RDC membership crucial for Houston relocation leaders
Relocation Directors Council (RDC) recently held its fall conference in Chicago, which was attended by several members from the Houston market.
RDC has long been considered the most valuable organization for relocation directors, as it allows them to network, share best practices, and work together to always raise the bar in the services that they provide to their clients.
Here’s what some of those local leaders had to say about the organization, and why membership is so important for the work that they do for their relocation clients in Houston.
Kirsten Abney, senior vice president of Heritage Texas Properties:
“RDC is a collection of the best of the best of relocation directors. It represents quality, integrity and expertise among its members.
“Participating in RDC allows our team to gain insights on best practices in all aspects of relocation, so that we continue to improve the service, innovation and value we provide to our clients. Our clients want to work with brokers that continue to innovate and create value for them.
“We have returned with many great ideas, but number one for me is the quote: ‘the inches we need to succeed are everywhere around us.’ Inches make feet, and feet make yards, so every little inch ultimately adds up to success. So, RDC members have the opportunity to contribute ideas and solutions that help us all succeed.”
Anne Incorvia, executive vice president of John Daugherty, Realtors:
“Being a member of RDC is vital to our company. It allows us to be in a think tank environment, explore valuable insights, and keeps us knowledgeable on the changes and trends impacting our clients. I’ve been a member since 2000, and have found the conferences to be crucial in staying abreast of the many ever-changing facets and complexities in our real estate industry.
“I presented on ‘Strategies for Business Development,’ which allowed me to share best practices for servicing clients, developing creative solutions for mobility, and how to best communicate the value of a company’s services. The information shared through RDC conferences gives us insight into various real estate markets globally, as well as the newest technology tools available, so that we can better serve our clients here in Houston.”
Mary Piper, director of relocation and operations for Bernstein Realty:
“RDC membership is important for our company, as this is the only organization that has the wealth of knowledge and experience, that is specific to the role that relocation directors have. In doing our jobs, we don’t always have the ability to see how we can do things better and more efficiently with new technologies that help us stay progressive.
“At RDC conferences, we share ideas and receive a huge amount of input from relocation management companies and corporate leaders. Hearing from them helps us to better understand their needs and expectations, as we experience market changes and the changing needs of the client.
“Continual training at all levels within our company is paramount. New rules and policies need to be clearly understood by everyone as they are implemented.”
Patricia Pollard, executive manager, relocation client relations for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene:
“The willingness of members to share innovative approaches among all members, helps members achieve better results. RDC members are dedicated to delivering total business solutions, which enables them to sustain a competitive advantage.
“The overarching theme of RDC was the importance of the customer experience. We have to find ways to constantly enhance the relocation experience from the point of authorization forward, by listening to each transferees’ needs and developing a personalized strategy to help them accomplish their home sale and home finding goals.
“RDC is the one place where relocation directors and managers can get support and collaboration from others who have walked in their shoes. Each conference provides a wealth of new ideas, education, and positive reinforcements for members to take back to their staff and relocation teams.”
Debbie Schreppel, relocation director for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties:
“RDC has always set the standard of excellence for real estate relocation professionals. As a first-time attendee, I was awed by the vast amount of relocation knowledge, experience, and leadership talent present at the event. The involvement and leadership from our Houston market was also quite evident. As a member of RDC, I bring to our company, my department and our relocation clients, a trusted source of information specific to relocation and best practices that define who we are and our success.
“I have a sense of pride in my new membership, and a renewed confidence that people with great passion can make the impossible happen. It also gave me a sense of thankfulness for the leadership of my company, who support my passion for relocation.”
Michelle Sandlin is an award-winning writer, journalist and global mobility industry expert. Her work is frequently featured in Worldwide ERC’s Mobility magazine, and in various business and industry related publications and corporate blogs. Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook. com/TheMichelleSandlin and on Twitter: @ MichelleSandlin. Also visit “On the Move” at blog. chron.com/onthemove.