Episode 07: Should Realtors Stock up on Designations?

In Episode 7 of the Toe-2-Toe Podcast, hosts Jenn Murtland and Monica Weakley duke it out over whether realtors should stock up on designations. Learn Jenn’s alternative vision for how to learn what you need to know to run a successful real estate business and hear Monica’s advice about how to use your time in a way that will best serve you. This episode will help you ask the right questions before signing up for another course.

 

Episode Highlights: 

• Should realtors stock up on designations?
• Jenn doesn’t like it. She thinks some realtors stock up on designations instead of doing work.
• Jenn has never lost a deal because she didn’t have a designation.
• We learn that Jenn has an MBA.
• Our hosts discuss the Certified Residential Specialist designation.
• Monica encourages you to ask yourself why you’re seeking a designation.
• She feels that if you are interested in a specific skill set or marketing approach, then fine, go for it.
• Monica feels that homeowners don’t really care about extra designations.
• Jenn feels realtors would be better off taking business classes or getting an MBA.
• Get into a class that actually teaches sales skills and selling scripts.
• Monica feels that most agents don’t have a plan for what they want to do with designations.
• Jenn published an article on an apprenticeship program for realtors.
• Jenn feels you’d be better off learning how to run a business.
• Could you be using your time in a better way?
• Realtors polled on this question were split 50/50.
• One realtor expressed that receiving designations helped her become a better realtor in her first three years on the job.
• Another realtor said that the general public does not care about designations.
• Monica gives designations a soft no.
• She asks you not to proceed without analyzing why you want the designation.
• Don’t hide in the classroom or behind the computer. Get out there and sell.
• Jenn is much more aligned with doing training before practicing real estate. Take a business course or a sales course.
• Another alternative to obtaining a designation is to hire a coach for a short period.

3 Key Points:

1. Before acquiring a designation, ask yourself why you’re doing it and have a plan.
2. Consider business classes or an apprenticeship as an alternative to receiving a designation. 
3. The general public likely does not care about the alphabet soup after your name.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jenn Murtland LinkedIn | Facebook
• Monica Weakley LinkedIn | Facebook
• Toe 2 Toe Podcast Facebook Page
• Why Realtors Need a Legit Apprentice Program (article)