Insights and Solutions from Top Broker Nick Libert
As we head into the fourth quarter, we wanted to learn some insights on some of the SYSTEMS brokers put in place to help them stay ON TRACK for the long haul, even when days get busy and life gets hectic. We got some wonderful ideas from top broker Nick Libert last week who was kind enough to share his thoughts, experience, and what’s working for his organization!
Here’s what we learned:
Q: First, thank you for participating! Can you tell our readers a little about yourself so they get to know you and your business!
A: Sure! I have been in the business 16 years, 13 of those as a broker/owner. My business is downtown Chicago and all suburbs of Chicago. I started in the business at Coldwell Banker, and after 3 years as a top producer left to start my own company. In 2005, I was bought out by Keller Williams and took over as managing broker of one of their offices in downtown Chicago, growing it from 30 agents to over 140. In 2008, I took the leap to Exit Realty.
At Exit, I first came on board as an agent to ensure I liked it before I bought a franchise. After a year and a half, in October 2009, I purchased my franchise. We started with 8 agents, and today have over 115. Our next step is to begin servicing NW Indiana as well as our current domain in Northern Illinois.
We are the largest and most productive franchise of Exit in Illinois, and I still maintain a healthy sales volume personally, being the #1 agent for Exit Realty in Illinois for 2014.
Q: Brokers and recruiters juggle many hats each week — can you tell us how you prioritize your activity and a tip for our readers on how to best manage their time (especially during a busy recruiting season)?
A: I time block my days from start to finish–I wake up at 6 am most weekday mornings and get my “big rocks” out of the way…my workout puts me in the right mood, and then it’s my social media, prospecting, and appointment setting for agent interviews.
I use a 4-1-1 Goal Setting and Accountability flowchart to ensure I am on track for my weekly, monthly, and yearly goals–I share this with my agents so they know what I am up to and so that I can lead by example.
I get our monthly training calendar done in advance, so I can plan my daily recruiting appointments around that. I use google calendar to share with my staff so they can assist in my scheduling. I have a recruiter who does much of my heavy lifting in terms of appointment setting, so that I can spend more time in the actual interviews themselves. Finally, I ensure that I spend time weekly offering 1 on 1 coaching for my agents, so they feel connected even if it’s been a hectic week overall.
Q: How do you help your agents get on track and stay there so they are more likely to hit their goals?
I encourage my agents to use the 4-1-1, a time-blocked calendar, and a business plan outline and require it for their coaching sessions to be the most effective. I also send out their production to them monthly breaking down income, listings and sales for the month and YTD.
Q: How much training and coaching do you provide to your agents and how important do you feel that is to your recruiting efforts?
A: Training and coaching are vital to creating a healthy ‘ecosystem’ within an office. A beautiful office space with no culture or support is dead space–the agents must feel like the broker is there to help them build their business, not take from them. We have a monthly training calendar packed with events, along with 1 on 1 opportunities to coach with me. We also ask our top agents to train and share.
Q: What do you think sets you apart in your market in terms of positioning yourself as the turn-to broker for those agents who are looking to make a move?
A: First off, experience. Agents know I have been in the industry as a top producer for many years, and in diverse parts of the market. If I don’t have the answer, I can find a resource quickly. Secondly, accessibility. I pride myself on having an open door and an open phone line–in particular, my smart phone is on me 24/7 and my agents know I am there for them. Finally, the Exit formula allows for splits above 100% through the power of residual income–a true 3rd income stream beyond listings and sales. I believe that gives us an advantage.
Q: If you had one piece of FAVORITE advice you could give a fellow recruiter – what would it be?
A: Your goal should not be to recruit, but build a vision so that from day one you are actually RETAINING. Encourage agents to help the company grow, and it becomes a family. Empower their business!
Q: If our readers would like to connect with you – do you have a url or social media address where they can find you?
A: Absolutely! I’m active on all social media @NickLibert
Awesome stuff Nick – thanks SO much for sharing your vision, insights, and ideas with our readers!
Do you want to learn more about staying FOCUSED and building a successful, growing office? Bookmark our blog, and join The Profitable Recruiter today. We have a full spectrum of membership benefits with all the tools, strategies and solutions you need to position yourself to win this year and every year. Our goal is for you to become the “turn-to” broker in your area for every agent.