Special offer

Reflecting on 2007...How Involvement and Education Worked!

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

We all know that 2007 wasn't a great year for real estate.  And yet, many Realtors were having their best years ever.  I was one of those agents with more business than I'd had in my prior two years. 

For starters, I had a business plan put together for 2007 before Thanksgiving of 2006.  I didn't meet all of my goals, but at least I had something to aim for.  And while I did fall short of all of my goals, I did better than I had the previous years.

This week I will finish my GRI....so I spent a lot of time this year in classroom settings with other agents.  I loved it.  I learned a lot from these people, and was able to elevate my reputation amongst them. 

I also became a member of the Prince William Association of Relators (PWAR) Education Committee.  Again, another opportunity to get to know my fellow agents....and a chance for them to get to know me.

Lastly, I became a Technology Trainer for the Long & Foster Haymarket and Gainesville offices.  Yet more contact with my fellow agents.

Many agents I work with, or have come in contact with this year, have dismissed the idea of spending any more time than absolutely necessary with their fellow agents.  Why?  Because there are no prospects there.  To them it is a waste of time. 

When agents know you, and your reputation, they WANT to work with you.  That means, they will put your listings on their show lists and BRING the prospects to you.  I know I have listings that I am excited to show, simply for the prospect of working with some of the outstanding agents I've met.

Remember when you first started in real estate and your mentors were telling you that all the people you know, your Sphere of Influence, actually WANT you to be SUCCESSFUL.  That's why they give you leads.  It's the same concept with other agents. 

Get involved with your local board, or find another way to spend some time with your fellow agents.  You'll love what it does for your reputation and your business!

Comments(7)

Joeann Fossland
Advantage Solutions Group - Tucson, AZ
Master Certified Coach to Motivated Agents
Good for you! You exemplify someone who is making the best of what you have and putting good habits and practices into play! These are the hallmarks of a successful person!
Nov 27, 2007 02:16 AM
Nancy Pav
Century 21 Redwood Realty - Ashburn, VA
Nancy Pav, Your "GottaHave" Realtor

Congratulations on having your best year ever!  I hope that you've put your plan together for '08 and continue doing what you've been doing!

Dec 02, 2007 12:55 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Nancy:

I am certainly looking forward to 2008, no matter what the market brings!  I started my business plan in September, but will tweak this month and meet with my Broker for my "accountability".  It worked last year.

Chris Ann

Dec 02, 2007 01:44 AM
Anne Clark
Metro Referrals - Gainesville, VA

I was so proud to drag you into that committee.    I thought you would kill me.  Then I bailed on you.  Your committment was stronger than mine.

Sep 17, 2010 11:03 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Yes, thank's to you I am involved in this committee.  I don't know how you got me to go to that first meeting, but I'm glad you did.

Sep 17, 2010 11:36 AM
Anne Clark
Metro Referrals - Gainesville, VA

I know you've been thinking of hanging up the education committee at PWAR.  Have you made a final decision?

Nov 14, 2010 01:35 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I decided to step back for 2011 and the remainder of 2010.  Just too busy right now.

Nov 14, 2010 02:02 PM