I love working with a family team - my son, my daughter, and my "assumed daughter" for the last 20+ years. We talk about things a lot, and it's interesting since each of us approaches a situation from a different perspective.
- Do we want to open our own office?
- Which contractor shall we choose?
- Do we want to take this listing?
- What more can we do to market this property?
- Where can we find what this client needs?
- What are our goals for 2009?
We all know all of our clients, and we think as a team. Brainstorming is wonderful, and the whole is definitely greater than the parts.
Want to have the team/office buy-in? Then get their input before the decision is made. It doesn't mean that majority rules (after all, it's my money) but it does mean that I listen to all the input, and consider all the points of view. Then the buck has to stop somewhere, and
The Buck Stops Here.
The point is to create a business that will be an income stream when you are ready to throw in the towel. The typical business model for real estate is not set up that way. The team or group concept is if you set it up correctly. Put long term goals of phasing out and focusing on the big picture rather than the day to day routines. Hopefully in about 4-5 years you will be making as much if not more money and taking no listings or buyers. Careful planning.......
I get input from my team members too, but like you the money stops with me. I listen to their idea's but ultimately the final decision is mine. I love having a team and can't imagine working any other way. Besides it being fun, it affords us all the opportunity to take time off and know that our clients will be taken care of.
So nice to have a family team. Except for Christa so far that is the only one who has wanted to follow me into the busines but there is still time.
Sharon - working as a team makes everything so much easier! I cannot imagine working without Bill!
Definitely the re-painted kitchen makes a huge difference. Blue kitchens are not on eveyone's lists
Sharon - I think that it is wonderful that you work together all of these years already! Working with family is a fantastic thing!!!! So when do you move to the new location???