At Al Filippone Associates we have never been shy over the years about hiring agents who are new to the industry. We’ve hired a few recently, and just yesterday I was thinking about what must be going through their mind.
Questions Abound
I remember, upon entering the business myself, that there were some clear choices before me. Would I enjoy hanging out at the water cooler with those who were immersed in gossip about town politics, office politics and everything in between? Or would I emulate those who were at their desk, on the phone and focused solely on real estate? Was success in real estate going to demand that I adapt a personality that really didn’t coincide with the fabric of who I was? Would it be too daunting a task to meet with success considering the fact that I had no business experience?
Quickly Evident
The answers to those questions became evident quite quickly. While I enjoyed the personalities of most everyone in the office, I was a single man and I needed to feed and clothe myself. The agents who were focused, I quickly learned, were the ones earning the greatest income. Being authentic, I also learned, is a big advantage and there is a sizable difference between being aggressive and being thorough. Thoroughness worked well for me. Lack of experience may have slightly lengthened my learning curve, although I’m not sure of that. If so, it certainly was something that I overcame quickly.
Words of Wisdom
I remember a district manager who implored the agents of the company to approach real estate as a full-time job. She suggested that, if we just worked the business from 9:00 to 5:00 (except for weekend appointments) we would have all the opportunities for success that we would ever need. That was advice that I remember to this day.
High End Reality
There were a choice few agents who seemed to have a hold on the high end of the market. I had a lot of respect for them and it was a reality that seemed unattainable to me. Years later, through good fortune among other things, I became one of them myself before I formulated a team. It certainly wasn’t easy, it was more about determination and resolve than anything else. The basics can get you there just as easily as creativity as long as you follow the formula.
Sharing
I hope that those who are new to the business are able to reap some inspiration from this blog post. Growing a business takes time. The seemingly instant successes and “overnight sensations” have been in existence a lot longer than you think. Starbucks was founded in 1971 and Ralph Lauren in 1969. The founders had one thing in common, something that is required of all of us who have lofty goals. It’s very uncomplicated…simply carry on with your dream.
Are you frustrated with the pace of your career?
What has helped you to temper your impatience?
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