Designations: How do you market them?

Of all the designations, the broker designation is the most recognized by the public.  But in some states, everyone is a broker.  Once I picked up a walk in client who asked to see a broker.  I said "He's not in the office, but is there something I can help you with?"  They were surprised, because they thought every agent in the office was a "broker."  Once I explained how it works in Salt Lake City, Utah we went shopping and they bought a home.

I think one of the best things you can do is to add links on your website to explanations of the designation.  And maybe put something in your newsletter to your sphere of influence. 

Thanks for adding me as an associate.  I've returned the courtesy!  If your friends ever need some local help, please don't hesitate to call on me!

By adding the designation information as links, it gives you a) more credibility and b) better Page Rank, since you are linking to a "bigger" site!  (I'm currently working on some redesign for my site, which will include designation links. 

Designations are kind of like a resume.   I mean....when it comes down to it...people really dont care about your designations.  Spending time on marketing your designations is time wasted down the drain.  I get designations to increase my knowledge and education.  They also are great when other agents see that you have experience.  Its a notch up on the negotiating when they see how many you have....they basically throw their cards on the table and admit they dont know what they are doing. lol  So I get to walk them through it.  Id spend more time on how you are going to help your client.  Whats in it for them?

This is a tough call.  I am an "associate-broker" meaning that I have all of the credentials to be a broker, but work for a firm that already has a broker.  I think the public gets confused because we all "broker" deals, in that we all act as the conduit or facilitator, but the general public likely thinks that "broker" and "salesperson" are the same thing.  I try to spell this out in my bio on my website, but I'm not sure how else to educate the public regarding the distinction.  I worked hard to complete that course and pass the test, so I'd like for the public to recognize, but if you go broadcasting the fact, it comes off as a little desperate.

Brendan

www.opera-houses.com

I'm with you.  I don't think the public knows or cares about designations other than Broker.  I'm a CRS and I promote that to other agents, but no matter how many designations I have, I'm not to make alphabet soup after my name on a business card.

Becky- Hello and welcome to the rain!  I read your post about being a Broker.  I am a Broker too, but I really do not think that consumers really know the difference.  They just care about us doing a great job for them.  It is our responsibility to stay educated as well as a positive attitude so that we Do a good job.  Other agents know the difference about being a Broker and all the other designations and it may help you get a referral. Hey! I am with GMAC too in Owensboro,KY.   

Hello Becky!  I will add you too.  I am in Western KY (Owensboro) What (where) part of Ky is your family from? After reading a few more of your posts, I am seeing that we have LOTS in common.   

Becky, I am with you. I don't think they know (or sometimes care) about the designations unless we explain what we are certified in and how that extra education helps them. I also too don't think most understand Salesperson vs. Broker. As a consumer with agents in the past I was clueless as to who the broker was. The agents never tell you. Too bad we can't all communicate a lot more clearly. I think designations or being a broker is great in setting you apart from those who don't have them.

Once a year the local paper does a "best of the best" in the Real Estate section.  Realtors with sales over 1 million are published.  They also put a designation box with the article so everyone can learn what those little letters mean!