I ran contests for 3 different companies and modeled them based on the personalities of the agents, the results I was hoping to accomplish and time period I thought would keep their attention.

One particular easy one was when we were trying to increase our listing inventory. I got a big glass jar and filled it with money, mostly change with a few dollar bills and half dollars mixed in. At our weekly meeting each agent could dip into the jar and pull out as much money as they could hold with one fist for each listing they got during the week. They loved this for some reason and it was a motivator for the other agents too. It ended up being anywhere from $12 to $25 dollars a grab. They couldn't look while digging in the jar and that made it more fun. You wouldn't think agents would get so excited for a few extra dollars but they did. They still talk about it.

They would talk all week about how many times they were going to dip in the jar.  I used this for a few weeks at a time and bring it back out when I needed to shake things up. 

I have many more ideas I used if you would like to contact me for ideas.

Lead by example...What is fun for you is fun for them. What is fun for you?

I give little bonuses to top listing/selling agents in my office every month.

There is a missing piece to the motivation puzzle. 

Having fun is important. I like starting with the genius test and the passion test. I gives everyone a basis for how they can work together in a very complementary manner.

Meanwhile,  picture is worth a thousand words.

I agree with Ron and Alexandra Seigel - if they need external motivation, perhaps this isn't the job for them!

Rhonda,

We have made it a practice to hire self motivated people, and if we found ourselves trying to motivate someone, we knew it was time for them to move on.  We have an international virtual staff and not one person has needed motivation to do something.  A

Leadership and incentives are good motivators.

My experience is that you need to hire very smart employees.

Well, it is something I don't really understand. How I'd motivate an agent who does not want to do it?!

Interesting, will read answers.

Early in my career, my broker gave away plaques every year to the top producer and paid for lunch each month for the top producer.

We pay based on performance and a few contests here and there, but most know in advance who will be winning the contests so they are not always that effective.

Debbie Reynolds had a great one! As well as Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 . I ran several companies and did many motivational games. People love to be appreciated. Make the contest short anything above 3 weeks is about when they lose interest.  For example every closing/ listing gets your name into a drawing prize can be a gas card/ money off office fees/ parking space etc. This makes it obtainable for everyone. Pass the $20 is my favorite game of all time!

Be a leader not a manager 

Good morning Rhonda. Not usually, we motivate one another all the time.

 Good morning Rhonda. Yes! Produce or find your happiness elsewhere.

Talk to a person first and see what their goals and dreams and how you can help them to get there. Most people want to be appreciated and be consistently paid. 

If I have employees, they are pre-motivated. 

I'm concerned about motivating myself!

Rhonda Howlett I am my own employee - and I listen to Tony Robbins CDs when I need a dose of motivation.

Electro-shock therapy!  Just kidding. 

I don't have agents under me for work, but I do have that in the committee I chair.  I have people who are motivated to attend and work.  They know what is expected of them and they are held accountable.  That usually works!

Just wave a pink slip in front of their nose!

You cannot motivate anyone, except yourself.  They have to do it.  You can encourage them to dig deeper.

Realtors are competitive by nature. We all like to see our name highlighted somewhere for our accomplishments. On the other hand...cash speaks volume.

Rhonda Howlett This is an excellent question.

Have the agent write their goals and give you a copy.  Review the goal with each agent monthly.  Each agent that reaches their goal in a month gets a gift card.  The others can write their plan for reaching their goals the next month.  Good luck to you.

Hopefully it is lead by example.

Hopefully you are offering a job that makes them want.  If so, being paid, getting raises and having a job at the end of the day are enough motivation.

I have seldom had this issue as I nip t in the bud    Incentive is.  Work or get fired.  That works really well

One thing that I have learned is that you cannot motivate agents any more than you can make lazy people work hard.

Motivation is something that you either have the genes for or were taught growing up by worker bee parents.

I simply did not hire someone that wanted me to motivate them...either they are or they are not.

Eve

HA ... I am sorry. That largely has to come from within.  If I ever figure out how to truly motivate others ... I will bottle it, can it, package it, and sell it!

In real estate like auto sales each individual has a different stimulus; it is up to us as a manager to find it and know when to tweak it!

gas cards, drawing for different catagories.