Agents Gain Expertise, Build Relationships at RE BarCamps
Countless agents have attended RE BarCamps in the past six years, each coming away with unique impressions from the respective conferences they attended.
Joe Schutt, who is the Broker-Owner of Boston-based Unit Realty Group along with Erik Schubert — both of whom ran the most recent Boston RE BarCamp event — said the vast amount of unique ideas that flow from the conference makes for an exciting and educational time.
“Don’t prepare. Just show up with an open mind and take it all in.”
— ARA MAMOURIAN
“There are a lot of ideas out there, and there is always a different way of doing things,” said Schutt. “Keeping an open mind and trying new things is very advantageous.”
Kaufman indicated the real estate agent networking that occurs at the events often leads to new, beneficial relationships for many attendees — just like it did for him.
“My biggest takeaway has been the lifelong connections that I’ve made from organizing, participating, and helping others organize their events,” said Kaufman. “In fact, I got to know my future (now current) wife through RE BarCamp, and a number of our wedding guests were among those connections I made throughout its existence.”
Valerie Garcia, Director of Training for the Toronto-based RE/MAX Integra, noted each agent who attends a RE BarCamp brings their own unique viewpoints to the table, which makes the conversations and real estate agent networking more engaging.
“Everyone brings a different perspective,” said Garcia. “The discussion and debate at these events are so valuable, if you are willing to remain open to different points of view … The free-flowing format allows for ideas to grow and adapt, depending on who is in the room.”
Live Love Realty Broker Team Owner and The Geeky Girls Co-Founder and CEO Laurie Weston Davis said building relationships and hearing from like-minded real estate pros are her greatest takeaways from her experiences at the mini conferences.
“I have attended RE BarCamps all across the country, and the thing that I have found is that, for the most part, we all have the same struggles,” Davis noted. “I love going to RE BarCamps because everyone is willing to share the unique knowledge they have. I always learn something new and, probably more important to me, I have an opportunity to build great relationships with other agents.”
“Lots of people will pitch ideas, but what you are looking for is proof that the ideas work.”
— JACK MILLER
Determining her favorite aspect of the real estate agent conference proved easy for Agent Quest Founder and Coach Teri Conrad, stating the conversational, laid-back atmosphere is a big plus.
“Hands down, the best thing about RE BarCamp is the format,” said Conrad. “If you don’t see what you’re looking to learn, you can submit your own idea. The conference bolsters creativity among the entire group of attendees. People learning from each other — it’s a beautiful thing.”