Choose A Company That WORKS FOR YOU!

Here I go...I'm braving my "First Blog" on Active Rain. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about, so I began by reading several posts. Along the way I read I should write about something I am passionate about. If not for where I work today, I wouldn't be writing this...

Four years ago, after being a "stay-at-home mom" (and dedicated volunteer) for 12 years, I decided it was time for me to do something I loved (and actually get PAID for it!). After several months of searching for what that "something" was, I followed the many paths that kept leading me to real estate. It didn't take long for me to realize this was my "calling", and what I was supposed to be "when I grew up".

I began my career in Illinois, where I worked for the number one company in the area. Our office consisted of furniture from the 1970's (and carpet to match). Our broker was the nicest guy in the world, but not someone I would go to for advice or guidance. Except for the initial 2 week orientation, there was minimal training - so agents were pretty much "on their own", so to speak. We ran out of lockboxes (our company provided them). Our signs (company provided) were often delivered a week or so after our new listings hit the MLS (provided we didnt' run out of posts!). However, overall I was happy because this was all I knew. I loved my job and nothing else really mattered because I couldn't wait to get to work each day!

Year #3 in IL, we found out we were moving (again). The Army was kind enough (after 18 years) to give us an assignment back "home" in the Omaha area - we were so excited! I immediately began researching local Real Estate companies. This time around, I knew exactly what I wanted (or didn't want) in my new brokerage. This time I was going to interview them.

I visited a few offices while home for the holidays the winter before. I sent a few emails to local companies. However, one company immediately impressed me, NP Dodge. My (to be) broker, Dave Moody, called me within 12 hours of my email. He actually not only asked, but listened, to what I wanted, what I was looking for. At our first meeting he said, "I work for YOU", and I can honestly say he does. (And has from day one.)

I've now been with NP Dodge for about 13 months. They continue to "Wow" me. They provide so many training opportunities, most of which are either free, or partially paid for by them. Mark Leader, Rich Casto, Jeff Turner... just to name a few. We have in-house training by peers, online training, personal goal setting with our broker. They even provide free coaching sessions with a well known local coach, Mark Wehner, to every agent. They want us to succeed.

We have an Advisory Committee to bring ideas, suggestions, and even complaints to the table because they care what we think and want to HEAR us. They want to be "cutting edge" in the marketplace. They strive to find new ways to improve our company and reinvest in technology which benefits each agent.

I don't feel like I work for a corporate monster, but rather a family. I truly count my blessings each and every day for the countless opportunities presented to me here. I can go to anyone in my office and ask them a question, laugh at myself, or share ideas. I know they are "technically" my "competitors", but in reality they are my friends, my mentors, those who inspire me.

I know I'm gushing, but I feel so fortunate because if not for my experience where I worked before, I think I could've easily taken everything I have now for granted. I also know my future successes will be in direct correlation with the tools and opportunities I've been presented with here. I want others to know, who, like me, may not realize that there may be a better world out there. Choose where you work carefully. Interview companies, go with your "gut", and don't base everything on money. Isn't that what we preach to our clients - you get what you pay for? We wonder why so many people list without interviewing agents, isn't this is their largest investment? We ask ourselves, why would they choose someone strictly based upon commission?

Then why would we choose a company solely based upon how much (initially) of my check they take? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In my opinion, here's the bottom line, if the company is not providing ways for me to learn, grow, and succeed I will fail - then how much will I have lost? Much more than a mere percentage. I will have lost my dream, my opportunity for growth, and my opportunity for greatness. If I'm surrounded by those who want nothing more than my success, won't financial gain naturally follow?

I'm in it for the long haul. My opinion is I'll be much more successful in my career because of what I'm learning, who I'm learning from, and their desire to make sure I have the tools to "shine" and be a quality agent. That extends far beyond commission. I don't want to be "good"; I want to be "great". Who I work for and how they WORK FOR ME has a direct impact on my future.

I hope every new agent, no matter where they live, will take all of these things into consideration before they sign with the first company they speak with. Your success hinges on those who surround and embrace you. The term "surround yourself with greatness" holds true, it rubs off. Work for (and with) people who care less about what you can give THEM, but rather more about what they can give YOU. The dividends for both parties are "priceless".