But, I hear you. I think that we are in the midst of so many changes, across so many industries. And if you are engaged in this forum, you feel it in a more magnified way. You have to be open. There is little that I find that is not in some form of flux.

And since I was 16 – when I was most convinced I knew it all – I’ve slowly, year by year, learned there just may be a kernel of truth in every point of view if I’m open.

Unfortunately, I see too many “experienced” agents who rely on one thing and one thing only – how many years they’ve been in the business (their experience). Although in many cases, these are agents with more knowledge, skills, and ideas than most. However, in many cases as well, I find years=nothing.

Matt — Sheer years on the job do not constitute experience in my book. Here’s how I see this: On one extreme, you have agents with “years” on the job selling 7-8 homes per year on the same 5 streets without learning anything new in decades. On the other extreme, you have young guns that think they will reinvent a new wheel every week just because they blog and have a Twitter account. As pretty much everything in life – truth lies in the middle. All other things equal, being in business longer means more fires to put out, more market cycles to ride, more strategies to use and more fine-tuned skills. While technology creates breakthroughs, opportunities and level playing fields in every business — some things are just timeless.

Unfortunately, I see too many “experienced” agents who rely on one thing and one thing only – how many years they’ve been in the business (their experience). Although in many cases, these are agents with more knowledge, skills, and ideas than most. However, in many cases as well, I find years=nothing.

Perhaps I take slight offense to it as an agent who hasn’t been in the business for 50 billion years, as I know that some people see that as a disadvantage for hiring me. Of course, I know that I know enough to solve the problems and where to get the answers to those I don’t, so I know that I can be a great agent. I also know when to say “no” and “I don’t know.”

Great post as always and I think you know me – I love the debate. I also go into each one with a very open mind.

Cheers.

Navy Chief, Navy Pride