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What is a reference check for tenants?
A reference check for tenants involves contacting individuals named by the prospective tenant typically a previous landlord, employer, or personal referee to verify the tenant's reliability, financial responsibility, and general conduct.
Who to Contact
- Previous landlord: Best source for rental conduct, payment history, and property care.
- Employer/HR: Confirms employment status, designation, and income stability.
- Personal referee: Character reference but less informative for rental suitability.
Questions to Ask a Previous Landlord
- Did the tenant pay rent on time?
- Was the property returned in good condition?
- Did the tenant cause any disputes?
- Would you rent to them again?
Reference checks are an underused but highly effective tool for tenant screening in India. A 10-minute phone call to a previous landlord can reveal payment behaviour and property care habits more accurately than any document. Making reference checks a standard part of tenant selection significantly reduces the risk of rental disputes.
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A letter from Albert Einstein in 2024 to young Albert
Dear Young Albert, I hope this letter finds you well, filled with the same curiosity and wonder that has always driven you. As I reflect on the world today, I can't help but think about how much has changed since my time, especially in the realm of communal living which might seem quite intriguing to you. You see, much like the principles of relativity that I delved into in my time, co-living operates on the idea of interconnectedness. Just as I discovered that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion, co-living emphasizes the equality and inclusivity of all residents. Regardless of background or circumstance, everyone contributes to and benefits from the community space. These co-living spaces foster a sense of belonging and support that is invaluable, especially in today's fast-paced world. Just as I contemplated the effects of gravity on the motion of celestial bodies, consider the "community gravity" within a co-living space — the connections and relationships that draw residents together, enriching their lives in ways they never thought possible. Moreover, in these co-living spaces, one finds a beautiful confluence of diversity. Each resident brings their own unique perspective, skills, and passions to the table. Just as I theorized that the curvature of spacetime depends on the distribution of mass and energy, the social "space" within a co-living community is shaped by the collective presence of its members. This diversity creates an environment ripe for collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. Young Albert, Technology has altered Co-living manifold enabling students and young professionals discover, access and live in shared spaces at a touch of their fingertips. We individuals, each with their unique stories, come together to create a community unlike any other. It's not just about sharing physical space; it's about sharing ideas, dreams, and aspirations. So, my dear young Albert, as I continue to explore the wonders of the universe co-living has given me an opportunity to connect with likeminded others, to learn from them, and to grow together. Remember that just as the universe is vast and ever-expanding, so too are the opportunities for meaningful connections and shared experiences in the world around you. With warm regards, Your Future Self
PropTech Pulse Editorial
15th March 2024
Technology and Innovation
Evolution of Customer Relationship Management tools
‘‘The purpose of a business is to create and keep a customer’’, Peter Drucker, a famous writer, and management consultant said prolifically. The realm of CRM scope covers customer discovery, interactions, service, care, retention, and loyalty. The term Customer Relationship Management (CRM) was coined in the early 1970s when management at business units realized it would be better to be customer emphatic rather than product emphatic. Customer relationship management tools has evolved gradually from Rolodex’s of 1950s to Generative AI in 2020. What started as a record-keeping tool gradually evolved into digital documentation, sales automation, enterprise resource planning, social marketing, to the present age hyper personalised automated communication form. 1956 - First CRM Gadget - Rolodex In 1956s, Danish engineer Hildaur Neilsen, chief engineer of Zephyr American invented Rolodex, a card index system used to store customer contact information. It was a desk gadget that stacked and stored business cards and index cards that people could spin and flip through. Digital Rolodex, Tele sales and advent of computers The 1980s saw an evolution in sales, marketing and customer retention tactics with the advent of digitisation. Tools such as direct mail, brochures, and product catalogues being sent to a database of customers to get them to buy something were prevalently used in the 1980s. Database marketing and digital Rolodex came to the fore. The late 1980s saw the advent of telesales for customer communication. Computers were also accessible for enterprises and became a means of storing information about customers. In 1987, the software programme ACT (Activity Control Technology) was created by Mike Sullivan and Mitch Muhney, officially known as the first CRM software. This was essentially a digital Rolodex that allowed storage and management of the entire customer lifecycle information on the software. With its usage of Customer Relationship Management software, Act! demonstrated the advantages of scalable software that utilized consumer information to help a firm better manage its connections. 1990 - Sales Automation and progression into CRM systems By 1990s, one saw a progression of database management into customer lifecycle management and sales force workflow automation. Tools like enterprise resource planning, and marketing were added to the software’s contact management functions. This was the emergence first CRM systems. Tom Siebel, founder of Sieble Systems, coined the term CRM (Customer Relationship Software) for the first time. The post-introduction of the same CRM took off exponentially, with other companies also providing CRM solutions. Siebel Systems was later acquired by Oracle for over USD 5 billion in 2005. Late 1900s - First Mobile CRM, SaaS business model and Salesforce Inc. Post invention of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices, tasks, emails, and calendar management became mobile. It allowed sales individuals to access customer data from central databases on the go, which proved to be a game changer as one didn’t have to be on the desk to work out these tasks. Salesforce.com was launched in 1999 and offered a new business model, offering software services as subscriptions (SaaS), wherein the upfront implementation cost, effort, and maintenance would be taken care of by Salesforce. 2000 - Cloud based CRM, Open-Source CRM and Social CRM In 2007, internet boom and cloud storage led to the advent and proliferation of Cloud-based CRM. With the increased internet adoption, Salesforce’s subscription model became popular as it could be scaled up very quickly. Open-source software also came to the fore, with the most prominent one being Sugar CRM, invented by computer scientists and ex-IBM and Hewlett-Packard employees Clint Oram, John Roberts, and Jacob Taylor. With the increased proliferation, and exponential growth of social media platforms, CRMs were combined with social media tools to offer SCRM. 2010 - Artificial Intelligence and CRM Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the CRM space substantially with automation and intelligence. AI can be used for lead scoring, identifying customer needs, and providing recommendations. With enormous data being generated across every consumer by way of their digital footprint, CRM with AI and data analytics makes it simple to extrapolate consumer behaviour and requirements in real-time. 2020 and Now - Generative AI Generative AI is a subset of AI but unique in its ability to learn from underlying patterns to create new data that mirrors the training data set. The power of creation has a multifold impact across industries, and consumer communication is only to benefit from this capability. Managing customer interactions with Gen AI has the potential to enable a better connection between brands and customers. This however requires creative ability to engage customers and ability to execute to deliver better performance results and employee experiences. A combination of Gen AI and CRM can impact functional domains of marketing, sales, commerce, service and customer success. The true potential of Gen AI can be unlocked best when used in combination with predictive AI, voice to text, experience management and workflow optimisation. The CRM journey has reached an interesting point with AI, and the future looks promising for this space. The Total Addressable Market is set to grow to USD 290 billion by 2026. Salesforce Inc, an early mover, and a global market leader grew 10x in revenue in a decade. In 2013, its revenue stood at USD 3.1 billion which stands at USD 34 billion in FY 2022. CRM, which started as a simple Rolodex, has evolved into a complex system laced with artificial intelligence that helps organisations manage customer data and engage them with it in a self-assisted automated format, bringing huge implications for cost, efficiency, and the experience of consumer communication. As we advance further into the coming decades, CRM software systems will become more intelligent, integrated and intuitive with powerful AI capabilities, greater emphasis on self-service, enhanced experience for customers, hyper-personalisation, integrated API networks and ecosystems, and a single source of truth for businesses. Peter Drucker will be smiling in his grave looking at the advancement in this space.
PropTech Pulse Editorial
12th April 2024
AI Agent
AI Agents vs Traditional AI: Which Powers Your Business Best?
Navigating the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) means more than just adopting new technology—it requires a deep understanding of how different AI paradigms shape outcomes for your business. Two primary approaches dominate the landscape: traditional AI systems and modern AI agents. Knowing how each works, their strengths, and their limitations will help you make the right choice to drive growth and competitiveness. What Sets AI Agents Apart? AI agents are autonomous, intelligent systems capable of interacting with their surroundings, collecting information, and executing tasks to achieve specific goals. They don’t need constant human direction; instead, they learn from experiences, adapt to new circumstances, and make informed decisions on their own. For example, in a contact center, an AI agent can independently converse with customers, draw answers from internal documents, resolve queries, and escalate issues only when necessary. Types of AI Agents Simple Reflex Agents: Rely on fixed rules to respond to particular conditions—think basic fraud detection algorithms. Model-Based Reflex Agents: Maintain an internal model to incorporate past states in decision-making, good for adaptive inventory tracking. Goal-Based Agents: Evaluate various strategies to meet objectives, used in robotics or advanced language processing. Utility-Based Agents: Use complex reasoning to select outcomes with the highest value, such as optimizing travel bookings for fastest routes. Learning Agents: Improve continuously, adjusting behaviors based on new input and feedback. Hierarchical Agents: Organize groups of agents in tiers, allowing scalable decomposition of complex jobs. Decoding Traditional AI Systems Traditional AI—sometimes known as rule-based or symbolic AI—solves well-defined problems using explicit rules and logic. These systems excel in structured environments with clear objectives, and typically require significant manual updates when conditions change. Key Features of Traditional AI Rule-Based Systems: Implement “if-then” rules for tasks; common in basic decision support. Decision Trees: Use branching structures for sorting or classification tasks. Supervised Learning Models: Pattern recognition within a narrow, predefined scope. Symbolic Reasoning Engines: Manipulate symbolic logic, ideal for knowledge representation. Deterministic Algorithms: Perform consistently but rigidly with set data and instructions. Single-Turn Interactions: Lack context or memory across sessions. No Initiative or Autonomy: Actions require explicit prompts and do not independently initiate or plan. Comparing AI Agents and Traditional AI: Core Differences Aspect Traditional AI Systems AI Agents Decision Logic Fixed rules, flowcharts Context-aware, neural networks Adaptability manual updates needed Self-optimization/learning Data Handling Structured datasets Processes unstructured data Autonomy Needs explicit prompts Independent, goal-driven behavior Learning No ongoing improvement Continuous improvement Error Response Predictable failures Dynamic recovery/reasoning paths Use Cases Simple, routine tasks Strategic, adaptive applications Where Each Shines: Real-World Examples Industry Traditional AI Use Cases AI Agent Use Cases Customer Service Rule-based chatbots, sentiment analysis Conversational support agents, adaptive assistants Healthcare Medical imaging, risk scoring Diagnostic and medication agents, virtual health aides Finance Credit scoring, rule-based fraud detection Adaptive risk/fraud detection, AI advisors, compliance agents Manufacturing Predictive maintenance, quality control Real-time production and supply chain agents Education Automated grading, content suggestions Adaptive tutors, engagement monitors Transportation Route optimization, traffic analysis Self-driving, dynamic navigation agents Retail Recommendations, inventory management Shopping assistants, autonomous stock ordering How to Decide: Which Is Right for Your Business? Complex, Ever-Changing Needs: Choose AI agents if your business processes are dynamic, involve various data types, and demand real-time adaptation. They're ideal for logistics, customer engagement, and anything requiring nuanced judgment. Structured, Predictable Workflow: Opt for traditional AI where reliability and repeatability are crucial, such as payroll or standard inventory management. Scalability & Flexibility: AI agents can handle a broader set of tasks and adapt without manual updates, supporting seamless growth. User Experience: AI agents enable natural language conversations, making processes intuitive and highly personalized. Compliance & Risk: Traditional AI offers greater predictability and explainability, which is ideal for regulated industries. AI agents may require new oversight strategies due to their autonomous nature. Cost Efficiency: Automating complex workflows with AI agents can cut long-term costs, while the simplicity of traditional AI is suited for well-scoped jobs with limited need for adaptation. Why Embrace AI Agents Now? Independent Decision-Making: AI agents remove operational bottlenecks and enable 24/7 responsiveness. Contextual Learning: They keep evolving with your business, fine-tuning actions as situations change. Cost Savings: Automate and optimize multi-step workflows, freeing up human resources for strategic tasks. Superior User Experience: Proactively personalize and perfect customer interactions. Seamless Scale: Rapidly roll out solutions throughout your organization. Built-in Innovation: With continuous learning, AI agents accelerate the pace of business evolution. Transformative AI Solutions Tailored for You Ready to move your business forward? Modern, AI-powered chatbots and intelligent agents—like those offered by Nurix AI—offer: 24/7 Support: Never miss a customer query. Personalized Interactions: Learn from data for tailored solutions. Easy Integration: Fit into your banking, CRM, or compliance systems smoothly. Robust Security: Industry-leading encryption and regulatory compliance. Relentless Improvement: Always learning, always getting better. Cost Control: Automate routine matters and let your people tackle the toughest jobs. Adopting adaptable AI agents positions your company to excel in an unpredictable world—unlocking growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes next.
PropTech Pulse Editorial
25th May 2025
Digital Transformation
A letter from Albert Einstein in 2024 to young Albert
Dear Young Albert, I hope this letter finds you well, filled with the same curiosity and wonder that has always driven you. As I reflect on the world today, I can't help but think about how much has changed since my time, especially in the realm of communal living which might seem quite intriguing to you. You see, much like the principles of relativity that I delved into in my time, co-living operates on the idea of interconnectedness. Just as I discovered that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion, co-living emphasizes the equality and inclusivity of all residents. Regardless of background or circumstance, everyone contributes to and benefits from the community space. These co-living spaces foster a sense of belonging and support that is invaluable, especially in today's fast-paced world. Just as I contemplated the effects of gravity on the motion of celestial bodies, consider the "community gravity" within a co-living space — the connections and relationships that draw residents together, enriching their lives in ways they never thought possible. Moreover, in these co-living spaces, one finds a beautiful confluence of diversity. Each resident brings their own unique perspective, skills, and passions to the table. Just as I theorized that the curvature of spacetime depends on the distribution of mass and energy, the social "space" within a co-living community is shaped by the collective presence of its members. This diversity creates an environment ripe for collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. Young Albert, Technology has altered Co-living manifold enabling students and young professionals discover, access and live in shared spaces at a touch of their fingertips. We individuals, each with their unique stories, come together to create a community unlike any other. It's not just about sharing physical space; it's about sharing ideas, dreams, and aspirations. So, my dear young Albert, as I continue to explore the wonders of the universe co-living has given me an opportunity to connect with likeminded others, to learn from them, and to grow together. Remember that just as the universe is vast and ever-expanding, so too are the opportunities for meaningful connections and shared experiences in the world around you. With warm regards, Your Future Self
PropTech Pulse Editorial
15th March 2024
Technology and Innovation
Evolution of Customer Relationship Management tools
‘‘The purpose of a business is to create and keep a customer’’, Peter Drucker, a famous writer, and management consultant said prolifically. The realm of CRM scope covers customer discovery, interactions, service, care, retention, and loyalty. The term Customer Relationship Management (CRM) was coined in the early 1970s when management at business units realized it would be better to be customer emphatic rather than product emphatic. Customer relationship management tools has evolved gradually from Rolodex’s of 1950s to Generative AI in 2020. What started as a record-keeping tool gradually evolved into digital documentation, sales automation, enterprise resource planning, social marketing, to the present age hyper personalised automated communication form. 1956 - First CRM Gadget - Rolodex In 1956s, Danish engineer Hildaur Neilsen, chief engineer of Zephyr American invented Rolodex, a card index system used to store customer contact information. It was a desk gadget that stacked and stored business cards and index cards that people could spin and flip through. Digital Rolodex, Tele sales and advent of computers The 1980s saw an evolution in sales, marketing and customer retention tactics with the advent of digitisation. Tools such as direct mail, brochures, and product catalogues being sent to a database of customers to get them to buy something were prevalently used in the 1980s. Database marketing and digital Rolodex came to the fore. The late 1980s saw the advent of telesales for customer communication. Computers were also accessible for enterprises and became a means of storing information about customers. In 1987, the software programme ACT (Activity Control Technology) was created by Mike Sullivan and Mitch Muhney, officially known as the first CRM software. This was essentially a digital Rolodex that allowed storage and management of the entire customer lifecycle information on the software. With its usage of Customer Relationship Management software, Act! demonstrated the advantages of scalable software that utilized consumer information to help a firm better manage its connections. 1990 - Sales Automation and progression into CRM systems By 1990s, one saw a progression of database management into customer lifecycle management and sales force workflow automation. Tools like enterprise resource planning, and marketing were added to the software’s contact management functions. This was the emergence first CRM systems. Tom Siebel, founder of Sieble Systems, coined the term CRM (Customer Relationship Software) for the first time. The post-introduction of the same CRM took off exponentially, with other companies also providing CRM solutions. Siebel Systems was later acquired by Oracle for over USD 5 billion in 2005. Late 1900s - First Mobile CRM, SaaS business model and Salesforce Inc. Post invention of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices, tasks, emails, and calendar management became mobile. It allowed sales individuals to access customer data from central databases on the go, which proved to be a game changer as one didn’t have to be on the desk to work out these tasks. Salesforce.com was launched in 1999 and offered a new business model, offering software services as subscriptions (SaaS), wherein the upfront implementation cost, effort, and maintenance would be taken care of by Salesforce. 2000 - Cloud based CRM, Open-Source CRM and Social CRM In 2007, internet boom and cloud storage led to the advent and proliferation of Cloud-based CRM. With the increased internet adoption, Salesforce’s subscription model became popular as it could be scaled up very quickly. Open-source software also came to the fore, with the most prominent one being Sugar CRM, invented by computer scientists and ex-IBM and Hewlett-Packard employees Clint Oram, John Roberts, and Jacob Taylor. With the increased proliferation, and exponential growth of social media platforms, CRMs were combined with social media tools to offer SCRM. 2010 - Artificial Intelligence and CRM Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the CRM space substantially with automation and intelligence. AI can be used for lead scoring, identifying customer needs, and providing recommendations. With enormous data being generated across every consumer by way of their digital footprint, CRM with AI and data analytics makes it simple to extrapolate consumer behaviour and requirements in real-time. 2020 and Now - Generative AI Generative AI is a subset of AI but unique in its ability to learn from underlying patterns to create new data that mirrors the training data set. The power of creation has a multifold impact across industries, and consumer communication is only to benefit from this capability. Managing customer interactions with Gen AI has the potential to enable a better connection between brands and customers. This however requires creative ability to engage customers and ability to execute to deliver better performance results and employee experiences. A combination of Gen AI and CRM can impact functional domains of marketing, sales, commerce, service and customer success. The true potential of Gen AI can be unlocked best when used in combination with predictive AI, voice to text, experience management and workflow optimisation. The CRM journey has reached an interesting point with AI, and the future looks promising for this space. The Total Addressable Market is set to grow to USD 290 billion by 2026. Salesforce Inc, an early mover, and a global market leader grew 10x in revenue in a decade. In 2013, its revenue stood at USD 3.1 billion which stands at USD 34 billion in FY 2022. CRM, which started as a simple Rolodex, has evolved into a complex system laced with artificial intelligence that helps organisations manage customer data and engage them with it in a self-assisted automated format, bringing huge implications for cost, efficiency, and the experience of consumer communication. As we advance further into the coming decades, CRM software systems will become more intelligent, integrated and intuitive with powerful AI capabilities, greater emphasis on self-service, enhanced experience for customers, hyper-personalisation, integrated API networks and ecosystems, and a single source of truth for businesses. Peter Drucker will be smiling in his grave looking at the advancement in this space.
PropTech Pulse Editorial
12th April 2024
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