I am a big advocate of education. I have many designations and have taken many property management courses over the years in order to improve with the idea of delivering better service. I have also taken the time to teach others which is another way to learn as the instructor has to stay ahead of their students.
I have noted that some in our industry think talking a good game, smiling, and making arguments why their methods are better seem to think that pursuasion and personality is more important than skill.
I do take comfort knowing that in the long run skills keep a business afloat a lot longer than smiles.
At HomePointe we pay a portion of all property management related courses for our property managers and reward them further for obtaining designations. We take many courses throughout the year at the local Rental Housing Association and many attend meetings at the local chapter of the National Association of Property Managers.
What do you think about this?
www.HomePointe.com
A good point, but many (if not most) clients choose who they like, so personality has a place. If not, why are we all still smiling in our pictures?
Training and experience win at the end of the day in our neck of the woods. Personality with training is the best combination, but it is my feeling that in our community, the people who know what they are doing are the ones working the most.
I believe it takes both. Friendliness keeps you in the game and training proves you are the best. You can smile without being a phoney.
Bottom line, it's a people business, and people have no idea how much skill or education a person has, apart from what they are told by that person. So, I'd say it's personality. But then, it makes you wonder how some irritants stay in the business. LOL.
Hey, Robert, I referred a client to you for a rental in East Sac. Her name is Elissa. Good luck.
I don't really think you have one without the other. You can have all the knowledge and skill in the world, but if your personality is lacking, it's difficult to pull it all together. However, you can be as gregarious, outgoing, likeable as they come, but if you don't know what you are doing, knowledge wise, you can put your client (and you) in jeopardy in a hurry.
All good points, a combination is the best bet.
Elizabeth, thanks for the referral.
Hi Robert, That is great that your company pays a portion of additional training expenses, as the individual's completion of these courses make the company better as a whole. I have recently joined NARPM and am looking to get more involved with it. Many of the agents that handle rentals in my office are active members. -Mark
Mark, best wishes to you in your career and with NARPM. It is a great organization and vehicle to use to advance your career quickly.
Robert,
As a lifelong sales trainer and one time National Sales Manager for an International Manufacturing Company (OPEX Business Machine Corporation,) training and skill trump personality every time, IMHO
Mike in Tucson
Mark - obviously a combo is the best - but I would include one more facet - activism. along with education in the field and a good personality, being active in your local chamber, economic development programs, charity, church, etc. etc.
I know that activism for your community and state does go far for developing more business too!
Thanks Robert, I also agree strongly w/ David. As my wife now has a "job share" position in the pharmaceutical business and our two boys are now 2 and 5yrs., I am just now being able to get more focused on these items. I recently took over as "street captain" of my neighborhood's very active civic association. It's a start. -Mark