Timing Isn’t Everything
I was adamant that now was not the time to change brokerages. I thought: I should be focusing on getting business not new business cards; getting boxes for clients, not for myself. But I needed something. I soon discovered it was an attitude adjustment.
Change Is Good?
I was at the same brokerage for ten years. Obviously, change is not my favorite thing. Through the expansion and contraction, I hung in there. What goes on behind the scenes of a company is none of my business but when it started to impact me in a negative way, I had to think: Is this really where I want to be? But then I’d go back to: It’s not a good time to make a change.
By the time of this exchange, I had had enough and had found a new home – hopefully for at least the next ten years.
Unexpected Result
The new place – just like the old one – has desks and phones, copy machines; all the things you would expect in an office. What’s different is me.
What I didn’t expect is the reaction I got. When I told my clients and others, like my BNI group, I got surprise – like I was a better agent. “Wow, if they took her she must be good.” Now, we all know that the consumer is hiring us, the individual, to work for them. But if your brokerage doesn’t have the reputation you deserve – bad timing or not – move.
Lisa Sanderson
February 16, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Congrats on your move. I recently made a change too and found it to be an exhilarating process. The timing, I think, is great…with business being slow-ish anyway, you have the time you need to regroup and refresh your business in all kinds of ways…a perfect way to force yourself to focus on the positive and stay out of the doldrums!
You are definitely right, though, move for the right reasons and to the right place. Not just for the sake of moving.
Missy Caulk
February 17, 2009 at 7:33 am
Vicki, it is hard to change as I went through it last year, took me awhile to adjust but all is good now.
The company I left, left me two years before and I held on as long as I could. Just couldn’t do it anymore.
Ken Brand
February 17, 2009 at 11:03 am
In life, love and business, whether it’s right, wrong or fair, humans and some animals judge you by the company you keep.
Keep it fresh:-)
Vicki Moore
February 17, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Lisa – Thanks so much. What a tough decision! I’m so glad you’ve found your new home welcoming.
Missy – I can relate. My mother told me one time not to make a company the priority because when you die they’ll wheel someone else in right behind you. It’s not easy to hear but she’s been right many times.
Ken – I’ve also been told that when you lie with dogs you get fleas.
Paula
February 18, 2009 at 7:36 am
Vicki – Congratulations! Moving companies is a huge decision and only you know when the time and company is right. I spent most of last year trying to find the right fit and now I have.
It is true – moving does not a better agent make, but the invigoration of moving lends itself to a renewed energy and evaluation.
Good Luck!