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When it comes to investing, commercial real estate is a topic that often piques the interest of seasoned investors and novices alike. So, what exactly is commercial real estate investment, and why is it significant in finance and business?
Definition At its core, commercial real estate (CRE) encompasses properties designed and used for business purposes rather than residential or industrial use. This category includes office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, malls, and warehouses. Unlike residential properties, which focus on housing individuals and families, commercial properties generate income through leasing space to businesses or individuals.
Benefits One of the primary advantages of investing in commercial real estate is the potential for substantial returns on investment. Rental income from commercial properties can be significantly higher than residential properties due to the businesses’ ability to generate higher revenue. Additionally, commercial leases are often more extended, providing a stable income source for investors over an extended period.
Diversity is another critical benefit of commercial real estate investment. Unlike investing in a single-family home, commercial properties often house multiple businesses, reducing the risk of relying on a single tenant. This diversification spreads the risk and enhances the stability of the investment.
Types of Commercial Real Estate Investors interested in commercial real estate should know the different types of properties in this category. Office spaces, for instance, are designed for businesses, offering a range of options from small individual offices to entire office buildings tailored for more giant corporations. On the other hand, retail spaces include shopping centers and standalone stores catering to businesses looking to sell products or services directly to consumers.
Hotels and hospitality properties are also part of the commercial real estate landscape. These properties can vary widely, including luxury resorts, budget motels, and everything in between. The profitability of hotel investments often depends on the location, quality of service, and the overall health of the tourism industry in the area.
Industrial properties, such as warehouses and distribution centers, are crucial in the age of e-commerce. With the rise of online shopping, the demand for well-located, efficient storage and distribution spaces has skyrocketed, making industrial real estate a lucrative investment option.
Commercial real estate investment involves purchasing and managing properties used for business purposes. With the potential for high returns, stable income, and diversification opportunities, it’s no wonder why investors are drawn to this sector. Understanding the different types of commercial properties and their unique advantages is essential for making informed investment decisions in this dynamic and rewarding field. via Adam Berman Attorney | Real Estate https://ift.tt/3IE6cYw
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By Patrick Erwin
One of my favorite books on leadership is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. In it, Sinek reminds us that purpose inspires action. When there is no joy in the impact that you are making, or perhaps you just forgot about it, then passion for work is easily lost. However, we often make the grave mistake of merely quoting the title when leading people. ‘Why’ is a great place to start, but no ‘why’ is powerful enough to overcome a bad ‘what,’ ‘how,’ or ‘with whom.’
I’ve been an educator my whole life. I remember one particularly contentious faculty meeting where many of us complained about policies that made our jobs harder. The response? Our leader suggested that we all needed to simply “Remember our why.” No one around me in those times had forgotten their why—we were all there for students. “Why” wasn’t the source of our struggles. It was ‘how’ we were being led and ‘what’ things we were being asked to do that seemed to take away from our ‘why.’
When you work in an industry like education, which has a very clear ‘why’ built right in, being reminded about it only goes so far. Do we need to revisit our why now and again? Absolutely. However, is ‘remember your why’ a remedy for all that we dislike in our work? Absolutely not. We should start with why, but we cannot end there.
The Struggle Beyond ‘Why’ In July 2023, the organization “We Are Teachers” published anarticle listing 18 alarming research statistics on the state of education. The ones that stood out to me the most were:
Given those statistics, the response ‘remember your why’ feels tone-deaf. What we have to remember as leaders (in education and otherwise) is that ‘Why’ might get you in the door, but it’s not enough to keep you there. After defining your ‘Why’, turn your attention to:
Answering the above questions will go a long way toward combatting the issues in those previous statistics.
What do we do about it? There is a solution to the ills above, and it may surprise you. The solution is to lean into school culture. People want a voice and choice! “We Are Teachers” also published a wonderful article on school culture that you should readhere. In it, they list some excellent ‘remedies’ that can get us past ‘why’:
Remedy #1: Remember that teachers are highly qualified professionals. Over half of American teachers have master’s degrees, and nearly all have undergone at least four years of university training. They must also complete coursework to renew their teaching certificates regularly. However, we still regularly undermine teachers’ expertise by standardizing the curriculum, creating more tests, and emphasizing standard teacher evaluations.
Try it out: Remove any unnecessary barriers to them doing their best work.
Remedy #2: Give teachers a choice in professional development opportunities. The greatest gift I was given as a teacher was the ability to choose my own professional development (PD). We were encouraged to seek opportunities to learn from experts in our profession. Too often, PD opportunities aren’t personalized or applicable to our classes and waste valuable time.
Try it out: Give teachers a choice in what they want to learn and from whom.
Remedy #3: Utilize coaching strategies in teacher evaluations. Coaching assumes the person they are with has the skills and knowledge (and desire) to fix whatever needs it. They use questions to help the person reach the conclusions themselves. When evaluations become interrogations in which we have to defend ourselves, growth cannot occur.
Try it out: Make evaluations two-way conversations.
Remedy #4: Provide leadership opportunities for teachers. This is one thing that always bothered me about teaching. It seemed like the only way to be a leader was to become an administrator. What opportunities do teachers have to learn leadership skills, teach leadership skills to their students, and lead their peers?
Try it out: Find ways for teachers to lead.
A Great Resource for Leadership and Culture As a teacher, I was lucky to find a great resource to develop my leadership and the leadership of those I was leading (students and adults). That resource is called Habitudes®. Habitudes are images that help ground leadership concepts in easy-to-understand pictures and metaphors. Habitudes® is beneficial because it is easy to use, fosters connections, and works with all age groups. These images can be transformative in your school, giving everyone an interesting, engaging ‘what’ and ‘how’ to accompany that all-powerful ‘why.’
The post Advice for School Leaders: Start With Why. But Don’t End There. appeared first on Growing Leaders. via Growing Leaders https://ift.tt/Ob2x5i0 In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the concepts of ethics and sustainability have become increasingly pivotal. Responsible entrepreneurship goes beyond profit margins; it is committed to ethical conduct and sustainable practices. Let’s delve into why business ethics and sustainability are the cornerstones of responsible entrepreneurship and how they contribute to long-term success.
Ethical conduct is the foundation upon which trust and credibility are built. Entrepreneurs who prioritize ethics in their business dealings establish strong, lasting relationships with customers, partners, and employees. Upholding honesty, integrity, and fairness in all transactions fosters a positive reputation, attracting loyal customers and investors. Ethical businesses are more likely to weather challenges and crises as their stakeholders have confidence in their commitment to doing the right thing.
Sustainability in business encompasses environmental, social, and economic considerations. Entrepreneurs embracing sustainability focus on minimizing their ecological footprint, supporting their communities, and ensuring long-term profitability. Sustainable practices include reducing waste, conserving resources, adopting renewable energy sources, and engaging in philanthropic initiatives. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses contribute to environmental conservation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, gaining a competitive advantage.
A business’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets. Ethical behavior and sustainability initiatives bolster brand reputation significantly. Consumers are increasingly conscientious about the companies they support, preferring those that align with their values. A positive reputation for ethical conduct and sustainable practices attracts customers and enhances employee morale, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.
Adhering to ethical standards and sustainable practices ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Many countries have stringent regulations related to environmental impact, labor practices, and business ethics. Entrepreneurs prioritizing ethics and sustainability are well-positioned to meet these requirements, avoiding legal troubles and potential penalties.
Businesses built on ethical foundations and sustainable practices are more resilient in economic downturns and market fluctuations. By fostering solid relationships with stakeholders, implementing responsible procedures, and contributing positively to their communities, these businesses establish a solid foundation that helps them navigate challenges.
Responsible entrepreneurship grounded in business ethics and sustainability is a moral obligation and a strategic imperative. Entrepreneurs embracing these principles create businesses that are both financially successful and socially and environmentally responsible. via Adam Berman Attorney | Business & Development https://ift.tt/ejgfUr8 
By Tim Elmore
I once mentored a student named Rick who could have been voted by his classmates: The Least Likely to Become a Leader. He was unassuming, never assertive, quiet, and even introverted. In fact, I scared him the first time I suggested he should lead a group of peers. When he balked, I knew I needed to step back, slow down, and encourage him through a stage-by-stage process.
Rick’s story has been multiplied thousands of times over my career. In fact, I’ve given my life to the task of nurturing young people into leadership. I’ve tried to help kids see themselves as a leader, an influencer who commits to solving problems and serving people. Once they realize that leadership is less about a position and more about a disposition, the light bulb goes on.
So, what are the fundamentals to make this happen?
The Essential Ingredients When we bake a chocolate cake, we know there are essential ingredients that make the recipe work. For that matter, baking or cooking anything tasty is not random. There are fundamental ingredients that must be added to reach a flavorful outcome. Similarly, when I see leaders cultivating healthy, young leaders out of students, there are four ingredients that always go into the recipe. I see four elements in the process that I call The Big IDEA.
The Big IDEA I — Instruction Leaders must provide verbal insights and explanations through discussion. This furnishes teams with insights into both the “why” as well as the “what.” This interaction can happen in classrooms or anywhere with a goal of guiding their discovery process. We use images, metaphors, and memorable phrases (Habitudes®) that summarize concepts. People need conversations.
D — Demonstration Leaders must find ways to model what the insight looks like in real life. This furnishes students with confidence and vision. This example can be as simple as watching someone—in person or on video—practicing the concept they must learn. It is an important element because people do what people see. It’s caught as well as taught. People need observation.
E — Experience Leaders must turn teens loose to practice the insight on their own, to apply the knowledge. This builds skills and abilities. I believe learning isn’t complete until they have executed tasks for themselves. This process ensures that theory becomes practice. If students lack experience today, it’s often because we fear they won’t execute it perfectly. We must push past that fear and let them practice. People need application.
A — Assessment Leaders must take time to debrief and evaluate the learning outcomes with teens. This furnishes them with wisdom and perspective. I don’t believe experience is the best teacher; I believe experience plus evaluation is the best teacher. We must take time to assess what happened so that people gain helpful insight from their practice. They need evaluation.
If Rick could talk to you, he would affirm that this process was what helped him move from an ordinary student to a growing leader.
When I moved from San Diego, Rick not only had led study groups for years, but he was also leading all of the study group leaders. He had multiplied his influence. Through repetition, he recognized he was pretty good at solving problems and serving people. The fact is, leadership matters and it matters disproportionately.
Let’s go build a new generation of leaders.
If this topic energizes you, check out our digital resource: Habitudes for Building Student Leaders.
The post Four Ideas to Cultivate Young Leaders appeared first on Growing Leaders. via Growing Leaders https://ift.tt/DkGs8oS Investing in commercial real estate can be lucrative, but finding the right deal is crucial for success. Identifying great deals in the commercial real estate market requires a keen eye, thorough research, and a strategic approach. Here are some essential tips to help you identify and seize great deals in commercial real estate.
Identifying great deals in commercial real estate demands a combination of market knowledge, financial analysis, and networking skills. By focusing on prime locations, conducting thorough research, assessing the property’s condition, and seeking professional guidance, you can identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities in the commercial real estate market. Remember, a well-informed investment decision today can pave the way for substantial returns in the future.
via Adam Berman Attorney | Real Estate https://ift.tt/AtdBzcr 
By Tim Elmore
Back in 2006, musician John Mayer released a song for millions of twenty-first century young adults. It was called, “Waiting on the World to Change.”
While the tempo is upbeat and cheerful, the lyrics represent a melancholy, even despondent mood. They express a powerlessness to make any difference; that the power lies with “the man.” So, our job, Mayer notes, is to wait for the needed change. Instead of taking charge of our lives, we’re encouraged to just wait for external change to happen.
This may explain the cynical, even jaded, mood of millions from Generation Z.
A Shift in Culture Over the last sixty years, young people have slowly drifted toward this mindset. Research psychologist, Dr. Julian Rotter, created a scale to measure whether graduates were entering their careers with an external or internal locus of control. Here’s what he measured:
Interestingly, nine years into his research, Dr. Rotter discovered that those who maintain an internal locus of control become measurably more successful in life. They take better care of their health and fitness, their marriage and family, their job and career. It makes sense. If we believe our success is up to us, we take ownership of our behavior and attitude. This is good news. The bad news, however, is sobering. Since Julian Rotter first administered these evaluations in 1954, students have shifted toward an external locus of control. They’re looking outward to someone else to ensure their success—mom, dad, employer, counselor, or coach.
We can only assume why this might be. Perhaps students are scared or uncertain about life. It might be that they’re simply overwhelmed. Maybe they think no one is really in control. This, however, leads to feeling like someone else owes you.
Are We Benchwarmers? Consider this: We approach life either as players in the game or substitutes on the bench. Athletes feel something completely different based on whether they are in the competition or on the bench during a tough game. From the bench, you can yell and scream, stand up, or squeeze a towel in your hands, but that’s it. You can’t directly impact the outcome when you’re not actually playing. It’s only when you’re in the game, playing, that you feel different.
The key shifts we must help students make to return to an internal locus of control are:
They must stop looking at externals that may go wrong. That’s not in their control. Life will give us lemons, as they say. Where students must focus is how they perceive it all, concentrating on their responses to the lemons, not the lemons themselves. That’s in their control. Once they nail their perception of life, maintaining a “control the controllable” mindset, life gets better.
Next, they must act in response to that internal mindset.
Arthur Brooks, one of my favorite authors, recently released a book called Build the Life You Want. In it, he tells the story of his mother-in-law who, at age 93, was one of the happiest people he’d ever known. Her name was Alpina, and she lived in her room alone, impoverished, and dying after a long life. But she was happy. The reason? Somehow, at age 45, “she stopped waiting for the world to change and took control of her life.”
How Do We Do This? First, Alpina began to look for decisions in her life where once there were only impositions. For example, Alpina once felt she was stuck in a bad job at a pitiful company. Then she awakened to the fact that she’d been CEO all along. She couldn’t snap her fingers and all would be perfect, but she had power over her own life wherever it was, embracing an internal locus of control.
Second, she took action based on that realization. She switched from wishing others were different to working on the one person she could control: herself. The choices she made, not her feelings at the time, led her to transform less productive emotions into positive ones like humor, gratitude, hope, and compassion. Happiness was not a chase but a choice.
Third, managing herself freed Alpina to focus on the foundations on which she could construct a much better life: her family, her friendships, her work, and her faith. Instead of numbing the pain anyone can feel inside, these types of people think and act differently. Oprah Winfrey calls them the “people who have every reason to be unhappy and yet are not.” They’re the “lemonade-making, silver-linings-finding, bright-side-looking, glass-half-fullers.”
This completely removes the chore of waiting for the world to change.
Want a resource that highlights how kids can change their worlds? Growing Leaders and Maxwell Publishing launched a collection of stories called I Can’t Wait: 52 Stories of Kids Who Changed Their World…That You Can Discuss Together. These short stories make up 52 chapters, one a week for an entire year. They’re perfect for class time, dinnertime, or bedtime. They include discussion questions and a link to a video about the young person in that chapter. To be honest, I can’t wait to put this book in your hands to better launch conversations at dinnertime, bedtime, or in the classroom. They will engage and inspire the kids near you. This could be a great gift during the holidays. To learn more about this amazing resource, visit icantwaitbook.com.
The post Teaching Students to Stop Waiting for the World to Change appeared first on Growing Leaders. via Growing Leaders https://ift.tt/OWGTtou In the ever-evolving business landscape, effective leadership is not just a quality; it’s an art form. Successful leaders inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward shared goals, fostering an environment of growth and innovation. Mastering the art of business leadership requires a blend of skills, strategies, and a deep understanding of human dynamics. Here are some key strategies to help you become a successful business leader.
Effective leaders set the tone for their teams. They create a culture of accountability and excellence by demonstrating the qualities and work ethic they expect from their employees. Leading by example instills team members’ confidence, trust, and respect.
Clear and transparent communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership. Leaders should be adept at articulating their vision, goals, and expectations. They should also be active listeners, valuing the perspectives and ideas of their team members. Open communication channels foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and build a cohesive, motivated team.
Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and those of others, is highly valued in effective leaders. Empathy, self-awareness, and social skills enable leaders to connect with their team members deeper, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Leaders who understand and respond appropriately to the emotions of their team can inspire loyalty and boost morale.
Great leaders encourage innovation by fostering a culture that embraces creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. They empower their teams to take calculated risks, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures. Nurturing innovation leads to continuous improvement and keeps the organization ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Investing in the development of your team members not only enhances their skills but also strengthens the organization as a whole. Influential leaders identify the strengths and potential of their team members and provide opportunities for growth and learning. Empowering employees to take on challenges and make decisions instills a sense of ownership and accountability, driving individual and collective success.
The business world is dynamic and unpredictable. Successful leaders are adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. They embrace change, continuously learn, and lead their teams through transitions with confidence and optimism. Resilient leaders inspire their teams to overcome obstacles, fostering a culture of perseverance and determination.
Mastering the art of business leadership requires a combination of interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Through these strategies, business leaders can inspire their teams, navigate challenges, and drive the organization toward sustainable success. via Adam Berman Attorney | Business & Development https://ift.tt/ClxvtMA As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the real estate landscape is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving consumer preferences. Understanding these trends is pivotal for investors, developers, and homeowners alike. Here’s a glimpse into real estate’s future and the trends shaping the market.
Technological advancements continue to revolutionize the real estate industry. Technology enhances efficiency and transparency, from virtual reality property tours to blockchain-based transactions. Smart home features powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to control and automate various aspects of their homes. Additionally, artificial intelligence is employed for predictive analytics, aiding in property valuation and investment decisions.
Environmental consciousness is steering the real estate market towards sustainability. Both commercial and residential properties are incorporating eco-friendly designs and features. Green roofs, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels are becoming standard inclusions. Moreover, sustainable buildings reduce environmental impact and lower operating costs, making them economically attractive for investors and tenants alike.
The rise of remote work is reshaping the demand for office spaces. Companies are increasingly adopting flexible work policies, increasing demand for co-working spaces and flexible office arrangements. This trend is altering the commercial real estate landscape and impacting residential preferences. Homebuyers seek properties with dedicated home office spaces and reliable high-speed internet connections.
Urbanization continues to drive real estate trends. Cities are witnessing a resurgence, with people preferring the convenience of urban living. Combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, mixed-use developments are gaining popularity. These developments offer a self-contained lifestyle where residents can live, work, and socialize within the same community. This trend fosters community and reduces the need for extensive commuting.
Demographic changes influence real estate dynamics, including an aging population and millennials entering the housing market. The older generation seeks accessible and age-friendly housing options, while millennials seek affordable, urban residences close to amenities and public transportation. Developers and investors are adapting to these needs, driving the construction of diverse housing options.
The future of real estate is dynamic and multifaceted. Technological integration, sustainability, flexible workspaces, urbanization, and demographic shifts are pivotal factors shaping the market. Adapting to these trends and staying ahead of the curve is essential for industry professionals and homeowners alike. Embracing innovation and sustainable practices will not only define the real estate landscape of tomorrow but also create more inclusive, eco-conscious, and convenient living and working environments for everyone. via Adam Berman Attorney | Real Estate https://ift.tt/1GHhWaJ 
By Andrew McPeak
One of the challenges of our role today as educators is that we often assume that the elderly are the most vulnerable population to online hoaxes, fake news, and scammers. However, this is, quite ironically, a bit of misinformation (or “Fake News”).
In fall 2021, a teacher named Amanda Gardner, who had two decades of experience, began what she thought would be another normal teaching role at a brand new charter elementary and middle school outside of Seattle, Washington. Instead of having plenty of time to talk to her students about her subject, she reported having to address various conspiracy theories her students were bringing to the classroom. Her middle school-aged students were denying “that the Holocaust happened, arguing that COVID is a hoax, and told their teacher that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.”
Where did they get these ideas? Online, of course.
“Children, it turns out, are ripe targets for fake news.” A September 2021 report in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that “Age 14 is when kids often start believing in unproven conspiratorial ideas.” This is about the age when kids are exposed to high levels of information, but their minds are not yet developed enough to recognize what sources they can trust and cannot trust. You can see why this is such a big problem.
As the world continues to move more and more digital, we are going to be putting our young into more and more compromising situations. Many of them aren’t ready for their new role as full participants in digital spaces. So, how do we get them ready?
The Three Biggest Needs of Today’s Digital Citizens Just like we learned about eye contact, how to give a great handshake, and how to make polite small talk when we were growing up, today’s students need skills that will help them thrive in their online interactions. So, let’s talk about the three most important skills students need to become effective digital citizens.
Skill #1: Identity (Self-Awareness) When someone is insecure and lacking self-awareness, they feel vulnerable or inferior in some way. When someone is emotionally secure, it means they are stable emotionally — even in the face of challenging, confusing, or conflicting situations. We can only respond in a stable way if we are “grounded.”
In much the same way that an electrical circuit is “grounded” when it has a connection back to the earth, young people cannot thrive in the volatile world of social media without an external force on which they can ground their identities. The longer their identities go ungrounded, the more damage they can cause.
A student’s identity is made up of a few aspects of who they are: Values, Passions, Strengths, Personality, History, Purpose.
My question for you: Can your students articulate who they are in each of these categories?
Skill #2: Critical Thinking This one is pretty obvious. Students need to be able to engage critically with the digital world so they do not succumb to fake news, scams, emotional manipulation, or even anti-social ideas. In her book, Digital & Media Literacy in the Age of the Internet, author Mary Beth Hertz discusses the practical skills students need to think critically while engaging with content on the internet. Hertz offers five “Key Questions” students (and all of us) can ask as we are engaging with content on the internet to determine the truthfulness and helpfulness of information:
Teach your students to ask these questions critically of what they see on the web and critical thinking will be a natural result.
Skill #3: Impulse Control
My question for you: How well do your students control their impulses? What could you do to help them realize where they are reacting rather than reflecting?
The post Three Skills Students Need to Become Digital Citizens appeared first on Growing Leaders. via Growing Leaders https://ift.tt/H8nZjxX Expanding your business operations is a significant milestone but requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and execution. Whether you’re a small startup or an established company, a well-thought-out expansion strategy is essential for sustainable growth. Here are some effective methods to consider when expanding your business operations.
In-depth market research is the foundation of any successful expansion. Understand your target audience, their needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior. Analyze market trends, competition, and regulatory factors in the regions you plan to expand to. A comprehensive understanding of the market landscape will guide your decisions and help you effectively tailor your offerings to meet local demands.
Franchising or licensing your business model can be a viable expansion strategy. This approach allows other entrepreneurs to replicate your business model in different locations. Franchisees or licensees invest in and operate their businesses under your brand while you provide support, guidelines, and quality control standards. This method expands your business reach and shares the risks and responsibilities with franchisees.
Expanding your business online is a powerful strategy in today’s digital age. Enhance your online presence through a user-friendly website, engaging social media platforms, and e-commerce capabilities. Selling products or services online broadens your customer base and provides valuable data for customer behavior analysis, helping you make informed decisions.
Forming strategic partnerships or joint ventures with established businesses in your target market can accelerate your expansion efforts. Partnering with local companies with a strong presence and customer base can provide instant access to potential customers. Collaborative ventures also share resources, expertise, and risks, making the expansion process more efficient and cost-effective.
Consider diversifying your product or service offerings to appeal to a broader audience. Conduct market research to identify complementary products or services that align with your brand and expertise. Diversification attracts new customers and enhances customer loyalty as your business becomes a one-stop solution for various needs.
Investing in skilled professionals and robust infrastructure is essential to support your business expansion. Hiring experienced staff, expanding your production capabilities, and upgrading technological infrastructure enable you to meet increased demand efficiently. Adequate training and resources empower your team to consistently deliver high-quality products or services.
Expanding your business operations is a strategic endeavor that demands careful analysis, planning, and execution. With the right approach, expanding your business operations can increase revenue, brand recognition, and long-term success. via Adam Berman Attorney | Business & Development https://ift.tt/X4iL3zU |
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