Fri
Job Search 3.0
Posted by Marlow Harris under Real Estate
[7] Comments
Why do I get the feeling that this and this are just sort of expanded online resume’s?
They read like someone getting their ducks in a row for the next employment opportunity.
Since they’ve brought in barely $3M this year from real estate sales, they’ve still got some dough left, but not much. As intimated in the remarks, they may run out of money soon.
But these essays and guest posts scattered across the internet are providing a framework for another position in some high-tech firm. By carefully laying everything out for all to see, one can write ones own history while moving through the process, and create an online resource perfect for the head-hunter looking for a new CEO.
HR can easily see that the business plans were sound. Real estate was just the wrong product, unmanagable and high-touch instead of high-tech. The CEO will not make that kind of mistake again.
And if the business flounders, one will be inculpable and have no blame, as the business plan and theories were faultless, laid out for all to see in their transparent glory. Fault will lay with the entrenched real estate industrial complex or the NAR monopoly or because the idea was ahead of its time or there were unforseen circumstances in the marketplace or fill-in-the-blank.
The best politicians parlay their connections into enviable positions of authority as captains of industry when the time comes that they’re no longer in office. CEO’s and lesser executives will do the same.
7 Responses to “ Job Search 3.0 ”
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[...] Glenn Kelman wonders a little too self-revealing about the hype motivating serial entrepreneurs. Guy Kawasaki jumps to exactly the wrong conclusion, asserting that VC funds are wasted if a start-up’s founders have conquered their acne. And Marlow Harris wonders if the whole thing is simply Kelman campaigning for his next job. [...]
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[...] Marlow Harris ponders if Glenn Kelman (Redfin CEO) is planning his exit strategy. [...]
You were there, Inman Connect July 2007. When Mr K and Lennox Scott faced off together on stage I sensed Mr K tipped his hand that he knew his company wasn’t going to survive. I may be wrong but it was weird how I felt sorry for him.
“Fault will lay with the entrenched real estate industrial complex or the NAR monopoly”
Nope, its the consumer’s fault. He just wasn’t smart enough to know how good he could have had it.
I could probably disintermediate the service department at the car dealer, too. I’m somewhat mechanical. I could diagnose the problem, order the parts online, hire a sufficient technician to install said parts, and save a bunch of money.
However, that need arises every 18-24 months. I have neither the time nor the inclination to do such a thing.
I guess I’m just not smart enough to know how good I have it.
The emperor has no clothes — sooner or later, someone is bound to notice. Many have, but others need to use the display just awhile longer so they cover their eyes and exploit away.
Hi Marlow,
It’s hard to know when you’re gossiping about Redfin if you refuse to mention us by name! And not to complain, but I feel obligated to say that your estimate of Redfin’s 2007 revenues is low by several million dollars.
To answer your question, I feel very lucky to work at Redfin. Though I had a career prior to Redfin, my work here is probably the best job I will ever have. I have no plans to leave, and no one who works at Redfin has any concerns about my commitment to the business.
I also enjoy writing, though I don’t think it qualifies me for any position in high technology for which I would be likely to apply. When published in technology or real estate forums, I emphasize my role at Redfin to increase Redfin’s exposure. Part of my job is to be a spokesperson for the company.
I have been candid about the possibility of Redfin’s failure not because we are failing but because it is always possible that we could, and because the constant boosterism of people like me would be otherwise irritating. If Redfin some day fails, it will be my fault, not yours or anyone else’s.
That said, Redfin has in 2007 performed better than we expected, and we continue to be very optimistic about our prospects. Our revenues have grown 500% year over year, our customers are very happy, our traffic is increasing every month. Wish us well!
And happy holidays to all the real estate folks who read this blog!
Thanks, Glenn. I should have been more specific, as I think it’s about $3M in Seattle.
And, yeah, Happy Holidays!