If you’re a newer agent (or in the interview process to choose the right office), you have more choices than you imagined. Do you know what you’re looking for? Use this checklist to decide what kind of company, office, and atmosphere you’ll feel most comfortable in. I’ve also put some comments in each of the areas of choice, so you can think of pertinent questions to ask.
Selling vs non-selling Manager
You prefer a manager who doesn’t sell real estate.(non-competing)
You prefer a manager who sells real estate (may provide a good role model).
Find out how a selling manager handles the ‘management’ part of the job? Are you comfortable enough time will be spent training and coaching up?
Training
You prefer a formalized training program.
You prefer to ‘go it on your own’, with the manager available to answer questions.
Do you have a background with outside sales training? If not, how are you going to gain the concepts and skills to self-manage and sell?
Large/Small Office
You prefer a large, busy office.
You prefer a small, more laid-back atmosphere.
Managers sell both types of offices. What’s most important for you is that the manager has a system to train and coach you to a sale fast. Who will be that coach?
Large/Small Company
You like the idea of a large company behind your efforts.
You like the idea of a boutique, specialty company.
There are benefits to each size. But, what’s important is the ‘why’? Large companies don’t guarantee that you will succeed. Neither do small companies.
Many/Few New Agents
You want to be around other new agents like you, so you prefer an office with lots of new agents.
You want to be with seasoned agents, and would rather be among the few new agents in the office.
If there are lots of new agents in the office, what is the system to assure they all have a plan and ‘execute’ their days with meaning? Who coaches them? If there are many seasoned agents in the office, what’s the benefit to you? (They aren’t going to devote lots of time to answer your questions! They have businesses to run).
Top Producer Assignment
You want to be assigned to a top producer to find out how that top producer works, and perhaps do work for that top producer.
You want to become an above-average producer fast, and don’t want to be in the shadows of anyone else.
If you think you want to be assigned to a top producer, what exactly will you be doing? Why is it a benefit to you?
Age of Agents
You want to be around people your age.
You want to be around people of a wide range of ages and interests.
Specifically, what are the benefits to each situation? How will the systems in the office benefit you?
Work from Office/Work from Home
You want to work from the office, and have a desk at the office.
You want to work from home.
If you want to work from home, how will you be trained and coached? How will you motivate yourself? How will you learn from others?
No Supervision/Management
You prefer little or no ‘supervision’. You’ll go at your own speed.
You want and expect leadership and guidance as you start your career.
If you want little or no ‘supervision’, have you been in business for yourself before? Do you have scheduling and time management skills? Are you able to ‘boss yourself’ around so you’ll get your priorities accomplished?
Coach/No Coach
You want a coach dedicated to your success.
You prefer to go it alone and operate independently.
If you don’t want a coach, how will you self-manage? How will you know you’re on track? How will you create the systems and mind-set to succeed quickly?
Mentor/Manager
You want a mentor—someone you can go to ask questions at any time.
You want to go to your manager as your trusted adviser.
If you want a mentor, get a job description of what that mentor will provide–and whether there is a cost. Ask yourself, “What will I give in return?”
Armed with the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to make the right choice for you.
Bottom line: No one who succeeds at a high level does so without coaching, direction, and leadership. What do you want?
