Do Sales Plaques Matter?

Recently I was chatting with a very successful real estate pro who took great pride in the many plaques and other forms of recognition that his brokerage gave him month after month to acknowledge his enviable sales record. This Florida-based gentleman, with more than 40 years of experience under his belt, is still hard at work every day scoping for buyers and going after new listings.

His business has slowed some in the past few years as it has for many. But clearly the trophies of his excellent work were, and still are, a major source of pride, as well as a centerprice of his marketing effforts. But the encounter made me wonder about the real value of sales contests these days. Do your brokerages encourage competition among sales associates with plaques and other highly visible rewards for individual success?

For a future article in REALTOR® Magazine, we want to hear from broker-owners, managers, and sales associates how important you think it is to publically recognize top performers? Does such recognition motivate others to work harder or does it result in unproductive jealousy or griping? Please share your thoughts and experiences concerning sales contests. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you prefer at wcole@realtors.org.