One of the best courses I'm aware of, which may no longer be in existence, was the Sweat Hogs course.... I don't recall who the head guy was, but I'm sure someone can fill you in on that.... I never took the course (I was already established and maxxed out when that course was in vogue)....BUT....the transformation I saw in the agents that took that course was nothing short of incredible.

I saw agents (usually 1-2 yrs in this business) that were eager and doing everything right, and had an occasional sale or listing (but they seemed  to have already hit their "ceiling"), suddenly have a drive, a sense of purpose & confidence that was a marvel to watch. They became juggernauts.  (Perhaps didn't happened with everyone that took that course, but the ones I observed
were vastly improved....and easily tripled or quadrupled or more their business.)

The course was tough, long, and not cheap, at approx $695 or so (which was a lot of money 12-15 yrs ago). Perhaps one of the current courses is modeled around that same gameplan, I don't know, but I hope someone will post as to which currently offered course most closely resembles it.

Tom Hopkins was a short but good course too, eons ago, that one, the best pearl from that course was: "Making the highest and best use of your time...", something I carry with me still to this day, multi-tasking whenever possible (for example, while you are reading RT, you should have clothes in the washer, and dinner cooking and be playing with the cat, all at the same time....when you go out to dinner, or even McDonalds, you use that opportunity to talk to someone/anyone about real estate....etc., etc.)

Good luck to you, it sounds as though you'll be the kind of agent we can  all be proud of,

Lindy in Houston

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I have just over a year's experience in Real Estate (yes, the day I entered the market was the day it stopped on a dime). In spite of the market's lack of cooperation, I am getting a foothold in my market and would like to make 2007 a year to soar to the top. Technologically, I have a good start with the various tools I use in my everyday business and continue to grow upon
them every day. I am currently, reorganizing my lead management system (which I have resolved to use Outlook for now) and have started to develop my business plan for next year.

The question I have for this group is whether the training courses (such as Mike Ferry, Mark Leader, Dirk Zeller, Star Power, etc) are worthwhile and if you have any personal knowledge or feedback about any program, trainer or training seminar or whether anyone can offer input as to the differences between the various programs available.

>Also, any personal experience or knowledge about whether the $/reward ratio is warranted when determining if I will benefit incrementally more by attending the seminars/events and hiring a coach that cost an astronomical amount of $$$s that my current production figures couldn't afford or would a still fairly significant cash outlay for purchasing the books, cds, and
workbooks have the same results.

Alan Platoff
Alan@HudsonCountyLiving.com

I have just over a year's experience in Real Estate (yes, the day I entered
the market was the day it stopped on a dime). In spite of the market's lack
of cooperation, I am getting a foothold in my market and would like to make
2007 a year to soar to the top. Technologically, I have a good start with
the various tools I use in my everyday business and continue to grow upon
them every day. I am currently, reorganizing my lead management system
(which I have resolved to use Outlook for now) and have started to develop
my business plan for next year.

The question I have for this group is whether the training courses (such as
Mike Ferry, Mark Leader, Dirk Zeller, Star Power, etc) are worthwhile and if
you have any personal knowledge or feedback about any program, trainer or
training seminar or whether anyone can offer input as to the differences
between the various programs available. 

Also, any personal experience or knowledge about whether the $/reward ratio
is warranted when determining if I will benefit incrementally more by
attending the seminars/events and hiring a coach that cost an astronomical
amount of $$$s that my current production figures couldn't afford or would a
still fairly significant cash outlay for purchasing the books, cds, and
workbooks have the same results.
 
Alan Platoff
Alan@HudsonCountyLiving.com