Forget about getting training from a company or brand. Often, you just get the wrong training or bad information. Yes, they should teach you how to fill out a contract or use a lockbox, but after that, you're on your own. As a new agent, you enter this profession and operate in one of two ways. You either fake your way through your career, being problematic to your clients, trouble to your fellow agents and detrimental to the transaction, or you can educate yourself and learn how to function as a true professional!
When I first started in this profession, I took Floyd Wickman's Sweathogs program. (It's no longer owned or run by Floyd but I believe it's still being taught). This program taught me the step by step process to get a listing appointment. I felt that if someone put a gun to my head at 9am and said they would shoot me if I didn't get a listing by 5pm, I would live to see another day! That program then taught me what to do when I was on that appointment. Exactly how to take charge and control of the appointment. I then learned how to handle objections. There are only so many objections and every one has been posed before. There are no new objections. I needed to know how to respond to each one with at least 7 "objection handling techniques" for each objection. This was a good start.
Once I mastered the basics, I was starved for more education and training. I got involved with Howard Brinton's Star Power. This organization is based around the "Stars" which are the top producing agents in North America. Each month Mr. Brinton interviews one of these "Stars". You then receive a CD with a newsletter. This material will provide you with first hand information as to what these agents are doing to be successful, the scripts they use, and the "secrets to their success". Nothing is held back! I've been listening to these tapes/CD's for over 10 years. I learn something new every month. I've also been going to their conventions each year where I meet these "Stars" and others eager to learn. I can ask questions and learn first hand!
Lastly, as my business grew, I hired a coach (Corcoran Coaching). This was the final stage of my educational evolution. The most important advice I can provide regarding coaching is to be certain you hire the best coach for your personality and be certain to interview more than one. I coached with someone else for 14 months and found it to be marginally effective. I then moved to my current coach where I've been for the past 4 years. Goodluck and continue to learn!
Comments(14)