Hey Amber..Congrats on getting back into the nitty gritty:) You are going to be great! It will be interesting reading your journey and the new things you learn. Please share often!

Thanks, Laura!  I'm definitely planning on sharing what I'm learning (and relearning).  ActiveRain is such a great place to find guidance and share experiences.  Maybe some of these lessons will help other agents, especially those just entering the field.  I appreciate every nugget of wisdom and advice other agents have shared with me over the years.

It's good to hear from you again!  I look forward to chatting with you again! 

You said it, Amber!  It's rough to learn as you go.  I wish brokerages would invest in someone to help guide the Newbies along, maybe even help the established agents to keep current.  Wouldn't the investment pay off?  Just my thought ...

I agree, Sarah.  Fortunately, when I first started, I had an amazing broker who believed in educating his agents.  I still feel, however, that all agents could benefit from having mentors for the first year or so.

Amber, good to see you here again - I was just thinking about you this morning.  You are always so generous with your knowledge, and I am really looking forward to this series.

Thanks, Betsy!  It's good to hear from you.  I hope to get a bunch of feedback from these posts.  I think it'll be really helpful.

P.S. 

You'll be proud of the work I've done on our upcoming project!

There are many reasons why new agent failure, or turnover, is so high.  Lack of training, lack of understanding 'how' the industry works, etc.  Regardless, you still have an upper hand having been through the wars once before!

I hope so, Kaushik!  I definitely feel like I'm better prepared.  I guess we'll see! :-)

Great post Amber.  We have a training program with our company and it is pretty good, but I think you still need more.  I think all new agents should try to find an experienced agent who is willing to help them.  But don't just pick any agent.  I think you will be much better served by picking an agent that works the way you like to work.  Maybe ask a few different agents if you could watch them for a few days and work with the one you think will be best.

I say this because I worked with a good friend of mine who is an excellent agent, but we are totally different in the way we work and I think it hurt me to try and do things his way.

Good point, Brett.  I know when I first started, the only agents I saw were the ones who were either new themselves or who were...how should I say it...less than top producers.  I rarely got a glimpse of the top agents, let alone a chance to talk with them.  They were too busy being productive.  New agents don't know who to follow, and you're right, you have to consider your working style, too.  What works for one top producer may not work for another.

Amber...

Well look at that a featured post. Good for you :)

I would like to address your comment about a Mentors. I had three Mentors when I first started in this business 12 years ago. If you can get more than one Mentor...DO IT...

I can not begin to tell you how much these three taught me. They were from the old school, back when Real Estate was about people not money. I could go on and on about this. But I won't. This is your post :)

Welcome to the Industry and welcome back to Active Rain :)

I had several agents at my office tell me when I started in real estate, "You are so far ahead of the game with a database, contact manageent system, mentoring system once a week, coaching through StarPower, etc."  Thank God I had someone to tell me what I didn't know!!!  I have friends who went through class with me and still do not know the basic things you HAVE to do everyday.  And now blogging is one of those things!  It is yet another tool we HAVE to utilize to continue to grow.

I have a couple of people in my office for mentors because of the style differences.  I hope to become a mentor for others in my office.  The more we all succeed the better for our office!!  

We also have an accountability group meeting once a month and you can't "slide by" these folks. They are the masterminds.  We keep each other active in the "good stuff." 

Amber, you got it!!! Systems, everyday! 

It sounds like you have a great support network, Virginia.  That's amazing!  It's true, it's so easy to forget many things that must be done every single day, and accountability is so important.  It's great that you're planning to become a mentor!

Had to laugh out loud literally! I'm an Ecobroker and thought this post was about something completely different. Good luck to you, there is lots of advice here on AR

Hi Amber, welcome to Active Rain... you got it together girl.. I admire that ability to have it all in place upstairs. I'm running more on raw power (in the appr gig) than focus.. eventually it'll work!!      BTW, you have a great writing style (direct and straight forward) and I loved the picture of the green maze. is that like a subconcious thingy about money and knowing yer way around?? hhmm .. I think I can safely say that we (bloggers at AR) will be looking forward to more of your dishes.. OH! congrats on the featured post,  I see that TLW mentions. well deserved. :)) see you around!!

LOL!  Well, it ain't easy being that kind of green, either, but I guess that's another post!  :-)

Hey Nick,

Thanks for the welcome, but I've actually been around for a little while.  I just went into hibernation for the last quarter!  :-) Thanks for the compliments, too, although I'm sure some would gladly debate that I'm not all there upstairs!  LOL!  (My family would be the first to sign up for that one!)

Oh, and I love TLW!  She took me under her "paw" from the beginning, and it's been great learning from her and BB!

I'm glad to be back and look forward to chatting with all of you again!  I feel the ActiveRain addiction setting in again!

TLW,

Post away.  You know I'm not stingy with my blog!  :-)  I love all the conversation!

Good post, Amber, and welcome back. There is so much to learn when you get started, and they don't teach you this stuff in the licensing process. And unless you have a good broker you are on your own to learn what you need to, hopefully with a mentor or other good people in the office. Hopefully you are set in that regard. And you will develope your own style and systems to help keep you organized. Good luck. Keep us posted.

I really enjoyed your post.  I agree, we do have to confidence and a "firm grasp" as to what you are doing.   

Jeff ~ The licensing course doesn't teach you much about the day-to-day activities of an agent, so it's up to the brokers.  I'm just thinking that it's a shame AR didn't exist when I first got licensed! :-)

Ann ~ I'm glad you liked the post.  I hope everyone will keep checking in and joining the discussion as I post new "lessons learned/relearned!" 

Amber,

Not only are you apparently doing all of the other things right, getting back into R. E. but you are active on the Internet - specifically Active Rain and this will take you far if you stay with it.  Google loves A.R.

Now have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
www.JohnOcchi.Com

...And TLW loves you too. When I am old and can wear purple and red together you're the one who will be coming to visit me. Don't forget to bring your laptop I will want you to read my Blog to me :) TLW...ROAR!

Hi Amber,

If only more new agents thought like you.  I think that

a) it should be much more difficult to get a license

b) there should be prequisites prior to even being able to be enrolled in real estate school

c) new agents should not be allowed to go out on their own unless they have been under the wings of a very experienced agent, as a mentor and partner, for at least one year

d) violations should be dealt with swiftly and severely and licenses should be revoked more often (you can see what people get away with in California on page 4)

This would thin out a lot of people that think they can get rich over night, as well as people that are just not suited for the business. 

That's my two cents.

Kelley

John ~ I try to stay active on the Internet, and I've made many great connections because of it.  I haven't been posting to AR for a while, but I'm planning on being back for good now!  

TLW ~ I'd have no problem reading your blog to you when you get old, and I certainly have no problem with coming to visit you in FL!

Kelly ~ I only have this outlook because this is my second go-round.  I definitely didn't think this way as a new agent.  I was just as lost as the next newbie!  I agree that the entry requirements are very low for this industry, but I'm sure that accounts for the high turnover as well.   

Amber - Great blog! Luckily, I was ablt to find a company with an excellent training program - a very difficult 13 week course written by our Broker specifically for setting up our "system". I didn't realize at the time how valuable this course would be to my career. I thought all this "sphere" developing and making phone calls was a waste of time - boy was I wrong! I'm glad to see you getting back into the business and with your attention to details and mastery, you will be a top producer in no time!

I hope you're right, Christiane, or should I say, it's my plan for you to be right! ;-)

I think that it should ultimately be the broker who is responsible for ensuring new agents are trained in how to do this work.  One of my mantras for new agents is to pick a broker with some type of proven training program that will guide the new agent to becoming a successful agent.

The biggest problem with real estate in Maryland is enforcement, it has improved, but needs a lot of work.

Good post Amber.

Gary

Amber - Great Post !!  The main reason I chose the company that I did was because of the aggressive training / boot camp that was in place.  I continue to take classes whenever I feel weak in something...I always track everything I do to market myself...I stay flexible and I always have a plan or new ideas....I love the marketing part of Real Estate the most.

Thank you for sharing !!  I look forward to reading more of your blogs on being a Broker because I am working on obtaining my Broker's License...

People so many times seem to work so hard to avoid those things that they really need to be doing. Activity breeds success, newbies should naturally attend all the training they can, but they need to prospect their dialing fingers and door knocking hands of too, if they want to get a jump on the business and learn quicker.

The turn over in this industry is rediculous. Whether you're a Realtor or a Loan Officer, the reason for the turn over is always the same. Lack of training and lack of support. Its no wonder there are so many people that are being charged for violations of RESPA for things that they did when they were green.

Welcome back, Amber!

My broker has an incentive to help compensate the mentors for their efforts.  We get 50% of the first sale and 50% of the first listing when they close.  It won't make you rich, but it does help pay some groceries!

Keep up the positive attitude!

Lucky :) 

It is tough. Many new agents are not prepared to be in business for themselves. I enjoy prospecting even though I have been in the business for 10 years. Most new agents do not want to get turned down,you just have to go do it and learn where your strenghts are. I will be glad to share what I have if it will help you. New Orleans is not that far away. I know business is tough in your area, ti was in the grocery business when I traveled the state. Just lack of money and good jobs. Lets retire Blanco. 

Great post! 

Good point.

Amber-Good Post and Congrats on getting your star (feature) you are right and your prospective as a new agent is insightful. It is a constant growth process. Both professionally and individually. You have it all together..and will be a GREAT agent as you ripen on the vine! Good job!

Amber,

This is my first visit to one of your posts.....great job. It should be an inspiration to a lot of the folks new to real estate. I like TLW's comment about the mentor. Maybe this should be one of the first basics of the business that all newbie's should be taught.!

Amber, I can totally relate to this.  A lot of new agents don't get the push in the right direction they need.  I'm a go-getter, so when I started I basically looked into EVERYTHING, asked lots of questions and spent my first month attending every single class the board was giving.  I was in school every day instead of "working."  I think the time was well spent.  I only walked out of one class but that's a different story.  The learning never stops, as we all know.  I attend classes regularly to keep up with things, not just the minimum CE hours.

Even though I'm still considerably new in the business I see that I know more than lots of agents who've been at it longer than me.  I can only think that they were not trained properly by whoever gave them their start.

Having a mentor rocks!  There's so much to be learned from a well-seasoned pro whose skills have stood the test of time.

Thanks, everyone!  I have to be out the door in five minutes, so I can't reply to each of you right now.  I promise to post a response as soon as I can, or at least catch up with each of you on your blogs.  Thanks for keeping the discussion going.  I think it will be great for new agents.  

I already have Lesson #2 in mind!  Thanks again!!  Everyone have a great day!  :-) 

I'd say it takes about 10 years and then all of a sudden it all sinks in.

Lenn

Hi Amber,

Thanks for the post.  I have a friend who is taking their licensing class now, I am going to pass this along to her. 

Please NOTE*** Before I make my comments, i wanted to first say, i have never seen a place like ACTIVE RAIN were people want to help people..most of you are awesome and want to help other realtors..

Now my comments...

"Being Green"...im going to say that i feel there is alot of turnover because the real estate business is very "dog eat dog". In my area, not to many realtors want to reach out and help other realtors survive. It is very competitive. Example; I have asked MANY area realtors how they felt about websites and how they promoted theirs...the answers i got?? (do you hear the crickets???) There WAS one man (Ravii, who is a member here) who helped and answered alot of my questions he was an exception  but most of the local realtors in my area, i asked a questions and i just wouldnt get a respoonse...

There is so much to know, and so little local help...Here at Active Rain, we find answers from people who want to help. I dont even ask "seasoned" realtors in my area anymore... i ask the people here who want to help. When i can give GOOD advice, i will certainly do so, when i cant i will just read the posts and learn from you helpful people. Does anyone feel the same about this??

Everything you mentioned in your blog is worthwhile doing and helps.  Over a period of time things seem to fall into place and things won't seem so overwhelming.  Try anything and everything was the attitude I tooks some 15 years ago.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Different times, markets, etc. play a role also.  But perservere and you'll be glad you tried.   Eventually something will stick to the wall.

Good Luck!

Patricia Aulson/REALTOR/SEACOAST NH & ME

www.patricia4realestate.com

Seems like being green has stimulated the group.  Good topic.  I completely identify, coming back into the business after a 30 year absence.  It has not been easy, also changeing market areas from the northern 'burbs to a rural/recreational area - big difference.

And yes, Dave, my area is also very competitive (aren't they all?) and not alot of friendly assists from other agents.  AR is a blessing, more than I can express.

Ozarks Joan 

Wow great post.This is a very hard buisness to get started in the right direction.I am a newbie & I have latched on to the TOP Producer in my office & pay very close attention to him at all times.He is my life line.I do not know what  or how many hours I would have wasted by now without his guidance in prospecting,education ,reasons  for doing open houses EVERY weekend.Most people dont realize how hard it is to get started .yes the pay off is HUGE but it is the pits & suckin wind until you get there!! Gotta love this proffession to stay in it for the long hall!!

Amber,

Good post, I hope new or returning agents find it and read it.  If you ever have the opportunity, go to one of Brian Buffini's events.  It will change your life immediately.  He offers extensive training, but, even attending one Turning Point event will help you tremendously.  I know he offers his events in Virginia, but, to be sure, check out his list of state events on his website, www.BuffiniandCompany.com.  I joined five years ago, I am twenty years in the business, he changed my life for the better!  I am a Broker, now with my own company since January 15, 2006 and totally "on fire."  Working by referral, so that, I can live the Good Life! 

Amber,

Thanks for the post. It is all about systems. If they're in place the business can function in your absence.

WOW!!!  This has sparked some interest!  Good deal!  Okay, here goes...

Gary ~ You're right.  Although the agents must be ready to work, the broker has to show them the way.  Otherwise, they just have no clue where to begin or what to do.  The only direction they receive is from agents "in the office," who may not be the best sources in many cases (or why are they always in the office?).  I think most agents look for the biggest companies, without considering the training at all.

Lauren ~ Boot camp, that's just what is needed!  I also take every class I can and read everything I can get my hands on.  It's the only way to figure it all out, and even at "repeat" classes, you manage to learn a thing or two.  I hope you will stay tuned.  If I can, I'm going to begin working on Lesson #2 tonight.

Charles ~ Isn't that the truth?!  We have to be accountable to ourselves and force ourselves to be disciplined.  We have to grit our teeth sometimes to get through somethings, but I always find that those things I dreaded so much actually turn out to be very rewarding.  Activity and accountability, that's what it's all about.

Jeff ~ I know what you mean about violations.  I had a class today, and there were many new agents there who felt so lost.  Their questions were some of the same ones I had in the beginning, and it's so overwhelming when you have no where to turn for advice.  Thank God for ActiveRain, because these people always come through and in no time flat!  I'm thinking of putting some of the "wise ones" on speed dial!  ;-)

Lucky ~ (Cool name!)  That's a great idea, compensation for mentors.  I mean, we do need more mentors, but honestly, they have businesses to run.  Brokers should definitely make it worth their while to help the newbies.  Oh, and I'm working hard to stay upbeat!  (Please see next lesson!!)

Eric ~ How are you, neighbor?!  It's amazing that you love prospecting.  I bet it's because of your previous work, right?  That probably put you in front of people a lot so that it wasn't so intimidating when you became an agent.  That is the toughest part of our jobs, in my opinion, but I think you just have to find the things that take you out of your shell a little.  Then, you can venture out into more intimidating things more easily.  I think you're exactly right.  You have to play off your strengths.  I appreciate all of your support!  I may have to put you on speed dial!!  :-)

David & Gollum ~ Thanks for the compliments!  I'm glad you enjoyed it!  I hope you'll both return for the future posts.

Allison ~ Thanks!  I'm glad the "teachers" liked my report!  I agree that this is a growth process!  I hope you're right about the great agent thing.  We'll see, but that's the plan!  ;-)

Ron ~ Sorry you missed some of my previous posts.  I started with a clean slate yesterday and deleted some of the old stuff.  I hope that this is an inspiration to new agents.  That would be great!  I think I just new how alone I felt in the beginning, and starting over again was a reminder of those days.  New agents are probably so overwhelmed and intimidated (I know I was) that it's hard for them to ask for help.  I always felt like my questions were probably so silly to ask the more "seasoned" agents.  I'm just putting this out there so that maybe some of them can know that, although it's not easy, it's also okay to be green!  You're right, too.  All new agents should know that if a mentor helps you, be prepared and willing to help the newbies down the road.

Maggie ~ Mentors do rock! :-)  Education is so important.  I think it gives you more confidence.  Every little thing you learn makes you feel like you're finally "getting it," and that's a great feeling.

Lenn ~ You're probably right, and maybe we never really have it completely together.   Isn't it Maya Angelou that says "when you know better, you do better," and if we're always learning, I guess we'll always "know better" as we get more and more experience.

John ~ Thanks for passing this along to your friend.  Be sure to tell her to chime in and share her fears and questions, too!

Dave ~ AR rocks, too!  It's been great having people to "lean on" (even if it is virtually).  I totally agree with you.  This business is VERY dog eat dog, and it's a shame.  Please see my next post (coming soon)!  Oh, and if you still need help with your website, feel free to call me.  I don't nearly know everything there is to know about it, but I manage okay.  You can check out mine at www.cenlamoves.com and see what you think.  You might think it's horrible!  ;-)

Patricia ~ Yep, this definitely takes some tenacity, doesn't it?!  Try, try, and try again!!

Joan ~ Has it ever?!  I might be here for a while posting to all the comments!  I definitely hit a nerve!

Mary ~ I'm sure you can tell from the comments that you're VERY fortunate to have a top producer helping you!  You're going to learn things so much more quickly!  Hang on to him!!

Frances ~ Thanks for the advice!  I've never heard of him, but I'm going to see if he'll be coming to Louisiana anytime soon!  Congratulations on building such a successful practice!

William ~ You gotta have the systems!   Unfortunately, no one really explains what this means when you're new.  Maybe that'll be a whole future lesson by itself (or maybe two or three, now that I'm thinking about it)!

OKAY, I HAVE A CRICK IN MY NECK!!!  Thanks so much everyone for your comments!  I'll be putting together my next "lesson learned" very shortly.  Let me just go relax my arm for a minute!!

Amber.....   yes, it has been different than in prior years. The market changes often and in different ways. Returning can be tough and even more so depending on the market that you are in. But from what you wrote, you will do fine.

Thanks, Jeff.  I hope so.  You're right.  If there's one thing I've figured out, you have to be able to adapt.

Amber - Many new agents look for buyers because they perceive that as quick income. Show a few homes, write an offer, pick up a check. While that may work in the short term, your chances for long-term success are much better with a solid and consistent lead generation program in place. Until you have more business than you can personally handle, lead generation must remain your number one priority.

I highly recommend The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, and if there's a KW market center in your area check with them about Camp 4:4:3 and Lead Generation classes. At my office these are open to agents from any company.

John, MREA is amazing, and I didn't find it for a long time.  Now, it's like my business bible.  I think you can find something new every time you read it.