IT IS SWELTERING IN CHICAGO, FOLKS!  Any way we can bottle this, and open up that bottle, say, in January, 2009?

Question for you - how has the current real estate market, sluggish here in Chicago and in other parts of the country, impacted your budget for TRAINING?

The casual reaction I have solicited so far appears mixed!

Some have drastically cut their training budget, or have hired less-experienced local trainers to handle such subjects as Lead Generation, Short Sales, and Positive Motivation in a Challenging Market.  A few brokers and mangers have taken training entirely on their shoulders.

Others have INCREASED their commitment to training!  NOW is the time to sharpen your saw, and those of your agents.  NOW is the time to build market share for when things in Real Estate get brighter - and you know they will.  Sooner, rather than later - right?

I'm a big believer in training for myself and for our Team!  We'll be traveling by AMTRAK Train to Ann Arbor MI this weekend for the annual Floyd Wickman Forum, featuring Floyd himself, and many of his Top Trainers.

In November, a few of us are heading to Los Angeles CA, to attend our Business Coach Patti Kouri's annual Jump Start Workshop.

Wickman's annual Master Sales Academy is now held each January, in Suburban Chicago - you know we'll be there once again!

But I have considered trimming things a bit - especially on training events out of town. 

The annual Keller Williams Mega Camp and Masterminds, next month in Austin TX, offers potential breakthrough for all who attend.  However, a $2,000 outlay for travel and lodging, plus the modest event tuition, will tax cash flow.  (I figure it's up about $500 or so over last year, in total).

Originally, Sue and I were both going, and we considered taking along another Team member.  However, at this point, it's likely only one of us will attend.

The challenge with out-of-town training, of course, is the nearing-ridiculous cost for travel.  Really, folks - it's out of control - yes?

So, I am torn!

But what say you?  What impact has today's real estate market had on YOUR training budget?   Have you CUT BACK?  Or, have you actually INCREASED it, saying NOW is the time to build top skills?

Please share!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO