In the last article, we talked about the need for organizations to identify who they really are and to develop a business model. Again, Focus Forward sees this as an important component of an organization’s survival strategy in a rapidly shifting world. Too often, Realtor associations are unclear about who they are and what they do. They adopt mission statements that sound a lot like every other Realtor organization, containing phrases like ‘protect private property rights’ and ‘high ethical standards’. A clear mission statement should be memorable and compelling,... [Read more]

Here are four questions that matter to most leaders in the real estate industry right now. Thanks to everyone for your interest and positive feedback about EMMS or Effective MLS Market Solutions.   The program is designed to help Association and MLS Execs and leadership answer 4 questions that matter: 1.  How can we reduce our operating expenses by working together? 2.  How well do our current services meet our customers’ business needs? 3.  How do our services compare with others in our market and across the country? 4.  What should we do to help our brokers... [Read more]

Brian Larson and Kevin McQueen are very excited to introduce a new program. We call it Effective MLS Market Solutions or EMMS for short. EMMS The Effective MLS Market Solutions program will help MLS organizations by providing them with objective market analysis and identifying options for them to deliver more effective services to their brokers.  At the conclusion of the EMMS program, you’ll meet with our independent consultants and receive an MLS Market Report laying out the results. This is a fresh new approach to addressing the challenges that many MLSs and their... [Read more]

If you are involved in MLS decision-making, I highly recommend that you take a few minutes to read the paper written by my friend Mike Audet, WAV Group.  Read More →

In November, Kevin McQueen, President of Focus Forward became one 12 professional advisors or “coaches” retained by NAR to assist a similar number of local and state REALTOR Associations with their winning proposals or “Game Changer Initiatives”. Kevin was fortunate to be assigned to work with the good people in Montana who are leaders of the Montana Association of REALTORS®. As a result  of their  Game Changer Initiative, the 4,100 members of the Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) will be more informed and involved in issues that matter... [Read more]