Going Designation Crazy
Taking designation courses early in my career has helped me avoid mistakes, instead of having to learn from them.
I constantly remind myself to "work smarter, not harder." To do that requires writing down your business plan, setting your goals high, acquiring new skill sets, conquering your fears, and consistently working on your business, as you efficiently work in the business.
So when my-then broker introduced me to the idea of getting designations to help me achieve all of this, I became hooked. I took a real estate foundation course offered at my local REALTOR® board, which was also the equivalent to one whole credit for the GRI designation.
That one course was enough to spur me to go designation crazy — it was phenomenal!
I suddenly had a different outlook on the real estate industry and how to work it with my personality.
Besides GRI, which offers training in everything from contract law to finance and sales and marketing, I've now earned designations that make me a senior real estate specialist, international property specialist, buyer representative, and transnational referral specialist. Not to mention, I now get to add a bunch of letters after my name -- ABR®, SRES, CIPS, GRI, and TRC.
Is it Worth It?
Going designation crazy was a no-brainer for me because agents in my office who had the designations were doing five times more business than those who didn't have a single
designation.
When you're new in the business, it can be hard to budget for these designation courses. I spent about $3,000 on my five designations. It can be pricey, but I consider it an investment.
Getting designations was my way of overcoming the "kid in a suit" complex because I look and sound young (which I can't help!). Designations, however, give instant credibility, and I've had many customers tell me they're glad to know I've taken the initiative to learn everything that I can about my business. Plus, my designations help them feel more comfortable in referring me to their friends or family because they know I'm well-trained to do the job.
Dina Takai, GRI, ABR®, SRES, CIPS, TRC, is a broker associate with Park Bench Realty in Arlington Heights, Ill.
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Comments
I am considering going after my GRI. I know the value of an education is priceless. And as you said it can help get rid of the idea that we are young and also inexperienced. Good Post.
Ulises Romo, REALTOR®
PRO-formance Realty Concepts
Posted by: Ulises Romo, REALTOR® | January 17, 2008 04:53 PM
That is a great point. Most people see a young REALTOR and immediately assume we know nothing, even though we may know twice as much as the next guy. I need to go designation crazy!
Posted by: Andy Clay | February 1, 2008 08:53 AM
Going "designation crazy" can make sense, but you need to make sure that it fits your marketing campaign and location.
I have an MBA and am also working on several designations, but they will not be in some of my marketing material to help my brand ring true in some of my markets.
Posted by: Toby & Sadie | February 5, 2008 08:46 AM