Do We Really Need The Agent Alphabet Soup?

Lee, I've long said that we should do certifications that make us better agents than those which make up look like great agents. Clients have no idea what the alphabet soup behind our name means. 

As one moves on in years and becomes a more seasoned professional, it's expected that his/her LinkedIn set of connections would grow. Likewise, a 23 year old agent likely shouldn't have a who set of alphabets, but the seasoned 23 years of experienced agent would.

I'm not certain how to balance the revelation of accumulated alphabets without seeming to scare off a consumer with gibberish.

Good work will speak for itself. Alphabet or no.

Good post.  I believe it is Mr. Ziglar who stated if you are not putting to use some part of what you are learning then it is only entrainment. 

It is easy to get a real estate license  we should take additional courses after we get the license. 

I think designations are terrific as it means we are learning based! I've been a Realtor for 16 years now and my desire to learn and grow is still strong. I take webinars, classes and read real estate related news all the time because there is still much to learn plus our industry is constantly evolving.

We also learn by doing and the things I have learned over the years are invaluable to me. Every challenge has ultimately polished me and made me better than I was years ago. KPP is the ultimate designation- Knowledgeable Polished Professional.

Good Post. Knowing what to do is important. Experience is important. 

F I S....Feedback & input specialist...You can get certified in just about anything and earn some alphabet...In the end, how you keep score is by results. Results don't lie. Good post

Lee,

I think some practitioners believe acquiring these designations enhances their stature as a realtor among their peers. They somehow equate this status as a stepping stone to increased levels of business activity. When I deal with other realtors I am not interested in their designations.....only their competency and professional behavior. The average client or customer remains clueless as to what these designations signify. Eduation is a wonderful thing.....believing a designation is a real estate merit badge which signifies advanced skill or knowledge is wishful thinking.....

A designation is only as good as what you learn from the course and the teacher. Some are better than others, both courses and teachers. But anything that allows you to improve is worth the money.

It is the knowledge put to work that is important.  Service to the customer.

I have seen numerous business cards with the entire alphabet, but the agent couldn't correctly fill out an offer and/or had no understanding of real estate laws. All the designations in the world do NOT and CANNOT make a good agent.

Luv your take on this Lee.  But, the bottom line, is all the certifications in the world will do one no good if one isn't serving and connecting with their clients...  :)

Hello again, Lee.

     I want to take issue with a particular designation, which is e-Pro.  Two days of classes, at least one of which is online, do not make anyone a "digital marketing expert".  Get real!    -

The broker designation is one the general public understands.  It has some teeth behind it as it requires passing several college level courses, and in CA, passing a 5-hour exam.

Lee, I am one of those lifetime learners! I love to read for pleasure and improvement.  I have a couple designations and looking forward to more!

Lee, thank you, I too have quite a few of these letter combos behind my name.  A by-product of always wanting to learn more and improve upon my skills so that I can better help my customers.

To my knowledge not one client has asked what all the designations mean. They want to know what is in it for them and how you can help.

I think you nailed it! The value is in what you learn, because let's face it, the average consumer has no idea what all of those letters mean.

I agree.  All the courses and designations that I have taken are not for the alphabet soup but for the ability to better serve and understand my clients.  In the case of short sales and foreclosures, I took the course so that I could rule out ever wanting to work with them.  Having a base knowledge of the process allowed me to determine that I didn't want them to be my focus, however, if I was representing a buyer that had interest in purchasing one, I could better prepare them for the process.  Expectations are important, I want my buyers to know what they are walking into.