Do you need to be rich to be a Realtor?

I believe the most effective way of prospecting is face to face anyways and that is always free.  How efficient you are at doing the face to face is very important.  At least that's what I think

Cathy:  Please do not allow anyone to bully you into taking any sort of coaching course you do not want to take.  Many of the courses are worthwhile, but many of them also try and talk you into taking on a year's worth of coaching at $399 a month.  If your business is going well enough, I would rather you find someone... like you said... an actual Mentor you can work under.  Someone who actually knows the usiness and works the business... and someone who knows that the more you succeed... the more they succeed.  Take care...

Cathy, it seems at times that you have to be rich to be a realtor.  We haven't done the Buffini training, although I have heard that it is great training.  I do believe that you have to improve yourself consistently whether that is learning from other agents, reading books, or taking training from these experts.  I think that you're on the right track with what you're willing to do.  My position is, once you're in a position to take these types of training, do it.  Until then, one of the most successful agents that I know just does it the old fashioned way, working his sphere of influence and meeting people.  That is the approach that economically, we are having to take.  The huge advantage is that the internet is a lot cheaper and more effective than print advertising.  Which we emphasize it's importance to our clients.  I don't know if that helps, but we do understand your frustration, good luck!

I would never again pay another coach. And you absolutely do not have to be rich. Far from it. Just research Web 2.0. There are plenty of blogs here that will teach you all you need to know. Most internet advertising is free or pretty close to it. And it's all you need.

Cathy,

I would say you do need to be rich to be a Realtor, but not monetarily. When I feel most compensated is when a a client says "thank you for your time," "thank you for how much we've learned from you." Being rich in generosity, rich in loyal clients and rich in an active network of colleagues, both local and for referrals outside your immediate area -- those are the kind of riches I seek.

Let me add that I'm a huge advocate of involvement in organized real estate. Having recently completed serving as President of my local Association in Berkeley, and still Chair of several committees, I can tell you that provides a special kind of richness to one's life and business. I'm now well-known throughout my area and I've been able to develop programs that I know are beneficial to other agents. Meeting lots of other top Realtors throughout the State as well as at NAR is truly exciting. You learn so much from other Realtors' experiences. 

Coaches like Buffini have a formula. Many other coaches can help you, and many have the same message: have a written business plan and follow it. Don't be afraid to push your comfort level. But the message that has remained the most important to me is: don't forget that your health and family are always the greatest riches you'll ever have, and a good business plan will make sure that those precious assets are never jeopardized.

All the best in your business!

Arlene Baxter, Berkeley Hills Realty, CA 

OK I wasn't sure if this is about couching or money. You should always learn, but your customer cares about how you serve them and that does not require a lot of money. Expertise and caring can be gotten without money

I know that when someone talks about being RICH they are talking about money.  There are many ways that a person can be Rich, past clients that are referring you business, family, friends, etc.  The good part about it is you get to decide when you are Rich.  It is like being successful, you are both of these when you know it in your own mind not in somebody elses'.

There are plenty of good programs out there and the good part about it is you get to choose which one and when you would like to take the course.  Put it in your plan and work your plan at your own pace.

Have a GREAT year.

Don R.

you can learn from other people but the real teacher is really experience. It is much better to find someone who knows you.