Be seen and known. Take advantage of all as many ways as possible of being seen. Signs on your vehicle(s), name badge, pictures on all of your signage, newsletter, farming cards, etc.
Part of your business pan needs to include advertising. Pick your shots strategically, money is not unlimited. Focus on specific communities or markets. Remember that repetition is required to be successful in advertising.
Garbage in garbage out. If you are not willing to put in the hours and dedicate yourself to this, find another line of work. You may not be cut out for this. Real estate is not easy. There are more agents than you can count out there. If you want success you have to be willing to go out and get it.
7) Have a plan.
This one is listed last but it really is the most important one. I put it last because all of the other items need to be included in your plan.
I always try to help, I enjoy teaching and love a student that listens and respects what I am saying. It makes me feel good to know someone trusts me enough to ask me for help.
I haven't been around all that long and there is so much to read, I doubt I'll ever get to see it all. So, when someone does this sort of thing it really helps others find some of the hidden treasures. :) Good Night for reals. Doreen
Randy, I'm with you in helping new agents! It's a necessity we all needed at one time or another. But there i s no help like self help! A new agent will learn the most by getting out there and getting his hands "dirty".
Mahalo, Randy! (You taught me that, too!) You have GREAT articles, and not just for new agents, either! I think anyone could pick up a few tips reading your posts. Thanks for putting them together like this. I'll check back, too!
Excellent list. I would just expand a little on your "Learn your inventory" by saying: Preview, preview, preview. Any time I have ever mentored a new agent, I have required that they preview at least 10 homes a week - either 5 twice in the week, or 2 each day on their way into the office. By doing this, they will begin to know the inventory so they can speak of it intelligently, and develop a comfort zone for walking through other people's houses so they're no awkward in their early showing days... Not to mention, practice using the different kinds of lockboxes so they don't embarrass themselves in front of customers and clients.
I'm new, so thanks for the tips. I'm finding open houses useful, floor duty not so useful, and joining community and networking organizations helpful. My main issue is that I've only lived in my area for 3 years, so I need to grow my network. I am getting killed by other new agents that have lived in town all their life. Essentially I need to find a different niche. Maybe "new to the area" people.
Randy really nice! I'm glad to see it featured! Sorry I've not been around in so long, but life is slowly getting back to normal here and I'm back in the Active Rain swing!
How about something to the effect that should they not know what they are doing....to ask! How many agents I have seen are more concerned with exagerrating about how many transactions they've had so "they don't look new" rather than ask questions so they don't do the wrong thing!
Randy, all of this is good, but I really like number 7. Number 7 applies to all of us on here and not just Realtors. You have to have a plan, aim high, and honestly try to reach it.
Sarah - Thank you for the kind words. I am glad my posts are helpful.
Steven - I got a lot of help from some really good agents and it is only right I do the same. If we work in the same office, what they do reflects on all of us.
Margaret - Great tips! I am sitting at a broker's open house right now. The sad thing is only a few agents will stop by. Many are home watching TV instead of improving their craft.
Robert - Thank you!
Ross - I can not say that enough, Active Rain is where all new agents should be spending some time.
Amy - You have the right idea, you need to find a niche and work it.
Lysa - I have been finding myself more and more busy lately and finding it harder to put as much time in on Active Rain.
Sally - That is an important one. You need to know what you do not know and learn it. You are right on the money, I see too many inexperienced agents trying to fake their way through.
I just read your "some agents need a lesson in etiquette....I think the whole world does Randy! I am always one to say that we are all human and think and act differently....and turn right around and wish everyone would be loyal and honest and trustworthy....like me...hahahah.
Hey Randy, another great resource for new agents. Great stuff and definitely rules to live by for anyone that actually plans to make this a career. I think far too many people come into the business without any kind of plan and/or no idea of what steps to take to get that initial business.
Randy! Look at you! You were busy getting new photos of your new self that's why you've not been so active in the Rain! You look great!! Congrats!! Your beard lost weight too! You look 20 yrs younger! :)
Wow, you look like a whole nother person! :) I wouldn't realize it was you if the pic wasn't on your post! I bet you are feeling great, you sure look it!
Yvonne - Advertising is critical. Everything is advertising. Signs on vehicles, embroidered shirts, open house and sale signs, even a quality business card that you give out by the 100s.
Lysa - I feel so much better. Yesterday I played in a scrimmage soccer game with my youngest and his soccer team. that was the first time in years. It felt great to be able to run with them and not feel old and tired.
Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR®
I am often questioned by new agents about how to build their business. 
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Hi Randy, Don't have the time to check all the links, got to get to sleep. I have book-marked and will be back!! Thanks for this. Doreen