Family Reunion 2011 Aha Moments!

We asked Family Reunion attendees (Rookies-Attended Family Reunion for the First Time, Regulars-2nd or 3rd time attending and Veterans-More than 3 times attending Family Reunion): “What were your Aha moments from Family Reunion 2011?”

“In the midst of all the awesome Team Leader technical training, the simple recruiting truth that really sunk in deep was: Everybody wants to be wanted.  Even if they’re going to turn you down, they will ultimately be flattered by your invitation to join Keller Williams.” -Steven Myers, Team Leader, Nashville-Green Hills, Regular

“67% of all leads in our industry go unanswered! WOW! We have work to do!”-Denise Buchanan, Team Leader, Atlanta-Roswell, Veteran

“My Aha was from Stefan Swanpoel – Failure and success are not in competition with each other, they are part of the journey.” -Kim Furr , MCA, Atlanta-East Cobb, Veteran

“As a Team Leader I loved the quote, “a Team Leader’s job is to gross and the staff’s job is to net.” As I enter my sixth year as a Team Leader I find this to be so true. The State of Company address gives me continued faith that my decision to join the most innovative real estate company in North America was the right decision back when we had only 11,000 agents! eEgde – WOW!  The Power to Produce!  Can’t wait for my agents to see the results.  Family Reunion “Rocked” in Anaheim!  I may have rocked just a little too much at the Hilton’s CLUB KW (my feet are killing me).”        -Julia Nelson, Team Leader, Atlanta-Newnan, Veteran

“I was overwhelmed in all the large gatherings and classes at just how positive and friendly everyone was. I was dreading being pulled out of my office for a week, but the entire experience was just a huge uplifting experience; I learned a lot and had a great time.”-Levi Brooks, MCA, Athens, Rookie

“I was struck by how content rich this Family Reunion was and how professionally and efficiently the content was delivered. eEdge is a big deal!  I think agents who attended got a big leap forward and conversely those who did not, lost out.  As such, I need to help the Market Center think through a program to get most/all agents to next year’s Family Reunion.”-Bert Horton, MCA, Atlanta-Midtown, Veteran

“Going after the years you realize how great the people and the culture is of Keller Williams! The friendships you make are ones for a lifetime and you really understand the amazingness of our great company! The education is so valuable! I learn something new every year! I would also like to say that the regional awards were so fun! I say we repeat that in Orlando!”-Linda Bess Gunter, MCA Chattahoochee North, Veteran

“My biggest Aha’s were from the State of the Company address: “Remain humble while we strive for more,” and “Do not confuse big with great,” Mark Willis.- Nancy Thompson, Operating Principal Savannah, Veteran

“Successful agents always know their own numbers and statistics for their market. If you’re using craigslists to market your listing, you should repost every 48 hours. By using KWLS, listings are funneled into more than 340 other websites. Position yourself as an expert in your market by writing articles, blogs and doing videos. Social media is a great way to enhance, be original and add your personal touch to everything you do. If you’re using scripts, stick to them and don’t deviate.”-Justin Ziegler, Agent, Atlanta-Midtown, Rookie

“Activate eEdge! Your clients expect you to be on the internet!-Karen Patterson, MCA, Atlanta-Peachtree Road, Veteran

“#1 The whole event was outstanding and energizing. I will never miss another one! #2 The value of training and hiring a coach was made crystal clear to me :) Family Reunion far surpassed my expectations, it was a great experience.”-Pride Forney, Team Leader, Birmingham-Mt. Brook, Rookie

“I thought this was the best Family Reunion ever (but I say that every year). Logistically it worked for my stilettos, on a serious note we have walked to the edge as a company with the roll out of eEdge. By taking the first step on Feb 21st , agents will change the way they do business in a big way and blow away the competition. Keller Williams continues to explore, dream and discover ways to empower our agents and leadership what a journey!”-Deborah Blue, Team Leader, Atlanta-East Cobb, Veteran

“Having just returned from my first Family Reunion, I wanted to share a few thoughts. First of all, the one adjective I would use to summarize my experience was awesome! The energy of the general sessions were amazing! Cheering as updated rankings were announced, market centers banding together to display their loyalty and unity and great speakers with memorable messages. The breakout sessions were the best of any that I have attended in my 30 year corporate career. The speakers were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and willing to share. The topics were varied and I never had a problem finding several that would be beneficial in this stage of my career. If one session was full, I always found another to attend that hit home with me! I look forward to attending many more Family Reunions and maybe one day earning a spot on one of the breakout panels!”-Shawn Francis, Agent, Atlanta-East Cobb, Rookie

“It was fantastic!”-JoAnn Friedrich, ALC Member, Atlanta-East Cobb, Regular

“Recognizing how technology driven the real estate business has become and that social networking is critical to tap into the younger buyers. This year’s Family Reunion focused on social networking technology, eEdge and recruiting unlike last year, which offered a greater selection of general topics such as Open Houses, farming, scripts, etc.”-Pam Neighbors, ALC Member, Atlanta-East Cobb, Regular

“Had an awesome time at Family Reunion! As you know I was a rookie to this event and I have to tell you, I’ve worked for several large companies that had events, but I have never been to an event that had that kind of energy and interactive classes going on. It really reaffirmed why I decided to come with this company, the biggest reason was the people part of the equation.  I met some of the most talented engaged people in the nation who were all very open and committed to the idea of sharing best practices. People, culture, education and commitment are some words that come to mind and oh, did I say having a blast at the same time?”-Brian Montgomery, Team Leader, Mt. Juliet, Rookie

“Every year I attend Family Reunion I wonder how they will possibly top it and again they have. The content and energy flow was invigorating and inspiring. To know KW is still an industry leading innovator and moving forward when so many are slipping and sliding backwards is so exciting! Even with so many winning tools and perspectives, it’s always the connection with such a mass of high minded and successful professionals that makes traveling the our annual event most rewarding. And regardless of industry trends and technological advancements- great friends are timeless and enduring and truly my greatest appreciation for our company.” -Rick Hale, Operating Principal, Atlanta-Midtown, Veteran

“Team Leader is responsible for the GROSS – staff is responsible for the NET. All syndication partners will tie into eEdge.  So if you get a lead from Zillow, Trulia or any of the other syndicate partners, the lead automatically uploads into eEdge for you. No data entry! Team Leaders should provide a 4x return on their salary.  If salary is 50k, then they should add $200k in company dollar/other income. URGENCY = RPM RESULTS (be clear about what you want), PURPOSE (why do you want it) and MASSIVE ACTION PLAN (otherwise excuses show up).”-Paula Mosley, Team Leader, Nashville-Hendersonville, Veteran

“Attendance, attitudes and energy were up and KWRI did everything possible to contribute to this. Keller Williams is rocking the real estate world with growth & technology.  eEdge will rock our world & attract another level of associates to Keller Williams. From Serengeti know and maximize your skills to maximize results for you team. BOLD matters & makes great impact. What you focus on expands.” -Harry Hammond, Operating Principal, Atlanta-North Fulton, Veteran

“To lead a big life, you have to focus on small things that matter, you have to be disciplined in a few key areas of your life not in everything.” -Scott DeRuiter, Team Leader, Veteran

“Success is boring, simple, not easy. Many want to focus on the complicated and interesting fringe of this business at the expense of the not-so-shiny fundamentals and that will always lead you to disappointing results.”-Jason Bonds, Team Leader, Atlanta-North Gwinnett, Regular

“Gary Keller’s Power of One spoke to me as if I was the only one in the room! It was the game changer event for me! Now I must make it happen.”-Robert Moss, Team Leader, Chattanooga-Downtown, Veteran

“This is my third Family Reunion and I believe they just keep getting better.  I thoroughly enjoyed the MCA workshop, I get so much information and help from my fellow MCA’s. I loved Surviving your Serengeti-Stefan was brilliant.  eEdge is totally going to be phenomenal. Red Bash, Regional Awards Event and of course the breakout sessions were top notch.  I thought that the panels were exceptionally helpful with the information we need to be reminded of and use every day in our business. I am looking forward to Orlando!”-Lucy Weeks, MCA, Atlanta-Metro East, Regular

“Over the few days at Family Reunion I got to really ‘taste’ Keller Williams and I was impressed that it is ‘exactly what it says on the tin’ and much more! Intense training, huge amount of resources and the best culture around! I was blown away.”-Valentina Ichim, MCA, Atlanta-Sugarloaf, Rookie

“Family Reunion is a world class event! It is such a pleasure to be a part of Keller Williams. I loved the classes and meeting so many new people.”-Karon Tubbs, Team Leader, Atlanta-Metro North, Rookie

“Multi-tasking does not exist.  Only task switching. Focus on the task at hand with purpose and you will accomplish great things!  The Power of One with Gary Keller was absolutely incredible!”-Courtney Horsager, Team Leader, Canton, Rookie

“My biggest Aha was the enthusiasm surrounding the launch of eEdge. This is going to raise the bar for all the industry and give KW a clear advantage!  Everyone in the industry will want to be able to have this! But of course, the Inspirational Brunch was the Highlight of the meeting!! Great meeting this year.”-Larry Hill, Operating Principal, Auburn, Regular

“Family Reunion continually reinforces that our models, systems and culture are simply the best. From top agents and leaders sharing their insights, knowledge and successes to the inspirational brunch, nothing could be better! What an amazing company to be in business with!”-Kevin Van Aken, Team Leader, Clarksville, Veteran

“Omg, where to begin? It was THE BEST Family Reunion ever!  I love the things the Region did, as well.  The Flash Mob and the Awards party were a blast. Thank you so much! Ok, for my Aha’s: Both are from Dianna Kokozska: #1, “We judge others based on their actions and we judge ourselves based on our intentions.”#2  “Is achieving the vision worth risking a relationship? We should be stretching our people (agents/clients) instead of shrinking our vision.”-Dawn Bulloch Polk, Team Leader, Atlanta-Barrow/Jackson, Veteran

“Some of my biggest Aha’s were quotes or statements made throughout the event. Warren Buffet’s quote – When other’s are greedy, I am fearful.  When other’s are fearful, I am greedy. Education without implementation is just entertainment. Social Media Revolution – Socialnomics has impact and influence – Do You?  What are the symptoms your Market Center numbers are telling you?  Do you know how to diagnose them? Do you know where to find the prescription? Embrace the purpose behind your passion!  You can’t attract Great Agents unless you are Great Yourself! The more I know, the less I know. Let them have it your way (mind mapping). It’s the Team Leader’s job to gross agents, the staff’s job to net them. The average net work of a homeowner is $178K with the average net worth of someone who rents is less than $5,000. Gary Keller – What is the definition of Leadership?  Self leadership.”-Pam Teller, Operating Principal, Nashville-Hendersonville, Veteran

“The Vision Speech reminded me that we have to be able to speak to the economy at large, and on the local level. Only the development of a new industry, the Green Industry, will lift our unemployment numbers enough to change the current economy. According to Gary, it would take 200,000 new jobs/month to stabilize the employment numbers and get positive GDP growth. Businesses are waiting to know that government is fully behind the Green Movement before they launch into it wholeheartedly. Gary says businesses are mitigating risk now. They’re sitting on cash (especially the banks). The “recovery” we are supposedly experiencing doesn’t feel like a recovery because it is not driven by the housing industry and commercial lending, as all previous recoveries have been. In spite of it all, Keller Williams is still exploding the market in # of agents and Sales Volume. And Keller Williams Worldwide is officially launched. We should all reach out to our 10+ international contacts and see who knows who in international real estate.”-Diane McCauley, ALC, Atlanta-East Cobb, Regular