For the last 5+ years my services and personal brand focus have been heavily focused in the real estate investing space.
It has proven to be a valuable and enjoyable journey and I have learnt a ton about a whole new area of business.
It has even helped me with our own short-term rental.
Unless you have been on another planet or not read a headline in the last 12-24 months you probably know that real estate has taken a hit. The downturn has affected my clients and meant some changes and pivots in my business too.
I think that goes the same for other small businesses and solopreneurs.
We might not technically be in a recession, but it’s tough out there for many of you.
I was on a call with a new prospective real estate investing client the other day and we were talking about the first signs of some green shoots. If there is a further rate reduction later this month that green shoot might grow a little more.
But as this investor said – any project still needs to pencil.
A project that pencils is one that makes financial sense, plain and simple.
You can read a fuller description related to real estate development and the pencil principle in a New York Times article here – Does It Pencil?
This principle does not only apply to real estate of course.
When we say “Does it pencil?” we’re asking if all the data, projections, and expenses can boil down to a single number that tells us whether it’s worth doing.
But here’s the thing—pencilling isn’t just about being profitable.
It’s about being sustainable, scalable, and something you can confidently stand behind for the long haul.
If it pencils, it’s more than just a quick buck.
A project that pencils is a no-brainer.
As you look at your own business or one that employs you, or your personal brand, applying the pencil principle is still a good benchmark to have.
When you’re ready here is how I can help you; Work with me and my team on defining and growing your personal brand and building your business. Let’s set up an initial call to get to know each other and discuss what that might look like – contact me here