Keller Center Research Report text

The Center's team of faculty, staff, and graduate assistants engage with academics and consultants from around the globe to highlight the latest research in the areas of marketing and sales, management, technology & ethics, among others, with implications for today's real estate professionals.

Recent Stories

INSIDER: Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork

Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy’s book, Who Not How, details the benefits of expanding your horizons through teamwork. The fundamental idea posed in the book is a mentality shift from “How can I accomplish this?” to “Who can help me achieve this?” The authors encourage readers to find the Whos—those who can accomplish what you need more effectively than you can on your own. 

INSIDER: Surrounded by Idiots

Human behavior is complex and often difficult to understand, but unique combinations of environment and heredity produce the billions of unique personalities around the world. In his book, Surrounded by Idiots, Thomas Erikson takes his own approach toward the challenge of categorizing four “colors” of human behavior, offering insights on improving communication and interpersonal interactions among the diverse color combinations of human behavior.

Precision Paradox: The Complex Reality of Targeting

Targeting specific audience segments has emerged as an important practice in online advertising strategies. For advertisers, the primary appeal of online ads is their capacity to target users based on characteristics such as user demographics and online behavior. Recent research supports the notion that targeted ads are more effective, with product users more likely to click. However, as advertisers increasingly pursue targeting, one fundamental question looms—who to target? 

The Influence of Sales Role Focus on Turnover Intention

Salesforce turnover is a major challenge for organizations that leads to increased organizational costs. In this research, we examine if there is a connection between a salesperson’s role focus—whether attracting new sales and new customers (hunting) or maintaining and developing existing business (farming)—salesperson career aspirations, and salesperson turnover intention.

Shaping Remote Sales Team Wellbeing and Success through Ethical Leadership

Remote work requires supervisor and subordinate interactions to occur via technology, and as a result, there is uncertainty regarding how companies can foster ethical values and work environments when interactions are virtual. Our research aimed to investigate the impact of remote supervision on ethical sales leadership and employee outcomes. Specifically, we sought to understand the extent to which ethical sales leadership can be perceived when supervised remotely. 

To Luxe or Not to Luxe: How Salesperson Luxury Choices Impact Consumer Perceptions

Consumers have a unique lens through which they view the world based on their experiences and values. When it comes to luxury goods, perceptions are complex. Luxury goods are not just items—they represent a person’s identity and status.  This is also applicable as a salesperson; you want to look your best and be presentable, but wearing or displaying luxury branded items may negatively impact your business, especially when selling non-luxury items. 

INSIDER: Hidden Potential – The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Adam Grant's Hidden Potential shatters the myth that some people are naturally destined for success. Grant uses fascinating research and compelling stories to show how individuals consistently underestimate their own potential for improvement. This isn't just feel-good advice; he gives actionable tools to unlock hidden abilities and help others do the same.  

INSIDER: 10x is Easier Than 2x

While navigating business, one may find it easy to settle into a steady routine of slow growth. Steadily increasing the quantity of your leads or work hours may seem like a good way to improve results. After all, working harder must always lead to better results, right? Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of 10x is Easier Than 2x with Dan Sullivan, posits that this is actually the exact opposite of what is going to tap into your greatest potential.