Hi Kevin. I am glad you wrote about this. I was at an office meeting yesterday. I couldn't believe the downbeat tone.

I asked the woman next to me "Are these meetings always this depressing?"

Ken

Kevin - I gave my broker a good earful late this afternoon after my post. She just happened to call me to inquire about what I thought of her recent listing contest and basically, I was outspoken about the doom and gloom attitudes and agents sittting around waiting for business to come to them. I think she was sorry I asked. I told her she had my sympathy because motivating people in this market seems to be a challenge. Is it my imagination or are agents waiting for things to get easy again? Doerns't anybody want to kick it up a notch and try working hard OR smart???

Kevin  I'm not a broker, but if I were I would simply recognize those that are producing.  At my old brokerage we would have "awards" every month.  That stupid little certificate is motivation enough for many.  Those who aren't producing will thing "hmm, there is business to be had."  Personally, I just always keep a good attitude regardless of what I have going on.  Life (and business) is what we make of it.  In any market there are Buyers and Sellers.  I ask myself "what are YOU doing to make sure you're the Realtor representing those Buyers and Sellers?"  Whenever the thought crosses my mind that the market is slow, I pull MLS reports and am proven otherwise. 

Hi Kevin,

I think there needs to be a balance between office and home office.  I tend to focus better in my own space. That's just the way I am.  I get information at the office, I can take some classes at the office etc.  but I don't accomplish as much as I can at home at the office...so i don't go there too often.

Is it the responsibility of a Manager to motivate agents?  Are we in business and responsible for motivating ourselves?  Can someone be motiated and have it stick or being upbeat and figuring it out up to the inidividual. 

HI KEVIN!

My office has yearly retreats. This year it's an over-nighter!!  I get totally pumped after a retreat.  It's a rejuvination that I look forward to!

Have a great weekend!

It can be very draining sitting in the office at meetings that drone on and on.  So... get out of the office and breath some fresh air to reenergize!

Kevin- I think the key is to stay positive, no matter what. Whether it is finding that positive motivation through your broker or a meeting or on your own. 

Going for a walk on that pier would definitely energize me!  :-)

KEN:  So many people are looking at all the negatives and not the good things out there.

CAROL:  I think people get into a negative spiral of negativity.  This leads to a lethargy.  If they just started doing a few things to get to an upward spiral.  It is hard for brokers too. Money is tight and things are difficult.

Anthony:  I have always tried to emphasize with my people that there are always transactions so you just have to get your share of them.  :)

Miriam: Good point, but sometimes as a manager I can help an agent that is in a litlle down mood. A little encouragement or sometimes an appropriate suggestion can help someone get back on track.

Yvette: That sounds like a fun concept.

Sal: That sounds like a good idea.  I try to limit the number of meetings and keep them short and useful.

Lori:  That sounds great, so how do you do that?  :)

Liz;  It definitely works for me :)

Kevin- I try as hard as I can to stay upbeat and look for the good in every situation.  Believe me I don't always succeed but it helps a lot not to be centered on the bad of everything.  I notice if I am around, for any length of time, people who are negitive...it starts to wear off. So I try to hang with the positive crowd. Encourage others and smile! Oh.. and pray a lot and believe in miracles!!!!

Lori:  I like your style.  Do what you can, smile through it pray and trust.  Thank you!

Kevin-in our sales meetings they play loud music as everyone settles in to improve the mood.

I try to surround myself by successful people who offer ideas and suggestions on how to make things better.

I also channel a lot of energy into marketing. It increases business, raises awareness of me and my product, and it makes me feel like I am doing something to contribute to my success.

Hi Kevin. I think that attitude is everything and can even help you with physical energy. Keep posting and have a great day.t

Scott: That is so true.  Attitude is hugely important.

Lara: Some great tips there.  I like the music idea.  Doing something leads to success. Prospecting and marketing.