Fearing Only Fear Itself - Becoming an Online Realtor Having recently completed some online Point2 Agent training with new members, I was amazed at the energy and excitement they possessed to be getting a website and start receiving online leads. The training group was comprised of a number of individuals who have very limited technical experience, and who were very unsure as to how successful they may be with their new business tool. These feelings of apprehesion and doubt are often common whenever we, as humans, are trying anything new, whether it be creating a new website, trying a new activity, or meeting new people. The common concerns were there: "How do I know if I am doing it right?" "How will I find the time to keep the site updated?" "What if I make a mistake or need help?" Sometimes there are easy answers. If you make a mistake and need help, there are the Support resources on our website, as well as the Customer Service Team. For the other questions, though, the answers are dependent on one thing...you. The group of training attendees seemed to already know this answer, and had already gone through the realization that a website will only be as good as the time, energy, and creavity investment that you, well, invest. The fear of the unknown, while still in the back of their minds, was not preventing them from embarking on a new journey, a new business opportunity, and a new learning experience.  Others within the group have been online for a number of months or years, so were not so apprehensive. Having "paid their dues", they had a number of suggestions and comments to offer relating to their previous experiences with topics ranging from forcing registrations from visitors, to choosing colours, to content modules. They were trying new things on their site, revising what was already created, and continually investing more thought into their content.
Unfortunately, there is no magical formula that will bring you success and the website you ultimately want to see. If there was, you would have already seen it being sold on a late-night infomercial! What I can tell you, from experience and in talking to your fellow members, is that overcoming the fears of getting started, making mistakes, and being unsure of what to do is the first step to success. After that, there are a number of avenues where you can find the support and assistance you need: the new Getting Started Guide, User Manual, Training Videos, Message Board, samples of member sites, as well as talking to others in your office who have websites. Using the tools that are relevant to you, you can can create your own formula for success! Quote to ponder: "We will not know unless we begin." - Peter Nivio Zarlenga ~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator |