Houston is a Very Enjoyable City to Live In

One of the most interesting things about what I do, is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.  We recently assisted Simon Collingwood, originally from the U.K., in finding a home in Houston in connection with his relocation here.  Shortly after he and his family moved into their new Houston home, I had a chance meeting with Simon at a BABC (British American Business Council) event.  It’s always fun to hear the initial impressions that people have about Houston.  I asked Simon if he would share a few of his thoughts with me that I could include on my blog.  He graciously agreed!  Here are the highlights from our conversation…

What was the reason for your move to Houston?

“I work for a British government organization called UK Trade & Investment.  We have 3 objectives: 1) to provide services that support British companies to develop their business in the U.S.; 2) to support U.K.  companies so they can build their companies internationally, and we strongly believe that U.S. companies ought to be building their business internationally by landing in the U.K.; 3) to sell the U.K., and to make sure people know that the U.K. is a special partner for the U.S. across a range of fronts, especially focused on the commercial aspect. I am here because we have been taking a hard look at how we approach our work in the U.S.  and we see a lot of opportunity in the southern parts of the U.S.  This is where the job growth is, the economic growth and the strong focus on the business environment.  We are engaging with the local biz community.”  He said that his job is to lead 3 teams:  one based in Houston, one based in Miami and one based in Atlanta.  “We are part of the fabric of the British Consulate and the broader communities we operate within.”

How long have you been with UK Trade & Investment?

“I have been in Houston for 4 weeks, and was based in NY for 3 years prior to this.”   He said that they have grown the Houston team and the team in Atlanta, which is all about increasing the efforts they have in the southern U.S.  “We support over 3,000 British companies each year, and last year we helped 190 U.S. companies to grow their biz in the U.K.”

When you first arrived, what was the most challenging thing for you and/or your family?

Jokingly, he replied, “The heat.”  He said that while the heat is a challenge, it’s actually quite enjoyable. “It’s nice seeing blue skies everyday or most days anyway.  The challenge though, whenever you move anywhere with a family is that you have to resettle into a new community.  That’s one of the great things that Houston has going for it though. We have found it a very friendly place.  A colleague of mine said just the other day that there is a presumption among Houston society that you will be friends, that you will get on, that you will do biz together; you may not have worked it out quite yet, but you will do over the weeks or months ahead.”  This is always so nice to hear as people move to Houston.  The common impression of Houston always seems to be about what a friendly city it is.

What do you like best about living in Houston?

“I like the new job, the new challenge, and the fact that I am doing something new for myself personally.  Professionally, this is a great opportunity.  I’m getting out and meeting some fantastic companies, and some great individuals who are doing some extraordinary things, whether they are large corporations or small or medium sized enterprises or start-up companies.”

What has been the biggest adjustment for you and your family?

“The biggest adjustment has been in moving from an apartment to a house.  We’ve got  more space and don’t know how to fill all of those square feet and empty walls.  Getting used to driving has been a bit of an adjustment.  We didn’t need a car previously, but in Houston  we’ve gone from zero cars to two cars.”  He added though that he likes that he can still walk to restaurants from where they live.

How does housing in Houston compare to other cities you have lived?

He told me that they had moved from a doorman building in New York and living on a fairly high floor.  “Here in Houston we have a house, which is larger.  We also have a garage, and a small garden.  I have never lived anywhere so large.  It feels luxurious!”

Where else have you lived prior to your move to Houston?

“I am originally from  Manchester.  I have also lived in London, Sydney,  and Beijing.”

Do you see your move as more of an opportunity or an adventure?  Why?

“It’s an opportunity and an adventure; it’s both.  It’s an opportunity for me to do a new type of job.  My role is to be very outward focused. I’m here to meet people, engage with them and connect with them in some way.  I’m here to tell them about the U.K., and for U.K. companies and U.S. companies to help them out and introduce them to potential business opportunities.”

What would be a good take-away for someone meeting you?

“I would want people to walk away thinking that the U.K. is a great place: active, innovative, engaging with firm roots in the past.  I would also hope people will see  that the British government is very active in trying to support businesses to grow.  We are a very pro-business government.  The U.K. is “Open for Business.”  Whether or not they are a U.K. company or a U.S. company, the U.K. Trade & Investment is an organization that can support them, whether through investing in the U.K. or through growing their business here.  We are an organization that has extraordinarily good links in the business communities on both side of the pond and internationally and we are an organization that can support them.”

How is your organization using social media, and how has it impacted your ability to stay connected with friends and family back home?

“We are using social media.  Like others we are learning, finding our way.  We are certainly putting messages out there.  We have twitter feeds from various locations to let people know what we are doing, and we have various LinkedIn profiles. Facebook is something we have toyed with.  It’s not a platform that we have been particularly active on as an organization.  For me personally Facebook  is about having an umbilical cord  to friends and family in the U.K.”

What advice would you offer to other Expats moving to Houston?

“The British government moves people around all over the world all of the time, whether they are ambassadors, diplomats, consultants, or whatever it might be.  You would expect that there would be a huge amount of people out there who were facilitating that, and this is true to a point.  But at the same time, there is a need to engage with organizations that can deliver specific services.  And that’s what we did with you guys, and it was a very positive experience.  We went out with Sharon, and we saw lots of houses, and all of them blew us away in a different way.  They were all absolutely fantastic houses, and all absolutely on-message and to the script of what we wanted.  The one we got, because of your assistance, was one that we really liked and we knew when we walked in was a serious contender, and here we are a few weeks later living there.”

Do you see yourself staying in Houston long term?

“The one constant is change, so I really don’t know where I will be.  Houston so far has been very welcoming and we are having a great time living here.  We are really enjoying our evenings and weekends.  We are looking to get out of Houston a bit more and are going to see Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans.  This is the adventure part of it.  We now have an opportunity to see a different part of the U.S.  From what we have seen so far, Houston is a very enjoyable city to live in.”

In Houston
Houston Relocation
Real Estate
Relocation
Socal Media

Reflections on Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference

Wondering where I have been?  All over the place!  In mid-May I was in Las Vegas for the Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference, followed by a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!  While vacations are rare for me, what is even more rare is for me to take one without so much as a laptop.  On this particular occasion though, a work-free zone had been established.  But, what I want to focus on today, is the Worldwide ERC Conference.

And what a Conference it was!  I have attended many WERC Conferences over the years, including 5 of the last 5, and I have to say that this one was by far the best one I have ever attended.  Why, you ask?  For starters, there seemed to be an indescribable, indisputable energy surrounding the Conference.  The chatter was lively and the networking was incredible!  I also thought that the educational sessions were great and the speakers exceptional. 

Technology and social media also played a big part in the Conference.  There was a live Twitter board that allowed attendees to view the live tweets going on throughout the Conference.  As an avid tweeter, I really loved taking part in this!

One of the big changes that has occurred as a benefit to members has to do with the administering of the GMS (Global Mobility Specialist) Program, which I attended on the 2 days leading up to the Conference.  This program is divided into 3 separate Modules, the first of which was only available on-line, while Modules 2 & 3 were conducted in a live classroom setting.  The fact that Module 1 was only available on-line was a switch to the traditional way the Program has been structured, with all 3 Modules taken in a classroom setting.  Soon all 3 Modules will be available on-line, making it easier for relocation industry professionals to take the Modules toward receiving their GMS Designation.  For more information on the GMS Designation, please visit:  GMS Information

As Worldwide ERC continues to evolve through the dynamic leadership of CEO Peggy Smith and the actions taken by the Board, members and conference attendees continue to be amazed.  As promised by Peggy when she took over the position a year ago, Worldwide ERC has really been listening to its members and rolling out new initiatives and benefits that were echoed throughout the conference.  Everyone I spoke with remarked about the renewed energy level and cross-the-board improvements being made by the organization.

I am already looking forward to the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, which will be held in Denver in October.  See you there!

In Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Designation
Houston Relocation
Socal Media
Technology
Worldwide ERC

Upcoming Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference

If it seems like I just returned from Vegas for a relocation trip, you are right.  I was just there for 6 days in March for the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio Conferences.  And tomorrow, I head back to Vegas for more.  This time it is for the Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference.  It is sure to be a jam-packed, fun-filled 5 days.

It all kicks off with the Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Training Program.  This program consists of 3 Modules, the first of which I was able to take on-line prior to the Conference.  Once I have completed all 3 Modules and taken the comprehensive exam, I will have earned my GMS designation.  This designation will signify that I am specialized in the field of global workforce mobility and that I am committed to ongoing education to grow my expertise.  Having assisted many international assignees over the past 11 years, I understand the importance of the GMS education and look forward to enhancing my knowledge in this area.

Due to an overlapping of scheduled events, I will unfortunately not be able to attend the RDC (Relocation Directors Council) Conference this time.  I will, however, be attending the RDC Dinner, and look forward to catching up with my many Relocation Director buddies at that time, and throughout the week.

I am also excited to be presenting for the first time at the Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference.  I will be presenting at a session entitled, “Social Media Lab – BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop).”  This should be a very fun and informative hands-on session on social media marketing.  It will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 1:45, so I hope you can make it if you are attending the Conference.

Last, but not least, I have also been nominated for the 2010 Editorial Achievement Award, for my contributions to MOBILITY magazine, the monthly publication of Worldwide ERC.  The winner will be announced during the awards luncheon at the WERC Conference.  I wish that I could say that it’s an honor just to be nominated, but who am I kidding…I am in it to win it!  Please wish me luck.

So, there you have it…I have an exciting week coming up, and I am sure to tweet and blog my way through the week.  To follow me, please be sure and click on the links below.

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In Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Designation
Houston Relocation
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
Luxury Portfolio
Relocation Directors Council (RDC)
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Houston “Relo Guru” Michelle Sandlin Speaks at WCR Luncheon

First of all, let me apologize for my absence during the month of April.  I have a good reason though…I have been absolutely swamped with Houston Relocation business!  It has just been booming, as people continue to move to Houston, both as a result of their job situations and through choice.  While I normally do most of my writing and blogging at night anyway, the off hours over the past several weeks have also been spent working, catching up on emails, reviewing BMAs and preparing for presentations.

Most recently, I was invited to be the featured speaker at the Women Council of Realtors Houston Chapter’s Business Resource Meeting.  The topic, of course, was Relocation.  My invitation to speak came from one of our agents, Margo Cunningham, who is also an Executive Officer for the WCR Houston Chapter and serves as Treasurer.

My presentation was entitled, “An Overview of the Relocation Industry as it Relates to Real Estate.”  The purpose of my presentation was to provide a little background on the relocation industry, discuss best practices and the importance of having a well-trained “Relocation Team” of agents, share my insight on current trends, and answer audience questions.  It was nice to have several people in attendance who were somewhat familiar with relocation and the nuances associated with real estate transactions involving relocation companies.  As I have said many times, relocation business is not meant to be handled by agents who are new to the business or have not had the proper training and experience necessary and required by relocation companies.

I concluded my presentation with a brief discussion regarding the effectiveness of Social Media Marketing as it relates to what I do for my company, our branding, and new business development opportunities.  WCR Houston Chapter President Tiffany Curry said, “We chose Michelle because of her ability to combine technology with her extensive experience in real estate, relocation, marketing and knack for business development.”

I have to say that perhaps the coolest part of being the featured speaker at the WCR Houston Chapter Meeting, was all of the buzz and publicity on the Internet in advance of the meeting. WCR did an excellent job at promoting the event, and I was very pleased when I stumbled upon the announcement, which read: 

“Join us for our exciting April Business Meeting with Houston ‘Relo Guru’ Michelle Sandlin, Director of Global Relocation Services for John Daugherty Realtors.” 

I love being called “Relo Guru,” which is my nickname around the office.  It started just after I joined John Daugherty Realtors, when a couple of the agents started referring to me as “Relo Guru.”  Then, one day, our Marketing Department made it official, and created this sign which proudly hangs just outside the door to my office.

As always, I look forward to sharing more with you on my experiences within the relocation industry!

In Global Relocation Services
Houston Relocation
Relocation Training
Socal Media

1st Time Corporate Attendees Can Attend Worldwide ERC’s Conference for Free

Worldwide ERC is doing it AGAIN!  That’s right, they have a special introductory offer for first-time Corporate HR Attendees…they can attend the upcoming National Relocation Conference in Las Vegas for FREE!  That’s right, free!  To be eligible, you must be both: a Corporate/HR representative and a first-time National Relocation Conference attendee who is responsible for workforce mobility for your organization’s own employees and not involved in marketing, consulting, or any other commercial aspect of providing services related to workforce mobility for any organization.  If you meet these criteria, all you have to do is click on the link below to register.  Please be sure and enter the Promo Code:  NRCCORP11
Register for Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference

This proved to be a very successful program at Worldwide ERC’s Global Relocation Conference in Seattle this past fall.  Please help promote this special offer among your regional relocation groups and organizations, and to your eligible corporate clients.

In Houston Relocation
Socal Media
Worldwide ERC