Ya gotta love it when the Principal calls you in just to give hugs and pats on the back.  I've seen a couple RE/MAX franchises in our area bite the dust because Realtors are either hanging up their licenses or moving to "traditional" brokers to try to save money.  So I guess the Brokers are a little more aware of those of us in the trenches who are actually making a living selling real estate (what a concept!).

I was on the fence about Ultimate Agent. I deceided not now. It's an excellent program from what I can gather.  Maybe the next time....

Sometimes some postive attention is better than money.....sometimes.

Audrey, Please let us know how the course is but I'm willing to bet you're going to love it and learn alot.   I have heard other people speak of it and always favorably so let us know--and have fun!

Ken, Ken, my broker,  is great all of the time anyway.  I just thought it was interesting to for him to say, I know you don't really need me to tell you how to do it, I am just here to say I haven't forgotten about you.  So far, I really like the ultimate agent.  I used to do by referral only, but this is better.

Hi Carole, I have been absent a bit this week.  I have missed you.  I hope you are well.  I think if we can learn a few things to make us better then it is worth it.  I used to think I had to do every single thing in these classes but then that sort of overwhelms us, so a little bit at a time. 

Audrey-Congratulations on your success!  That is wonderful. You are the BOMB!  My broker in Nashville sounds just like Ken!  He would pull us in on occasion to give us a pat on the back and just "catch up" on our lives.  Can't beat a good broker that recognizes how important his agents are!  I hope your success continues. For some reason, I think it will:)

Thanks Elizabeth, that really means a lot coming from you.  I really meant the post about Ken and how important it is to give each other "hugs" through it all.  I am glad you have the same type of broker.  They are important, especially these days.

Audrey - Congratulations to you!  I know that feeling of wondering what a meeting is about!  I've been fortunate enough in all my years in the business to have some really wonderful managing brokers.  More often than not, the meetings are heartwarming and positive.  And even if there has been an occasional escrow experiencing drama, it was always handled in a supportive way.

Audrey~ I am so proud of you. I am NOT surprised in the least.  Sounds like you have a really great, and inspiring and caring Broker! 

I agree with you Audrey, brokers need to always make sure that they let their agents know that they appreciate what they do. Great post.

Myrl, I figured it wasn't going to be a big deal.  There was no drama going on in my life.  I am lucky,  I always know my brokers are supportive.

Vickie, I do have a great broker.  You know he is there if I need something, this was just a surprise.

Hi Victor, Thank you.  I think we all think that the people in our lives know that we appreciate and support them, it is just nice for us to express it and have it said to us.

Audrey my hats off to your BIC.  He is a true manager.   Most principal brokers I have met and seen never do the job.   I am sorry but after over twenty years of management myself I do get irked to see that happen.  We are lucky to have some good ones in our company but, not all measure up.  At least you are lucky to in that he does this.  We use to always do a monthly or quarterly performance review with all employees to "let them know how they are doing".  As you mentioned it gives them face time that they would rarely have otherwise.

Congratulations on #2 and go get #1!

Larry, My brokers really do work hard to keep us up to date and our office with the latest and greatest technology.  We also have Fridays with Ken to sit and discuss what is up.  We also will have brown bag lunch discussions, and round table discussion.  It is all good stuff.  Thanks for the encouragement.

Audrey, congrats on being number 2 and that's great that your broker is taking the time to meet with each of you individually.  In the 9 years that I was under a broker I don't remember any of them doing that. 

Marchel, I have never known where I ranked during a year.  I don't know that it will shake out that way at the end of the year.  I was just happy to get the face to face time, it was powerful.

Looks like you are in the RIGHT place for your business! Glad they also see how special you are.

THEY are the lucky ones!

Susan, I am going to send him a thank you tomorrow.  I traveled today.  If I get stuck I will give you a ring.

Have a good night, thanks!

Hi Audrey,

Your Broker sounds like a great guy! How cool to be called in for a pat on the back, you go girl! :)

HI AUDREY!

Certainly commendable, being number 2 in an office of 120...especially in such a challenging market.  BTW, how was that yard sale?  Did you have a good turnout?

All the best,

Cute post, Audrey!  And I'm with you!  I always feel so guilty, and it's always good! 

Audrey, congratulations on being #2 in your office. It's always nice to feel appreciated. Glad your broker took the time to let you know that.

touch base.... sure.  You got caught sticking bubble gum under your desk again, didn't you? :)

Very cool on Ken's part...my question is, why haven't you invited him to join yet?

Thanks Suzanne.  Ken is pretty wonderful.

Yvette, thanks you are always so positive.  My yard sale was great.  We made $900!!  Cleaned stuff out and made a bit of money.  I still have plenty left over for another sale.  I think most of that will be donated.

Pat, So true and I didn't even go to Catholic school.  I think my friends are rubbing off on me.

Gena, It was nice to meet with him.  I took the number 2 thing out of my post because I felt like I was trying to brag.  I think I was just surprised.  I was so amazed at how pumped up I was after talking to him for 30 minutes.  Anyway, thank you for your comments.

Jesse, I always get busted for everything, that is why I never "try" anything.  If I do anything wrong, I walk straight into his office and tell him we are going to get sued straight away. never happens, I just like the extra drama in my life.  I am sure with 120 agents he has plenty of drama.

Jeremy, Ken is here in AR.  He is one of those people that has an account and never did anything with it.  I always tell him how wonderful it is and he agrees that he is happy I am having a good time here he always swears he is going to "get to it".  Funny thing is Ken was Journalism major - this is right up his alley.  He is a great public speaker and smart as a whip.  I guess adult day care for 120 people is time consuming?

I couldn't agree with you more on your point on this one.  Many managers seem to spend way too much time on the bottom feeders, instead of who actually brings home the BREAD AND BUTTER!

Audrey,
New and old agents need a little pat on the back and a word of encouragement occasionally.  I like Ken.

Audrey- First, congrats on your sales success. Second- it is always nice to be remembered.  Third - psst.  Don't tell anyone, but I believe combining Brian Buffini's old skool relationships skills with new skool social networking and tools and then putting your own twist on it is a winning equation.

Audrey, Congratulations on your success. What a wonderful Principal to think to check in. I've changed office in the past over benign neglect. Luckily I have a small office now and it's easy to stay in touch with my team.

We all need to touch base and check in!  It is great that your broker has so much insight.

Its great that your broker gave you a prep talk. No matter how you are performing whether it is good or bad we all can use a pick me up/good job! Keep up the good work talk every now and then. I know I need it. Have a great weekend audrey! And congratulations on this featured post and all of your success. Great post.

Congratulations on the gold star! And on being recognized for all of your hard work on both accounts. It does put a little more wind beneath your wings.

Michael, I think most managers figure the ones keep their production up don't need a face to face, but I think it makes a difference.

Cynthia, You are right, everyone like recognition.  Ken is great.  BTW, I am down in your neck of the woods in Kure Beach this weekend.

Rebecca, from your lips to God's ears.  I am hoping a little of this and a little of that will go a long way.  That means a lot to me coming from you.

Cat, Good for you.  It doesn't take much, just a little check up once in a while will do us all good.

Joan, I thought it was such a strong thing that I would suggest it to the other brokers so they don't forget anyone in the office.

Lanre, That is why I wanted to share this with the other managers and brokers, so they don't forget anyone.  You have a good weekend too.  Thank you.

Trunda, put a little more wind beneath your wings, that is another great way of saying it.  Thanks.

It's nice that your Broker cares about the agents in your office.  Congratulations.

Audrey, Congratulations on all your acolades. In this market that is especially true. Good luck, I was with Re/max and enjoyed every minute.

Part of a broker's job IS to pat those of us on the back who are doing well.  Often, brokers let the top agents run loose, and that shouldn't be the case.  We ALL need a high-five no matter what the production level.  Kudos to your kudos ;-)

That's very exciting!  Nice pick-me-up whether or not you needed one.  We have a supportive broker and I shouldn't take it for granted since there are a lot of them out there who don't have/take the time to have one-on-one face time with each of their agents.

That's excellent; its always good to have a great relationship with your broker, especially with one as cool as he sounds:) Thanks for the excellent post:)

Audrey- It doesn't matter if an Agent is doing well or just learning....I think everyone likes to hear some positive feedback, and feel that they make a difference, or at the very least that they are appreciated.  Good for you....and nice to hear you are one of the top agents. I miss that competitiveness, as now I only compete against myself....can we say boring :)

That is a great story and a good job by the broker... I think the brokers should actually focus on the ones that produce instead of spending too much time with non-producers.

It's so hard to find good help management.  When you do, it is usually best to keep them!

Bev, Thanks, we are fortunate in my office.

Charles, I have been at Remax almost 20 years!  Yikes, how did that happen?

Tamara, It was nice.  I just figure I am doing okay and help the ones that need it.  Again, it was nice.

Jenn, I would bet there are plenty of Broker/Managers right now that aren't so sure what to do themselves?  We should both count our blessings.

DJ, he is pretty terrific.  I will let him know you said so.  ;)

Kathy, Honey, there aint nothing boring about you. LOL!

Christopher and Stephanie, I think the point of the post is that both need the attention.  I was surprised and what a pick me up it was.  I think the higher producers might get ignored a bit because the broker thinks oh they are okay, they don't need me like the others do?

Gregory, LOL, true.  Don't you think sometimes we might not how good we have it.  We should count our blessings.

Well that is neat!  Your broker is absolutely right - agents on all levels need encouragement and support.............and congratulations that you're doing so well!  Would love to hear more about the Buffini Course!

Your broker seems to know how to keep his crew working on productive levels. It's great to see his level of encouragement and how he's successfully inspired you. Everyone can struggle even the top producers, especially in a time like this.  Broker's like that provide the glue to your network. Congratulations on being part of that, you must be happy.  Keep up the good work.

It is a great feeling to have the support and backing of your broker.  Our Broker is very hands on.  Her door is always open and schedules meeting times with us very often.  Every time I leave a meeting with her, I feel like I am ready to tackle the world.  She keeps us motivated with plenty of in office training also.  I feel very proud to work in our office and I know you feel the same about yours.  Heres to great management!!!!

that's the great thing about RE/MAX - We are a TEAM and our BROKERS CARE about all of us!

Being a manager, it's a reminder that I need to remember every day as the new agent can just seep all your energy - So thanks for reminding me - one more time...

How lucky you are that your broker has Support as a priority...wonder how many people would not have left the business...OR that particular brokerage if the broker had made that a priority. It is not a ReMax thing...it is a personal and professional quality you are fortunate to have in your office.

Totally agree --you have a great broker.  I worked for a broker once who only was interested in recruiting.  After that happened, he never knew you were alive.  Guess what?  He's no longer in business.  Not surprising, right?

Good Morning Audrey,

It was so good to see accolades for a broker.  I am a broker owner and during the current challenging times, I know I have been a little too preoccupied with paying the bills and cutting expenses and have not been a very good support for my wonderful agents.  Thanks for the reminder.

Gotta go call my guys now! 

Great Post,  I am in Florida and this has been a hard time for all agents, including top producers.  Even though we are top producers we need to know that everything is ok.  I have had an emotional week, there are many other brokers out there trying to recruit us and they seem to know what we are doing and thinking.  I almost left Re/Max this week, I have been there for almost 11 years and I have never thought about leaving, but I was thinking with my emotions and not my head.  I too needed my broker to care, I have paid my bills, still produced and been a team player, but sometimes we just need reassurance that everything is ok. 

I know we will make it through this, but gosh that little voice in our heads just keeps going, and then another broker with several other top agents has changed its program ( a marriage of the Re/Max System and some traditional models) and it sure sounded great.  They knew what our fears were and  they seemed to care what we were going through. 

I even went so far as to telling my broker ( who I consider a good friend) that I was leaving. She was floored.  I know she was hurt, because I could see it in her face.  I was hysterical and it was not a good week.  I have been a Re/Max agent through and through, I have spoken at convention, been a cheerleader and always wanted to be there, but sometimes we just need to know that this market is not us.  We need to know that being down 50% is normal and that most agents are doing NOTHING.  Good agents are people pleasers and we are not pleasing our customers right now, it is hard work to be in this business right now.  Then you watch the news and the media and think was my career a farce.  I am I the next to go down.  Do I need to be with the my competition because they are changing with the market?. 

We can not do this alone, we have to come together.  I am in the #2 office in the region, and there are tons of agents that have left, it is scary and lonely.  I know I will survive, but fear is in the air and everything we thought was true is falling apart.  I have saved my money, don't have debt, put money in the stock market, we are watching our net worth crumble before our eyes.  I know this will pass but the illness is really painful.  The brokers need to realize that the top agents are their lifelines and if we leave, they are nothing.  That is what my broker did once I brought it to her attention.  She is working with us and helping us stay afloat, we are using our staff to help us do marketing, and support.  It seems they are stepping up to the plate to help.  I think it is great that your broker called you in before you had to go to him. 

Thanks for the voice.  I am sticking it out and now we are making changes at our office, more synergy etc. 

Dear Anonymous, I will speak to you first.  You must be my long lost twin?  Our office is one of the largest in our area too and it can be disheartening on some days when it is so empty.  I think synergy is important.  It is why, at a time like this, I am taking a new Buffini class and going to different seminars to stay focused and positive.  It is hard, very hard. 

I too was going to leave for the other company.  I went so far as to have all of my signs ordered, cards, and signs.  I went in to see my other broker, Greg Smith, and he said he didn't want me to go and we had a long discussion.  He wanted me to think about it for a few days.  For some reason I could not get rid of the knot in my stomach?  I just didn't have the feeling it was the right thing to do.  This was about 5 years ago and I will tell you that I am glad I stayed.  The other company has had a very difficult time, and they are especially having a hard time now.

I encourage you to talk to your broker as much as possible.  Stay strong, this too will pass.  I am glad to hear you "saved for a rainy day".  My husband and I did too, but it still is frustrating at times to say the least.

I hope you feel better and feel free to contact me privately if you would like to talk.

Liz, I was surprised at what a difference I felt when I left Ken's office.  I guess I felt like I didn't need to be talked to, and sure enough I did.  I will let you know about Buffini's Ultimate Agent.  So far I really love it.

Castellum Realty, Thanks for the words of encouragement.  You always have such good things to say. 

Pamela, You are very fortunate to have such a great broker.  Good for you.  That is so funny, when I left Ken's office I felt like I could take on the world and everything would be okay.

Richard, Amen and I am very happy to have two really great brokers.

Audrey, I had to laugh, my first reaction is what did I do? LOL! It's great to hear that your broker is hands on and supportive. I love the company I work with. Our broker/owners care about our careers, we've had one to one meetings, we have coaching and roundtable every week. They listen to ideas and are big Buffini believers. With the market as tough as it is, it's great to know you've got someone rooting for you.

Marcia, I didn't do the post to get at the brokers, I was just surprised how powerful our one on one was?  I really feel much better?  Who would have thought one meeting would have done that?

Sally and David, Just think if some of the agents would have stayed or felt a bit more support for something as small as this?  You are absolutely right, it is not only a RE/MAX thing, this is a message to our industry as a whole.  I have so many friends in other companies that I love and respect for sure.

Diane, That is so interesting?  I know in the 80's and the 90's the managers and brokers were taught recruiting will solve all of your problems?  You example shows that is not the case at all.  I guess we have to have balance in all things.

Marian, I am so happy you read my post.  It was not to scold, just a gentle reminder of how much power and respect you all have.  I know we have so much on our plates right now, don't forget you team though.  I think you will be amazed at how powerful the meeting will be for you and your agents.  Good luck!!

Debbie, Yeah for you and your office.  I am glad you guys have the same programs and support.  It really makes a difference during the rough times.

Audrey - my manager is like that and he is always available, and I really appreciate the one on one. Great job!

This is a great post.  It should be read by all Brokers!  It is so easy to forget to give Kudos to those doing a good job.  There is so much struggle in this business that needs attention!  Reminders are necessary for everyone.  My favorite saying around the office is that sales people need to be told important things at least once a quarter!!!  That includes a pat on the back................

Audrey:  It is important for Brokers to reach out to all of their agents.  A memo I received recently actually pointed out that my Broker was going to focus on agents making less than the minimum office standards for business planning.  I know she'll meet with me if I want to, but that's not the point.  It would be nice to be invited, and not have to shove myself on her.

Sharon, I am glad to hear your broker is supportive.  I know they are struggling themselves right now, but if they have steady agents they may get more production out of them with a little pat on the back.

Thanks Nancy, I agree with you.  Hoping brokers would read this is why I wrote it, I thought it would be to their benefit.

Chris Ann, If you weren't so far away I would say come be with me and my office.  Maybe your broker doesn't even realize it.  I think like Diane Bell said, many of the brokers think recruiting will solve their problems.  Maybe that is an old fashion way of thinking?

If you haven't noticed Audrey the same 4-5 people keep taking all the brokers time & energy whether it be for things they've done or not done!  The same group with the drama takes up alot of time that others don't get and actually get ignored.  But if you break it down those 4-5 actually take productive time from your business & listings with added phone calls and just general time from everybody.  Those that just keep their nose clean & head down to the grindstone need a pat on the back once in awhile.  Congrats on yours.  You've got a great broker that at least realizes this and doesn't have his head turned 'inward'.

Lyn, You are so right and I bet I could name the 4 or 5 people in my office.  I feel bad for them, some folks just have a hard time "getting it".  I feel very fortunate to work for my brokers.  Thanks for stopping by!

Audrey, this is a viewpoint I never considered before, but it makes a lot of sense.  I have a great manager myself (after struggling with some that were just awful!) who wants to see everyone 2x year to check up on how we're doing.

Brian Buffini was recommended to me 2 years ago by someone, but when I looked on the site, it seemed like an awful lot of cold calling, or even warm calling.  Any truth to that?  Just wondered...

Liz, The only calling they want you to do is to your best clients and friends.  So it is not cold calling.  It is cultivating relationships that you already have and making them better.  I think you should look into it.  I highly recommend it for anyone.

Happy to hear your Broker is on the right track.  I am here in Florida now, after spending 20 years

in Frederick, MD...Re/Max Realty Plus...now Re/Max 100.  Still with Re/Max, but will always miss the old Gaithersburg/Frederick Stomping Ground...  Good luck to you.

Lori

Lori, I am sorry we never met.  Where are you in Florida?  Ken and Greg are great brokers.  They really work hard to take care of us.  I hope to get to know you now on AR.

Audrey,

It's nice to be recognized by your boss when you are doing well. That someone else besides you know that your efforts are productive and that you are heading in the right direction. That's pro-active management.

Esko, We are definitely lucky in our office.  It really surprised me at how good it made me feel.  It wasn't like I have been walking around thinking "gosh if they would only talk to me I would be happy"  I was happy before and so there is where the surprise came.  Thanks for stopping by.

good management from brokers is much more rare than one would think... after all, most brokers got that way by being good sales people, not by being good managers... your is obviously different in that respect...

Good job to have, with a motivated, management oriented broker.

It is nice to get called in for good things rather than being "punished!" ;)

John Poltrock

A good broker makes a lot of difference.  He / She should be calling in the people who are productive to keep them on the right track, and also to find out what they are doing that is working.