Friend and fellow AgentGenius.com writer, Bill Lublin, posed this question in his blog Post.
Who Is The Center Of Your Business – by Bill Lublin
In his post, he shares his thoughts on which real estate business model/strategy works best. The 3 choices are Agent Centric, Broker Centric and Consumer Centric. Actually, as Bill points out, it’s not so much a business model as it is, who’s unmet needs are placed at the center of business offering?
Here’s how Bill defines them:
Agent-Centric – where the operation of the business is centered around the real estate agent and the operation of the business is focused on the benefits to the agent first
Broker-Centric – where the operation of the business is centered around the real estate brokerage/firm and the operation of the business is focused on the benefits to the company first
Consumer- Centric – where the operation of the business is centered around the consumer’s needs and the operation of the business is focused on the benefits to the consumer first
Bill goes on highlight what he believes is the best model for all concerned. Bill believes the Consumer Centric model is the path to excellence, happy clients and fair profits.
If you haven’t, take a minute and read Bill’s post, you’ll find the comments interesting as well.
We Believe In The Consumer Centric Strategy
Here’s what I had to say about the matter.
November 25, 2009 at 6:12 pm |
I guess we could ask the consumer? Which model do you think they would prefer? Consumer, Agent or Broker Centric? I rest my case.
Not really, I don’t rest my case. I’m going to yammer, there’s more.
With my heart and my head, I vote for Consumer Centric. The brokerage that wins (on all levels, personally, professionally and financially) is the one that gives the consumer what generates/creates the best result/outcome for the consumer (the cheapest price charged rarely the best outcome).
By supporting their agents with best of what works best for the consumer, the broker wins because the agent wins more business, has higher client satisfaction and receives more referral recommendations and the consumer wins because they get a better result. In the other models, somebody may lose (read on for why).
Another key component to Consumer Centric success, is insuring that the quality of the services offered and the promises made (to the consumer), are kept. If the focus is primarily focused on pleasing the agent, then this is more likely to slide downhill, all you have to do is look around to see it in action.
Many brokers tout the agent-centric model, because it’s what the agents want to hear, and the more agents attracted/recruited by the siren call, “you’re divas, studs and rockstars”, it’s all about YOU (instead of, It’s all about our consumer clients) the more broker fees collected, supplies sold, space rented etc.. The emphasis isn’t necessarily on sales, quality service and professional accountability, it’s on agents recruited and agents recruiting other agents and monthly fees collected. This approach is not consumer centric or friendly, compared to a consumer focused approach.
This is a fun and a forever debate. What ever the choice, be passionate about it. There are many models that make money for brokers and agents, while not wrong or bad, not all of them are best for the consumer.
Cheers and all the best, what ever you centricity’s…. unless of course you’re in my market, then we will try to crush you (aggressive guy talking smack) with our Consumer Centric model.
What do you think? Which do you choose to bleed for?
Happy Thanksgiving all – Cheers.
Any questions – give me call – 832-797-1779
