CRB Briefcase

By CRB, Real Estate Business Magazine, October/November 2007

November is Designation Month

Celebrate November as REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month by starting or completing the courses necessary to earn an official REALTOR® designation.

Earning a designation from NAR or one of NAR's Affiliates, Councils or Societies can help you succeed in all aspects of your business — and help you earn more money.

According to the 2005 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile survey, REALTORS® with a designation earned a median income of $82,900 while members without a designation had a median income of $40,900.

There is an official NAR designation for practically every specialty area in the real estate industry. The National Association of REALTORS® has nine affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils that provide a wide-ranging menu of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.

A complete list of the Realtor® Family Designations can be accessed on www.REALTOR.org through the NAR Education Matrix. The NAR Education Matrix is a sortable database of all education provided by NAR and its nine affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils.

Today's market expects the highest level of expertise from each REALTOR®. NAR's advanced education designation and certification programs, tailored to virtually every real estate specialty, are the means necessary to take an agent or manager to the next level. Beyond building skills, knowledge and productivity, these prestigious programs enhance the professional image.

In both their heightened proficiency and increased marketability, it is clear that REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge. This November and always, promote your CRB Designation with pride.

The median gross personal income of a CRB Designee is 84% higher than that reported by broker/owners/managers without the designation.

Source: 2005 Member Survey and 2005 NAR Member Profile

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New CRB courses have been added in 2007, including "Managing & Leading Teams," with more exciting programs planned for 2008. The curriculum will be completely redesigned to deliver the knowledge and resources you need to create opportunities to excel. After taking CRB Courses, you will be better positioned to develop and streamline operating practices, market and position your company, and understand and keep costs in check. Whether you are just starting out in brokerage management, or have been in the business for years, CRB courses can give you the edge that you need to stay profitable and competitive in today's changing business climate. CRB courses are aimed at all management levels.

Take advantage of these programs to sharpen your professional edge. Our flexible structure allows you to customize your educational experience by choosing instructor-led courses in the classroom or opting to learn virtually through our e-Learning Center.

As 2007 draws to a close, it is not too late to earn your CRB Designation or polish your skills before the end of the year. Visit the calendar online in the Education section of www.CRB.com to find courses in your area through the end of the year and into the beginning of 2008. In this increasingly complex business environment your success and that of your company depends on your ability to make sound business decisions. Gain cutting-edge knowledge through the CRB Council.

Join us for a memorable evening as we honor the 2007 Hall of Leaders Award recipient and install our 2008 Council President.

This special evening will be held during the REALTORS® Conference & Expo this November in Las Vegas.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

6:30–10 p.m.
Cocktail Reception & Dinner
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

(Advanced ticket purchase required.)

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Thursday, November 15 is CRB DAY during the 2007 REALTORS® Conference & Expo!

In celebration of CRB Day, the Council will sponsor the following timely and insightful sessions that you shouldn't miss! All sessions will be held in the Sands Convention Center as a part of the Conference & Expo. Be sure to check your on-site program for exact room locations.

CRB Day is Thursday, November 15, 2007

The CRB Council will once again have a dedicated day during the 2007 REALTORS® Conference & Expo.

Mark your calendars with these educational events!

The line-up of CRB Day speakers includes:

9–10:30 a.m.
John Yen Wong, CRB & David Cocks, CRB
"Real Estate Companies: Cash Cows, Shooting Stars, Dogs"

Structure your company into a profitable cash cow! Become more skilled at hiring top producing agents and retaining all of your valuable agents. Learn to motivate new agents into solid production and how to retain them with rewarding compensation plans. Develop your skills and methods to construct a long term lucrative cash cow business.

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Carla Cross, CRB
"New Leadership for Challenging Times: Build an Unassailable Team"

There's a new Leader in town and it's you! Walk away with four specific strategies and a 15-step action plan to gain leadership that yields productivity and loyalty in this challenging real estate climate. You will be able to implement strategies that turn agents from adversaries to advocates for management, gain leadership skills to inspire higher production and teamwork, distinguish between false and true motivators and learn the six best ways to motivate.

3–4:30 p.m.
Jack O'Connor, CRB
"Profits, Fun and Leadership Skills for your Company"

Follow the path to profitability! This high energy, fast-paced leadership program will light the pathway for you. You will leave with a process of developing a winning culture, understand the optimal way to encourage individuals to become more productive, and identify your individual strengths as a leader and how to master them.