Agents/Brokers...How were you recruited?

Hi Nick:

I wrote a post on this one time. I have been in for a few years now, (about 12)...the first place I picked out of the phone book because it had a faith based name and I am a Christian. After I worket there for a while, I found that the broker and I had conflicts in our work ethic. (He had a bad temper)...so I moved on to the place that used to send me post cards all the time. it was called All West Realtors and I probably would have stayed there forever if it had not been bought out by a mega brokerage.

I loved the "small brokerage" feeling, even though there were over 40 agents there, it didn't seem like it and I thrived in that place and had a SUPER managing broker who taught me a lot and gave me a great split. When the mega brokerage came in...I moved to an independent that branched off of my beloved AWR brokerage...but it wasn't for me and I branched out FURTHER with another agent who started his place off of the branch out. I stayed there for 6 years and would have been happy to do so for a LONG time, (if not life), until my broker sold out to another major mega corp this past winter. I decided it was time to go ahead and open my own and here I am...with 9 other agents in my first year.

Persistant post cards and lots of warm, comfy, caring one on one persuaded me to the first best place and then the branch off I went to was a simialr model, as is my place.

With a never ending stream of agents entering the business, there is a big difference from newbies and veterans.  I have sat on both sides of the desk (both broker and agent) and can tell you to make a decision based on what is best for you.  In the beginning you want training, support and marketing help.  As you progress, you will want to focus on what company will stay out of your way and give your clients and listings the best exposure for faster sales with higher prices while allowing you to develop your business. 

My advice is to focus on production and you can write your own ticket to whatever company or brokerage you'd like to go to.  Before production happens focus on support not splits.