As with many individuals in the multifamily industry, I too started out "on site" as a leasing consultant. In those days just having a "friendly, outgoing  personality"  seemed to be the key to being successful. Listening to the customers and helping them with their housing concerns was an easy task and career advancements were sometimes more "being in the right place at the right time" than actual promotions. The  "natural career path" seemed to move through to the next level as Assistant Manager and then on to Community Manager.  It was either "survival of the fittest with the ability to learn on your own", or "have the good fortune of working for a company who actually believed in education" that allowed you to thrive. 

But in this age of massive competition and marketing information overload, being "friendly or outgoing" is only a fraction of the skills needed to work in our highly competitive world today. You must make a difference for your very existence in any company.  Performance records, global reputation, and a positive attitude of doing whatever it takes to get the job done right within the boundaries of still being morally and ethically sound, will skyrocket your career to whatever heights you choose.   

So the question that is posed is this, "Can a good sales consultant have the skills necessary to become a good property manager?" I personally have lived through a plethora of job titles and responsibilities over my career life time, but I have realized that there ARE certain aspects of your abilities that DO have significant impact on your career opportunities and advancements.

Let's compare some of those skills and characteristics needed to be an effective sales consultant with those leadership qualities of a great property manager to determine the answer.

1. Business Minded - "Ownership mentality" on every decision made

2. Self Motivated - Not waiting for others to inspire you into action

3. Results Oriented - Having the ability to achieve your given directives

4. Organized - Keeping things in a systematic order for yourself & others

5. Passion - Having that "inner drive" for accomplishment & loyalty

6. Trust- Accepting responsibility & accountability for your own actions

7. Dedication - Follow through until the job is completed

8. Good Communicator - Articulating& listening well with others 

So it seems that your skills determine the answer of your ability to advance to another position, and not necessarily just the "80's version" of the property management corporate ladder. The old, outdated versions of  those "job descriptions" are now being replaced with today's savvy skill levels to handle today's customer demands and companies' "real world" business challenges to meet owner's and investor's expectations.

Legendary Green Bay Packers football coach, Vince Lombardi once said, “You’re only as good as your last game. You have to start all over each game proving your worth and talent.” And so it is in any business. All the awards and educational degrees are only a history of “past successes”. It's what you do NOW and TOMORROW that are the real tests of your career path no matter what your position to add value to your organization. 

Here is a thought....If you re-wrote your resume today to include ONLY those accomplishments you have achieved within the past 12 months, could you still command the same or better position, respect, and salary you have today? In other words have you helped achieve your company's goals and mission by making or saving the company "time, energy (efficiency) or money". If you have, there will always be a position for you in any company. In other words, would you hire you?

However, if you haven't continued to plan, grow, get outside your comfort zone, stretch your abilities, and educate yourself each year, your tenure will NOT allow you to be considered for your next career move or even to "keep you in the game", because….

“The Only Job Security You Have Is To Be More Talented Tomorrow Than You Are Today!”