Network News

Principals' Retreat: Meet our Speakers

Explore the full agenda in the eBook below, which also includes details about our lineup of speakers, and the captivating topics they will cover at the Principals' Retreat in October. 

Don't miss out!

When: Tuesday 29 – 31 October

Where: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch

Auckland University Buddy Programme

Trudy Weston, general manager & Ambi Basati, branch manager for FN Pinnacle (Royal Oak)  attended an event that had 140, 2nd year, Auckland University property students in attendance.  Nine different real estate agencies spoke at the event giving their insights into the industry.  Students then buddy up with these real estate agencies to learn more about the industry, straight from its people.

Trudy focused her speech to the group, on a conversation she had with a friend, who was contemplating a career change. When real estate was suggested, the friend reacted negatively due to their perception of the industry and its agents. Trudy countered this by highlighting the diversity and authenticity of First National's top performers. She described how these successful agents range from mothers to band members, from those in jeans and plaid shirts to track suit-wearing tennis players. What they all have in common is their genuine care for people.

Trudy emphasised the emotional spectrum of real estate transactions. Agents may support clients during the most exhilarating times, such as purchasing their first home, or during challenging periods, such as mortgagee sales, deceased estates, and marriage splits. They also work with developers and investors. Her message underscored the importance of authenticity and empathy in a career in real estate.

Her second story touched on FN Collective (Johnsonville) and how out of covid lockdown Team Yip & FN Collective started the Community Hub which is a space available to any nonprofit organisation. This has grown, and now it employs a paid worker who manages the centre and coordinates various community events, it even has its own community pantry. She explained that through real estate one can make a difference in their community, by donating uniforms to sports teams, sponsoring school events, and by  donating not only money but time.

Her main message was that working in a real estate agency is about more than making money.  That the harder you work in this industry the more you earn, that seeing the joy in people as you help them move onto the next stage of their lives is priceless.

This speech inspired multiple students, some of whom had spoken to other brands to approach Trudy, some with a new direction on what they wanted in their real estate career.  These students will participate in future events at the National Support Office, and hopefully will lead to jobs in the future with First National.

Should you make that call?

Our industry has long known that agents and property managers should communicate with people the way that they want to be communicated with. 

Today, more and more customers under the age of 40 show a preference for text-based communication over phone calls, and 60% of Generation Z (18 – 26 year olds) dread making or accepting voice calls. 81% of Millennials (28 – 43 year olds) say they get anxious before making calls.

However, studies prove that something intangible but important is lost in text, with Canadian research finding people overestimate their persuasiveness when communicating by email. 

Ultimately, for First National staff, it’s a question of customer service and effectiveness, but understanding that our younger customers may appreciate a polite text message (I’ll call you later today about...), before you make the call, could make all the difference to their experience.

Excel Course for New Salespeople

This comprehensive 12 module training program is designed to equip real estate professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of real estate sales, ensuring a well-rounded education that covers everything from personality profiling to closing deals.

First nine modules are to be held by weekly Zoom sessions. 

Start Date:  Monday 12th August 10:30 am

Modules 10 - 12 will be in person at: 

National Support Office, 7 Campbell Rd, Royal Oak, Auckland.

23rd October 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Price: Free

Events Calendar