What does it take to become not only the best possible recruit for your managing broker, but also a top-notch agent? Managing brokers might run their offices differently from the next, but the survey we sent out to more than 300 Chicagoland managing brokers, which asked what they look for when recruiting, showed some surprising results.
For example, did you know that, more than being tech-savvy or having a certain sales volume, managing brokers look for agents who have the proper appearance for their office – someone who can represent their brand well? This is an image-based business, after all. In addition, managing brokers also said they like to recruit agents with a strong work ethic (27 percent), strong market knowledge (19 percent) and good experience in the field (12 percent).
As tough as it can be to recruit top agents, it’s also a challenge to keep those agents inspired, motivated and excited to go to work every day, and to lead and guide people down successful paths in the industry. Great leaders – like the managing brokers featured alongside our survey results – keep agents focused, keep a healthy and upbeat work environment and are continually growing and evolving to stay ahead of the curve. Take Teresa Ryan, who graces our cover. She is a great role model for all managing brokers – she sincerely cares about her agents, and is more concerned about quality over quantity.
“(Our goal is to be the) best in the agents we have with their professionalism, their commitment to customer service and serving the customer’s needs, and in the results we produce for our clients,” she said. “That’s the reputation in the community that we have, and we’ve worked very hard to develop and protect
that reputation.”
In addition, if you’re wondering what competing brokerages offer their agents and how those benefits compare to yours, we’ve compiled a comparison chart to better illustrate exactly what agents with Coldwell Banker, Baird & Warner, Koenig & Strey, RE/MAX and Keller Williams get when they become part of the companies. Check the chart to see how your brokerage compares to those five, and visit our website to read the full version that also details what each brokerage offers in terms of training and education.
Take a look at how managing brokers responded to our other survey questions, and take note of their answers to make yourself a top-notch recruit. As always, feel free to email me with your thoughts and feedback on this issue: stephanie@chicago.staging312.com.