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Mentors - the good, the bad and the ugly Tips #4

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Exit One Realty - Denver 130401

Mentors - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Okay, what's the deal, every where I turn I hear about this persons "Mentoring program" or that companies "Mentoring program" With all of these "Mentors" why hasn't the failure rate in the Real Estate business gone down? Could it be that the term is being over used? I hate to go to the dictionary, but what exactly is a 'Mentor"? The dictionary defines A Mentor as 1. A wise and trusted counselor or teacher. or, 2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

I contend that everyone can use a mentor, as defined, in just about every aspect of life; Business, Finances, Spiritual, you name it. I also am pretty sure that the term Mentor is over used. I would venture to say that a Mentor is not a paid trainer or a mediocre agent assigned to a new agent and getting a portion of the new agents commissions on the agents first few transactions. They may be really nice people but, Mentors, I think not.

If a Mentor is a "wise and trusted counselor or teacher" by definition they must be wise. That implies they know what they are doing and are very good at it. Just because someone was assigned to an agent or helped bring an agent into the company does not mean they fit the criteria to be a Mentor. Every agent, new or experienced can use a true Mentor.

A true Mentor is someone that has the skills and talents and proven ability to do what you want learn or do. If your real estate Mentor closed 4 transactions last year that is probably what they will teach you to do, close 4 transactions. Be selective when choosing a Mentor. The old adage you play better golf with better golfers is true in golf, real estate and in life in general.

Your goal in choosing a mentor is to model yourself, to some degree, after your Mentor. While having a Mentor can be a key to success in any part of your life take the time to be selective, very selective, in choosing that Mentor. True Mentors have made the mistakes and learned and they have developed the skills to really succeed. People that are successful in life and real estate are generally happy to share the secrets of their success, so be selective and ask someone you truly respect to be your Mentor and watch the door to success begin to open.

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Hats

Steve & Diane Cramer

CRB, CIPS, CRS, SRES, ASP, GRI, SFR, ABR

Past Presidents - North Metro Denver Association of Realtors

Broker Owners - Exit One Realty

Comments (1)

Ken Brandon
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage (Jacksonville, NC) - Jacksonville, NC
Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC

I agree...be very selective. If we have 70% of agents making poverty level income, then you have a 7 in 10 chance of asking someone to mentor you that can only show you how to be poor.

Dec 07, 2011 11:22 AM