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When Ben Smith started in real estate in 2011, he was not sure what he wanted in his career, but being a co-agent soon gave him direction.
After he finished high school, Mr Smith was unsure as to what he wanted to do with his life. He started as a physical education teacher, and then he sparked an interest in journalism.
However, there was a six-month gap between the start of the journalism course he applied for, and during that time, he found himself exploring real estate.
Thanks to his parents, who bought and sold real estate while he was growing up, he was able to get some work with an agent who did business with his family.
Very quickly, the agent allowed Mr Smith to follow him around.
“He offered me a job doing stuff in the office, but I knew sales was my niche,” he told Real Estate Business.
“I started in admin... and three weeks later, I was doing my first open home.”
After a short amount of time helping in the office, Mr Smith became a co-agent to the lead agent in that office. Then he moved to a similar role in another office. Then by 2014, the roles were reversed, and he had his own co-agent.
“Being a co-agent is exceptionally vital,” he said. “It gives you a good understanding of the sales side of the business,” he said.
“I found when I was a co-agent, I responded best to a bit of flexibility. I was very self-motivated, I was eager to learn more and grow my business.
“Having that experience, and then having a co-agent of my own, I knew what to look for.”
He found it beneficial to look for a co-agent who complemented his weaknesses, while he also boosts theirs, so they became a strong team.
“You have to share the vision of the team and the success the team has,” he said. “I’ve never been a nitpicky micro manager, as long as the work gets done.”
This self-improvement in Mr Smith’s life is what has leveraged him forward in his career with Place, where he is currently a lead agent at its Woolloongabba, Queensland office.
He has not slowed down, and while he is now searching for a new co-agent, he continues to strengthen his mind. He is currently completing a master’s degree in business and administration at Griffith University.
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