Tip #1: Listen to Your Broker/Manager

But wait, you don’t know my broker/manager – that is a lot of people’s thoughts. I probably do know them personally or at least know their type. But regardless – they are YOUR Broker/Manager and only they can give you the advice and guidance necessary for YOU to be successful. Let me ask you a question – you joined their brokerage because you felt they could provide you support, guidance and help for YOU become successful - right? If the answer is not “Yes” then you joined your brokerage for the wrong reason – probably a larger split. I hope you have learned by now a large percentage of nothing is nothing!

Your brokers/managers know what they are talking about! They did not get to where they are by luck! They know how to list and sell real estate. During this recent economic down turn it has been amazing the number of seminars, webinars, classes, etc . that I have attended where the number one mentioned method for being successful is simply getting back to the basics. That is doing what your broker/manager taught you in the beginning.

For some of you that should be pretty easy, for others of you – those with 20 years of experience as a first year agent you’re having a tough time with this. Let’s take the agent this is tough for – the agent with multiple first years in the business. See, you are the agent running around the office talking down your broker/manager. You take the attitude that you were there when they got there and by golly you’ll be there when you leave. You thrive on creating hate and discontent within the office. You attend training sessions and argue with the instructor on every point. You live to create negative feelings in an office. Lastly, you talk poorly about other agents to customers and unfortunately you find a client or two that way. You really have two choices and your broker/manager probably don’t want to tell you – so I will: 1) Drop your negative attitude and become a team player – retake your company's Steps for Success or New Agent classes – you might just find that you really enjoy your profession again, or, 2) Quit and stay home where you can only make yourself miserable – because quite frankly none of want to have anything to do with you.

Now let’s focus on you who want to do the right thing. Sit down with your broker/manager and let them know you want to recommit to a successful and productive career. Then FOLLOW their advice and teachings. Take the classes they suggest and do the work the instructor provides as homework. You can read all the articles you want, buy all the technology you can afford and it still comes down to getting face-to-face, belly-to-belly with prospects. Here is one way to tell a successful agent – look at the bottom of their shoes – odds are very good they have worn holes in the soles because they are getting out and working face-to-face with clients.

Friday’s Tip will be focused on Showing Up!

Until then, remember, regardless of how bad you think it is and “that is always between your ears” – keep a smile on!

Bill