Signs It’s Time to Leave Your TeamDaniel Dobbs2023-05-26T08:17:57-07:00
No one works anywhere forever; whether you’re leaving your team or leaving your brokerage, your decision needs to be well thought out.
You don’t want to leave $$ on the table OR your client list in the hands of team members, as many will try to hijack your clients & commissions.
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The following is by one of Inman’s most respected writers and this post is a must-read whether you’re leaving a team or a brokerage.
Andrew Fortune is the owner and managing broker of Great Colorado Homes, Inc. Connect with him on Facebook.
Teams have become a big part of the R.E. industry over the past decade.
Some of the most impressive real estate sales numbers in the U.S. come from incredibly talented groups collaborating within large brokerages.
There’s also small organizations that struggle to get off the ground. Teams are often structured differently from one another, making them all unique.
1. There’s Nothing Left to Learn
When teams collaborate well, the opportunity to learn new things is tremendous. When new members join in, the perspective changes even more, and fresh ideas are formed.
Knowledge is gained much faster than with a solo effort. However, over time, new nuggets of information will come by less frequently.
After all, there is only so much you can learn within your career If you’re not learning new things or gaining inspiration from new ideas within your team, it’s time to move on.
A new lineup with some great top producers could spark new ideas that raise your game.
It’s also possible that there’s nothing left to learn, and you should go solo or start your own team.
2. Your Network Outgrew Your Team
Many of the agents join teams because they need more business. Teams can be great connectors between you and your next client.
Most small real estate organizations have full-time lead generation experts who keep the funnel full of good prospects.
Once you’ve been working your organization’s leads for a few years, you may be too busy with your network to take on new business.
Your past clients from two or three years ago will reach out to you, and YOUR personal network will grow.
If you start a team because you need leads, but then find you no longer need the extra work, it’s time for a change.
You may need to talk to your group’s leader about a different business arrangement than you originally agreed upon.
If you’re so busy that you haven’t taken any new leads from your group in over 6 months, it’s probably time to go solo and keep more of your money.
Team splits can be very expensive and a drain on finances. The model is not worth it if you’re not benefiting from their setup.
3. The Energy is Gone
When a team has good energy, it tends to raise the productivity level of every member. The energy you get from a team is a great asset to kick-start your career and help you grow.
As with any team, the dynamics can change over time. New groups tend to start with tons of energy, but slowly dial down as reality sinks in, and the newness wears off.
If you’re having a hard time getting business going because your team lacks energy and motivation, it might be time to change things up.
This fact is a hard truth to face while it’s happening. Leaving a team with low energy and joining a new squad can kick-start your business.
Try having lunch with members from different organizations, and see if you notice a change in your perspective afterward.
4. Time is Wasted
Wasted time is one of the leading killers of small businesses. Efficiency at work means more free time at home. If you’re on a team that sucks your time away, it’s time to move on.
Real estate can absorb time like no other force. If you start off with a to-do list for the day and never get to it because you’re constantly interrupted by people, your business will suffer from it.
So will relationships with your clients, friends and family.
Track how many hours you spend with your team each week, and compare that with how many hours you spend with clients. If you’re losing time to your small group, evaluate whether the payoff on that time is worth it.
5. The Culture is Toxic
Toxic culture is a common problem in small businesses. If you’re currently in an environment with bad habits respect yourself enough to get out.
R.E. sales can take on many different personality types. Some groups never socialize together, while others go to the bar after work every day.
If the makeup of your team does not fit your personal beliefs, it will surely drain you over time. If your work organization is abusive, let people know.
Final Thoughts
The fear of telling someone you found a new career option can be crippling.
It’s never easy to leave — even if you hate it there. Focus on what’s on the other side of your change.
What are you gaining by moving on?
Make a pros and cons list, and go over it with your friends and family.
The people who love you the most will be a great sounding board for your journey.
If these points weigh heavily on you, take the time to let them sink in.
Find the strength to look reality square in the face, and choose your next steps. Then, assess whether it’s time to move on.
