Leslie Cohen, CREW Boston

Boston is a booming market ripe with opportunities for people in almost every profession, at every career level. The U.S. is now in its 66^th month of continuous economic growth. The Boston skyline speaks for itself. We are back to counting the cranes sprinkled throughout the city as we are driving in and out each day, evidence of the real estate market continuing to thrive and prosper. Even the seemingly continuous “rush hour” traffic is somewhat welcome, when considering it an indication of a population at work, lower gas prices, and more flexibility in working hours. Jobs abound; once again, advertisements for everything from “entrepreneur” to “courier” are everywhere. Capable, motivated and creative people are in high demand.

For some of us, this economy is a return to the great times we’ve known in real estate in this city. For others, it’s all they’ve known. As one of those who has seen the good times and bad, I am struck by the difference in attitude, tone, outlook, and acceptance of risk.

How can we make the most of the opportunities this market presents? In many ways, what we have to offer at CREW Boston is a great way to start, and to continue to expand on “hay making” in this sunny market.

Network: The best opportunities continue to come from within one’s network of contacts, connections, peers and colleagues. CREW Boston is an excellent vehicle for continuing to nurture and grow your network, constantly positioning favorably when an opportunity is presented.

Learn: Continuous education, knowledge of current events, understanding of trends and consideration of opposing opinions prepares you for new opportunities. The only way to do this is to keep your eyes open for educational moments and making them a part of your daily routine. CREW Boston is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.

Mentor: Establishing mentor/mentee and supporting relationships is critical to success and advancement. These supporters can provide outstanding insights, challenges, and encouragement when needed the most. CREW Boston has a great formal and informal mentoring program and culture. With this market, businesses are focused more on opportunity and less on survival, making it a great time to ask for help and support from others.

Participate and Take the Lead: The best (perhaps the only) way to benefit is to get involved. CREW Boston has so many wonderful programs, speakers, networking, and volunteering experiences to offer. Likewise, it’s a great environment in which to hone your leadership skills by taking a risk and joining a committee where you can really contribute. Get known, get involved, and be inspired by our dynamic membership to look for new and exciting opportunities to evolve, or for you to create.

As CREW Boston president, I’m here to share my experiences in making the most of opportunities, and to help you to make the most of yours, and the most of your membership in CREW Boston. I look forward to meeting and engaging with each of you to maximize our unique and enriching benefits to CREW Boston full participation.

Cheers to a new season and to new opportunities for each of us.

To learn more about CREW Boston and upcoming events visit www.crewboston.org or follow us on Twitter @CREWBoston.

Leslie Cohen, principal, executive vice president of development at Samuels & Associates, is the 2015-2016 president of CREW Boston, Boston, Mass.