“Reflection and review enables the long-term improvement of all habits because it makes you aware of your mistakes and helps you consider possible paths for improvement.”
So says James Clea,r author of one of the very best books I personally have ever read – Atomic Habits.
So what has that go to do with any estate agent conferences?
And…
Why don’t more estate agents attend these gatherings?
I’m really keen to know because either I’m wasting my time by attending these events (and of course that’s entirely possible!) or many, many agents are missing out on so much opportunity for reflection and long term improvement.
I recently attended the two day eXp conference in Birmingham and what an event it was! Yes, I know I’m biased because I’m an “eXper” but really… WOW!!
Now I’ve been doing this job for well over 40 years but I learnt a huge number of new things at this conference, relearnt some old things I had forgotten and had many of my views challenged. There was the usual array of speakers from the sporting world sharing their inspirational stories, presentations from various business experts, an economist – even my own brother Jason Bradbury put in an appearance explaining what we could expect from A.I. in the months and years ahead.
However, my absolute favourite contributions (no disrespect little brother!) were from fellow estate agents sharing not just their insights but also their stories of success and probably more importantly, failures.
All of the speakers taught me something but it was the actual real life fellow estate agents that really taught me the most. They were easy to relate to and obviously were able to base their suggestions on front line experience even though they were not operating in my geographical area or sometimes even this country. Perhaps it is this element of relatability that made their contributions so compelling.
Which brings me to one of the most popular reasons given to me as to why so (relatively) small numbers of agents attend the wide range of estate agency conferences held across the UK…
“What can a successful sports person, entrepreneur from another industry, economist, A.I or social media expert really teach me about being a more successful estate agent?”
Frankly words (almost) fail me when I hear this objection and I’m reminded of the quote attributed to John McPhee…
“If you have to ask that question, you wouldn’t understand the answer.” Depressing as it is, that statement is probably true but really… if that is your view and a reason for not attending you need to have a talk with yourself!
The next most popular reason/excuse for non-attendance is time. The notion that an estate agent is SO busy and has such a crammed diary that they are unable to attend is one I simply do not accept but perhaps I am not busy enough myself! Most, though not all of these events are arranged months in advance allowing plenty of time for diary management and planning.
In any event, in today’s ultra-connected world it’s perfectly possible to continue most estate agency activities whilst not being physically in your usual place of work, so I really do find this concern unfounded. May I suggest that any potential delegates using this excuse seek out a conference that offers a speaker on time management!
And finally, the (in my opinion) least credible reason given for non-attendance – cost. By which I assume people really mean value as I assume that they actually do have the money but choose to spend it on other things that they consider more important to their business. If they really do not have the money and have been established for at least a year, I would respectfully suggest that they need to reflect on their situation. Ironically, their need for help and support is probably greater than those who are prepared to make what is normally a relatively small investment in themselves.
In my experience, the costs for most of these events/conferences range from zero (there are many events from organisations like Property Academy that have NO CHARGE at all) through to perhaps £500. Yes there are travel costs and perhaps a night in a hotel/Airbnb but hey… compared to many similar events around the globe which can cost 3 or 4 times as much, I would suggest that a UK estate agency conference is actually cheap (perhaps it’s too cheap?). I have no empirical evidence for this, but certainly from what I have seen and hear about, agents in other countries appear to be much more disposed to attend even if they pay a lot more money. Interestingly, of course many (even most) of the agents abroad are self-employed and have to pay for the tickets themselves as opposed to being given a ticket by an employer… go figure!
I’ve barely mentioned the other “soft” advantages of attending a UK estate agency conference apart from hearing the wisdom of the speakers, though there are plenty of them. There’s normally an exhibition with a wide range of suppliers eager to share their ideas and explain their services. This is not only another business opportunity but as I understand it, most of these events would not be financially viable without the financial support provided by these firms. It strikes me as an extremely efficient use of time to catch up with current suppliers and communicate with potential new ones.
Of course, there’s the usual networking opportunities, much under rated by many but clearly it’s got to be a huge advantage to meet other agents in a formal or informal setting and to simply listen and share ideas.
And finally – these events are normally REALLY GOOD FUN! Yes I know it sounds shallow but couldn’t we all do with a little more fun in our lives?
So there we are, I hope you can understand my surprise and bemusement as to why more UK estate agents do not attend these events. I am REALLY interested in your answers to my question…
Why don’t more estate agents attend these gatherings?
If you have never attended a conference, why not break the habit of a lifetime and book in to a forthcoming? You may find it has a truly stellar line up of speakers, a sold out exhibition, and plenty of fellow estate agents eager to share their perspectives!
Simon Bradbury is a consultant specialising in securing new instructions and runs a (very) small estate agency powered by eXp.
“If you have to ask the question, you wouldn’t understand the answer” – is perhaps the most arrogant quote I’ve come across.
Here’s the reality – all the information, advice, perspectives and alternatives available at a conference can be found free online. That’s where the speakers first uncovered it.
All it takes is for agents to have some curiosity and be open to exploring options that align with individual values. Not to follow some “best-practice” template that has been regurgitated from elsewhere by limited thinkers.
“Take the risk of thinking for yourself. Much more happiness, truth, beauty and wisdom will come to you that way.” – Christopher Hitchens
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“If you have to ask the question, you wouldn’t understand the answer” – is perhaps the most arrogant quote I’ve come across.”
Agreed – [Sentence removed as it breached posting rules]
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Exactly. Asking questions is how we learn! Sometimes the answer seems so obvious that you can’t believe it IS the answer, so you ask for clarity. Whilst I do believe some people take “there is no such thing as a stupid question” as a challenge, no-one should ever be embarrassed about seeking knowledge…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
This is a reminder to all those posting comments on our stories that this is a public website which anyone can read.
The use of derogatory or abusive words and language in comments reflects very poorly on our industry as a whole and is not tolerated.
If a reader persistently posts in this manner, their EYE user account will be closed.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
So Bradbury is allowed to insult people who do not go to his conferences and we just have to accept that?
“If you have to ask the question, you wouldn’t understand the answer”
You really do not think that is ignorant and rude?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Rude and ignorant, yeah a bit. But you repeatedly cross the line into borderline abusive I think is the point.
In the words of the late great Charlie Murphy, you’re a habitual line stepper.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I’m actually surprised that agents still attend the Propertymark (PM) conferences, especially given how closely PM appears to align itself with Rightmove. Inviting Angela Rayner as a guest speaker only adds to the growing feeling that agents are being treated with complete contempt rather than supported by the very organisations that claim to represent them.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
The reason people do not go is simple – they are just not interested – if there is no demand the product is wrong.
The whole point of these so called conferences is to make money for the organisers.
People simply have better things to do with their life than attend a mutual back-slapping, pontificating event.
I am now a property developer rather than agent.
When I was an agent I attended many of these hideous events. They all pretty much follow the same format.
Some of the speakers are excellent – many are not.
Evening events are a load of pissed up old blokes in suits who by the end of the event are chatting amongst themselves and not listening to any speaker anyway.
Food very average – small portions.
Wine at best average – very overpriced.
Bar no real ale
Cost – people just have better things to spend their money on.
If people are not interested do not call them stupid – look at the offering and change it.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Every one has their views & agree times moved on to gain information etc.
My continued concern & to repeat how Property Mark decide to splash out £15k to red Angie is incomprehensible.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I’ve always found the greatest value at these events is the people in the room- not those on the stage. In the last decade, the bravado of ‘always smashing it’ has subsided, and agents are much more willing to be open and honest about the challenges and successes within their business with one another.
Whilst there are successful agents that don’t attend industry events, there is a strong commonality for those that do- and it is often that they sit at the upper end of our industry in terms of business success. I don’t measure success by number of branches/headcount/turnover but by reputation, innovation, and profitability.
However, with a large segment of our industry averaging just 8% profit (in the services sector 20% is really where this should sit- with top performers achieving substantially more), they often allow themselves to become too bogged down and trapped in keeping the doors open- that they are never able to implement changes that aspire to more.
Yes, there is a ton of information available online, for any/every business and sector, but learning in a bubble is hard. Establishing a network of agents and businesses that you admire, trust and can share openly with creates a powerful force to drive your business forward and to both learn from and be held accountable by.
I’m not for one second saying people who haven’t attended them should suddenly book into them all- pick the agents (people and brands) you like and admire, find out which ones they attend- and get yourself along.
And for those still moaning that PM has booked Rayner- there is an increasing chance she could be our PM in the not too distant future (and was one of the chief architects of the RRA)- so you can dislike her policies and objectives but I love the idea of hearing directly from today’s leaders what direction we are heading in. We may not like the mention of rent controls and other egregious proposals targeted especially at the PRS- but I want to hear what they are planning so I can advise my clients and redirect my business accordingly.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Very balanced comment and I agree.
The sight fly in the ointment for me with AR is the fee she is charging to attend – Appreciate she is highly experienced etc. etc. however in her role you’d have thought it a privilege to address the industry and not something she should be profiting from.
I suspect some members may feel differently if she was taking the time to address the industry, especially so soon after RRA given her involvement.
It’s more a general point rather than one directed at AR however those in influential positions should not charge to attend – it’s not exactly an ‘After dinner speech’.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You can see her direction she has destroyed the economy !!!!!!!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Hi Simon.
I think there are a number of elements in seeking to respond to the question you propose – in reality I think there is still a decent level of attendance at conferences – many are run as commercial ventures and wouldn’t happen if not viable and not enough bums on seats – however . . .
There is a huge and growing volume of conferences available – Propertymark run over twenty around the regions -and they are free within membership fees – various commercial conferences (ESTAS, EA Masters, Kerfuffle, WIEA, Negotiator)
RICS and other professional bodies also run
Company conferences – you mentioned EXP but nearly all major operations run conferences)
Key to success is relevance and content – some of which is excellent but some isn’t – and CPD/LLL if you are a member of RiCS or Propertymark
Quite simply there is also a significant direct cost in attending, tickets, travel, hotels, time away from the business that impacts decision making
Often conferences have the same suppliers in attendance primarily because of FOMO – without these exhibitors, many conferences wouldn’t be viable – an issue for organisers is balancing the need for supplier income with being able to differentiate and offer something fresh to delegates.
Many supplier packages give the exhibitor a speaking place on stage – sadly some add little to the event and it becomes a paid for sales pitch or demo
I am very selective about what events I attend as a delegate – the networking is always the key element for me – a lot of the content can be gained via online sources and there are lots of online webinars and similar that people attend – the networking is a key differentiator
There are, of course, people who will go to the opening of an envelope (you?) but conference fatigue must be a growing factor and so organisers need to be on top of their game in order to capture their delegate share
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Agreed. The Propertymark Regional Conferences are good, but their charge for the main London Conference is too high and who wants to listen to AR. The Guild had an excellent, well attended national conference in Westminster in February, great speakers and half the cost.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Interesting discussion on why more estate agents may not attend industry conferences. The article highlights important points about networking, learning opportunities, and staying updated with changing market trends. In today’s competitive property market, continuous industry engagement is becoming more valuable for professionals and businesses alike. At TSS Global, we believe organizations connected with the Best Real Estate Consulate in Pune can benefit greatly from knowledge-sharing events and modern real estate insights. Thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking perspective on the industry.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
What will Propertymark try to sell to its members this year?
Once a trade body starts seeing its members as cash machines , it’s all downhill.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register