher like McKenzie, we may not have the decades of music, profound cultural impact, activism, and body of work from U2.  

   Our teachers are shaping our future generations and influencing what they seek to create, explore, and invent.  This is your reminder to support your local schools and show gratitude to the teachers of your community and those who have inspired you.  

What are your favorite U2 songs? Reach out to us at [email protected].

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/fingal/colin-is-new-ika-chairman/38335158.html

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