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Could my 2009 start with a brokerage move?

Monday at 9am, I got an interesting call from a principle broker who has been reading my posts for over a year now and has even made some comments from time to time on them. But, today he wasn't calling about one of my posts, he was calling about all of them.

To Mr. Principle broker, yes, I know you are reading, as I told you, any conversation with me could become a post. But since my posts are what got you to call me, I'm going to use the same posts to show that I'm very transparent in what I'm asking and what I'm thinking.

Mr. Principle broker's offer to me was very unusual in that he wanted me to move to his company. That would basically take my posts and gets him more google juice. He wants me to teach blogging once a week to his 100+ agents in his office.

But, how does this benefit me? Well, this is where the proposal gets interesting. I don't have to pay any desk fees, just a transaction fee of $100 per transaction, which includes my E&O insurance. Once I reach $6,000 in transaction fees, I would not have to pay any more and that is one third of what the other agents pay in his office.

Mr. Principle broker wants to use my knowledge of blogging to propel his business in 2009. But do I stick it out where I am at and where I enjoy working or venture on to bigger and better things? As many of you know from some of my past posts that despite enjoying my brokerage, I have also thought about venturing out on my own.

I hope 2009 brings me many opportunities such as this, but I am not quick to make any decisions that would affect me and my family. Maybe I could work this in as a part time business, teaching classes on blogging and get the best of both worlds. I can get a glimpse into the new company, while still keeping my feet firmly planted at my present company.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
www.ifoundyournewhome.com

Posted by Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) on 12/31/2008 10:46 AM

Comments (26)

Changing Companies in the ActiveRain Channel

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26 Comments on Could my 2009 start with a brokerage move?

DEC

Hi Todd;

Remember this is a very important decision. THINK ABOUT IT..Happy New Year!

60 sides is all he is asking for? I would love all my agents to have even 10-12 sides per agent per year. I hope that this principal broker did his research - being a great blogger doesn't necessarily translate into being a great agent. Sounds like his expectations are a bit skewed, however.

I made a change in 2008 that I thought I never would. It took a LOT of thinking for me to decide that I needed a change of path. It might be a good thing... Take you time.

So how would the other agents feel about you getting deal? Does his having you teach the rest of the agents how to use blogging as a marketing tool dilute your efforts? Does taking time to become a trainer take away from your own sales efforts? What is beneath the covers at the brokerage? How are their financials? I'm sure you have thought of these questions and many more. I've seen a lot of agents changing brokerages in the last few months and hope they are asking some serious questions before they jump.

I remind you that it's always an "either...or" situation in life...there really is no grey territory/middle ground. If you're going, you go. If you're not, you're not. Change brings opportunity, but one can always create further opportunity by changing the methodology if one "stays". You never step in the same water twice, when wading in a river, anyway!

$6000/year cap on your fees sounds really low. He wants you!

What would be the benefits to you leaving (besides cheap fees)?

What's stopping you from going out on your own?

Todd

Think it over. If you moved ask how long a lapse time would hurt you, how fast you will rebound, and what things might come back to hurt you, as well as benefit you

Tom Braatz

Ah Mr. Todd, You are very wise my friend. Keep the negotiations in the public eye and see what other offering may arise. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain with this practice.

May you profit greatly in the NEW YEAR my friend!

Todd, there is nothing nicer than working at a brokerage that is a really good fit. The 100 agent + offices are not always the good ones, and the brokers who try to lure agents with compliments about their blogs - well, I just think that's the latest in recruitment strategies!

And striking out on your own could be a collossal hassle though maybe not!

Todd, this is fascinating as I am in the process of helping a group of agents from my old firm in California...I'm glad you are being cautious before making any moves. I wish you all the best and a very Happy New Year!

Todd, it sounds as though 2009 will bring change to your life. Imagine that.

What an interesting conundrum. It gives you the chance to learn and grow. Teaching is a great way to get even better, but if you're happy where you are, will it cost you anything during the adjustment in time, money or other ways?

It's an interesting proposal that sounds well worth considering.

Hmmmmmm. The part that stands out to me is that you enjoy where you are. I made a move for bigger and better things, a good move based on a business decision. But I found that I didn't enjoy working there. Even though financially I was better off, I realized that the intangibles of being in a culture and atmosphere that was pleasant to be in everyday was worth more than more potential $$$$. Why would you want to give away some of your google juice to those other 100 agents who are your close competition in town?

JAN

Toddhow interesting to see such transparency of contract negotiation. Unrelated, I observed some blogging style tips reading through several of your post this AM

Thanks

Jay

Needless to say, I am sure you are flattered. If I were in your shoes, I'd open my own brokerage!! If you're not a broker, hire one at a small fee. No sense letting people not willing to do the work ride your coat tails! You are certainly a talent!!

I'm with Colleen--what's holding you back? Now may be the perfect time to branch out on your own.

JAN

Todd,

It sounds like a great opportunity. Isn't it nice that someone asked? I made a move in 2008 and it has worked out wonderfully. I have no regrets. Good luck and God Bless in 2009. Whatever decision you make, I have the feeling you are going to do just fine.

But, how does this benefit me? Well, this is where the proposal gets interesting.

Hi Todd,

That offer is too low. ActiveRain has changed the balance of power on the internet. Don't let anyone underestimate your value. Very few agents, or brokers, can match what you've done online.

Mr. Principle broker wants to use my knowledge of blogging to propel his business in 2009.

Of course he does. This reminds me of one of my clients who was heavily recruited last year. It's nice to be wanted! :)

Todd - So many agents - both real estate and mortgage - made moves in 2008, some by choice, many by company closures. It's hard to decide which ship to jump onboard, and I prefer sailing my own. Wherever you land, I wish you the best.

TC,

No moves without much prayer and deliberation...!!! And a call to me!!! :) Thanks, Fran

You deserve every good thing! Blessings!

JAN

Todd,

Gosh, its great to be courted, isn't it? Knowing that you've made a favorable impression on someone can be a heady thing. You have much to consider: how long would it take to rebound from the change? those intangibles are important - you want to enjoy where you are and the people you see on a regular basis, do you you think you'll enjoy the new office to the same degree? are you paying desk fees now, and if so, how important is the $6000 a year?

But...to me that's all kinda beside the point. In full disclosure, I also worked for the "big guys" most of my career. In 2006, my business partner and I opened our own brokerage.

If you were already thinking about branching out on your own, I'd say go for it. Clearly you have talent and are able to do the job. Why pay anybody else if you don't have to? I'll echo Fran here, pray and deliberate...call him too! Heck, call me if you want! Good luck to you, and I'll be looking forward to hearing how this works itself out!

JAN

You're awfully quiet there Todd. So what is up? What did you do?

Anthony - I did and for right now I am staying put!

Weichert Realtors - I think he is hoping that by me teaching blogging that it will take his agents only doing 4-5 a year to 11 or 12. My goal for 2009 is 50 transactions and he knows this, but if he gets 4-5 more transactions a year from all 100 agents he would make a heck of a lot more.

Lane - I did take my time and did some extensive research in to his company and boy am I glad I did!

Cindy - Financials at the company were fine, the complaints against the company are what got me to walk away from the deal. The blog classes really were not going to affect me and the way I do business.

Hey Todd, I think you made the right decision for the right reasons. Thanks for letting your AR family go through this process with you. Have a WONDERFUL new year!

Agents only selling 3-4 houses a year need to concentrate on BASICS and sphere of influence, not blogging. That's not a magic bullet to more sales. It's just one step in the marketing mix.

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