It’s almost time to start our Zero2Hero Agent Challenge 2010, but it’s not too late to for you to enter.  We already have a good sized field of contestants and we hope to get started soon.  So far we have agents from Georgia, California, Hawaii, Florida, Michigan, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, and even one from Hong Kong.   We have agents from big cities and small towns.  We have new agents, and agents starting over.  From national franchises and local independents.  In short, we have a great sample of the real estate community!

I believe this Zero2Hero Agent Challenge 2010 is going to be phenomenal!  We have what I believe to be some truly great contestants who are ready to see transformation in their businesses!  What’s really cool is that the majority of the applicants are seasoned veterans who have come to realize (probably due to this current industry meltdown) that old-school real estate just isn’t working like it once did.  In case you’ve missed the previous articles about the contest details, here are links to bring you up to speed:

• Enter the Zero2Hero Agent Challenge 2010
• Thinking of Quitting Real Estate? Help!
• Don’t Quit! Let Us Help!

Now, let me share a few excerpts from emails we’ve received.  I’ve omitted anything identifiable in the letters so as not to embarrass anyone, but if reading these doesn’t break your heart, nothing will.

“Well I’m not a “zero” but I am certainly at it!  My husband and I run this little company, now down to three lowly agents. Our company has been in business since 2003, and I have been licensed since 1994, having worked for several companies, both franchise and independent.  We attempted to open a second office in the Phoenix in 2007.  We spent time back and forth between the two areas, thus our personal production dropped and I was focusing only on broker duties.  We pulled out of Phoenix for good in the fall of 2008.   At that time my husband began looking for other sources of income due to the condition of the economy (still looking for the most part!).   I didn’t do any business in 2009 due to an illness in our family.  My daughter (27) was diagnosed with lung cancer.  I was her caregiver when she needed it.  She passed away in November.  We’ve cleared our heads and need to get back in business.”

“My wife sells residential real estate and I sell commercial and residential.  We have been top producers the past five years, but now we are not covering our expenses and having to dip into our IRAs pretty heavily to make expenses.  We are both working harder than ever, but falling further and further behind.”

“In all I had two transactions my first year (2006) and left the company with three listings (I lost them all).  My second year I had two transactions (one of them was a rental), and one listing that I did not sell (2008). My third year I had one transaction which was a listing (2009).  I feel I’m just spinning my wheels going nowhere fast.  I have no money, my motivation is about nothing.”

“I have been an average agent for the past two years. I know real estate transactions, but getting your foot in the proverbial “virtual door” has been somewhat of a perfect real estate storm.  I just wanted to be a listing agent where everyone comes to me.  I love real estate, and theoretically it will give me the freedom I desire, but for now I ‘m just looking for it to pay the bills.  This is why I am intrigued by your proposition.  I believe given the right tools and guidance a person can achieve great things.  I am ready to achieve great things and I would like to apply.”

I could go on and on, but I won’t.  As I read emails like these, I am truly excited about playing a small part in some new beginnings.  But I know that there are many more of you out there who are in a similar place.  It’s okay to struggle, and it’s probably not even your fault — the people who are supposed to be leading you are for the most part just as lost as you are.  But, knowing there is a solution and not at least giving it a try is your fault.  That’s why I’m writing this last appeal.  Let us help you turn your business around.

It costs nothing to be a part of the contest and our company is even covering your actual technology operating costs until you get some money coming in and can afford to pay your own bills.  Now how cool is that?!  So come on and be a part of this year’s Zero2Hero Agent Challenge.  Not only will it help you, but you’ll be helping other agents who are too shy to enter the contest but will follow along in your footsteps in private.   So send me an email to Matt.Jones@FavoriteAgent.com and let’s get you enrolled as a contestant!  You really will be glad you did!