I'm a Keller Williams agent for that very reason, coaching and accountability!  I not only want to be a better agent and person, I need that kick in the rear every once in a while!

Midori- how interesting the the question arose.  It would appear the perception of training, coaching and accountability may be the underlying culprit.  Yes, we are all Independent Contractors- but that is a legal definition primarily used for tax purposes.  Having said that, most "Independent contractors"  while allowed to set their own hours, could certainly benefit from  Team concepts, business techniques, and coaching.  I agree in the end, it achieves projected results. 

Laura-even as a coach and a trainer..I need a kick regularly.  We sometimes get into routines..and get lost in our own thoughts and ideas.  I love trainers and coaches and have always believed in them.

Allison-Independent Contractor term is thrown around  a little too much for me.  You are so correct but many agents take it farther...don't want to do something..I am independent contractor...don't like something I am an independent contractor.  Heck I used it one day in our sales meeting...funny thing they didn't like hearing it from me.

I think training, coaching and accountability are all very neccessary to be the best you can be...

Being your own boss is why some of us got into RE. But it comes with its own set of pressures and sacrifices. You have to take the down time when you can!

Mike I agree!  And it includes all parts of your life.  See I know a few guys who hire golf pro's to be better..or taking swimming lessons to swim..to me your business...is no different.

I am a RE/MAX agent so I can get coached and mentored for a small part of my pay. I used to own an independent firm with no support,it was a run-away train.

Hi Laura-I tend to agree. That is one of the reasons I went into the business..for freedom..to be my own boss.  Even Donald Trump has advisors...as well as Tiger Woods and many other greats well our business is no different.  You do have to take the down time when you can but wouldn't you like more of it...I do and have.  And it isn't because I am extraordinary..or unique...I just believe in accountability..to know your tasks and your numbers...I believe in getting better and I believe in training.

Midori, My rule of thumb is if we stop learning we all lose.  I have been in sales for over 20 years and I still go to sales courses.. If I can pick up a word a phrase something it is always worth my time.

Greg-I was at a REMAX as well and I ran an Independent Brokerage..now at CENTURY 21 It's my accountability program some agents use in our company.  Its called WOW, its not about me or about what I think an agent should do for business..its all about the agent...the time they put in and is it really quality time?

Hi Matt-I agree.  I think we can all stand to improve and those that don't believe it well..I think they are mistaken.  Just like youself I take as much training as I can.and if I get one thing out of it...it was well worth the money!

I do not feel coaching means micromananging, that just means you got a bad coach. I need help with organization and being more productive and a coach would probably do this, but I have a hard time spending money on that.

Heather-I think often times somewhere down the line some agent had a bad experience.  Part of being a coach is not just about time efficiency but doing tasks that will generate income.  Being organized allows you to fit more in your day.

I will say if you have to micromanaged...maybe real estate is not for you!

Midori, coaching and mentoring are essential to this business. Why would anyone want to reinvent the wheel when they can take advantage of some else's experience. Accountability is not micromanaging, but a means to keep an individual on track for enhancing and expanding their career.

Good Post!

Well Michael believe it or not someone actually said it.. Funny thing he said what I think other's are thinking.  I think sometimes people do even consider selling real estate as their own business.  I don't reinvent the wheel but I do train with my own flair and style.  I took sweathogs and still live by what I have learned. 

I continue to reinevent myself to better myself to stay strong...grounded and dangerous.  Who would not want that for their career...oh yes I know the person who thinks accountability is micromanaging.  Those that question should really look at their production...satisfied great...not satisfied...you might want to try it.

What I can offer to this discussion, as an agent 18 months or so 'into it,' is that there is a HUGE disparity in training/coaching between the internet world of real estate if you happen to be a blogger and what is taught at the 'big' companies.  Some of the 'corporate' teachers teaching marketing, 'coaching,' etc., to agents haven't been out selling and marketing recently and they teach methods that in SOME instances are almost ancient. I learn much more on the internet and AR than sitting in the 'expireds' classes taught by those who might be considered expired if you happen to talk to them about the internet.

I do plan to move into coaching but not before I finish a few things on my list... including RE Connect in July!

Susie-you make me laugh because sometimes it's true.  I am on the education committee on our board and I always like to see new and improved training and not from dinasours.  Yes the internet has changed so many lives with all of the info that is offered but I think when you talk to your coach sit in a group..it creates some great ideas...goals and more income.  Girl you got it going on and I know you'll pick the right coach!

I could never live with being micromanaged at this stage of mt RE career. It is a good training tool for new agents looking to get motivated and actually some agents need it. Just remember that if you're in then you have to commit to it because it could be a hard thing...no pain no gain

Neal-sorry but I cannot picture you being micromanaged for anything but I do know that you continue to improve your skills.  I do not micromanage anyone..as a matter of fact...I give tips, ideas, wisdom from experience, lack of and from what other's have taught me.  If you need to be micromanaged I believe you don't belong in this business but if you want to increase your productivity....it's accountability and taking a hard look at what you are doing.

mi·cro·man·aged, mi·cro·man·ag·ing, mi·cro·man·ag·es To direct or control in a detailed, often meddlesome manner. Webster's dictionary

Midori, The responses in your post don't surprise me at all. Too many folks approach what we do as a job and they are not willing to go the extra mile to make it a career. It's shame really but that why we have te good ole 80/20 rule which is probably more like 90/10.

Now having said that I have never had a coach. But I am an extremely motivated self starter type person. I'm fortunate that way.

Hi Broker Bryant-I find all of this conversation very interesting and I really want to know people's opinions.  I know that there are many agents out there who are not satisfied with their volume.  When I looked around the room..those that attended maybe two were in the top 100 at our board of REALTORS.  A few complaining about their production..and many silent people.

Yes I no longer think the 80/20 rule apply anymore.

Yes I can see that you are quite motivate and I agree some do not need someone coaching or maybe I should say coaching would not agree with them!

I'm coached as a recruiter.  Gives me insites to what my strengths and weaknesses are.  From my perspective:  70% or Realtors are emotional creatures.  Makes it very easy for us to get off track.  Even independent contractors have deadlines and budgets.  And choices, if this is mandated by your company, they can choose to go somewhere else.  If not mandated, see who is more successful at the end of the year....

I guess that is part of my point.  At the end of the day what have you accomplished?  I am in the 70% of those emotional REALTORS to me my strength and my weakness.  I need someone to say hey get over it once in a while.

Sometimes I boldly ask this question....Are you selling real estate or is it just your charity of choice?  I can tell you no one likes it when I say it like that.

I have been in Brain Buffini's Clubnet coaching program for about 5 years now.  It has changed both my life and my business exponentially.  Without setting goals for yourself, your family, your finances, your spiritual side and your business where would you end up.  You need life balance in addition to business goals.  Without some form of coaching and accountability most of us don't have the ability to do what we say we are going to do. 

Is there one professional athlete out there that doesn't have a coach?  Do you think the top ceo's and business leaders got there on their own?  They all had some sort of coaching or mentoring. 

Did we not have teachers in school our whole life to get us where we are today?  Teachers are coaches too. 

This is probably the reason that the average realtor in NAR does about 7 transactions a year.  There is no clarity and clear path to get there and no end in sight.  Like Broker Bryant said, it is probably 90/10 in our industry.

We all need coaching whether we realize it or not.  Some of us have finally realized the need.

Midori,

As a member of WOW team, the coaching accountability program that you mentioned, I can tell you that to be productive and make money you have to be accountable and get new training as often as you can so that you can have your creative juices flowing. Now training styles, topics, and coaches vary, so you have to choose what's right for you, but to say in general that training equals micromanaging is to publicly admit that you are a pompous fool, that you are better than anybody else production-wise, and best you could possibly be aka couldn't grow professioanlly anymore.