Generating Business as a Trainee

[JERMCLEMOXX]

My Supervisor told me to go generate business at a 70/30 split. What is the best way to generate business? I'm looking to do 2-3 assignments a month. Should have business cards made and pass them out to lenders? Or send emails? Whats the best way to go about this, or just go to people I know looking for private valuations? Or both?

 

[The Warrior Monk]

The problem with being a trainee is that they shouldn't be generating business on their own. Why? Trainees are not licensed to work own work, so they cannot sell their own services...they have to sell someone else's services.

IMHO, if the business wishes to have a trainee (not a trainee that is an employee...different situation altogether) generate business, it says volumes about the business. For example, the office I associate with does mainly business with private banks, trust companies, attorneys, CPAs, municipalities, and various other nonlending entities. None of these entities would bother giving a trainee the time of day.

It's not easy to find a mentor that is actually willing to train, but nothing in life is easy, and finding that mentor will be very beneficial to your appraisal career.

Good luck!

 

[Bill Larkin]

Have you been reading most of the posts here. Are you listening to the news and reading newspapers regarding the state of this industry. First Off there is little to no business for well qualified appraisers let alone a trainee trying to break into the business. Run like the wind and when this whole industry sorts itself out, and you still want to be an appraiser, find yourself a good mentor who is not only willing to train you but also has enough of a client base to keep you working.

 

[Laughing Heir]

If you didn't bring your fireproof suit, I suggest moving this post to the Trainee / Appraiser WannaBe section.

Trainees should be learning and not soliciting business. Leave the business end up to the professional.

Good luck with your apprenticeship.

 

[The Warrior Monk]

I don't think that there's a problem with a trainee soliciting business IF they are an employee of the firm and selling that firm's expertise.

 

[Tom Foster]

A newly minted trainee is like an open wound, all infected dripping blood and pus.

Then after a few years, they dry to form a scab. Many become tough, stiff and resilient.

From underneath their new skin, they can now see what is happening.

There is a plan to mold our decisions. Stop and take a look, and soon you'll see what I see now.

 

[tedwards2244]

I don't think that there's a problem with a trainee soliciting business IF they are an employee of the firm and selling that firm's expertise.

I agree. Many times they are going to leave once they get licensed anyway. It could be a good pay off for the company who spent time training the trainee. If they leave at least they have brought business to the business.

 

[Laughing Heir]

I find it hard to believe that unscrupulous loaf officers and/or Realtors would recognize the distinction. I've experienced them licking their chops and the feeling of their teeth sinking in.

I agree with the situation you're describing David, especially in a large metro area. Good point.

 

[Chris Colston]

Check with the State of Virginia as to whether it is even possible as a trainee to solicit your own business.

It's a no-no in Florida. Trainees by there very nature of having to be supervised and restricted on where they can live, in Florida, in relation to the supervisor's office, makes them EMPLOYEES. :icon_mrgreen:

 

[Lee Lansford]

My Supervisor told me to go generate business at a 70/30 split. What is the best way to generate business? I'm looking to do 2-3 assignments a month. Should have business cards made and pass them out to lenders? Or send emails? Whats the best way to go about this, or just go to people I know looking for private valuations? Or both?

Ask yourself this: If a client really values the expertise of the service provider (that is, the appraiser), why would the client want to utilize the service of a person who lacks expertise?

Think about it.

Nothing personal..but the entire topic of trainees soliciting for clients is something that I do not encourage.