Why face-to-face training is better than online.

We are living in an increasingly online society. With the continual advancements in technology, the gradual acceptance of the move towards flexible remote offices and the boom of social media, the online world has morphed into all that we do.

Education and training is no different. The number of training and education providers in Australia now delivering online training has increased dramatically. Universities, TAFEs, private colleges and institutes – they are all on the online delivery train.

The real estate industry is not immune. Online training offering numerous benefits – flexibility, study at your own pace in your own time, reduced course costs, increased accessibility. But are you getting the best education and training possible? Does it fit both your learning style and your future chosen industry?

We’ve compiled a few training realities to consider.

REALITY #1 – IT’S A PEOPLE PERSON INDUSTRY

First and foremost, real estate is a ‘people person’ career. Because the more you can establish a good connection with your vendors and buyers, the more likely your client base will expand and commissions grow.

Realestate.com.au quote the top 8 qualities of a good real estate agent. Know what #1 is? They communicate and this essential quality starts with your training. Learning the trade in an open, face-to-face environment with like-minded peers and qualified instructors will put you in good stead for your real estate career.

REALITY #2 – YOU MAY BE CERTIFIED, BUT ARE YOU QUALIFIED?

Trolling through endless powerpoint slides, downloading resource after resource and answering a pop quiz at the end may get you certified. But are you really qualified? Do you feel ready to launch your real estate career? Are you confident in your ability if you’ve never left home? You’ve got to learn to walk before you can run.

REALITY #3 – TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

We are not inferring your intelligence and ideas are under par. What we are suggesting is that great ideas and discussions come from a collaborative environment because thoughts and visions can be discussed and debated. Like a big melting pot of opinions. So can we grow and evolve as much without the input of others? What if our point of view was the only one we knew? Probably a bit limiting we think…

REALITY #4 – CHEAPER ≠ BETTER

Price isn’t everything. Online courses may offer discounted course costs for their online training. Decreased human resources and overheads mean less expense for the training provider – which may (or may not) be passed on to you – the student. Unfortunately, cheaper doesn’t mean better. As a result, you get what you pay for.

REALITY #5 – WE LEARN BY DOING

Practical training increases interaction and engagement with what you are learning. We are humans, we learn by doing. We learn by talking, questioning, debating and listening. Face-to-face training also means access to a facilitator there to teach you. They are there to answer your questions on the spot, not three hours later via email when you have forgotten your initial problem.

REALITY #6 – DISTRACTED FOCUS

Can you say with confidence you are 100% focused to study at home?  We’re not so sure. Our pile of dirty laundry, grass that resembles the height of a sugar cane field, visitors popping in, dogs barking (you get the drift) tends to get us off track at the best of times, despite our good intentions. Consequently, with face-to-face training you are away from distractions therefore you can be 100% focused on the job at hand. Learning.

THE BOTTOM LINE…

So if you are considering a real estate training course, think about whether online training is for you and if it fits your learning style. Most of all, do your research and if your situation allows, consider face-to-face training. You never know, you might enjoy it!

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~ Jane Morgan is the Director of End of Month Angels, a consultancy firm specialising in Trust Accounting. Jane knows the legislative requirements of running a successful Real Estate office through her 18 years industry experience. Don’t trust just anyone with your trust accounting, trust End of Month Angels and get back to what you do best – growing your business.