POWER TEAMS - Book Review

I like the title of this book, since it describes exactly the authors’ objective in writing it. It’s intended to be a complete guide to establishing and operating a successful real estate team. It accomplishes the mission extremely well. Co-author John Featherston is the founder of RISMedia, which is promoted as “the residential real estate industry’s premier source for news and information to the residential real estate, relocation, and home services industries.”

Visit the home page of the web site and you’ll get a good overview of services and products. I’m confident you’ll recognize the name of the other co-author of this book, Ralph Roberts, the President and CEO of Ralph Roberts Realty in Warren, Michigan. You can check out his brokerage web site at www.RalphRoberts .com. If you would like to sample his writing you can visit the web site of Realty Times (http://realtytimes. com/rtpages/ralphroberts.htm) where he has been a columnist since 1999.

You can access a long list of his articles. A feature of this book that makes it particularly credible is that the primary authors have secured input from 26 real estate professionals who are involved with teams. A brief biography of each contributor is included as an appendix to the book. I’ll site just a couple to give you an overview. Brandon Fairbanks (www.mymaderacountyrealestate.com)

Brandon is the President and CEO of Montecino & Associates Real Estate Company in Coarsegold, California. In the book he offers guidance on how to properly train and equip team members with the tools they need to succeed. Interestingly, Brandon’s mother Patty is a member of his team. Kandra Hamric (www.kandrahamric.com)

Kandra is a professional virtual assistant, and CEO of her own virtual assistant company. She also has practical experience in the real estate profession. In the book she offers her guidance on how to communicate effectively in the digital world.

REAL ESTATE SOUL MUSIC

Just as the real estate team concept has evolved over the years, so has the general sales philosophy in the profession. A couple of decades or so ago, when I embarked upon my real estate career after retiring from the Air Force, I attended just about every sales seminar within driving distance. The dominant theme of most focused on closing techniques.

The word “manipulative” frequently crossed my mind. Two of the most articulate sources of information on an evolving sales philosophy are the following extremely worthwhile books.