Advice for AI and business planning: Just start

I was the opening speaker at the Compass Luxury Summit in Santa Barbara this week, with more than 375 in attendance. Most everyone stayed in their chairs for the duration of 4+ hours of amazing programming planned by Nick Belardo and Parker Beatty.

My message was about 2026 business planning, and it was inspired by digital media posts by Brian Solis and Tom Ferry. I consider both friends and thought leaders in their respective roles — Brian, a digital anthropologist, and Tom, the real estate industry’s most prolific coach.

Best AI Advice: Start Now

Brian’s message is simple and futuristic: AI adoption will transform leaders and professionals, and the gap between peak performance and “the rest” will widen significantly in 2026. Tom’s business is about leadership, planning, and execution with precision. His clients revere his motivation and programs.

Both agree that you will not improve your performance if you do not “start now.”

Earlier this month they both posted powerful messages – Just Start! If you don’t engage with AI and you don’t shape and execute a 2026 business plan now, you will be fuel for others to outperform you!

The intersection of AI technology and day-to-day business is skyrocketing. It’s real! Think about these two legends’ posts colliding in the same few days. Get involved – Just Start!

Follow them both on social media. Buy Brian’s book Mindshift. I am always inspired by these two thought leaders. Why? They inspire me to step out of my comfort zone – simple to say, tougher to “walk the walk.”

Do you want to be the professional that separates from the rest – good to great – or the fuel for the AI rocket ride and exceptional execution?  

This is Where We Are Now!

Thanks!
Mark