If you want to succeed in today’s competitive business world, you have to stay sharp and market your skills to competitive.

This was the advice given by Mr. William “Trey” Freeman, Managing Director of AIG Global and President of AIG Korean Real Estate Development during a Platinum Lecture at SolBridge in May.

Trained as an urban planner, Freeman knows all too well about the importance of being able to market yourself in the competitive world of real estate development.

“You must market yourself,” Freeman said. “I have to be networking to stay sharp and market my skills to be competitive.”

As a real estate developer, Freeman must be a jack of all trades when it comes to the different hats that he has to wear.

“I am nothing more than an orchestra conductor to execute a project from financing to recruiting vendors and workers,” he said.

Moreover, one must be well versed in many different areas. One has to be good at negotiating, understanding location demographics, as well as dealing with construction management.

Much of Freeman’s success can be attributed to a set of principles which he shared with students and faculty.

“Lead by example,” he said. “We all have to set an example ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself.”

He also suggested that one needs to create a place for creativity security, where people can prosper and enjoy themselves provide a comfortable environment. Although the company comes first, Freeman said that it’s important to always treat people the way you want to be treated.

He also took time out to mention the recent news that SolBridge had received AACSB accreditation and want it means to students.

“You are going to have a lot options to you because of the AACSB accreditation,” he said.

Freeman also believes that one should have a balanced life. Working late at night, he said, is not efficient.

“You must have a life outside of work,” he said.

Some of his other principles and advice for being successful these days, include, but are not limited to:

• You should do one or two things and do them better than anything else
• Compassion is important important for people to find their own way and take ownership of it
• Instill hope and give direction
• Maintain a broad vision
• You are going to have to learn at all times you need to learn and relearn
• Lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant and successful
• If you're not having fun, why do it?
• Be positive always very important to get a mentor
• Never burn bridges

Finally, Freeman offered one piece of advice that is extremely important if one is to succeed.

“Find your niche,” he said. “Understand what it is that you want to do and go out in the world and do it.”