Anand Patel

Anand Patel

By Anand Patel

With conference season in full swing, I have met many new and seasoned real estate professionals debating if conferences are worth attending at all. For newer agents—the conference virgins—they look at the cost and automatically dismiss the events as too expensive to even consider. Some seasoned agents—those that have gotten rusty at it—are “too busy” to waste time at a conference. Is it worth attending conferences, events, and seminars? It all depends on your mindset going into it.

From my experience I have found that, in general, I learn more from fellow attendees than from those speaking on stage. This only happens if you make it a point to meet new people, share ideas with others, pick up tips from them, and then go home and IMPLEMENT something you learned. If you go in with an open mind and a clear intent on learning and sharing, you will find value in attending conferences. You may have heard the quote that “each person we encounter is a teacher,” well that rings true for those you encounter at conferences. Keep an open mind, filter out the bad traits and learn from the good you find in fellow attendees.

I just got back from our Florida REALTORS® Conference and can tell you I made some wonderful new connections (and referral opportunities) that will continue long after the conference ends as long as I work to foster those relationships. If I don’t keep in touch, then yes, it will have all been a waste of time. If I don’t implement anything new I learned, then yes, it was a waste of money. It’s all up to me to make it worthwhile.

Are you a conference virgin? If so, here are some tips for your first time (or if you are getting back into it): Continue reading »

Anand Patel

Anand Patel

By Anand Patel

One of the most helpful pieces of advice I received several years ago that I continually advise my agents to do today is to recap, in writing, your conversations with clients, attorneys, title companies, appraisers, fellow agents – any and all parties involved in your transactions. These details will help clarify the conversation you have, leaving no confusion about who said what. It will help cover your “assets” if things go sour in a transaction, and it will aide you in  solidifying and growing your relationships.

Here’s what I recommend:

TAKE NOTES

Take detailed notes of your phone calls. I keep a notebook by me at the office at all times and also take it on the road with me. When I’m at the office, if I’m on the phone with you, I probably have you on my hands free set and am taking notes at the same time. If taking a call on the road, once I get to my destination I’ll jot down some notes in my notepad (or sometimes in Evernote on my iPad or iPhone).

Things to write down: Continue reading »

Stefanie Hahn

Stefanie Hahn

By Stefanie Hahn

I have a new favorite.  I think you will love it too.  Evernote is more than just a tool for note-taking. Evernote is a cloud productivity tool where I can write, save, tag, share and sync my notes. I started using Evernote on my iPad, then installed it on my laptop and grabbed the app for my Android.  A note I start on my iPad can be edited on my Android and finished on my laptop.  Seamless. Truly. Awesome.

There are 4 ways to take a note:

1.  Write it out

2.  Record your voice

3.  Take a photo note

4.  Grab a Web clip

Writing (or typing) is the most common way I take a note.  I use Evernote to start most of my blog posts now.  Even a video post requires a bit of planning, so starting here makes sense.  This works like a charm if you are taking notes in a meeting or class too!  Taking notes while hammering out a deal over the phone? Write them in Evernote. Even email them to the other agent.

I use the voice record notes when I’m in my car, which is all the time.  These are perfect for recording ideas, things to remember, and to-do lists. Continue reading »

Tagged with:
 

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can
take care of it!

Visit our friends!

A few highly recommended friends...