No matter the market Sharon every Realtor should get at least one desigantion. It shows their willingness to expand their education in the industry.

I've been working on my GRI and CRS.  I love learning new information and getting to know other motivated and driven agents.  Thanks for the important reminder.

Deb

This is a great suggestion Sharon.  Getting in touch with the SOI is a good idea as well.  When things slow down then you have a moment to regroup and do things that you would not have had time for other wise.

Thanks for the advice. I've only just started. However, I am finding it hard to determine which designation would best suit me. So many to choose from.

Sharon - It's beyond me why agents don't get designations. I want to show that I care enough about my profession to learn more. I also want my clients to know what they can expect of me. Good post!

Sharon:

An excellent suggestion for all of us! You and I have discussed the CLHMS and this next year we may get it off the ground for San Diego! 

This is a great idea, we need to  keep up with the industry and working on a designation will give us more incite.  I also like the part about going to a different area to take a course as this too might provide a learning experience.

Sharon, I agree wholeheartedly about getting designations.  Too many more and I won't have much room left after my name: Brian Block, Esq., Realtor/Attorney, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI, SRES.  Right now I am working on my Broker License and I would like to obtain the CIPS designation as well.  I've done my best to get as much education as I can early in my real estate career (I've been licensed for 5 1/2 years).  It always amazes me to see how many long-time agents (15+ years) are sitting next to me in these classes and never took the time to learn about the profession.  My philosophy on courses is that if I learn at least one new thing that helps me in the business, then it was worth my time.

Laura - I agree. In fact, I think agents should get more than one designation - we should constantly be learning and improving as long as we're in the profession.

Deb - good for you! The learning and the relationships are so very important.

Kimberly - exactly. There's so much we "ignore" when we're really busy.

Richard - think about which content most matches your interests - i.e., if you like working with buyers and hate working with sellers, then pursue buyer courses instead of listing courses. If you're in a resort market you may want to learn more about marketing those properties and how to attract resort buyers. Choose what matches your interests and your goals.

Linda - yes, it's about being better able to serve clients. I explain to my clients the relevance of what I'm learning to better serve their needs.

Roberta - I hope you will get it off the ground this year - Tami and I really look forward to teaching the CLHMS there in Carlsbad.

Jennifer - yes, it's about maximizing your time and expense. For just a little more of each, you get get extra benefits.

Brian - we're certainly alike in those areas. I rarely use all my designations - certainly not on my business cards. I tend to use the ones that are appropriate and relevant to the client or property.

Great advice - I just got my ACRE(tm) - now I need to develop my plan!

Glad you got your ACRE(tm) - I have mine, too. Haven't developed my plan, either.