Ramping up — Is it time to hire a real estate coach?
When you consider that even professional athletes earning tens of millions of dollars a year rely on a coach to help them perform their best, it is clear that everyone can benefit from a coach. Indeed, the argument can be made and supported that even those at the top of their career can benefit from the mentorship, guidance, and insight that a coach can provide. This is certainly true in real estate. But how do you know if you’re ready to ramp up your business and hire a real estate coach? Here are three signs that it may be time to hire a coach, along with reasons why they are worth the investment.When you consider that even professional athletes earning tens of millions of dollars a year rely on a coach to help them perform their best, it is clear that everyone can benefit from a coach. Indeed, the argument can be made and supported that even those at the top of their career can benefit from the mentorship, guidance, and insight that a coach can provide. This is certainly true in real estate. But how do you know if you’re ready to ramp up your business and hire a real estate coach? Here are three signs that it may be time to hire a coach, along with reasons why they are worth the investment.
You Have a Positive Attitude Towards Both Personal and Professional Growth — It has been said time and again that the only constant in real estate is change. Though this is often referring to the changing cycle of real estate markets, it applies to professionals in the space as well. That is, if you’re not changing by way of growing as a real estate agent, you’re setting the stage for stagnation. On the other hand, if you welcome the opportunity to learn new ways to attract clients, better methods for negotiation, savvier means of generating referrals, and you’re willing to put forth the work to do these things, you’re ready to grow under the guidance of a coach.
You Know That You Need Help in Certain Areas — Hiring a coach is only going to be useful if you are coachable (AKA teachable). In order to make the most of your experience with a real estate coach, you must be willing to look at your shortcomings, and/or areas of strength. If you think there is nothing left for you to learn, hiring a real estate coach will only waste time and money.
You’re Prepared for the Financial Investment — ‘You have to spend money to make money,’ is a time-tested truism in real estate. Just like you need to spend money on marketing listings, or marketing yourself as an agent, in order to make money via commission, it’s a good idea to invest in coaching.
If you know you need help, have a positive attitude about growth and learning, and are willing and able to make the financial investment into your long-term success, you’re in a great position to hire a real estate coach. After all, real estate coaches can help to:
• Assist you in sharpening your tech skills
• Engage in role-playing to manage and serve clients with a higher level of professionalism
• Guide you through proven prospecting methods
• Help you learn to set and maintain a budget
• Hold you accountable to your sales, marketing, and lead generation goals
• Offer alternative viewpoints on any areas of conflict with clients or colleagues
• Provide you with feedback on various sales strategies
• Walk you through fear of failure (or success)
Real estate coaches can clearly be worth their weight in gold when it comes to taking your business to new heights, but how do you find the right real estate coach? Here are four tips to help you find the coach best suited to your needs.
Ask for Referrals — Just like your buyers or sellers can be an unlimited source of potential income for you, your fellow REALTORS® can offer the same through referring you to a real estate coach who has helped them. Consider asking some of the top producers in your region who they count on for guidance and coaching.
Research and Research Some More — Compare the various programs offered by coaches to determine which offerings seem to be the best fit for your needs. Read reviews, watch videos, and reach out to others who have used specific coaches and/or coaching services.
Confirm the Coach’s Experience — It’s vital that your coach has practical experience, and a proven track record of success in real estate, so you can be sure you’re hiring a true professional who knows how to succeed.
Schedule a Consultation — It’s important that you and your coach are compatible. Scheduling a quick consultation to assure that your personalities mesh, and that you feel comfortable both talking and listening to your coach is crucial for a successful relationship and ensuing success.
When you’re ready to finesse your skills, identify and improve upon weaknesses, and see your business reach new heights, it’s time to hire a real estate coach. By following these best practices, you’ll be well positioned to accomplish your short-term goals, while laying a solid foundation for achieving long-term professional goals you have in mind.