Sir Bob Geldof will be putting aside his charity hat and stepping onto the AREC main stage in 2010 to address the region’s largest real estate professional development event: the Australasian Real Estate Conference.
The Boomtown Rats front-man isn’t who you would expect to be addressing the 2,000-odd professional industry delegates. But when you consider he’s one of the world’s most successful selfmade men and has organised possibly the biggest fundraising events of all time (Live Aid was viewed by an estimated 400 million people across 60 countries and raised approximately $US283.6 million), you must concede that he knows a thing or two about business. “I hope to give AREC delegates clarity of vision around achieving their dream,” Sir Bob said.
“I will be speaking about how identifying priorities, setting a clear path and objectives, and embracing commitment can dramatically impact the course of your life and business.” Over the years, Sir Bob has created a number of innovative businesses. In the early 90s, he started a production company that pioneered breakfast TV in the UK. When he had problems booking a family holiday over the internet, he founded an online travel agency. Another business he co-founded is today the UK’s leading independent producer of factual content for TV, online and print – now also supplying to Asia.
“My life has been a series of interconnecting crossroads all leading to different opportunities and experiences. When I wanted to assist in overcoming some of the problems of the famine in 1984 I thought I would just raise some money from a record, give it to Red Cross or someone and move on. I had no idea it would become an international phenomenon.” Success is like that; with a total commitment, anything can be achieved. The same goes for real estate. Sir Bob isn’t the only big name that will be speaking at AREC10. The impressive new program includes Edward De Bono, creator of the term ‘lateral thinking’; the Lifestyle Channel’s Andrew Winter; and from the US, groundbreaking communicator Erik Wahl and expert on real estate technology, Matthew Ferrara. “Our line-up of entrepreneurs will present their secrets to success, and provide new ways of doing business that are innovative and effective,” says Leanne Howard, General Manager of Total Real Estate Training, organiser of AREC. “AREC’s winning formula is world-class, international speakers giving the big picture view on achieving business success, mixed with local real estate industry identities showing us how it can be done domestically.”
AREC favourite, super agent Rick DeLuca, will also be returning to deliver all new ground-breaking material: tools that enabled him to become one of the top agents in the US. His session will demonstrate the same practical and systematic approach to selling that enables him to work smarter, rather than harder. From Australia, success stories such as John McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, McGrath Estate Agents (NSW) and Sophie Lyon, General Manager of Property Management, Philip Webb (Vic) will be presenting.
“The aim is for AREC10 delegates to come away well-equipped with readyto- implement resources designed to help them maximise their businesses immediately.” A ‘one stop training solution’, AREC covers all sales, property management and leadership training needs under one umbrella. Delegates range from hot-shot up-and-comers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to more seasoned country agents across Australia and New Zealand. Around 2,000 are expected to pour through the Convention Centre gates - no other real estate event in the world attracts such a large percentage of the total industry population. This year’s focus will be on fresh perspectives and innovation with the theme ‘2010: New Decade New Direction’ (a welcome addition following the gloom and doom of the financial crisis). New sales techniques, modern relationship management and technology will be presented as the model for real estate success. Over the event’s three days, speakers will share their knowledge on innovative business strategies and tools to embrace the next decade.
Creative thinking genius Edward de Bono and businessman-artist Erik Wahl will stretch delegates' imaginations on what can be achieved with their business. Harnessing the power of new media tools will be addressed by Matthew Ferrara, known in the US as ‘the best technology instructor in real estate’. Combining his talents as a presenter and his ‘coal face’ real estate knowledge, MC Andrew Winter will skilfully guide the audience through the packed itinerary. AREC10 sessions will also revisit essentials across the fundamental skills of prospecting, listing and negotiating. Day One will feature general business topics and focus on techniques to increase capital through social networking. Day Two features dedicated programs for sales agents and property management. The AREC10 Leadership Day (Day Three), is geared towards principals, sales managers, business unit managers and anyone who leads a team, with fresh ideas on how to boost business and build a team culture. “With the right knowledge and enough energy, everyone has the ability to make a positive difference in business, their family or communities. AREC is just a forum to assist people in realising their potential,” Sir Bob concluded.
For more information on AREC or to book, please visit www.tret.com.au/arec or phone 1800 335 336.