I lost an agent yesterday, and the amazing thing is...

Dennis -

The grass is always greener on the other side, many think.

This is indeed a frustrating side of our business.  You spend considerable time and passion training a new agent - and they blow you off.  Even worse - they make you feel that what you did wasn't helpful, wasn't appreciated at all!

You have to move on, of course, but I feel your pain!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Some will some wont so what whos next. Just a little saying I use. Im sure she was swooned by promises of silver and gold. Its never the brokerage its the person!

Yes, the grass always seems greener on the other side...problem is it rarely is. Bad habits are hard to break and the cycle often repeats it's self. I wonder how long she'll last over there?

Dennis-  You are so right that showing up is over half the battle in this business.  I see what I call the "whats-in-it-for-me" where they expect the broker to do it all.  Guess what, it won't happen.  So many people get into this business for a quick buck and it works for awhile as it did for this agent, but over the long haul if they are not willing to invest the time and effort, you are further ahead not to invest your time and effort.

This just shows that you don't want her in your office anyway. You have to put in the time and show up! I would be very frustrated too!

Dennis- At least she told you she was leaving, I have had agents just disappear and I find out they changed companies through their advertising or just seeing them on MLS.

Dennis I can understand your frustration I am relatively new and when I started my Broker explained that the agency is not my babysitter but will be there to assist me every step of the way but I have to be there for them to help. Unfortunately you have to use that very common 4 letter real estate term NEXT. I don't mean to sound cold but you sound like someone who cares and there is someone out there who could use your guidance.

Dennis, you lead a horse to water, but can't make them drink. I have found agents that hop around are looking for a magic button. There is no magic button in real estate, you have to take what you learn and apply it to your business, every single day!

Dennis - just like sellers who won't price their home according to the Realtor's recommendation or don't take market conditions into consideration - then blame it on the agent. I've seen a lot of agents whp don't do enough to help themseleves and then blame the broker. In fact, I consider recruiting and retaining agents very similar to working with sellers. Especially the hand holding part.

Dennis, some agents just won't do what it takes to make it in this business. Giving them leads is not the answer because when the leads run out their buisness runs out. I think you're better off that this person changed companies.

Good Post!

As a business owner, I can understand your frustration. People do funny things for funny reasons... go figure... Good luck.

Dennis - I have 25 Agents in my office.  Well 24 active as one won the lotterly for $135,000 last weekend and is taking a couple of months off.  It's amazing to me that Agents will blame their brokers for their lack of success.  I usually interview 5-10 Agents to hire one.  One reason that it takes me so many interviews is if they blame their broker for their lack of success, I won't hire them.  I always ask why they are leaving their last company. 

Another great Agent retention tool that I use is that I generate and own all the leads for my Agents.  They are busy as heck, which is a challenge in Melbourne Florida these days.  Because I own all the leads, if any of my Agents leave, I transfer all their leads to another Agent.  So far we haven't lost an Agent to another company since we opened our doors in March 2005.  Well I did lose one, but he sold businesses and in a year and a half only sold 2 for a total of $200,000!  I wasn't upset about that loss. 

In the end, people are going to blame eveything and everybody but themselves for their failures.  The true successful person/Agent will look at their failures and learn to become better.  I wouldn't spend  moment of your time thinking about her.  She won't be successful no matter where she ends up and you will be successful with or without her!

Dennis- Sounds like now you'll be able to devote more of your time to the agents who need, appreciate and use your advice.  Until that agent takes ownership for her own business she will continue to associate problems with her business to those around her.