Back By Popular Demand ….
By Michael on Oct 12, 2009 in Videos
Episode # 53: It’s About Leadership and Telling the Truth with Tami Bonnell.
Last week I ran an “inspirational” video and the result was a storm of angry emails from agents across the country.
It wasn’t so much the content of the video that they were complaining about … rather it was about the message.
The common thread of the emails was that agents want the truth about this market, they want to hear it from high above and most important … they want leadership.
Well a little while back I did an interview with Tami Bonnell of EXIT and she did just that – no sugar coating … just the facts … so here’s a repeat performance of the video and the message is just as impactful.
It’s no secret that we are in a tough market – one that many agents, especially those who entered the business within the past 5 years or so have never seen.
Some brokerages are trying to paint a rosy picture and spinning yarns that everything is okay, just go out there and list or sell something and life will be back to “normal” soon.
The problem though is that agents today are looking for leadership and frankly … the truth!
Armed with the reality of the market conditions, how the brokerage is doing etc. will instill the confidence that agents need to survive and thrive … and this sort of leadership must come from the top down.
I was invited to EXIT Realty’s corporate office in Mississagua, Ontario Canada where I had the opportunity to interview Tami Bonnell; VP of US Operations.
Their corporate policy is very simple … here’s what’s happening in the real world, here’s what you need to do to thrive … now get off your butts and go and do it!
EXIT’s executive doesn’t waste time painting pretty pictures – they tell it like it is and best of all, their brokers and agents respect them for it.
I hope you enjoy this interview with Tami Bonnell as she shares some her insights.
As always I welcome your comments and feedback.
All Good Wishes,
michael krisa aka That Interview Guy
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7 Comment(s)
By Rebekah Peters on Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi Michael,
This is a great interview with Tami. I had the privilege to hear her speak at the Exit Realty Florida’s Award Luncheon last week and the message is still the same. Its time to roll up our sleeves and get back to the basics of genuine customer service. Thanks I really enjoyed this video!
Rebekah
By Jeremy B. Shapiro on Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Michael, great interview with Tami. When I was a “secret agent”, I was with Exit and had the opportunity to work with Tami. I also appreciate their straight up “No BS” approach. While most real estate agents across the US, on average, do LESS than one deal a year, it’s not the same at Exit. Exit has great training, a straight shooter approach to looking at the market and excellent people in the organization. Great interview and thanks for bringing Tami and Exit to more people!
By Jenn on Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
This was very refreshing to watch and read. The head brokers of many Atlanta real estate companies are doing the same type of thing. I am all for being positive, but don’t tell me everything is going to fine soon when I see the truth by working in the trenches everyday. I like Exits strategy and wish them luck!
By Patricia Hoskins on Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
Michael,
Great interview with Tami! I recently moved my license to Exit and was able to meet Tami at our regional meeting. Having been with the company for less than two months, I was blown away that the president of the company was there with us in the trenches answering questions from Exit Brokers and Agents. I had not experienced that with other major brands. Exit clearly has the answer to surviving in tough professional times. Thanks for the interview! You da Man in Arkansas!!!!
By Michael on Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
Patricia,
Thanks for the feedback … I guess I’m buying coffee next time I’m in Arkansas
)
All Good Wishes,
michael
By Larry Lawfer on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
Nice job michael, Tami truly looks to make people better, not making them happy. If you are not in the industry to grow then EXIT is not the place for you.
Just wondering about the sound…it pops throughout the interview–is this your hand on the super sensitive mic?
By Michael on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
Hey Larry,
Glad you enjoyed the interview with Tami.
And yes … I was using a super-duper sensitive mic that picked up any hand movement … I’ve discovered that video is a constant learning process – so one more
lesson learned.
All Good Wishes,
michael