If You Got 'em, Use 'em!

That's using your tools, dog.

Whenever I deliver a company class about tools and resources, like I have these past couple of months at three different Coldwell Banker companies, I am reminded of the number of real estate agents that are not aware of the tools at their disposal. Most of the major real estate brands have spent millions of dollars attempting to give their agents an edge in the marketplace through a plethora of tools, systems and resources. At the same time, agents everywhere complain that their companies take their money and do nothing for them. Maybe in some cases, those agents are correct. But in most, probably not. So, what's the problem?

For the most part many agents shy away from company generated tools for several reasons: 

1) They don't know what exists. This could be the fault of the agent or the company. Many companies bend over backwards trying to keep their agents up to speed. Unfortunately, you can lead an agent to the tools, but ... well, you know. On the other hand, there are some companies that simply don't deliver the message. Those companies do their agents and their budgets a grave disservice. 

2) Many agents think that the tools render them "company agents" and they will be unable to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. Again, in isolated instances that might be true. For the most part, however, company tools can be customized to help agents stand out, while remaining aligned to the branding consumers recognize.

3) Many agents don't follow the money. My philosophy is simple, if you're paying for it, why try to reinvent the wheel? You actually save money and have a higher net profit when you use that for which you have already paid.

So if you got 'em, use 'em. It makes dollars and it makes sense.

"The guy who invented the wheel, he was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, HE was a genius!"  - Sid Caesar