What Is Sponsoring?

Re-Posted from September 18, 2009 by tampabayrealestateblog & Vince Arcuri

This year I celebrated my 18th year in real estate! Over almost two decades, I have seen it all. ESPECIALLY how the overall business is run, from local independents, to major franchises to discount brokerages. One thing virtually none of them “get” is the FACT that it is the AGENTS that are the assets of any company. National franchises generally view THE COMPANY as the asset.

I was with my old badge (a national franchise) virtually my entire career under three different owners over the years since 1991. In my opinion, that brand never looked at me, even when I was #4 worldwide, #5 worldwide and #1 worldwide, despite paying well into the six figures in franchise fees over the years. I was the #1 Agent in Tampa Bay from 1995-2008 for that national brand. When I was with company #1, they were a top 50 office worldwide with that brand. In my opinion, the corporation viewed that broker as “the king” and when I left for another office of the same brand, they stayed loyal to my previous broker. A year or two later, my new company became a top 50 franchise (as the old firm fell off the map) and in my opinion, corporate sucked up to the new broker (and old broker who broke into the top 50 status from the fruit of my labor). Then, the owner unexpectedly passed away and there was a split in ownership. I went with another broker who purchased another old sinking ship from that brand and I was his big fish. Soon, he was a top 100 office and was very close to breaking into the top 50 with this national franchise model. In my opinion, Corporate still was on my old company, a day late and a dollar short like they always seem to be. Now, arguably the most successful office in Tampa for their franchise when I left (based on 2008 sales volume) is on very shaky legs as I write this. Where was the support for ME the Agent? In my opinion, they were so busy viewing the company as the asset, that they forgot about the AGENTS that pay the bills. It’s not the local Broker / Franchise owners fault. In my opinion, the parent company has taught them that THEY are the asset. They are not, it is the agents that chose to work there, at any office, that is the true asset.

What makes EXIT Realty any different? How about Sponsoring! Just like Wal-Mart or the insurance industry, EXIT is built on the company growing through the AGENT and Exit views the AGENTS as the asset, not the owner or single company. Is this bad? Well, I say “No” it is not bad. I think it is a great floor plan to build a company around. If the AGENTS are the focus of the COMPANY, both the Agent and Company are better off (anyone listening at big franchises)? I am so sold on this format, that I bought an EXIT Franchise of my own just 6 months into me becoming an Agent with Exit. You can imagine how upset my Broker Wayne Furlong must be at me leaving his firm after just six months right? After all, Brokers are ALWAYS mad at us when we leave, especially when you are buying the same brand and creating competition! Somebody forgot to tell EXIT Realty International about that because my old broker, Wayne Furlong has been my biggest cheerleader and he has not only given his blessing, he has been involved first hand with helping me set up. Other Exit brokers are helping as well because in EXIT, they (WE) all understand that by building the company together, we ALL get stronger together.

When I was with my old franchise, two of their biggest brokers in Tampa Bay (both the SAME brand) were suing each other constantly. Corporate did NOTHING to get involved and stop this damaging practice. I can’t imagine Exit allowing that to happen in any market they have. The total opposite is true! Exit Brokers, Agents and Owners are HELPING each other!
By sponsoring agents into the system, other Exit Agents actually “own” part of the other agent they bring in! They help that agent become more successful. I am SO IMPRESSED with this Exit Formula that I want to tell the world!

If you want to learn more, click this link and take a look at this Sponsoring Video all about how Exit works: http://www.headofrealestate.com/videos_sponsoring.html

For more information on this subject, you can call me direct on my cellular phone at 813-Vincent or visit my website at http://www.headofrealestate.com